On this Marine Engineering and Autonomy MSc degree you'll learn about component and systems engineering for ships. You’ll also gain an understanding of the fixed and offshore structures that help them to function. Learn the skills you need to become a specialist in the marine sector. You'll graduate with the design and analysis skills for a maritime sector career, or for continued study at PhD level.
This Maritime Engineering Science: Marine Engineering and Autonomy MSc is one of 5 maritime engineering science specialisms you can study at the University of Southampton.
On this UK master’s course you’ll gain an advanced understanding of the fundamental principles, methods and applications of maritime engineering science.
This pathway focuses on the analysis and specification of marine engineering and autonomous systems used on board ships and other marine structures. You’ll study topics like electrical theory, thermodynamics, and engine and machine tribology. You’ll explore the marine engineering systems found on board merchant and naval vessels and their importance to ship design. This includes performance characteristics of diesel engines, steam and gas turbines and electric propulsion. The course covers the dynamic response of the main shaft and associated components. An introduction to auxiliary systems includes:
You’ll also learn about propeller-engine matching and a selection of appropriate machinery configurations. Your optional study topics include a chance to study the principles of photovoltaics, fuel cells and batteries, where you’ll learn about:
Throughout your studies, you’ll learn how to solve engineering problems by taking account of social, technical, economic and environmental constraints.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes .
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
This is a full-time master’s course, studied over 12 months.
In the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.
This is made up of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
For the last 4 months, over the summer, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress. You’ll carry out an experimental or numerical research project, and benefit from our Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute (SMMI) research network and our world-class maritime engineering facilities , including the largest towing tank in any UK university.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
You’ll need a 2:1 degree in:
You'll also need a 2:1 in maths and mechanics modules.
We may consider applicants with undergraduate degrees in oceanography or architecture, or applicants from marine academies.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications .
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 1 September 2027, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 18 August 2027, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.