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Master’s degree · Hull and naval architectureMaster's in Naval Architecture and Ship Design
This master's programme gives you the tools and expert knowledge to lead innovation in ship design. You will work on hull lines, hydrostatics, stability, structural strength and propulsion sizing, with classification rules guiding the whole design process.
100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time
What is this programme?
This master's programme gives you the tools and expert knowledge to lead innovation in the maritime sector. You will learn to design, build and optimise high-performance ships, from the initial concept to final delivery, working with 3D modelling, hydrodynamic simulation and structural analysis.
Its strengths are integrated design, from merchant ships to leisure craft, covering every stage of the process; hands-on use of industry software such as AutoCAD, Maxsurf, Ansys and Star-CCM+; efficiency and sustainability, designing ships with lower environmental impact and fuel consumption; regulation and safety, with knowledge of international rules and best safety practice; and an applied final project, tutored by the academic team and oriented towards professional practice.
Programme highlights
- Innovative design: CAD/CAM/CAE tools and advanced 3D modelling and hydrodynamic simulation techniques.
- Shipbuilding: manufacturing processes, materials, structures, and propulsion and steering systems.
- Marine engineering: optimising performance, safety and efficiency in compliance with IMO regulations.
- Real projects: taking part in ship designs from concept to construction.
- Career prospects: a profile in high demand in shipyards, naval engineering firms, technical offices and research centres.
- Advance your career and lead the next generation of ships.
Study plan
01Advanced Fundamentals of Naval Architecture and the Ship Design Process136 h
Principles and evolution of ship design and its relationship with the operation and economics of transport. Classification of ships: commercial, naval, offshore, scientific, fishing, auxiliary and special. Requirements- and rules-based design methodology. Concept definition according to mission, operating profile, range, speed and cargo. The iterative process from concept to detailed engineering. Criteria of safety, efficiency, sustainability and life cycle. Managing interfaces between disciplines and with the shipowner. Digital planning and simulation tools. Technical, economic and operational assessment of alternatives. Building an integrated project methodology.
02Hydrostatics, Stability and Static Behaviour of the Ship136 h
Buoyancy, displacement, underwater hull, centres of gravity and flotation. Hydrostatic curves, Bonjean curves, displacement and trim tables. Transverse and longitudinal stability in different conditions. Intact and damage stability under international criteria. Influence of tanks, cargo, equipment and internal arrangement. Reserve buoyancy, freeboard and response to sea state. Watertight subdivision and flooding protection. Hydrostatic simulation software. Optimising weight distribution. Stability criteria throughout the operating life.
03Naval Hydrodynamics, Resistance and Propulsion of the Ship136 h
Advanced theory of ship resistance. Analysis of frictional, pressure, wave-making, appendage and viscous resistance. Experimental and numerical prediction methods. CFD simulation with experimental validation. Hull form design for energy efficiency. Selection and integration of conventional and alternative propulsion. Design of propellers, azimuth thrusters, pods, waterjets and hybrid systems. Hull-propeller-engine interaction. Assessment of consumption, range and emissions. Hydrodynamic solutions to maximise performance and reduce cost.
04Ship Structural Design and Hull Strength136 h
Principles of structural strength. Design of longitudinal and transverse members: keel, frames, beams, floors and stiffeners. Global and local loads from navigation, waves and operation. Bending, torsion and vibration stresses. Material selection: special steels, aluminium, composites and hybrids. Fatigue, fracture, corrosion and degradation. The finite element method applied to ship structures. Optimisation to reduce weight without compromising safety. Assessment against classification society rules. Design for durability and construction efficiency.
05Advanced Hull Design, Manoeuvrability and Seakeeping136 h
Geometric definition through lines plans, coefficients and main parameters. Optimisation of bow, stern, bulbs and appendages. Design for operating profiles: speed, cargo, range and sea endurance. Dynamic behaviour in regular and irregular waves. Roll, pitch, yaw, heave and accelerations. Manoeuvrability, directional stability and steering. Auxiliary systems to reduce motions and improve comfort. Advanced simulation of operational behaviour. Validation with tests and scale models. Configurations adapted to real conditions.
