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Naval Architecture MSc

Gain knowledge in advanced technical aspects of ship performance, hydrodynamics and structures together with commercial awareness of maritime business.

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Start date(s):

  • September 2024

Overview

Newcastle University is home to the largest dedicated marine technology research group in the UK. You'll learn from leading academics who hold international recognition within the maritime industry. You'll also have access to our cutting-edge experimental facilities. 

Our Naval Architecture degree is for both practising professionals and graduates in:

  • naval architecture
  • marine technology/engineering
  • offshore engineering
  • mechanical engineering
  • related disciplines

Our strong industrial engagement means our courses are shaped by industry and government policy. You'll experience engagement through:

  • industry guest lectures
  • study tours
  • site visits
  • projects
  • placements
  • employment opportunities with added support from the careers service

You'll undertake advanced research on an appropriate marine related topic. This will be as part of an independent dissertation across all three semesters. You'll combine the skills and knowledge gained from the modules you've undertaken and develop your research skills on a relevant topic.

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Important information

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What you'll learn

The course develops your practical skills to become a technically proficient, forward-thinking Naval Architect. This MSc will accelerate your career in maritime or associated industries.

You'll be conversant in the theory that underpins modern Naval Architectural practice. You'll also be competent in the application of specialist software and analysis techniques to predict the performance of marine vehicles.

You'll have a wide appreciation of the latest technological developments and global trends in the shipping industry. These include aspects of energy efficiency, autonomous operations and new markets.

Subjects are delivered in a modular format designed to provide a broad spectrum of knowledge in naval architecture practice.

On successful completion of this course, you'll be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

  • methods for analysing the environmental impact of a ship when operating in a seaway
  • special hydrodynamics and stability phenomena that dominate the design and performance of Planing Craft
  • how to analyse the design and performance of Surface Effect Ships and Hydrofoil based craft
  • strip theory, wave diffraction theory, and their applications
  • computational fluid dynamics
  • vortex induced vibration
  • the concepts behind Goal Based Design for Naval Architecture
  • how safety issues can be modelled and implemented both into the design and regulatory framework
  • key business, financial and management concepts
  • sustainability issues

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

How you'll learn

Your development

We believe the difference at Newcastle is in the broad expertise and industrial connections that are held by our academic staff. This is whilst retaining a friendly and supportive atmosphere for our students.

You'll have the opportunity to learn from and work with academics who are research leading in many aspects of ship performance. They work regularly in collaborative projects with leading maritime companies.

Our research portfolio is highly diverse. This gives you a broad choice of directions to take your studies, with recent industry collaborations including:

  • work on search and rescue craft with Lloyds Register and the Royal National Lifeboat Association
  • measuring marine coating drag with Akzo Nobel
  • designing lightweight ship structures with the US Navy
  • predicting engine performance with Royston Marine Engines

Our core academic team of naval architects work alongside colleagues across the School of Engineering. This interdisciplinary environment is also reflected in the project work you will undertake which often involves aspects of mechanical, electrical and civil engineering.

Your future

Graduate destinations

Graduates on this MSc are prepared for a wide range of careers across the globe in the maritime and wider engineering sectors. Graduate destinations include the most recognised UK maritime companies such as:

  • Babcock
  • British Maritime Technology
  • BAE Systems
  • Lloyds Register

Our graduates are highly respected by industry across the world. They are following exciting careers in many global companies including:

  • DNV-GL in Norway
  • Keppel Marine in Singapore
  • Shell in Nigeria
  • Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea
  • The American Bureau of Shipping in Houston, USA

Graduates also find excellent opportunities in specialist maritime firms throughout the UK and around the world. Our MSc also provides a route into further study at PhD level.

Industry links

Our close links within the maritime industry enable us to host guest lectures, run site visits and involve you in events with our professional institutions including:

  • Royal Institute of Navigation (RINA)
  • Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)
  • Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SNAME)
  • the SUT

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Facilities

Throughout your degree, you'll have access to a range of dedicated facilities that will support your studies and enhance your learning experience, including:

You'll also have access to a set of excellent testing facilities:

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2024 entry (per year)

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

  • matriculation
  • registration
  • tuition (or supervision)
  • library access
  • examination
  • re-examination
  • graduation

Find out more about:

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Entry requirements

The entrance requirements below apply to 2024 entry.

Qualifications from outside the UK

English Language requirements

Admissions policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.

Download our admissions policy (PDF: 201KB)
Other policies related to admissions

Credit transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow you to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills and experience into credits towards a qualification. Find out more about the RPL policy which may apply to this course

How to apply


Using the application portal

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Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

  • campus tours
  • on-campus open days
  • virtual open days
  • webinars

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Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

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Get in touch

Questions about this course?

If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:

School of Engineering
School Admissions Team
Email: soe.admissions@ncl.ac.uk

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