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Master’s degree · Hull and naval architectureMaster's in Shipyard Engineering and Advanced Construction
In this master's programme you will learn the latest techniques in design, planning and production in the shipyard. You will work on block construction, production workflows, scheduling and yard logistics, with quality assurance and cost control throughout the modules.
100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time
What is this programme?
This online master's degree of 1,500 hours is aimed at naval and ocean engineers who want to specialise in the design, construction and repair of ships and marine infrastructure.
It covers the design, simulation and optimisation of structures, from high-speed craft to offshore platforms, the use of specialised software, project management with agile methodologies and BIM, and the full life cycle of a ship.
What makes it different: advanced simulation (FEA, CFD, hydrodynamic modelling), innovative materials (composites, high-strength alloys, advanced welding), automation and robotics, and sustainability and energy efficiency.
Programme highlights
- Cutting-edge ship design and construction.
- Specialised modelling and simulation software.
- Management of complex projects.
- Energy efficiency and sustainability.
- High-level career paths in shipyards, naval engineering and certification bodies.
- Comprehensive training geared towards career impact.
Study plan
01Integrated Design and Optimisation of Ship Structures for Advanced Construction and Maritime Sustainability136 h
Foundations of structural design (hydrodynamic loads and stresses in panels and frames), advanced materials, finite element analysis for structural integrity and weight reduction, modular design and prefabrication, sensors and smart systems for monitoring, classification and sustainability standards (IACS, ISO, MARPOL), simulation of extreme conditions, low-impact design, integrated project management in shipyards and case studies of innovative vessels.
02Innovations in Modular Manufacturing and Automation in Smart Shipyards136 h
Foundations of modular manufacturing, parametric design and BIM, automation with collaborative robots, guided vehicles and advanced CNC, cyber-physical systems and IIoT, digital twins, metal additive manufacturing, automated welding and assembly with in-line quality control, material flow and just-in-time planning, the regulatory framework for automated processes, and real cases of leading shipyards.
03Design, Optimisation and Sustainability in Ship Structures with Modular Manufacturing and Innovation in Smart Shipyards136 h
Structural design foundations for hull and superstructure, advanced materials (alloys, composites and nanotechnology), modular manufacturing, topological and computational optimisation with AI algorithms, digital simulation and digital twins, advanced automation and collaborative robotics, sustainable energy management, reduction of the environmental footprint, standards and certifications for modular and sustainable construction, and case studies of smart shipyards.
04Digital Twins and Collaborative Robotics in Advanced Manufacturing: High-Productivity Welding, Metal 3D Printing, Non-Destructive Testing and Logistics136 h
Foundations of digital twins, IoT sensors and SCADA, simulation and predictive analysis of assembly and welding, cobots, automated welding (submerged arc, MIG/MAG and adaptive laser), metal 3D printing, automated non-destructive testing (phased array, radiography, penetrants and thermography), logistics with digital twins, cyber-physical systems and collaborative production management with MES.
05Advanced Integration of CAD/CAM Systems and Digital Simulation for Process Optimisation in Smart Shipyards136 h
Computer-aided design and complex assemblies, the digital CAD/CAM workflow from concept to automated manufacturing, FEM structural analysis, CNC and robotic welding programming through simulation, virtual replicas for quality control and predictive maintenance, integration of CAD/CAM with robots, augmented and virtual reality, integrated planning with shipyard-specific PLM and ERP, data analytics with IoT and SCADA, and digitalisation standards and best practices.
06Disruptive Technologies in Modular Manufacturing, Automation and Digital Management for Shipyard Innovation136 h
Foundations of modular manufacturing, disruptive technologies such as metal 3D printing and advanced polymers, automation with cobots and robotic welding, digital twins for production lines, industrial IoT with smart sensors, 5G and predictive analytics, digital platforms (specialised ERP, inventories and adaptive scheduling), AI for resource management and predictive maintenance, sustainability in modular manufacturing, standards and certification criteria, and case studies and trends in the shipyard 4.0.
07Innovation in Modular Design and Manufacturing of Ship Structures with Digital Technologies and Sustainability136 h
Principles of modular design, CAD/CAM tools and digital structural simulation, BIM for coordinating multidisciplinary teams, planning, sequencing and quality control of modular manufacturing, advanced and composite materials, robotics for module manufacturing, modular assembly techniques and tolerances, life cycle, recyclability and eco-design of modules, real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, and hydrodynamics and structural analysis for module optimisation.
08Integrated Supply Chain Management and Advanced Logistics for Digitalised and Sustainable Shipbuilding136 h
Fundamentals of the shipbuilding supply chain, digital integration models, ERP and SCM for the naval industry, inventories and warehouses with just-in-time and digital Kanban, advanced logistics (internal routes, multimodal transport and automated fleets), IoT and Big Data for monitoring and risk anticipation, digital twins for logistics processes, sustainability and circular economy in the supply chain, international standards and eco-standards in procurement, and management of critical suppliers with digital audits.
09Innovation and Sustainability in Modular Design, Automation and Digitalisation for the Shipbuilding of the Future136 h
Advanced principles of modular design, composite materials and innovative alloys, modelling and simulation (FEM, CFD and topological optimisation), automation with industrial robotics and additive manufacturing, digital twins for supervision and predictive maintenance, alternative propulsion and energy, sustainability (emissions, waste and regulations such as IMO Tier III), IoT sensors and smart systems, agile methodologies and Lean Construction, and real cases and disruptive trends in the shipyard 4.0.
10Regulation, Classification and Project Management of Newbuildings136 h
Classification society rules for newbuildings, plan approval and technical documentation, shipbuilding contracts and specifications, master project planning, cost control and progress certifications, quality management and inspections in the shipyard, harbour and sea trials, ship delivery and guarantee period, management of contractual and technical risks, and a practical newbuilding case.
11Final Master's Project: Integration of Digital Technologies and Automation for Process Optimisation in Shipyards136 h
Objectives of the final project and digital technologies in shipbuilding, creation and updating of digital twins, robotic systems for assembly and component manufacturing, IoT in shipyards, predictive analytics for maintenance, CAD/CAM/CAE integration through to automated quality control, AI and machine learning for process optimisation and anomaly detection, augmented and virtual reality for training and inspection, case studies of digitalisation in international shipyards, and the design and presentation of a comprehensive automation and digitalisation plan.
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
- Lead innovative shipbuilding projects.
- Design and optimise efficient ship structures.
- Manage the integration of complex ship systems.
- Implement advanced technologies in ship production.
- Optimise the management of the shipbuilding supply chain.
- Assess and mitigate risks in shipbuilding.
Career outcomes
- Structural design and calculation engineer.
- Production engineer in shipyards.
- Project engineer.
- R&D&I engineer.
- Technical consultant.
- Technical inspector or surveyor.
- Automation and control engineer.
- Quality and safety manager.
- Procurement and logistics manager.
Entry requirements
- Profile: a degree in Naval Engineering, Industrial Engineering or Naval Architecture, an equivalent qualification, or demonstrable professional experience in shipbuilding or shipyards.
- Valued knowledge: ship design, structures, hydrodynamics, propulsion, project management and materials.
- Documentation: up-to-date CV, qualification, academic transcript, motivation letter and proof of relevant experience.
- IT skills: CAD/CAM/CAE, project management software and structural calculation tools.
- Admission is provisional until the admissions committee validates the documentation.
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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