msc superyacht design

By SuperyachtNews 22 Mar 2024

Solent University introduces sustainable superyacht design course

The southampton-based university has launched a brand new msc for the 2024/25 academic year, the first of its kind in the uk….

Solent University, Southampton, has introduced the Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design MSc for the 2024/25 academic year, marking the first of its kind in the UK.

Applications are currently being accepted for a September 2024 start date. This innovative course, led by experts in the field of superyacht design, integrates environmental approaches and addresses lower-carbon solutions directly.

“Sustainability is transitioning from a mere trend or passion to becoming an integral part of business operations,” says Yann Dabbadie, Technical Manager at Southern Wind Shipyard. “As builders of sailing yachts designed for long-range performance cruising with a high level of autonomy, it has been imperative for us to enhance our environmental responsibility in the way we design, build, and operate our yachts. This new business approach requires a wealth of knowledge and skills across various fields, skills that are not readily available within the yachting industry and must be sourced from other sectors.”

The course represents one of the latest advancements at Solent and its Warsash Maritime School, aiming to contribute to safer and more sustainable seas by reducing the environmental impact of the maritime industry on marine environments. In 2023, the UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub (UK-MaRes Hub) was launched, with Solent as a founding member, receiving £21.3 million for research into decarbonising the UK maritime sector.

Located in one of the country’s primary maritime hubs, the course builds upon its predecessor – Superyacht Design – blending engineering science, naval architecture, and project management with a focus on practical, real-world learning.

Students will also have access to Solent’s Centre for Marine Sustainability, a leading research hub addressing challenges facing our oceans.

“The industry moves fast, and what you learn here will keep you ahead of the game. Now, working on yacht and cruise ship designs, I use what I learned every day, applying those specialised skills and knowledge that I developed during my time at Solent,” says Sven Saborowski, a graduate of the University’s original superyacht design programme, who is now a Project Design Engineer at Meyer Werft in Germany.

The MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design course is designed to equip students with the necessary engineering knowledge and practical technical design skills required for a career in the leisure or commercial craft design and production industry, focusing on marine craft typically ranging from 24 metres to 120 metres in length.

In addition to practical design projects, students will study naval architecture, structural design, and system design, ensuring compliance with relevant maritime statutory regulations and integrating current sustainability and lifecycle requirements.

Utilising Solent's marine design CAD suite, students will gain proficiency in various commercially available drafting, modelling, and analytical software programs widely used in the marine design industry. Industry-standard hull lines fairing software will be employed for hull development, alongside CAD packages for the creation of 2D CAD drawings and 3D computer-generated models.

Students will benefit from access to Solent University’s 60-metre-long tow tank, enabling testing and analysis of sailing or motor vessel performance, facilitating the development of sail or wing plans for wind-assisted vessels or powertrain systems for powered vessels.

Upon completion of the course, which may include a dissertation completed in collaboration with a commercial design office or production facility, students will possess the necessary design skills to enter the global marine industry. Alternatively, they may choose to pursue further research through a PhD program.

“It is very satisfying to educate enthusiastic students who come to study with us at Solent University to learn to develop fantastic superyachts and commercial vessels, and on their graduation, begin great careers,” adds Giles Barkley, Course Leader – Yacht Engineering at Warsash Maritime School. “We see graduates apply the knowledge and skills they have gained from our dedicated Yacht and Commercial craft design academics, transferring their learning to their careers.”

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MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design Solent University (Southampton)

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Qualification.

MSc - Master of Science

Southampton Solent University

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Course summary

Course overview

The MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design course focuses on equipping you with the engineering knowledge and the analytical and practical technical design skills a future marine craft designer is expected to have on entering the leisure or commercial craft design and production industry, to design marine craft typically between 24 metres and 120 metres in length.

Alongside practical design projects, you will study naval architecture, structural design and system design. For all modules, your design must comply with relevant maritime statutory regulations and must have current sustainability and lifecycle requirements embedded within.

Working in Solent's marine design CAD suite, you will learn to use many commercially available drafting and modelling, and analytical software programs widely used across the marine design industry. You will use industry-standard hull lines fairing software to develop the hull, and CAD packages to develop 2D CAD drawings and 3D computer generated models of your designs.

