Undergraduate course

MEng (Hons)

Marine Technology

Launch your marine engineering career with this four-year integrated masters. Gain expertise in engineering, naval architecture, and marine technology, reinforced by hands-on lab sessions and industry links.

Our typical offer

120 UCAS points

Secure your place this September

Already applied or yet to apply? Get guidance on the next steps you need to take to start a course in 2025.

Take your studies a step further

This four year integrated masters programme takes your learning and expertise development all the way to masters level.

High-spec industry facilities

You’ll learn to use all the latest specialist equipment in our innovative engineering facilities, from our COAST lab to STEAM labs, so you graduate with sought-after knowledge and experience.

Specialist pathway

We are the only University in the country to offer an optional 'with composites' pathway. This pathway lets you specialise in designing and manufacturing advanced materials, allowing you to stand out in the job market.
MEng (Hons) Marine Technology
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About

Start your journey to becoming a qualified professional marine engineer with this four year integrated masters. Marine technologists are engineers focused on engineering for life at sea. As problem solvers, engineers design, create and use tools in every industry from nanotech to agritech. Develop skills in the fundamentals of engineering, marine engineering and naval architecture, and use laboratory sessions, taught by enthusiastic staff with strong industry links, to reinforce your learning.
Civil and coastal engineering student in COAST lab

This course is for you if...

you want to take your studies further to achieve a masters degree
Lightbulb with cog inside
you're fascinated by the technical aspects of the marine environment and aspire to engineer solutions for life at sea
Wind turbine
you're eager to gain hands-on experience and industry exposure during your studies
Hand holding two cogs
you're aiming for a professionally accredited degree that paves the way to becoming an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer
Engineer in hard hat, holding paper in front of a building

Details

Year 1

Get ready for an exciting start to your career as a marine technologist. Our "learning by doing" ethos is at the heart of our teaching approach. You will join forces with fellow engineering students in our unique, purpose-built laboratories to experience the fascinating world of engineering materials, structures and thermo-fluid mechanics. Alongside this hands-on approach, you will develop insight into the underpinning engineering science and mathematics that govern how the real world behaves.
By the end of this year, you will have developed confidence in core IT and computer aided design skills, and used your imagination and creativity to resolve real-world engineering challenges.
Andrew Hirst - BEng (Hons) Marine Technology student using the COAST lab (full-bleed)

Core modules

BPIE115
Stage 1 Mechanical Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

ENGR103
Engineering Science 20 credits

This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of fluid mechanics appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications; the fundamental concepts of thermodynamics relating to the interaction between systems and their surroundings, including both flow and non-flow processes, heat engines, and mechanisms of heat transfer; and the fundamental principles of electrical engineering.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

ENGR104
Engineering Mathematics 20 credits

This module provides students with a number of fundamental mathematical skills, and techniques, which are essential for the analysis of engineering problems.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

ENGR105
Mechanics and Structures 20 credits

This module introduces students to the fundamental scientific principles of engineering mechanics and structures appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. Deeper understanding of these scientific principles will be developed through practical applications using hand calculations and computer software tools as appropriate.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

ENGR106
Engineering Materials 20 credits

This module introduces students to a broad range of engineering materials appropriate for civil, marine and mechanical engineering applications. The module will consider the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties, presenting practical applications wherever appropriate. Students will also be introduced to standard material test methods.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

ENGR107
Engineering Design 20 credits

This module introduces students to engineering design practice appropriate to civil, marine and mechanical engineering disciplines. Students will develop sketching and technical drawing skills and use computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create digital models of technical systems. Working in a team, students will be tasked to create sustainable solutions to real-world technical design challenges.

70% Coursework

30% Tests

ENGR108
Engineering Practice and Experimental Techniques 20 credits

The experimental basis of this module allows students develop their engineering science knowledge and practical skills using a student-centred, laboratory-based approach to learning. The module will help students develop good quality study skills, teamwork, and competency in technical communication.

70% Practicals

30% Coursework

Year 2

In your second year, specialist subjects like control systems engineering and quality management are introduced, while continuing to enhance your proficiency in the core engineering sciences. To support this, you will learn to apply powerful mathematical and computational tools to analyse, enhance and optimise engineering systems. The design-to-manufacture process is explored in depth using digitally-controlled machine tools to make prototype parts.
In parallel, an extensive programme of career development support will supercharge your professional and transferable skills in readiness for the workplace; helping you to find the perfect placement.
Students working in the COAST laboratory

Core modules

BPIE215
Stage 2 Mechanical Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module is aimed at students who may be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their programme. It is designed build on the Level 1 module (BPIE111) and to assist students in their search for a placement and in their preparation for the placement itself.

