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Professional diploma · Hull and naval architecture

Professional Diploma in Naval Simulation and 3D Modelling

This professional diploma gives you the essential tools and knowledge to master the latest technologies in ship design and analysis. You will work with CAD modelling, meshing and the fundamentals of flow simulation, and you will practise interpreting and documenting results.

100% online800 hours8 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This professional diploma gives you the tools to analyse and design vessels with today's technologies, from building accurate 3D models to simulating their behaviour in different scenarios. The technical focus is on optimising performance through finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

What sets the programme apart: training with industry software such as Rhinoceros, SolidWorks, Ansys and OpenFOAM; practical cases on ships, offshore platforms and marine systems; and parametric modelling, structural optimisation and hydrodynamic simulation techniques.

Programme highlights

  • Tools: use of naval simulation and 3D modelling software.
  • Design and optimisation: designing ships and improving their performance through simulation.
  • Scenario analysis: creating and analysing complex maritime scenarios to support strategic decisions.
  • Realistic modelling: high-fidelity 3D models of vessels and marine environments.

Study plan

01Fundamentals of Naval Architecture and 3D Hull Geometry100 h
Introduction to naval CAD: history, digital workflow and comparison of platforms. NURBS curves and surfaces: waterlines, frames, diagonals and the 3D lines plan. Hull surface modelling: G0-G2 continuity and correction of imperfections. Initial hydrostatics: displacement, centre of buoyancy, centre of gravity and metacentre. Attribute curves: KN, Bonjean, wetted surface and form coefficients. Exchange of neutral formats (IGES, STEP, DXF, OBJ). Geometric quality criteria: watertightness, tolerances and preparation for analysis. Naval design software.
02Advanced 3D Modelling of Hulls, Superstructures and Interior Spaces100 h
Complex parametric hulls: multihulls, steps and inverted bows. Appendages and propulsors: rudders, daggerboards, bilge keels, nozzles and controllable-pitch propellers. Superstructures and decks: aerodynamic forms, bridges and workboats. Interior compartmentation: bulkheads, double bottoms, tanks and accommodation. Component libraries: deck fittings, winches, rescue boats and lifting gear. 3D piping: bilge, fire-fighting and fuel systems. Photorealistic rendering, marine materials and virtual walkthroughs. Rendering and model visualisation.
033D Structural Modelling and Production Detailing for Shipbuilding100 h
Internal structure: floors, longitudinals, beams, bulkheads and stiffeners. Profiles and scantlings according to classification society rules. Plate development for CNC cutting (flattening of complex-curvature plates). Cutting and nesting plans to optimise the use of steel and aluminium. Detailing of joints and welds: bevels, cut-outs and reference lines. Bill of materials: weights and centres of gravity per block. Block construction for shipyard logistics. Construction drawings and material lists.
04Stability Simulation, Computational Naval Architecture and Damage100 h
Intact stability: GZ curves, IMO criteria and dynamic loading conditions. Damage stability: progressive flooding, permeability and subdivision. Docking and undocking: keel block reactions and stability during the operation. Weight shifts: virtual inclining, tank transfers and free surfaces. Stability in waves. Heavy-lift operations with onboard cranes. Automatic generation of regulatory stability booklets from the 3D model. Intact and damage stability criteria.
05Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Applied to Naval Hydrodynamics100 h
Fundamentals: RANS equations, domain discretisation and boundary conditions. Structured, unstructured and adaptive meshes; boundary layer treatment (y+). Resistance: wave-making, friction and aerodynamic drag. Free surface (VOF): wave system, trim and squat. Appendages and hull-propeller interference. Form optimisation: bulb and stern for lower fuel consumption. Validation against towing tank tests (EFD). Meshing and validation in CFD.
06Seakeeping and Manoeuvrability Simulation100 h
Ship response to waves: RAOs in six degrees of freedom. JONSWAP and Pierson-Moskowitz wave spectra for irregular seas. Comfort and operability: accelerations, MSI index and helideck operability. Extreme phenomena: slamming, green water and parametric roll. Manoeuvrability: turning circle, zigzag and spiral tests. Stabilisation systems: active fins, anti-roll tanks and gyroscopes. Ship-bottom and ship-channel interaction: shallow water, bank effect and suction. Virtual manoeuvring trials.
07Nautical Simulators, Virtual Environments and Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR)100 h
Simulator architecture: real-time dynamic models with 3D engines. Virtual scenarios: ports, channels, aids to navigation and met-ocean conditions. Control consoles: telegraph, helm and joysticks linked to the ship's physics. Dynamic positioning: azimuth thrusters, bow thrusters and position control. Virtual reality in design: 1:1 walkthroughs to assess ergonomics on the bridge and in the engine room. Augmented reality for maintenance: 3D data overlaid on real machinery. Towing and mooring: cable dynamics and tug-ship interaction. Bridge simulation and training environments.
08Capstone Project in 3D Modelling and Naval Hydrodynamic Simulation100 h
Definition of the case study: design of a hull or vessel. Parametric modelling, hull surface, appendages and compartmentation. Hydrostatics, intact and damage stability. CFD: meshing, resistance at several speeds and form optimisation. Seakeeping: RAO curves and behaviour in a specific sea state. Visualisation and digital twin: rendering, virtual walkthrough or integration into a simulator. Presentation and defence of the project. Technical defence of the model and results before a panel of naval engineers.

Duration and format

800hours in total
8modules of 100 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 80 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 40.

What you will learn

  • Develop accurate naval models.
  • Optimise vessel design and performance.
  • Assess and mitigate risks in maritime operations.
  • Apply simulation to naval decision-making.
  • Master 3D modelling tools to represent naval scenarios.
  • Integrate naval simulation with control and navigation systems.

Career outcomes

  • Naval 3D modeller.
  • Naval simulation developer.
  • Naval simulation consultant.
  • Researcher in modelling and simulation.
  • Computer-aided naval designer (CAD/CAM).
  • 3D visualisation specialist for the shipbuilding industry.
  • Naval simulator support technician.
  • Naval simulation trainer.

Entry requirements

  • Academic or professional profile: a degree in engineering (naval, mechanical, industrial or similar), architecture, 3D design or related fields; alternatively, demonstrable experience in 3D modelling, simulation or the shipbuilding industry.
  • Technical competence: basic knowledge of 3D modelling (CAD/CAM), simulation and naval concepts. Familiarity with naval simulation software is not required but is valued.
  • Documents: up-to-date CV, copy of degree certificate (if applicable), identity document or passport and a motivation letter. A portfolio is optional.
  • Technical requirements for online study: a computer capable of running modelling and simulation software, a stable internet connection and a dedicated graphics card (recommended).

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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