You will also have access to Solent University’s 60 metres long tow tank, where you will be able to test and analyse the performance of a sailing or motor vessel and then develop the sail or wing plan for a wind assisted vessel, or the powertrain for a powered vessel.

On completion of the course, which may well finish with your dissertation completed alongside a commercial design office or production facility, you will have the design skills to join an exciting worldwide industry. Alternatively, you could complete further research by pursuing a PhD.

Why choose a career in sustainable marine craft and superyacht design

There is currently demand from both the commercial and superyacht industry for graduates who possess the technical design and production skills to develop and project manage the marine craft.

Our previous yacht, power craft, and superyacht design courses have scored very highly in graduate destination surveys, with normally 90% of graduates securing employment in their chosen field. These courses have graduated more than 1000 students, most of whom are still in contact with the University. Local alumni have previously given guest lectures, as well as graduate employment and internship opportunities.

The course team also have excellent connections with the wider marine industry, occasionally providing further learning opportunities for current students.

Local companies include RWD (designers of Superyachts based in Beaulieu) and commercial vessel designers, Keel Marine (Based in Havant) and Incat Crowther are supporters of this course.

Modules (Year 1)

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£ 17,065 per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

Solent university (southampton), university league table, campus address.

Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton, Southampton, SO14 0YN, England

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Yacht design at Solent

If you have a passion for engineering and an interest in water sports, our yacht design courses offer the chance to carve out a great career helping design everything from race-winning yachts to multi-million-pound superyachts.

Solent University offers unique and highly regarded courses in yacht and powercraft design and production, delivered right in the heart of the south coast’s marine industry.

Our design degrees will help build your theoretical and practical knowledge to take the first step in your career as a yacht designer. You can study the engineering science underlying great design, along with the fundamental principles of naval architecture, construction methods and high-tech fibre-reinforced composite materials. You will also learn essential planning and management processes for the efficient, effective production of racing sailing yachts, RIBs, motor yachts, cruising yachts, patrol boats and commercial craft.

Based in the heart of Southampton – a busy city port on England’s south coast, with a thriving watersports and yachting scene – we are perfectly placed to help you build your professional network and benefit from work experience opportunities. Students attend local boat shows, including the Southampton Boat Show and Seawork International, with previous students having also benefitted from yard visits to renowned companies such as Sunseeker.

Our graduates are noted across the globe for their unique skills, and have gone on to various industry roles – including naval architect or design engineer – at companies such as Laurent Giles Naval Architects, Sunseeker Yachts, Humphries Yacht Design, Monaco Marine, Viareggio Shipyards in Italy and Incat Crowther Design in the USA.

The courses are delivered by a team of specialist naval architects and production designers, supported by CAD/drawing office instructors and FRP workshop instructors. All team members come from the yacht and small craft industry and maintain their close links through consultancy, design practice and professional bodies.

Frequently asked questions

How do i become a yacht designer.

Yacht design requires a range of technical and engineering specialist skills, as well as a good grasp of hydrodynamics and mathematics. A yacht design degree offers the ideal combination of academic and hands-on technical skills; alternative routes into the role might be to undertake an apprenticeship with a design firm, or to take an entry-level position in a design firm and work your way up into a designer role.

Our yacht design courses are available through Clearing

MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design

BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design

BEng (Hons) Yacht Design and Production

Students have full access to the University’s specialist facilities, including industry-standard CAD and drawing offices, as well as a fully equipped specialist composite workshop, a 60-metre towing tank and a static four-metre stability tank which has been used to test America’s Cup racing yachts and other craft for industry leaders.

The Solent composites lab is designed to handle all of the processes commonly seen in composite construction, from hand- and vacuum-assisted laminating to pre-impregnated fibre construction and resin infusion. We also undertake the construction of prototype models, towing tank models, display models and tooling, offering a turnkey solution to model evaluation and a cradle-to-grave approach to creating a prototype or product. Equipped to handle polyester and epoxy resin in any combination of FRP materials – including glass, carbon and aramid fibre – the composites lab has a well-established reputation in the area of marine construction and repair.