MARN220
Naval Architecture 1 20 credits

This module examines the principles of floating and the stability of marine vessels in their environment and deals with the prediction of the resistance of vessels in motion and the selection and design of suitable propellers.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

CONT223
Engineering Mathematics and Control 20 credits

This module provides engineering mathematical techniques and methods (Laplace transform and linear algebra) for the analysis of practical engineering problems and introduces classical control systems theory.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

MARN222
Marine Engineering Design & Commercialisation 20 credits

In this module, students develop and apply their engineering science knowledge in a practical marine design context. They learn to follow a structured design process to enhance creativity, logical analysis/decision making and commercial awareness. They apply this process to solve a marine design challenge. They also learn to use parametric calculations to optimise components/systems for specific design constraints.

70% Coursework

30% Tests

MATS236
Materials & Structural Integrity 20 credits

This module introduces students to the structural assessment of a range of engineering materials. It includes both a study of the materials themselves as well as their likely failure mechanisms under load. The module will also develop the underpinning mathematical analysis required to quantify these effects in an appropriate manner.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

MECH236
Manufacturing Processes 20 credits

The module provides students with a comprehensive introduction to manufacturing. It will cover both the fundamentals of forming, shaping, joining and traditional machining processes in relation to a range of engineering materials and the relationship between structure, manufacture and properties. It will also include hands-on workshop activities to reinforce understanding and to develop additional engineering competences.

100% Coursework

MECH237
Thermo-Fluids 20 credits

This module will introduce key concepts in thermodynamics and fluids mechanics theory pertaining to mechanical engineering. It will also include an introduction to heat transfer and its application in design and performance of heat engines and other applications.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

Optional placement year

The optional placement year is a fantastic opportunity to advance your career as a professional engineer by working in a commercial engineering team. The placement gives you invaluable experience beyond the classroom environment, developing skills crucial to your future employment.
The whole world awaits: our students find opportunities in a diverse range of sectors including boat builders, defence companies, luxury yacht makers and offshore renewables. Placement often results in an offer of graduate employment.
A front view of two classmates or workmates looking at a digital tablet and helping each other out with work in their on-site geothermal engineering plant in Perth, Western Australia.

Core modules

BPIE335
Mechanical Engineering Related Placement 0 credits

A 48-week period of professional training spent as the third year of a sandwich programme undertaking an approved placement with a suitable company. This provides an opportunity for the student to gain relevant industrial experience to consolidate the first two stages of study and to prepare for the final stage and employment after graduation.

Year 3

The most significant element of this year is your dissertation project where you will apply all the skills and knowledge that you have learned to explore a topic that you find truly fascinating. The project is a hands-on research challenge allowing you to develop deeper insight and knowledge into an area that aligns to your careers aspirations.
Take ownership of your learning by selecting your preferred pathway: either deepening your understanding of control systems engineering and design practice, or learning the theoretical and practical aspects of composites engineering on our unique 'with composites' pathway.
First year engineering students were challenged to create prototypes of boats and competing against one another and analysing the effectiveness of their designs. The vessels being tested in the wave flume of the University’s Marine Building.

Core modules

MARN341
Marine Engineering 20 credits

The module covers Marine Engineering including marine power plant, transmission, system efficiency and environmental factors, and Marine Systems Engineering exploring the aspects of marine engineering dynamic systems, design and analysis.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

MARN342
Naval Architecture 2 20 credits

This module places engineering principles in the context of a hull and its features. The hull and the structural design concepts which are particularly applicable to marine crafts are developed, applied and analysed. Various types of marine vessels' fitness for purpose are studied for the design drivers used and the operational aspects considered.

70% Coursework

30% Tests

PRME310
Engineering Honours Project 40 credits

In this module students will carry out independent project work closely aligned to their programme of study. This will be carried out under the guidance of an appointed supervisor.

100% Coursework

Optional modules

MECH341
Computer Aided Engineering 20 credits

In this module, students learn to use two of the Computer Aided Engineering methods that are most commonly used in industry; finite volume Computational Fluid Dynamics (to solve fluid flow problems) and Finite Element Analysis (to solve structural problems). Students gain an overview of the theory that underpins these methods, and learn how to use a validation process to assess reliability of simulation results.

100% Tests

MATS347
Composites Design and Manufacture 20 credits

The module provides an integrated approach to design, materials and processing selection for composite materials.

50% Coursework

50% Examinations

MATS348
Composites Engineering 20 credits

This module introduces stress analysis and appropriate numerical methods and integrates the learning from the parallel module MATS347 in a practical assignment to produce a prototype composite component.

