Superyacht Design

Entry requirements

First or 2:1 in an appropriate engineering/technology subject, or professional qualification to Chief Engineer or Master Mariner with appropriate experience

Months of entry

September

Course content

Do you have a passion for naval architecture and dream of designing the next generation of superyachts? Solent’s unique superyacht design master’s programme – the only one of its kind the UK – blends naval architecture and structural design with management skills to help provide you with essential career-boosting skills.

The course concentrates on sailing and motor yachts over 24 metres in length, and is intended not just for naval architects and students of yacht design, but also now provides suitably qualified marine engineers and certified deck officers with experience of operating superyachts the opportunity to develop their qualifications, where traditionally the career path for yacht officers has not enabled them to progress onto pure naval architecture degrees. The blend of naval architecture (for which sea-going officers will have underpinning knowledge), management and structural design will enable students from these backgrounds to develop their knowledge and understanding, and introduce new and relevant material and subjects for master’s level study.

Course delivery is based on ‘hands-on’ active learning, with an emphasis on developing students’ analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as gaining the appropriate knowledge to tackle an individual design or analysis project. Students benefit from strong industry links built through the University’s highly-regarded yacht engineering undergraduate degrees, as well as experienced teaching staff with industrial and research experience.

Students also have the opportunity to work on ‘real world’ assignments, and to use appropriate experience as a basis for project work. Where possible, ‘real world’ briefs will also be used, and industry guests will be asked to give feedback on work when appropriate. Students on the course with industry experience and/or sponsorship will be asked to incorporate elements of their work in their project.

The course concludes with a final design project where students are able to develop their own design, or investigate aspects of a design. Students will have the opportunity to design, build and test models to use in the towing tank, and will also benefit from access to the CAD suite equipped with industry-standard software to develop and analyse hulls, structure, superstructure and internal designs.

Information for international students

Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:

• IELTS minimum 6.5 overall with no component score below 5.5
• TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
• Duolingo English Language Test - 110 overall with minimum of 90 in each component or equivalent.

Fees and funding

Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria.