MEng (Hons) Marine Technology

If you are yet to make an enquiry to study with the University of Plymouth and are interested in securing a place for September 2020, you can pre-register for Clearing to receive priority treatment on results day.

Read our Clearing advice

• Join the upper ranks - in the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), also known as the Shanghai Ranking, we are eighth out of 50, and the highest ranked UK university, for Marine/Ocean Engineering.
• Open the door to a successful future - with starting salaries from £23,000, our graduates have gone on to work for Hoare Lea, Babcock Marine, Becton Dickinson, e2v, Edwards, the Shaw Group and the Ministry of Defence.
• Define yourself with an accredited degree – the course has been designed to fully satisfy the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
• Be flexible – our combined first year allows you to switch to mechanical engineering or civil engineering in line with your career ambitions.
• Be unique – our courses are the only ones in the country to have a named 'with composites' pathway; choosing this will allow you to stand out in the job market.
• Learn hands-on with the latest industry-standard software, laboratory sessions and practical classes.
• Put learning into practice by taking a paid year in industry - many of our students receive job offers or sponsorship as a result of their placements.
• Go on to thrive in sectors as diverse as vessel design, naval architecture, ship safety, propeller design and manufacturing or engine energy efficiency.

• Year 1

• In the first year of your marine technology course, you will study alongside other engineering students to learn about the fundamental principles underpinning the subjects studied throughout the course. You will develop your mathematical skills and study engineering materials, structural mechanics and fluid mechanics. You will learn about generic design processes and computer-aided design, and work in a team to undertake a real-world design challenge. Laboratory sessions will form an important part of your learning.

  Core modules

  BPIE115 Stage 1 Mechanical Placement Preparation

  This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

  ENGR101 Engineering Design

  This module introduces students to engineering design practice appropriate to civil, marine and mechanical engineering disciplines. Students will develop sketching and technical drawing skills and use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create digital models of technical systems. Working in a team, students will be tasked to create sustainable solutions to real-world technical design challenges.

  ENGR102 Engineering Practice and Experimental Techniques

  The mainly experimental basis of this module allows students to extend their engineering knowledge and practical competence using a guided, student-centred, and laboratory-based approach to develop fundamental understanding of a range of engineering topics. The module will help students acquire good study skills and competency in technical communication.

  ENGR103 Engineering Science

  This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of fluid mechanics appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications; the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics relating to the interaction between systems and their surroundings, including both flow and non-flow processes, heat engines, and mechanisms of heat transfer; and the fundamental principles of electrical engineering.

  ENGR104 Engineering Mathematics

  This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.

  ENGR105 Mechanics and Structures

  This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of engineering mechanics and structures appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. Deeper understanding of these scientific principles will be developed through practical applications using hand calculations and computer software tools as appropriate.

  ENGR106 Engineering Materials

  This module introduces students to a broad range of engineering materials appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. The module will consider the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties, presenting practical applications wherever appropriate. Students will also be introduced to standard material test methods.

• Year 2

• The second year introduces you to naval architecture and control systems engineering while further developing your thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mathematics and design skills. These subjects are explored in lectures, in laboratory sessions and workshops. At this point, you can opt in to the 'with composites' pathway.

  The placements module will develop your professional and transferable skills for the workplace and support you in finding an appropriate placement.

  Core modules

  MATS235 Materials & Structural Integrity

  This module’s study of design is based upon principles of engineering mechanics and application of finite element analysis (FEA). We will utilise appropriate software tools eg Solid-works, ANSYS etc. in a practical mechanical design context. Students will learn to follow a structured design process to enhance creativity, logical analysis and commercial awareness then apply this process to solve a design challenge.

  MECH233 Manufacturing Processes

  This module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to manufacturing. It will cover both the fundamentals of forming, shaping, joining and traditional machining processes in relation to a range of engineering materials and the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties. It will also include hands-on workshop activities to reinforce understanding and to develop additional engineering competences

  CONT222 Engineering Mathematics & Control

  This module provides engineering mathematical techniques and methods (Laplace transform and linear algebra) for the analysis of practical engineering problems and introduces classical control systems theory.

  MARN221 Marine Engineering Design & Commercialisation

  Students will develop and apply engineering knowledge in a practical marine design context, under-pinned by elements of naval architecture and hydrodynamics using appropriate software tools e.g. computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and MAXSURF. Students will learn to follow a structured design process to enhance creativity, logical analysis and commercial awareness to solve a marine design challenge.

