Yacht Design and Production

Yacht design and production is a specialist engineering discipline that applies naval architecture to the design, construction, and testing of sailing and powered leisure craft. It sits within the broader field of marine engineering but focuses on the specific technical and aesthetic demands of yacht design, where performance, safety, comfort, and visual appeal must all be balanced in vessels that operate in demanding open-water environments. The discipline covers hydrodynamics and hull design, structural analysis of marine composites, propulsion systems, stability, sailing performance, and the production processes through which designs are realised as physical craft.

At Southampton Solent University, this three-year full-time programme is taught by experienced marine architects and designers and is highly regarded within the marine industry. It includes a foundation year for those who wish to build their engineering and design foundations before the main degree begins. You will develop specialist skills in yacht design using industry-standard software for computer-aided design and hydrodynamic analysis, alongside a thorough grounding in the engineering science underpinning marine vessel design.

Southampton is one of the world's most significant maritime cities, with close connections to the offshore racing, superyacht, and commercial marine sectors, giving the programme a rich professional context.

Yacht design and production graduates work in the marine industry in roles including yacht designer, naval architect, marine engineer, design engineer, and production manager. The UK is home to a significant leisure marine industry with leading manufacturers, design consultancies, and race yacht programmes, and Southampton in particular provides excellent access to the professional networks and employment opportunities in the sector. Some graduates work in superyacht design and construction, while others move into racing performance development or offshore sailing programmes.

Postgraduate study in naval architecture, marine engineering, or advanced yacht design is available for those who wish to develop specialist expertise or pursue research.