Graduate stories

Alex Lee Graduate Graduated: 2017

Elodie Grenen Graduate Naval Architect Graduated: 2020

Nadia Lele Graduate Graduated: 2017

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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

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.

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• Campus-based learning is available for this qualification

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Maritime Engineering Science: Yacht and High-performance Craft (MSc)

Maritime Engineering Science: Yacht and High-performance Craft (MSc) starting September 2025 for 1 year

About this course

On this Yacht and High-performance Craft engineering MSc degree you’ll specialise in the analysis, design and performance of yachts, small craft and high-performance vessels. You’ll also gain an understanding of the fixed and offshore structures that help them to function. You'll graduate with the specialist skills in maritime engineering science to design and analyse marine craft and structures.

This Maritime Engineering Science: Yacht and High-performance Craft MSc is one of 5 maritime engineering science specialisms you can study at the University of Southampton.

This master's degree covers the core subjects and in-depth knowledge of maritime engineering science for both design and analysis of marine craft and structures within the marine environment.

If you have a first degree in engineering, science or maths and are looking for a career in the maritime sector and yacht design degree to study, this could be the course for you. We'll also consider you if you have relevant experience.  You don’t need specialist knowledge of the subject, as we’ll teach you the fundamentals of ship science.

Specialist yacht engineering modules on this MSc programme, will give you a chance to explore the performance and design of a variety of high-performance small craft including: 

• planing craft 
• sailing yachts 
• hydrofoils 
• hovercraft 

You'll discover how to calculate a vessel's performance as you learn about common types of full-scale trials. You’ll gain key skills in areas like force balance, drag breakdowns, resistance approximations and stability. 

Through design-oriented work, you’ll find out how the basic mechanics in each case are applied – first through simplified scenarios and then through more complex engineering design. 

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).

Course lead

Your course leader is Dr Gabriel Weymouth, an associate professor for the Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute at the University of Southampton. His main areas of interest are mechanics and maths. He is currently working on unsteady fluid dynamics and nonlinear fluid/structure interaction. Read  Dr Weymouth’s staff profile  to find out more about his work. 

Related pathways

If you'd prefer to study a different specialism, you can apply for one of our other MSc Maritime Engineering Science pathways:

• Advanced Computational Engineering  
• Marine Engineering and Autonomy
• Naval Architecture  
• Ocean Energy and Offshore Engineering

Accreditations

This master's programme is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) as meeting the academic requirement for Further Learning, for Chartered Engineer and Chartered Marine Engineer registration. Candidates must hold a BEng/BSc undergraduate first degree that is accredited for Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration to comply with full CEng registration requirements.

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)

Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA)

Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

Engineering Council

European Accreditation of Engineering Programmes (EAEP)

Using the towing tank in your ship science degree, learn more about this subject area.

• Maritime engineering

Towing tank

Wind tunnels

Course location.

This course is based at Boldrewood .

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree in: 

• marine engineering 
• naval architecture 
• ship science 
• aerospace engineering 
• mechanical engineering 
• general engineering 
• electrical engineering 
• physics 
• maths   

We may also consider applicants with undergraduate degrees in oceanography or architecture, or applicants from marine academies.  Find the  equivalent international qualifications  for your country. 

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with ONCAMPUS. Learn more about the programmes available .

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning. 

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview. 

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:  [email protected] Tel:  +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

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.

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes .

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules :

Composites Engineering Design and Mechanics

This module provides an in depth coverage of the mechanics of fibre-reinforced polymer materials and structures. The core of the course encompass modelling of the 2D orthotropic lamina reduced from 3D continuum mechanics for anisotropic solids, classical ...

Fundamentals of Maritime Engineering

This fundamentals module is aimed primarily for the MSc students in Maritime Engineering Science and students on the MECH/Navel Engineering programmes. It provides them with the essential knowledge of Maritime Engineering required for their subsequent stu...

MSc Research Project

Within the context of your programme of study, students will undertake independent, original and critical research on a relevant topic. Students will then communicate the research objectives, methodology, analysis, results and conclusions effectively both...

