University of Strathclyde

What you'll study

This programme combines core and optional modules that cover the technical disciplines underpinning modern marine engineering, together with applied laboratory work and an individual research project. Study emphasises machinery and propulsion systems, structural integrity, system automation and condition monitoring, as well as emerging areas such as marine renewable power systems.

• Core technical modules – propulsion and prime movers, marine systems engineering, structural analysis for ships and offshore structures, and hydrodynamics relevant to ship motions and performance.
• Systems, control and monitoring – marine automation, control systems, condition monitoring and fault diagnosis for onboard machinery.
• Offshore and renewable energy – introduction to offshore engineering, subsea systems and marine renewables such as tidal and offshore wind integration.
• Materials and safety – materials selection and corrosion in the marine environment, reliability, risk and safety management for marine assets.
• Project and research – a substantial individual dissertation or industry-linked project, which develops research skills, experimental or numerical modelling, and technical communication.

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory and workshop practicals, simulation and modelling exercises, case studies drawn from industry, and a supervised research project. Facilities used by students typically include engine and machinery labs, control and automation rigs, towing tank and model-test facilities, and computational resources for CFD and structural analysis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree in engineering or a closely related discipline (for example mechanical, marine, naval architecture, aerospace or ocean engineering). Candidates with a lower-class honours degree plus relevant industrial experience may also be considered. International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English; acceptable evidence is usually an academic English test at an appropriate level or equivalent institutional evidence.

The programme welcomes applicants from industry seeking to update skills as well as recent graduates aiming to specialise. Where appropriate, prior practical experience and employer support can be taken into account when assessing suitability.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to technical, managerial and specialist roles across the marine and offshore sectors. Typical employers and roles include:

• Shipowners and shipping companies – technical superintendent, performance and fuel-efficiency specialist.
• Shipyards and marine OEMs – design, installation and commissioning engineers for propulsion and auxiliary systems.
• Offshore oil & gas and renewable energy firms – subsea systems engineer, operations and maintenance, asset integrity roles.
• Classification societies, regulatory bodies and consultancy practices – surveyor, structural assessor, risk and reliability consultant.
• Manufacturers of marine machinery and control systems – product development, testing and condition-monitoring roles.
• Research and development or further study – roles in university or industry research groups or progression to PhD study.

The programme’s industry-facing projects and laboratory experience are designed to give graduates practical skills valued by employers and to support professional development and chartered-status pathways.

Why study at University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde has a long-standing history of teaching and research in naval architecture, marine and offshore engineering, located in Glasgow — a city with deep links to shipbuilding and marine industries. The department maintains active collaborations with industry partners, which support project work, placements and applied research opportunities.

Students benefit from hands-on access to specialised facilities and test beds, supervised research with experienced academic staff, and a curriculum shaped by current industry challenges such as decarbonisation, digitalisation and asset condition management. The programme is designed to prepare graduates for engineering practice and continued professional development in internationally oriented marine and offshore sectors.