The Top Five Marine Engineering Courses at UK Universities

Marine engineering courses deal with designing, developing, producing and maintaining tools and equipment used for onboard sea vessels such as ships and boats. UK universities that provide marine engineering degrees work closely with oceanographers, marine archaeologists, biologists and economists. Marine engineering students will:

• Learn about advanced subjects that are related to the design of conventional ships, a range of machinery and systems that are imparted through problem-based learning and case studies
• Study electrical systems, propulsion and transmission systems, as well as heating system and refrigeration systems
• Earn practical experience through the hands-on module in manufacturing methods
• Study fluids, structures, thermodynamics, mathematics, control and business
• Specialise in various disciplines such as Marine systems and marine engineering

Marine engineering is ideal for students who have:

• A keen interest in technology, science and nautical matters
• Problem-solving ability
• Technical and practical skills 
• A high level of numeracy
• Leadership and teamwork skills

Learn more about the best marine engineering degrees in the UK below (Edurank 2023) and arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today to begin your marine engineering degree application.

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Types of Marine Engineering Degrees

- BEng Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 

This course is designed to develop engineers capable of dealing with various engineering challenges across marine vehicles. BEng Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering students learn the skills and knowledge needed to design, construct, repair and maintain naval architecture successfully.

Aside from core naval architecture modules, students will also learn a range of specialised engineering topics such as electrical systems, control theory and practice, design of marine engines, shafting and propeller systems, green technology as well as fuel cell technology.

- BEng Marine Technology

Students who study for a BEng Marine Technology degree will be capable of designing, creating and using tools in a variety of industries. Specialisations include engineering design, engineering practice and experimental techniques, engineering science, engineering mathematics, engineering materials, naval architecture and thermo fluids.

- MSc Marine Engineering 

Graduate marine engineering courses are concerned with the analysis, design and operation of systems and machinery for naval ships, merchant ships and submarines. MSc Marine Engineering covers a range of engineering subjects that are relevant to the procurement and development of marine engineering. The course will also train students to use computers in advanced engineering and teach them to apply their knowledge in an effective and systematic manner.

Top Five Marine Engineering Universities in the UK

1. University of Southampton

Marine engineering at the University of Southampton is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to become a specialist in the marine sector. The programme covers component and systems engineering for ships, fixed and offshore structures, and marine engineering systems found on board merchant and naval vessels. Students will study topics like electrical theory, thermodynamics, engine and machine tribology, and the performance characteristics of diesel engines, steam and gas turbines, and electric propulsion. The course also covers auxiliary systems such as heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, refrigeration, and the main fuel system.

Marine engineering at Southampton also includes optional study topics, such as photovoltaics, fuel cells, and batteries, where students will learn about electrochemical routes to energy conversion, solar radiation as an energy source, solar cell operation and manufacture, and the design and operation of a photovoltaic system. Throughout their studies, students will learn how to solve engineering problems by considering social, technical, economic, and environmental constraints. 

• Suggested course: Maritime Engineering Science: Marine Engineering and Autonomy (MSc)
• Entry requirements: You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a related subject, such as marine engineering, naval architecture, ship science, aerospace engineering, etc.
• International fees: £27,404

2. University of Strathclyde

The Marine Engineering MSc at the University of Strathclyde provides a comprehensive education in marine engineering, covering topics such as marine propulsion and power generation, ship structures, and naval architecture. The programme is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of marine engineering while also allowing for specialisation in areas such as marine renewable energy, offshore engineering, or marine engineering with management. The course content includes advanced topics such as computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis, and ship stability, as well as hands-on training with ship simulator software and marine engineering laboratories. 

The MSc programme provides state-of-the-art facilities to its students, including a racing yacht, a large ship-model experiment tank, towing/wave tank, a marine engine laboratory, and advanced computer facilities with industry-standard software. It is accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) on behalf of the UK Engineering Council, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education and gain professional recognition.

• Suggested course: MSc Marine Engineering
• Entry requirements: A first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject.
• International fees: £24,450

3. Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University offers an MSc in International Marine Science, which allows students to learn about the complex marine ecosystem, including its physical, chemical, and biological aspects. This highly interdisciplinary field aims to understand the biology, chemistry, geology, and physics of the ocean and the influence of climate change on marine resources as part of the Blue Economy. The marine engineering course is designed for students with a background in marine biology, geology, or geography background who want to broaden their knowledge and expertise in marine science.

It offers three mandatory courses in Oceanography, Applied Research Design and Analysis, and GIS for Marine and Environmental Scientists, as well as a wide range of optional courses, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests. Students can also work extensively with academics in active research groups, leading to co-authorship on peer-reviewed publications. Additionally, there are fieldwork opportunities, including a two-week trip to Malaysia to explore the marine environment and learn different techniques for surveying and monitoring coral reefs. Overall, you will have a flexible and diverse range of opportunities to pursue your academic interests in marine science.

• Suggested course: MSc International Marine Science
• Entry requirements: A good undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2 honours or equivalent) in engineering or a relevant science discipline.
• International fees: £24,520

4. Newcastle University

The MSc Marine Engineering degree at Newcastle University is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in engineering principles and their application to the design and operation of marine and offshore systems. It aims to develop students' knowledge in topics such as marine hydrodynamics, offshore structures and materials, subsea engineering, and renewable energy. It is delivered by academic staff with extensive experience in the marine and offshore industries and is designed to meet the needs of the industry.

Students will also have access to the university's state-of-the-art facilities, including a towing tank, a wave tank, and a marine engineering laboratory. Throughout the programme, they will have the opportunity to develop their technical and problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to work in teams and communicate effectively with stakeholders. There is also a strong focus on sustainability and environmental protection, with students learning about the impact of marine and offshore operations on the environment and ways to mitigate these impacts.

• Suggested course: Marine Engineering MSc
• Entry requirements: A 2:2 honours degree or international equivalent in related subjects, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, naval architecture, etc. 
• International fees: £27,600

5. University College London

The Marine Engineering MSc programme at University College London (UCL) is a one-year full-time course providing an in-depth study of marine engineering, including ship design, propulsion, and power generation. It is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to meet today's maritime industry's challenges. It is aimed at both recent graduates and experienced professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects.

The programme is divided into two parts: the first part covers the fundamentals of marine engineering, while the second part focuses on advanced topics such as marine propulsion, marine renewable energy, and marine design. Students have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories for marine propulsion, marine renewable energy, and marine structures. It also benefits from the input of industry experts, who provide guest lectures and contribute to the design of the course content.

The programme is accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), and provides a route to Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. Graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in the maritime industry, including roles in ship design, shipbuilding, marine propulsion, and offshore engineering.

• Suggested course: Marine Engineering MSc
• Entry requirements: An upper second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university in a suitable engineering subject or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
• International fees: £32,100

Study Marine Engineering in the UK

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