Maritime Safety: Risk, Environment and Law

In view of the Engineering Council’s support for the development of engineering degrees that will equip students to become professional engineers, the module follows the European Network for Engineering Accreditation guidelines to contribute to graduate a...

Sailing Yacht and Powercraft Design

This module takes a practical approach primarily through assignment/project lead application of concepts of yacht design, applicable to both powered and sailing craft. Four assignments in areas of initial design, hull design, sailplan and rig development ...

Yacht and High Performance Craft

This module covers the performance and design of a variety of high performance small craft: namely semi-displacement, planing craft and catamarans as well as sailing yachts, hydrofoils and hovercraft. It will examine the basic mechanics and fluid dynamics...

You must also choose from the following modules :

Applications of CFD

The basic concept of Computational Fluid Dynamics and numerical procedures (FVM/FDM) are introduced. The major focus is practical applications, including geometry and grid generation, using solvers and turbulence models in CFD packages, and interpretation...

Design Search and Optimisation (DSO) - Principles, Methods, Parameterizations and Case Studies

This module introduces students to formal design search and optimization (DSO) approaches using a mixture of lectures covering theory and practice and a series of worked case studies with student participation.

Failure of Materials and Components

In this module, the emphasis moves away from alloy development and design, and focuses on the performance of structural materials in a range of engineering applications. The lectures draw on examples from applications of ceramics, steel, Al, Ti and Ni bas...

Finite Element Analysis in Solid Mechanics

Many real-world engineering structures are too complex for their behaviour to be understood using an ‘exact’ analytical or theoretical method alone. Therefore, in practice we often use approximate numerical or simulation-based tools for structural analysi...

Marine Hydrodynamics

This module extends the fundamentals of fluid mechanics in the context of naval architecture and ocean engineering including water waves and the fluid loading and motion of maritime structures and vessels in waves. Students will assess the concepts of add...

Marine Structures

This module extends the structural analysis principles to marine structural design and assessment, building on the fundamentals established in the previous “materials and structures” and “ship structural design and production” courses. Students will asses...

Maritime Robotics

This module introduces the theoretical and practical design of maritime robotics systems such as autonomous underwater and surface vehicles (AUVs, ASVs). Students will be introduced to the theoretical principles underlying their design including aspect...

Zero Carbon Ship Resistance and Propulsion

Maximising the propulsive efficiency of ships is key to their economic effectiveness and in minimising their emissions of CO2, NOx and SOx. Advances in ship performance require a detailed understanding of the fluid dynamic mechanisms which control the flo...

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include: 

• lectures 
• classes and tutorials 
• coursework 
• individual and group projects 
• independent learning (studying on your own) 

We’ll assess you through: 

• coursework, laboratory reports and essays 
• a dissertation 
• essays 
• group essays 
• written exams 

Dissertation

You’ll carry out an original piece of research, resulting in a dissertation, on a subject of your choice (to be agreed with your supervisor). 

The project is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject. 

Academic Support

You’ll be assigned a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor. 

The maritime sector provides varied career opportunities in engineering and project management related roles. Maritime engineering science graduates are in strong demand with good starting salaries and excellent career progression opportunities.    Our graduates work across many different organisations. The Solent region around Southampton is the main UK hub for the maritime sector with organisations such as: 

• Lloyd’s Register 
• Carnival 
• Nigel Gee 
• the Maritime and Coastguard Agency 

Organisations such BAE Systems, QinetiQ and Babcock support the defence sector and employ a number of our graduates. The offshore and marine renewable developments are offering excellent prospects both to work in the UK (locally, London or Aberdeen) or worldwide in places such as Singapore, Houston or Perth. 

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV/resume and interview skills workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

• our dedicated start-up incubator,  Futureworlds
• a wide variety of  enterprise events  run throughout the year
• our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator,  SETsquared

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees.

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £30,000.

Check fees for other versions of this course .

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to  pay your tuition fees .

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

• accommodation costs
• living costs
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• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible .

Southampton Engineering Deans Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £5,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Engineering.

Find out more about the Southampton Engineering Deans International Scholarship , including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

• Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
• Search for the course you want to apply for.
• Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
• Submit your application.

For further details, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications .

