Yacht Design and Production

Yacht Design and Production at Southampton Solent University offers a comprehensive and industry-focused education in the art and science of designing, building, and sustaining high-performance yachts and luxury boats. This program combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling students to develop innovative designs that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements, while also understanding the technical processes involved in yacht manufacturing. Students will explore various aspects of naval architecture, marine engineering, materials technology, and digital design tools, gaining an in-depth understanding of the entire yacht production process from initial concept through to final craftsmanship. The curriculum emphasizes a strong foundation in design principles, maritime safety standards, environmental considerations, and sustainable practices, preparing graduates for careers in a dynamic global industry. Additionally, students have access to cutting-edge workshops, laboratories, and real-world projects, collaborating with industry partners and yacht builders to gain hands-on experience. The program also focuses on the importance of innovation and creativity in yacht design, encouraging students to push boundaries and develop novel solutions to complex challenges faced by the marine industry. With a curriculum aligned closely with industry needs, graduates are well-equipped for roles in yacht design studios, production management, consultancy, and marine technology firms. Southampton Solent University’s strong links with the maritime industry ensure students benefit from practical exposure, networking opportunities, and a curriculum that adapts to the evolving demands of yacht production. Upon completion, students will possess the technical expertise, creative vision, and professional skills necessary to excel in the competitive and exciting field of yacht design and production.

Detailed Course Facts

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 11475 Year (Non-EEA)

• English

Course Content

Year one

• Computer Aided Design
• Naval Architecture
• Marine Materials
• Marine Production
• Marine Structures
• Marine Systems.

Year two

• Computer Aided Modelling
• Performance Prediction and Analysis
• Sailing Yacht Design
• Motor Boat Design
• One option from:
  • Marine Systems Technology
  • Curriculum Plus.

Year three

• Computer Aided Yacht Engineering
• Structural design for Production
• Project
• Options:
  • Advanced Performance Prediction
  • Marine Production Management
  • Marine Industry Work-Based Learning.

(Our courses are regularly reviewed so the final module list may be slightly different from the one shown here.)

Teaching, learning and assessment

Lectures, tutorials and case study work are supported by a high degree of practical design work in the CAD office, demonstration laboratories and FRP workshops. Where possible, visits to boatyards, builders and marine equipment suppliers are arranged.

Work experience

There is an optional work-based learning unit in the final year, and you’ll be encouraged to develop practical hands-on experience wherever possible. Many local boat builders are willing to give Solent students short work experience places, and the course team has close links with larger employers (such as Sunseeker) who frequently offer summer work experience positions to second-year students.

Past students have also had the opportunity to gain experience at large marine events such as Seawork 2013.

Assessment

Most units are assessed by coursework, portfolios or timed assignments.

Our facilities

Solent’s leading facilities include a 60-metre commercial-standard towing test tank, and a static four-metre stability tank. You’ll also have access to our composite construction workshop, yacht drawing office and modern CAD office.

Study abroad

You'll have the opportunity to spend between three months and a year of your course studying abroad at one of our EU partner universities, as part of the Erasmus programme.

If you're a non-UK student studying at an EU university, the Erasmus programme gives you the chance to come to the UK and study yacht design and production units at Solent for between three months and a full academic year.

Web-based learning

Solent’s virtual learning environment provides quick online access to assignments, lecture notes, suggested reading and other course information.

Meet the Team

The course is delivered by a team of specialist naval architects, yacht designers and production designers, supported by Computer Aided Design (CAD)/drawing office instructors and Fibre Reinforced Plastic (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.

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL iBT® test : 80

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

Requirements

• 240 points from three A-levels including a numeracy based A-level
• Qualifications equivalent to the above may also be considered
• Entry to year two may be offered to applicants holding an HND in an appropriate subject
• Alternative entry to this course is available through the Technology Foundation Year and International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

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 6.0 (5.5 in writing)
• TOEF IBT 80 (19 in writing)
• Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic 56 (51 in writing)
• or equivalent.

Qualifications are checked before enrolment and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies, when coming to study at the university.

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

National Scholarship Programme

The primary purpose of our National Scholarship Programme is to benefit individual students that come from disadvantaged backgrounds as they enter higher education. This scheme is available to new home and EU under graduate students starting a programme of study with us in 2014-15, who have no previous experience of studying for an undergraduate award and whose tuition fees are over £6,000 for the year. To be eligible to be considered for a National Scholarship, applicants will need to meet both the Government national eligibility criteria and the additional University eligibility criteria, as detailed below.
Government national eligibility criteria:

• Students will need to have a declared household income of £25,000 or less.

