Content

Years 1 & 2
Our courses have a common core on which you’ll build more specialist knowledge. In Years 1 and 2, you’ll follow this core so it’s possible to change course. You’ll study engineering science and the fundamentals of naval architecture including: buoyancy and floatation; stability; ship types; terminology.

As you progress, you’ll study more specific naval architecture subjects such as: resistance and propulsion; ship structural analysis; ship design; marine engineering systems; business and management subjects.

Years 3 & 4
You’ll study more advanced subjects related to the design of conventional ships, and fixed and floating offshore platforms as well as subsea systems for extracting oil and gas offshore and devices for generating renewable energy from the ocean.

You’ll study state-of-the-art tools for analysing the water flow around ship hulls, predicting the stresses and strains in the hull structure, and the behaviour of ships in waves.

You’ll also study the dynamics of floating offshore platforms in waves, the loading on the platforms from the ocean waves, and how to predict the reliability of offshore structures.

There’s also a specialised individual project on a subject which you will choose. This can involve any combination of calculations, design, computer studies or tank-testing using any of the department’s facilities.

Year 5
You’ll study further specialist subjects covering topical areas such as design of floating productions systems, risers and moorings, regulation and maintenance of marine systems, and marine renewable energy. You’ll take part in a substantial group project to design an innovative vessel or offshore structure.

Entry Requirements

2023 entry requirements

Standard entry
4 or 5 Highers at AAAA or AAABB including Maths at A and Engineering Science or Physics plus English at National 5. Advanced Higher Maths and Physics preferred. Higher English preferred.

Widening Access entry:
4 Highers at AAAB or AABB including Maths and Engineering Science or Physics plus English at National 5. Advanced Higher Maths and Physics preferred. Higher English preferred.