Application deadlines

• International applicants: Friday 23 August 2024, midday UK time
• UK applicants: Friday 30 August 2024, midday UK time

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page .

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course. 

You’ll need to include information about: 

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

References are not required for this programme.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application. 

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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We treat and select everyone in line with our  Equality and Diversity Statement .

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• MSc Sustainable Marine Craf...
• Solent University

MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design

At solent university.

Qualification

• Masters Degree (Taught)

Next intake

08 September 2025

Entry Score

About the course

Discover latest techniques to develop new, sustainable superyacht and marine craft designs. Benefit from the combined expertise of Solent's yacht engineering team and Centre for Marine Sustainability. The MSc Sustainable Marine Craft and Superyacht Design course focuses on equipping you with the engineering knowledge and the analytical and practical technical design skills a future marine craft designer is expected to have on entering the leisure or commercial craft design and production industry, to design marine craft typically between 24 metres and 120 metres in length. Alongside practical design projects, you will study naval architecture, structural design and system design. For all modules, your design must comply with relevant maritime statutory regulations and must have current sustainability and lifecycle requirements embedded within. Working in Solent's marine design CAD suite, you will learn to use many commercially available drafting and modelling, and analytical software programs widely used across the marine design industry. You will use industry-standard hull lines fairing software to develop the hull, and CAD packages to develop 2D CAD drawings and 3D computer generated models of your designs. You will also have access to Solent University's 60 metres long tow tank, where you will be able to test and analyse the performance of a sailing or motor vessel and then develop the sail or wing plan for a wind assisted vessel, or the powertrain for a powered vessel. On completion of the course, which may well finish with your dissertation completed alongside a commercial design office or production facility, you will have the design skills to join an exciting worldwide industry. Alternatively, you could complete further research by pursuing a PhD.

• Scholarships View all scholarships
• Internships

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. to get an accurate price.

Duration: 1 Year (s)

Fees: GBP 17065

How to apply

Entry requirements for solent university, application deadline.

The application deadline isn't available Speak to an IDP counsellor for more detailed information

Further information

If you aren't eligible for the above entry requirements, you might ant to explore pathway options at Solent University . If you want to find out more, speak to our counsellors.

Career outcomes

Pathway options to study at this institution

Reviews and rankings

The world ranking, what our students think.

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MSc Superyacht Design

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. 

ISCED Categories

E Park Terrace Southampton SO14 0YN United Kingdom

Southampton Solent University

Universities

Solent University

MSc in Superyacht Design

Solent University, Hampshire

School of Arts, Design and Fashion

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Pre-requisites

About course.

Program Duration

Product Design and Development

Degree Type

Course Credits

• A popular choice for international students with a diverse community
• Learn from the best faculty members and become their research assistants
• High-end labs to facilitate research work
• Excellent placement programs after course completion

Official fee page

£17,065 / year

£17,065 / 12 months

5000+ Students

Availed education loan

Loan amount sanctioned

Assistance for loan process

Minimum english score required

• Application form
• Transcripts
• English Proficiency
• Two academic references.
• Copy of Passport
• Personal Statement

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Spring 2023

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Attenzione! Questo corso di laurea è ad accesso libero, ma prevede il superamento di una verifica.

Leggi attentamente le pagine Requisiti di accesso e modalità di iscrizione e  Verifica della preparazione personale .

Video presentation

Yacht design, programme overview.

The Yacht Design degree program, offered in English, aims to prepare students to become professionals in the field capable of confronting industrial problems at a high degree of complexity and innovation.  Graduates need to be able to understand, analyze and verify pleasure crafts, design large yachts based on innovative technologies, and oversee and direct construction, testing, maintenance and repair of yachts and mega yachts.

Learning by doing

The classroom lectures in which the theoretical foundation of each course is presented to students are supported by:

-didactic laboratories on design and nautical experimentation;

-internships at shipyards, professional consultancy studios, and  maritime classification registers and surveying boards;

-conferences and workshops in the nautical field;

-university regattas;

-research theses on fundamental topics or on themes proposed by companies in the nautical field.

