MSc Naval Architecture, Marine and Ocean Engineering

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Newcastle University

Program Overview

Newcastle University’s MSc in Naval Architecture, Marine and Ocean Engineering is a one-year, on-campus programme designed to prepare you for the cutting-edge maritime sector. Ideal for engineering or naval architecture graduates, it combines technical knowledge, practical projects, and research to tackle challenges in ship design, offshore systems, and ocean engineering.

Curriculum Structure

Over the year, you’ll build a solid foundation in marine technology and engineering, covering modules like Fundamentals of Marine Technology, Ship Performance and Advanced Technology, and Experimental and Computational Modelling of Marine Systems. You’ll then specialise through streams such as Naval Architecture & Ocean Engineering or Marine Engineering, taking modules in structural analysis, propulsion, and ocean energy systems. The programme culminates in a dissertation and a group project, where you apply your skills to real-world maritime challenges.

Focus Areas

Naval architecture, marine engineering, offshore renewables, subsea systems, hydrodynamics, propulsion, structural analysis, data analytics

Learning Outcomes

You’ll graduate able to design and analyse ships and offshore systems, model complex marine structures, integrate simulation and engineering data, manage performance and risk, and innovate in the maritime industry.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme aligns closely with industry standards in naval architecture, offshore engineering, and subsea systems, preparing graduates for professional roles in both the public and private sectors.

Reputation & Employability

Newcastle University, a Russell Group member, is home to the UK’s largest dedicated marine technology research group. Graduates are highly employable in ship design, offshore renewables, subsea engineering, and marine consultancy, benefiting from the programme’s practical projects and strong industry links.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Newcastle, this MSc is designed to give you hands-on, real-world experience from day one. You’ll work in world-class marine research facilities, run experiments, test designs, and tackle engineering challenges just like you would in industry. Whether it’s in the lab, on a ship, or at a computer, you’ll gain practical skills that make you job-ready and confident in professional settings.

Key ways you’ll gain practical experience include:

Testing and analysing ship models in the Hydrodynamics Laboratory, including towing tanks and wave/current tanks.
Running propeller and turbine experiments in the Emerson Cavitation Tunnel to study performance and flow characteristics.
Working in the Jones Marine Engineering Lab on diesel engines, heat exchangers, and other marine power systems.
Conducting field experiments aboard the Princess Royal, Newcastle’s high-speed research vessel, collecting real-world data.
Using specialist software such as Star‑CCM+, Fine™/Marine, Maxsurf, and SolidWorks alongside high-performance computing facilities for simulations.
Contributing to research projects in Marine Hydrodynamics & Structures, focusing on ship design, offshore platforms, and fluid dynamics.

These experiences, from sea-based experiments to computational modelling, ensure you graduate with both technical expertise and practical, industry-ready skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this MSc often step into roles such as Naval Architect, Marine Engineer, Offshore Engineer, or Subsea Consultant, working in ship design, offshore renewables, or marine technology consultancies. Thanks to Newcastle’s strong industry links and hands-on approach, many find rewarding positions quickly, and the programme also lays a solid foundation for achieving chartered status or pursuing further research.

Here’s how the programme supports your career growth:

Careers support: Newcastle’s Careers Service helps you build a strong professional profile with CV and interview guidance, work-shadowing opportunities, and access to internships and graduate roles.
Industry integration: You’ll engage with real-world projects, site visits, guest lectures, and multidisciplinary group work, all designed to mirror professional practice.
Professional accreditation: The MSc is accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), giving you a clear path toward Chartered Engineer status.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni secure positions in classification societies, ship operations, design consultancies, offshore renewables, subsea/pipeline engineering, and shipbuilding.
Employment support: Industrial placements, insight days, and project work throughout the programme greatly enhance employability and industry readiness.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this MSc, you could continue with a PhD in Marine Technology, Naval Architecture, Offshore Engineering, or Ocean Energy, or take on research-focused roles in propulsion innovation, subsea systems, or sustainable maritime solutions, opening doors to advanced R&D or academic careers.