Yacht and Powercraft Design

Yacht and Powercraft Design at Southampton Solent University offers a comprehensive and innovative programme tailored to meet the growing global demand for skilled professionals in the maritime design industry. This course combines advanced engineering principles with creative design skills to equip students with the knowledge necessary to develop innovative and sustainable vessels ranging from luxury yachts to commercial powerboats. Throughout the programme, students engage with a diverse curriculum that covers ship design, naval architecture, marine engineering, and project management, ensuring a multidisciplinary understanding of vessel construction and operation. The programme emphasizes practical learning through workshops, CAD modeling, 3D visualization, and real-world project simulations, enabling students to apply theoretical concepts to tangible designs. Collaboration with industry partners provides valuable insights and networking opportunities, helping students to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and market trends. Additionally, the course incorporates sustainability and environmental considerations, preparing graduates to design eco-friendly powercraft that meet international regulations and standards. Graduates from this programme have gone on to work in yacht design studios, marine engineering companies, and regulatory agencies worldwide, reflecting the course’s strong industry relevance and reputation. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced simulation labs and ship model testing facilities, support an immersive educational experience. Whether students aspire to work in luxury yacht design, commercial vessel development, or innovative powercraft engineering, the programme provides a solid foundation and the opportunity to develop specialised skills in a dynamic and evolving sector. With a focus on creative problem-solving, technical expertise, and industry engagement, Southampton Solent University’s Yacht and Powercraft Design programme prepares students for successful careers in the maritime industry, fostering skills that are highly sought after in today’s competitive global market.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11140 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Year 1

Five core units and one option unit:

• Naval Architecture Principles
• Yacht Design and Production Principles
• Marine Craft Materials and Production
• Marine Craft Systems Principles
• Small Craft Mechanics.

Options:

• Mathematics
• Curriculum Plus.

Year 2

Six core units:

• Marine Craft Design and Development
• Applied Yacht Design and Production
• Resistance and Propulsion
• Applied Marine Craft Systems
• Marine Craft Hydrodynamics
• Structural Analysis.

Year 3

Three core units and two option units:

• Marine Craft Structures (Practice)
• Advanced Yacht Design and Production
• Project (double unit).

Options:

• Aero-hydrodynamics
• Marine Craft Structures (Theory)
• Marine Industry Work-based Learning.

Why choose Solent?

• A 60-metre industry-standard towing tank and a four-metre stability tank
• Accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RNA).

Assessment

Most units are assessed by a combination of coursework and an exam element. Several CAD-based units, such as yacht design and production, are fully coursework assessed.

Projects/work experience

Visits to boatyards, lifeboat builders and marine equipment suppliers.

Key career skills

Creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, design and production.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL paper-based test score : 550

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

Requirements

200 points with two or more numerically based A Levels.

Qualifications equivalent to the above may also be considered – contact the Faculty Office for further information.

Entry to Year 2 may be offered to applicants holding an HND in an appropriate subject.

International students

Applications are welcomed from students who have been educated outside the UK system, and a number of overseas qualifications are recognised as equivalent to those listed. Applicants should give full details of their qualifications, including subjects, grades, date and the name and address of the school, college, university or awarding authority.

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 threshold attainments for undergraduate courses are:

• GCSE or GCE ‘O’ Level (Grade C);
• IELTS 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 550 or more; or
• City and Guilds ESOL (written assessment) pass in Higher Intermediate examination, plus a comparable pass in City and Guilds SESL (speaking assessment) examination.
• Where students enter direct to a course at the University, in the final year, without any prior experience of the UK Higher Education System will require IELTS 6.5.

Qualifications are checked before enrolment and international students must bring their original certificates when coming to study at the University.

The University also offers an International Foundation Programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Southampton Solent University.

Funding

To help you cover the cost you can take out a tuiton fee loan to pay your fees, which is paid directly to the University by the Student Loan company. Some students are also eligible for a maintenance loan to help with their living costs.

You only repay both loans when you finish your course and are earning £21,000 or more. If you don't have an income this high you will not have to pay anything until you are earning £21,000 or more.

Our student support and welfare advisers have more information regarding financial help and details can be found on our Funding advice pages.

The Yacht and Powercraft Design program at Southampton Solent University offers students a comprehensive education in the principles and practices associated with the design and development of marine vessels, specifically focusing on yachts and powercraft. This program is tailored to equip students with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and industry insights required to succeed in the competitive field of marine design and engineering. Throughout the course, students engage with a variety of modules that cover fundamental topics such as naval architecture, propulsion systems, structural design, marine materials, and computer-aided design (CAD). The program emphasizes hands-on learning through workshops, lab work, and industry projects, allowing students to develop real-world skills applicable to shipbuilding and vessel customization.

The curriculum is designed to integrate theoretical understanding with practical application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for employment within the marine industry or to pursue further research or entrepreneurial ventures in yacht and powercraft design. Special topics include sustainability in marine design, safety standards, and innovation in yacht construction, reflecting the evolving nature of the field. The program also offers opportunities for students to collaborate with industry partners and participate in live projects, enhancing their professional experience and networking prospects.

Students will benefit from the university's state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated design studios, CAD labs, and testing facilities, providing an immersive environment for learning. Typically, the program duration is three years for full-time study, with options for part-time study over a longer period. Graduates of this program are sought after in yacht design firms, marine engineering companies, and custom boat builders. They possess the technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills necessary for designing innovative, efficient, and aesthetically appealing marine vessels. The university's strong links with the maritime industry, along with career support services, help students transition from education into employment seamlessly. Overall, the program aims to produce industry-ready professionals capable of making significant contributions to the future of yacht and powercraft design.