Career perspectives

Employment at construction shipyards, repair and refitting yards for yachts and pleasure craft, classification registers and surveying boards, design and professional consultancy studios and research institutes which operate in the yachting and mega yacht sectors.

What you will learn

Yacht stability, yacht dynamics, ship structures, numerical marine hydrodynamics, motor yacht design, yacht rigging, yacht design studio workshop, sailing yacht aero hydro dynamics, did you know that....

Yacht Design is a unique degree program in Italy and, as it is configured, it is also unique in Europe!

More than 90% of our graduates find employment at major shipyards and professional consultancy studios in the field.

At Polo ?G. Marconi' students, teachers and staff are united by their passion for yachting. During the academic year it is possible to participate in workshops, conferences, and the construction and refitting of boats designed by our students.

In the past, our students have formed a crew and participated in the ?Mille e una Vela' university regatta, winning in 2012!

Design of pleasure craft (without limits) both from a scientific and technological point of view and from an aesthetic point of view.

The nautical designer must possess the professional competence and skills in the disciplinary fields typical of naval engineering as well as an equally solid preparation in the field of architectural composition and design applied to the nautical field.

What does it mean to be a Yacht Designer?

It means being able to deal in an effective manner with technical problems at a high level of complexity and innovation, and work in an optimal manner using the most modern design and production techniques.  In short, the principal characteristics of a professional of the Master’s program in Yacht Design will be a student who has the ability to understand, analyze and verify pleasure craft, even at a large dimension and complexity, design yachts of large dimension using innovative technologies, and oversee and direct the construction, testing, maintenance, operation and repair of leisure craft.

Head of programme

Coordinator Prof. Dario Boote

Dario Boote

Where to find us.

Campus Universitario La Spezia Viale Nicolò Fieschi 16/18 19123 La Spezia +39 0187 751265 https://campus-laspezia.unige.it/

Didactic support contact Paola Bergantin [email protected]

Course Chair Dario Boote +39 010 353 2419 [email protected]     Course Didactic Office   Luca Panìco +39 0187 751265 [email protected]  

Superyacht Design MSc Southampton Solent University

Key course facts.

• View programme website
• Admission advice for international students

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 20 graduates of Superyacht Design MSc and other courses in Finance, Banking, Corporate Finance, Fintech at Southampton Solent University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Finance, Banking, Corporate Finance, Fintech.

Salary of Graduates in Business and Management

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Finance, Banking, Corporate Finance, Fintech at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students .

Salary of all UK Graduates of Business and Management

Course Description

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.

Accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.

Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

What graduates are doing after 15 months

Current jobs

Job in line with future plans, utilise skills from studies, work is meaningful.

Required skill level of job after 15 months

% skilled jobs.

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Superyacht Design MSc at Southampton Solent University

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Ucas tariff of accepted students for finance, banking, corporate finance, fintech.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

• Foundation / Pathway Courses
• Graduate Degrees
• Undergraduate Degrees

UCAS Sponsorship Information

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

Tuition Fees Superyacht Design MSc

Additional fee information

The 2023/24 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous other costs have been:

Optional costs

Minor materials and optional field trips to local shipyards: approximately £60.

Average student cost of living in the UK

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of southampton solent university in top uk and global rankings., about southampton solent university.

Solent University was established in 1855 in the City Centre of Southampton, South East England. This institution started out as a private Art school in 1856 and has since evolved into one of the most important HEIs in Southampton. Being so centrally located, students are within walking distance of most amenities in the city. Even so, the university provides more than sufficient facilities for students to find anything they need on-site. The Solent campus has a particularly active Student Union office, a great Student Hub for career or even personal advice, as well as a variety of popular restaurants.

List of 203 Bachelor and Master Courses from Southampton Solent University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Southampton Solent University

Where is this programme taught.

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• MEDIA CONTACTS

September 2024

Triple celebration for explora journeys, explora journeys.

• EXPLORA II delivered at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy
• Keel laid in coin ceremony for liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered EXPLORA III
• First steel cut for LNG-fuelled EXPLORA IV  

EXPLORA II was delivered to become the second ship to join the luxury travel brand of the MSC Group’s €3.5 billion fleet of six vessels.  The ship will set sail on her maiden journey on 16 September from Civitavecchia in Italy to Sicily, Malta and Spain.