  MARN220 Naval Architecture 1

  This module examines the principles of floating and the stability of marine vessels in their environment and deals with the prediction of the resistance of vessels in motion and the selection and design of suitable propellers.

  MECH234 Thermo-Fluids

  This module will introduce student’s key concepts in thermodynamics and fluids mechanics theory (1st and 2nd laws) pertaining to mechanical engineering. It will also include an introduction to heat transfer and its application in design and performance of heat engines and other applications. 

  BPIE215 Stage 2 Mechanical Placement Preparation
  
• Optional placement year
• By taking the opportunity to spend an optional year in paid employment whilst still a student engineer, you will obtain recordable professional experience, build a network of industry contacts and often obtain offers of summer work, sponsorship or employment on graduation. Our placements team will support you in finding a placement, and we have an extensive network of employers across all sectors.

  
  

  Optional modules
  
  BPIE335 Engineering Related Placement
  
• Year 3
• In your third year, you will deepen your understanding of naval architecture and marine engineering. You will also focus your specialism choosing to further your understanding of computer aided engineering tools and systems design or choosing to study the theoretical and practical aspects of composites engineering on the 'with composites' pathway. Your dissertation project enables you to research the topics that interest you and will allow you to bring together all you have learnt so far.

  Pure marine technology pathway
  Core modules
  

  PRME307 MT Honours Project
  

  In this module students will carry out Independent project work closely aligned to their programme of study. This will be carried out under the guidance of an appointed supervisor.

  MARN342 Naval Architecture 2

  This module places engineering principles in the context of a hull and its features. The hull and the structural design concepts which are particularly applicable to marine crafts are developed, applied and analysed. Various types of marine vessels’ fitness for purpose are studied for the design drivers used and the operational aspects considered.

  MARN341 Marine Engineering

  The module covers Marine Engineering including marine power plant, transmission, system efficiency and environmental factors, and Marine Systems Engineering exploring the aspects of marine engineering dynamic systems, design and analysis. 

  MECH341 Computer Aided Engineering (FEA/CFD)

  In this module, students learn to use two of the Computer Aided Engineering methods that are most commonly used in industry; finite volume Computational Fluid Dynamics (to solve fluid flow problems) and Finite Element Analysis (to solve structural problems). Students gain an overview of the theory that underpins these methods, and learn how to use a validation process to assess reliability of simulation results.

  CONT317 Control and Intelligent Systems Design

  This module explores the application of control engineering and artificial intelligence techniques in the design of engineering control systems.

  Marine technology with composites pathway
  Core modules
  

  PRME307 MTC Honours Project

  In this module students will carry out Independent project work closely aligned to their programme of study. This will be carried out under the guidance of an appointed supervisor.

  MARN342 Naval Architecture 2

  This module places engineering principles in the context of a hull and its features. The hull and the structural design concepts which are particularly applicable to marine crafts are developed, applied and analysed. Various types of marine vessels’ fitness for purpose are studied for the design drivers used and the operational aspects considered.

  MARN341 Marine Engineering

  The module covers Marine Engineering including marine power plant, transmission, system efficiency and environmental factors, and Marine Systems Engineering exploring the aspects of marine engineering dynamic systems, design and analysis.

  MATS347 Composites Design and Manufacture

  The module provides an integrated approach to design, materials and processing selection for engineering composite materials.

  MATS348 Composites Engineering

  This module introduces stress analysis and appropriate numerical methods in the context of composite materials and integrates the learning in a practical assignment to produce a prototype composite component.
  
• Final year

• The core subjects of design and naval architecture are taken to an advanced level in the MEng year. You will have the opportunity to choose modules to complement your specialism, allowing you to tailor your studies to suit your interests and career plans.
  

  Pure marine technology pathway
  Core modules

  MECH550 Design for Excellence

  In this module students are expected to develop a prototype of an engineering system through the application of contemporary design science. They will work within groups to develop environmentally sustainable solutions to complex engineering problems. They will be required to produce a prototype which shows innovation and creativity in the use of technology, including a socio-economic impact assessment of their designs.

  MECH545 Advanced FEA & CFD

  This module will develop knowledge and understanding of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in the context of an advanced analysis / design project. Develops an understanding of the limitations inherent in industrial Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools and the need for validation / verification strategies to quantify and reduce uncertainty.