University eligibility criteria will include one or more of the following:

• Enrolment on an undergraduate degree programme, foundation level of an undergraduate degree programme, HNC or other equivalent course
• Home address (this is your address prior to joining university) within a low participation neighbourhood
• Being in the care of a local authority for a minimum of 52 consecutive weeks immediately prior to beginning a programme of study at the University, and aged 24 or under.

Please see further information about the National Scholarship Programme here: http://www.solent.ac.uk/student-life/welfare/funding/undergraduate-funding/national-scholarship-programme.aspx

High Performance Academy Scholarship

Sport Solent and Southampton Solent University have developed the High Performance Academy (HPA) to help students who are studying at the University, whilst competing on the national and international stage. The programme provides financial and mentoring support to assist athletes in reaching their sporting potential whilst pursuing higher education.
Minimum requirements for entry on the Sport Solent High Performance Academy
Full-time or part-time undergraduate, or post-graduate student
Applicants must have an outstanding ability in a particular sport
Applicants must compete at a semi-professional level or show strong evidence of the potential to do so
The High Performance Academy programme offers different levels of support to student athletes based on their sporting talent and potential. There are three categories that a successful applicant can fall under:

• Performance squad
• Development squad
• High Performance squad

How to apply

To apply, please fill out the application form below and email it back to the High Performance Academy

Scholarships for oversears students

International Scholarships Scheme 2014
We are pleased to offer some scholarships to students applying from overseas.
Who can apply?

You can apply if:
you are applying for a full-time course at Southampton Solent University for 2014 entry, and
you are from one of the following areas: Africa, Bangladesh, Japan, North and South America, India, Pakistan, South Korea, Turkey and you are not currently studying or residing in the UK, and you are a self-funded, full fee student (not applicable to Erasmus/Study Abroad students).

How do I apply?

Simply complete the Overseas Scholarships Application form and return it to our International Office, once you have received an offer from us.

The scholarship form is accessible at:

http://www.solent.ac.uk/international/fees-scholarships/overseas-scholarships.aspx

What will happen next?

You will need to accept our unconditional offer and pay the required deposit.
We will then send you the Scholarship Award of £1,000 towards your tuition fee payment for your first year of study.

Sport Scholarships

Sport Solent continues to provide and support top level athletes that strive for academic success alongside their sporting careers. Southampton Solent University offers the opportunity for selected athletes to access a sporting scholarship in many disciplines.
Please note: the Sport Solent scholarship is available for athletes who excel in basketball and cricket.
If you compete at a national and/or international level in another sport, and want to get financial support and mentoring from Southampton Solent University, you can apply for the High Performance Academy|.
The Sport Solent scholarship
Academic fees are covered at 100% or 50% by the university for each successful applicant:
Scholarship fees Undergraduate Postgraduate
Year 1: 100% Year 1: 100%
Year 2: 50% Year 2: 50%
Year 3: 50% N/A
Benefits

• Personal mentor
• One-to-one strength and conditioning training
• Free use of Sport Solent facilities
• Free membership to Team Solent sports clubs, providing sports insurance
• High performance support workshops and lectures
• Additional funding to compete in international sporting events
• Flexible timetables
• Physiotherapy treatments.

To apply

Applicants must fill out the registration form and email to sports.scholarship@solent.ac.uk. The registration form can be accessible through the link below:
http://www.solent.ac.uk/sport/scholarships/apply-for-a-scholarship.aspx

The Yacht Design and Production program at Southampton Solent University offers students a comprehensive education in the specialized field of designing and manufacturing luxury yachts and marine vessels. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, enabling graduates to pursue careers in the high-end maritime industry. The curriculum covers a broad spectrum of topics, including naval architecture, marine engineering, structural design, materials technology, and digital modeling. Students gain hands-on experience through workshops, design projects, and industry placements, fostering strong industry connections and real-world skills. The program is delivered by experienced faculty members who are industry professionals, providing mentoring and insight into current industry practices. Facilities include dedicated design studios, computer labs equipped with the latest CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, and ship model testing facilities. The course emphasizes innovation, environmental sustainability, and safety standards in yacht production. Graduates are prepared for roles such as yacht designer, marine engineer, production manager, and consultancy experts in the yachting and luxury vessel industry. The program's strong industry links facilitate networking opportunities, internships, and graduate employment. Additionally, students have access to the university’s research centers focusing on marine and yacht design technologies. Southampton Solent University is known for its marine courses and collaborations with leading marine companies, ensuring that students are well-equipped with industry-relevant skills and knowledge. The program aims to develop creative and technical skills, enabling students to lead design projects and contribute to advancements in yacht manufacturing. Overall, the Yacht Design and Production program provides an excellent foundation for those aspiring to innovate within the luxury yacht industry, with a curriculum tailored to meet the evolving demands of global maritime markets.