The traditional maritime event when a shipbuilder delivers the new vessel to its owner was attended by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group's Cruise Division, the godmother of the ship Stefania Vago, as well as Fincantieri’s Chairman Biagio Mazzotta and the constructor’s CEO and General Manager Pierroberto Folgiero, along with representatives of MSC's construction team together with managers and workers from the shipyard.

The 63,900 GT EXPLORA II will operate in the Caribbean Sea in the winter and return to the Mediterranean Sea for summer 2025.  The new luxury ship has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences, six different restaurants, 12 bars and lounges, four swimming pools, and a range of wellness venues.  

A keel-laying ceremony for EXPLORA III also took place today at the shipyard when commemorative coins were placed inside the ship as a sign of blessing during construction and good fortune in the future by the vessel’s two godmothers, Verena Koetzle, Global Head of Public Relations for Explora Journeys and Martina Giardina, Public Area Supervisor - Fincantieri Shipyard Sestri Ponente. The liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered EXPLORA III will enter service in 2026. LNG is a direct pathway to renewable drop in substitutes like bio-LNG and synthetic LNG.  

Explora Journeys’ third celebration was a steel cutting ceremony at the Fincantieri shipyard to start the construction of EXPLORA IV, which will also be fuelled by LNG, and will be completed in early 2027. EXPLORA V will join the luxury fleet in 2027 and EXPLORA VI in 2028, with a project underway for both to have large fuel cell capacity capable of transforming renewable LNG into hydrogen and significantly reducing emissions.

Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group , said, “ The delivery of EXPLORA II represents a significant milestone for Explora Journeys and the MSC Group, in our commitment to set new standards in global luxury travel at sea. This special day also sees us celebrate the coin ceremony for EXPLORA III and the start of construction of EXPLORA IV as we continue to deliver on our commitment to create a fleet of six best-in-class ships offering even more guests a luxury ocean travel experience like no other.”

Captain Serena Melani will be the Master of EXPLORA II which marks an historic moment as a female captain to lead a ship for Explora Journeys for the second time following her role as Master of EXPLORA I.

Explora II, designed and built under RINA Class, has earned several additional voluntary notations due to innovative design and construction focused on environmental sustainability and passenger comfort. It received RINA's "Green Plus" notation for comprehensive environmental performance. The ship was also awarded the "Comfort Noise and Vibration" notation for its low noise and vibration levels, enhancing onboard comfort. Additionally, it received the "Dolphin" notation for minimizing noise impact in ecologically sensitive marine areas and is certified under the Polar Code C, enabling safe navigation in Polar waters.

EXPLORA II has been developed to further enhance the guest experience and, as with her sister ship EXPLORA I, embodies a fusion of elegant Swiss precision and modern European craftsmanship. In collaboration with leading superyacht and hospitality designers, every aspect of the new ship was designed to evoke an ‘Ocean State of Mind’ to reflect the Explora Journeys’ approach to luxury.

EXPLORA II’s Journeys Lounge, casino and Fil Rouge restaurant have refreshed colours and materials while maintaining their original layouts and the Explora Lounge, Crema Café and Atoll Pool have all been enhanced with new design and furniture to create more space for guests. Bespoke Unopiu outdoor furniture has been added to the Helios Pool & Bar to elevate the outdoor ocean experience.   

The Ocean Wellness Spa has a refined new concept with updated decor and materials throughout and Australian spa brand Subtle Energies has been added.  The Anthology restaurant has been redesigned to offer exceptional Italian fine-dining and EXPLORA II will also feature the first at sea Buccellati jewellery boutique to complement the luxurious onboard shopping experience.

EXPLORA II will feature original artwork by Emilio Isgró and Prince Hussein Aga Khan`s ‘Marine Encounters’`, an exhibition of his marine photographs showcasing diverse underwater species and ecosystems. The exquisite collection of marine photography was gifted to the MSC Foundation as part of the partnership between the MSC Foundation and `Focused on Nature`, reflecting a shared vision to educate and inspire action on the need to preserve marine life and biodiversity.   

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