06Ship Systems, Functional Integration and Intelligent Ship Design136 h
General systems architecture and multidisciplinary integration. Design of propulsion, electrical generation and power distribution. Auxiliary systems: fuel, cooling, water, waste and technical services. Automation, control, sensors and intelligent systems. Engine room design and optimisation of technical space. Navigation, communications, safety and digital management. Design for maintenance and reduced downtime. Digital twins and life-cycle monitoring. Autonomous technologies and decision support. Ship architectures prepared for technological change.
07Shipbuilding, Advanced Manufacturing and Shipyard Management136 h
Construction processes from block fabrication to delivery. Industrial organisation and production planning. Advanced manufacturing: automation, robotics, digital cutting and modularity. Ship welding, surface treatments, corrosion protection and dimensional control. Quality management, inspections and destructive and non-destructive testing. Integration of digital design, production and control through PLM. Planning of harbour trials, sea trials and contractual acceptance. Cost, schedule and risk management. Process optimisation for productivity. Sustainable manufacturing strategies.
08Sustainable Design, Decarbonisation and New Marine Technologies136 h
Principles of sustainability in design and operation. Emission reduction through hydrodynamic efficiency, energy optimisation and new fuels. Electric, hybrid, hydrogen and synthetic fuel propulsion. Design to reduce consumption, maintenance and life-cycle costs. Artificial intelligence and predictive analytics in smart ships. Autonomous ships and assisted navigation. Auxiliary renewable energy. Alignment with international decarbonisation targets. Environmental impact assessment across all phases of the ship. Innovative solutions for the future of maritime transport.
09Maritime Regulation, Certification and Management of Design Projects136 h
International conventions on design, construction and safe operation. Classification society requirements and technical approval. Document management: drawings, calculations, revisions and change control. Technical and operational risk assessment. Contract management between shipowners, shipyards, engineering firms and suppliers. Economic planning, cost estimating and financial control. Leading multidisciplinary teams. Audits, statutory inspections and quality assurance. Life-cycle management through to decommissioning. Management skills for complex projects.
10Design of Special and Offshore Vessels136 h
Design requirements for offshore support vessels. Passenger ships and ferries. Gas and chemical tankers. Oceanographic research vessels. High-speed craft. Ships for navigation in ice. Cranes, decks and special equipment. Dynamically positioned vessels. Stability during lifting operations. Practical cases of special projects.
11Final Master's Project in Naval Architecture and Ship Design136 h
Defining the ship concept according to mission and service profile. Concept design with main dimensions, capacity and general arrangement. Hydrostatic, stability, resistance and seakeeping analysis. Structural design according to materials, loads, scantlings and rules. Integration of propulsion, power, automation and auxiliary equipment. Assessment of efficiency, emissions and innovative technologies. Construction model with industrial planning, costs and schedule. Technical documentation: drawings, digital models, calculations and specifications. Technical report with economic, operational and strategic analysis. Presentation and defence of the project, with technical, structural, hydrodynamic, regulatory and functional validation.
Duration and format
1,500hours in total
11modules of 136 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round
At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 150 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 75.
What you will learn
- Develop innovative and efficient ship designs.
- Manage complex shipbuilding and ship repair projects.
- Optimise the performance and safety of vessels.
- Apply international regulations and standards in the shipbuilding industry.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams in large-scale naval projects.
- Assess and mitigate the risks associated with ship design and operation.
Career outcomes
- Ship designer: drawings, stability and strength calculations, hull form optimisation.
- Project engineer: end-to-end management of construction and repair, team supervision.
- Naval consultant: advice on safety, energy efficiency and regulatory compliance.
- Ship inspector or surveyor: assessing the condition of ships, accident investigation and technical reports.
- Shipyard technical office: design, calculation and supervision of construction and repair.
- Classification societies: verifying compliance with safety and quality rules.
- Maritime administration: registries, ship inspection and regulatory work.
- Engineering and consultancy: design and analysis of structures, propulsion and equipment.
- R&D: technological innovation projects in the shipbuilding sector.
Entry requirements
- Academic or professional profile: degree in Naval Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Architecture or a related field, or accredited professional experience in the shipbuilding sector.
- Technical knowledge: computer-aided design (CAD), finite element analysis (FEM) and programming skills are valued.
- Documentation: up-to-date CV, copy of your degree, academic transcript, identity document or passport, letter of motivation and, optionally, letters of recommendation.
- Skills: analytical ability, problem solving, teamwork and effective communication.
How to enrol
Enrol online
Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.
Receive your access
We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.
Study at your pace
Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.
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