BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design Bachelor's degree at Southampton Solent University
BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design at SSU. Yacht and powercraft design sits at the intersection of engineering principle and maritime craft.
About this course
BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design is a Bachelor's degree (BEng (Hons)) at SSU, based in East Park Terrace. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Engineering graduates from this provider, 100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 90% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Engineering, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 100% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year one 4 modules
- Naval Architecture DesignCore
Module details
You will study stability, considering initially the upright and small angle and large angle stability cases for both the transverse stability and also small angle longitudinal stability. You will explore the effects of suspended masses and also free surface effects on the initial GM.
- Applied Technology DesignCore
Module details
You will study and understand how the various marine systems which are used on boats and larger vessels work. This will involve seeing practical demonstrations of some of the equipment used on marine vessels.
- Marine Design SkillsCore
Module details
You will complete a live brief to design a single chine vessel following the design path, which is standard practice in a design office scenario, based on the module content delivered throughout the block.
- Mechanics and MaterialsCore
Module details
You will learn about the materials used in marine hull construction, and other components found on board vessels, such as timber, steel, aluminium, stainless steels, brasses and bronzes. You'll also learn about materials properties, the considerations needed when choosing them, and the production processes involved in the construction of boats.
Year two 4 modules
- Sustainable Resistance and PropulsionCore
Module details
You will learn the fundamental principles of hull resistance and propulsion for ships and small craft, with a strong emphasis on efficiency and sustainability.
- Powered Vessel DesignCore
Module details
The aim of the module is to develop your technical design skills alongside the CAD design skills typically required in a motor vessel design office. The unit provides you with authentic 'real world' experience close to the typical design office practice.
- Composite TechnologyCore
Module details
You will explore how to manufacture cored and single skin fibre reinforced composite (FRC) structures specifically for use in marine production processes. This involves a theoretical knowledge reinforced by practical experience of how to manufacture a comprehensive range of sample panels in controlled environments.
- Sailing Yacht DesignCore
Module details
You will develop an understanding of sailing yacht design principles and the theories specifically associated with yachts. You will be exposed to specific design areas relevant to sailing yachts to gain experience of design practice by completing both formative and summative design tasks.
Final year 4 modules
- Performance Power CraftCore
Module details
On this module you will extend your knowledge of high-performance motor vessel design. Running alongside this you will learn about novel powering methods used as alternatives to the conventional diesel engine propeller shaft system.
- Structural Design TechnologyCore
Module details
This module will guide you through the use of classical structural design theories for isotropic materials conventionally used in the shipbuilding industry. You'll focus on resolution of typical structural problems, such as grillages and buckling of panel and assemblies due to global loads. You will also further develop the study of beam theory by expanding to the resolution of superstatic schemes and frames.
- Sailing Yacht PerformanceCore
Module details
You will learn to use advanced design and analytical software, whether hull related or for the parametric modelling of the design. You will also study the theory for sailing yacht force and moment balance as commonly used in commercial VPP software.
- DissertationCore
Module details
This module enables you to undertake an independent project focused on the design, analysis, production, or operational performance of sailing yachts, motor vessels or commercial ships.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course focuses on the design and engineering of yachts and powercraft, integrating mechanical, structural, and systems thinking specific to marine vessels. You'll usually start with engineering fundamentals, mathematics, mechanics, materials and CAD, then progress into core disciplines covering thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, electrical systems and computing. Year 2 typically introduces group design work on real specifications and engineering analysis tools. In your final year, you'll choose from specialist pathways such as mechanical, electrical & electronic, civil & structural, robotics & mechatronics, energy & sustainability, or a Chartered (CEng) pathway, alongside professional practice modules on safety, ethics and sustainability. The course culminates in an individual design or research project. Throughout, you'll develop practical and analytical skills essential to vessel design and marine engineering.
Who it's for
You're drawn to boats, engineering and problem-solving at sea. You think visually and mathematically; you enjoy working with software and physical prototypes. You want a course that balances rigorous technical grounding with hands-on design work. You're comfortable with three years of full-time study and ready to develop both your technical expertise and your ability to work as part of engineering teams. Studying this will involve design studios, computational modelling, structural analysis and project work alongside traditional lectures.
Careers & job market
Nationally, 90% of engineering graduates are in work or further study 15 months after graduating. Of those in work, 80% are in highly skilled roles. Graduate earnings across engineering sit at £29,000–£35,000 in the first 15 months after finishing, rising to £33,150–£46,800 after five years (these are national figures, not guarantees). Roles span yacht design consultancies, powerboat manufacturers, defence and commercial shipbuilding, classification societies, and marine technology firms. Some graduates pursue further study in specialist postgraduate degrees.
University & format
Southampton Solent University is a University located in Southampton (East Park Terrace). This BEng (Hons) Yacht and Powercraft Design degree (UCAS code H522) is delivered full-time over 3 years, taught in English. The award is nationally recognised as a UK degree-awarding body. The university holds Gold for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
The provider publishes contextual-offer information. Eligibility and any reduced offer are applicant-specific.
Placement year. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 65% |
| Other | 15% |
| a previous degree | 10% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code H522). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at SSU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Engineering graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £27,500 – £32,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £25,000 | £18,500 – £31,500 | 100 |
| 5 years after | £31,500 | £23,500 – £39,000 | 100 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in engineering · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Engineering nationally
National figures for Engineering graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Engineering courses at the same study level.
Compared with 2,256 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 65% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Skilled trades occupationsSOC 2020 5 · 15% of published destinations · ASHE median £34,241
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 25; response rate: 70%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Engineering graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Engineering graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Engineering & manufacturing firms
- Automotive & aerospace
- Energy & utilities
- Defence & consultancies
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Engineering graduates.
Engineering Surveyor (Machine Control)BAM UK & IrelandEngineering Operations Project ManagerFdo Consulting LimitedEngineering ManagerVerto PeopleEngineering ManagerRobert WaltersEngineering ManagerPremier Technical RecruitmentEngineering ManagerRedline Group LtdIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
100% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.7 out of 10: NSS 74.4% · in work or study 100% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Southampton Solent University
Engineering and technology across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around East Park Terrace
3,609 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Engineering right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to SSU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £25,000 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check SSU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with SSU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at SSU
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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