  MECH546 Advanced Naval Architecture
  

  On completing this module, students will have a comprehensive knowledge of mathematical models associated with marine hydrodynamics and marine structures. The students will be able to understand their limitations, and to interpret data from them. Topics covered will include Vessel Manoeuvring, Marine structural response and analysis of irregular seaways.

  Electives (two options)
  

  MECH547 Ship and Yacht Management

  In this module, students will develop an understanding of commercial/management practices, and their application, in the maritime industry.

  ROCO508Z Intelligent Sensors and Control for Autonomous
  

  The module covers a range of classical and smart sensors and actuators which can be applied in interactive and automated systems, with emphasis on several key sensors. This module has a strong hands-on component.

  MAR528Z Marine Renewable Energy Structures
  

  This module will cover engineering aspects of marine renewable energy conversion. The module comprises lectures and tutorials, invited industry lectures, a field trip visit to a marine engineering company and a wave energy converter performance experiment in the COAST lab.

  MECH551 Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology
  

  This module develops an enhanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary engineering materials (metals and alloys, polymers, composites, rubbers, ceramics and glass and nanomaterials). Students will investigate product failure; critically evaluate a broad range of alternative materials; and use the principles of eco-design for sustainable development to optimise material usage.

  Marine technology with composites pathway
  Core modules

  MECH550 Design for Excellence

  In this module students are expected to develop a prototype of an engineering system through the application of contemporary design science. They will work within groups to develop environmentally sustainable solutions to complex engineering problems. They will be required to produce a prototype which shows innovation and creativity in the use of technology, including a socio-economic impact assessment of their designs.

  MECH548 Advanced Composites Technology
  

  In the context of advanced composites engineering this module is concerned with developing a good understanding of composites manufacture, process modelling and materials characterisation.

  MECH546 Advanced Naval Architecture

  On completing this module, students will have a comprehensive knowledge of mathematical models associated with marine hydrodynamics and marine structures. The students will be able to understand their limitations, and to interpret data from them. Topics covered will include Vessel Manoeuvring, Marine structural response and analysis of irregular seaways.

  Electives (two options)
  

  MECH547 Ship and Yacht Management

  In this module, students will develop an understanding of commercial/management practices, and their application, in the maritime industry.

  ROCO508Z Intelligent Sensors and Control for Autonomous
  

  The module covers a range of classical and smart sensors and actuators which can be applied in interactive and automated systems, with emphasis on several key sensors. This module has a strong hands-on component.

  MAR528Z Marine Renewable Energy Structures
  

  This module will cover engineering aspects of marine renewable energy conversion. The module comprises lectures and tutorials, invited industry lectures, a field trip visit to a marine engineering company and a wave energy converter performance experiment in the COAST lab.

  MECH551 Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology
  

  This module develops an enhanced knowledge and understanding of contemporary engineering materials (metals and alloys, polymers, composites, rubbers, ceramics and glass and nanomaterials). Students will investigate product failure; critically evaluate a broad range of alternative materials; and use the principles of eco-design for sustainable development to optimise material usage.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

MEng Marine Technology Programme Specification 2020 4452

UCAS tariff

120 - 136

Applicants exceeding our entry requirements may be eligible for an offer under our Engineering and Navigation Excellence Scheme.

A level: Typical offer will be 128 points including Grade C at Maths and Grade C at second relevant subject: Applied ICT, Applied Science, Applied Business, Biology, Business/Business Studies, Chemistry, Computing, Computer Science, DT (Product Design Resistant Materials), DT (systems and Control Tech), DT Product Design (Textiles Tech), Economics, Economics and Business, Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Design and Technology, ICT, Physics, Science, Statistics, Further Maths, Use of Maths, Pure Maths. Excluding General Studies.

International Baccalaureate: 32 overall to include 5 at Higher Level mathematics and 5 at Higher Level science/technology subject. English and mathematics must be included. 

GCSE: mathematics and English language grade C or above is required.

All BTEC courses: Not accepted for MEng, unless the applicant has additional qualifications or experience.

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

All Access courses: Not accepted for MEng, unless the applicant has additional qualifications or experience.

Other qualifications also considered, please enquire.

Please note: We understand that many applicants remain anxious about meeting the exact terms of our standard conditional offers. We will look again at your application and revise our offer for those applicants who we continue to believe are a good match to our courses, once we have the certainty of your actual results in August.