100% Coursework

CONT318
Control and Intelligent Systems Design 20 credits

This module explores the application of control engineering and artificial intelligence techniques in the design of engineering control systems.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

Final year

In your final year, take your engineering skills to the next level through advanced, real-world applications. You will work through design and prototyping projects for marine engineering and offshore renewable energy applications to give you the skills to enact the world's transition to cleaner, more innovative and more sustainable engineering systems.
Our pathway options allow you to hone your skills in modelling and characterisation of composite materials or to dive deeper into industry-standard computer modelling and simulation tools. This is where engineering theory meets industry-focused innovation - fuelling your transition from student to impactful professional.
Students at the wave simulator in the Marine Building

Core modules

MARN501
Advanced Naval Architecture 20 credits

On completing this module, students will have a comprehensive knowledge of mathematical models associated with marine hydrodynamics and marine structures. The students will be able to understand their limitations, and to interpret data from them. Topics covered will include Vessel Manoeuvring, Marine structural response and analysis of irregular seaways.

70% Examinations

30% Coursework

MECH558
Design for Excellence 40 credits

In this module students are expected to develop a prototype of an engineering system through the application of contemporary design science. They will work within groups to develop environmentally sustainable solutions to complex engineering problems. They will be required to produce a prototype which shows innovation and creativity in the use of technology, including a socio-economic impact assessment of their designs.

100% Coursework

MAR541
Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Systems 20 credits

In this module students will learn how offshore renewable energy converters operate and the engineering challenges they must overcome. The mechanics behind wave energy, tidal energy and offshore wind energy converters will be studied. Students will also gain experience in modelling the behaviour of these devices, using both industry or other standard software and physical modelling in the COAST laboratory.

100% Coursework

Optional modules

MECH545
Advanced FEA & CFD 20 credits

This module will develop knowledge and understanding of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in the context of an advanced analysis / design project. Develops an understanding of the limitations inherent in industrial Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) tools and the need for validation / verification strategies to quantify and reduce uncertainty.

100% Coursework

MATS500
Advanced Composites Technology 20 credits

In the context of advanced composites engineering this module is concerned with developing a good understanding of composites manufacture, process modelling and materials characterisation.

100% Coursework

MECH544
Data Processing, Simulation and Optimisation of Engineering Systems 20 credits

Data Processing part of the module explores the benefits and limitations of data processing in engineering practice. State of the art tools and techniques will be introduced in this module. Simulation and Optimisation of Engineering Systems part will provide the tools to enable the students to develop dynamic simulation of engineering systems, predict their behaviour and optimise their performance using MATLAB/Simulink.

100% Coursework

 
 
 

Alternative pathways

What’s the difference between BEng and MEng?

BEng (Hons)
  • A three year degree, with the potential for it to be four years with a placement year
  • Accredited by the professional engineering institutions on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
MEng (Hons)
  • A four year integrated masters, with the potential for it to be five years with a placement year
  • Accredited by the professional engineering institutions on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Course-specific academic regulations

This course has unique rules relating to:

  • Passing a module
View the full regulations for this course

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

 
 
 
 
 
 

Research-informed teaching

Our team of 100 staff work in the disciplines of engineering, computing, mathematics and navigation. We carry out research in fields from renewable energy to pure mathematics, robotics and cyber security.
Mr Adam Kyte Lecturer in Mechanical & Marine Engineering Design (Engineering)


Lecturer in Mechanical & Marine Engineering Design (Engineering)

Dr Jahir Rizvi Lecturer in Mechanical & Marine Engineering


Lecturer in Mechanical & Marine Engineering

Programme Manager
Dr Alexander Besinis Associate Professor in Mechanical and Medical Engineering


Associate Professor in Mechanical and Medical Engineering

Show all
Meet our technical staff

Our technical staff are integral to the delivery of all our programmes and bring a diverse range of expertise and skills to support students in laboratories and workshops.
 
 
 

Plymouth Engineering Society

The University of Plymouth Engineering Society's main aim is to provide a platform for engineering students at the university to meet, socialise with and learn from their fellow students. We aim to promote links across all engineering disciplines and between all year groups from foundation year to masters year.
We will be hosting socials and events throughout the year so come and get involved! Once you have your membership be sure to follow the society's social media to keep up to date with all activities, socials, and events.
Join the Plymouth Engineering Society
Plymouth Engineering Society
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
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Get involved with one of our many student groups
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

The careers and employability service helped me tailor my CV to a high standard aimed specifically at engineering employers which helped me gain employment.

Nicholas, BEng (Hons) Marine Technology graduate 

Nicholas Parkes
We’re an employment-focused course: preparing you for your chosen career is our priority.
Whether you want to work in vessel design and construction, gas turbine manufacture or propeller design, we’ll support you throughout your degree to make sure you’re prepared and ready for your career in the marine industry.
Our graduates are highly skilled and highly employable. Throughout the course you’ll develop advanced skills in:
  • design: prototyping and testing, innovative problem solving, research and investigation
  • management: project management, quality management, team performance development
  • people skills: clear communication, cooperative teamwork, negotiating with clients and customers
  • CAD: computer-aided design using the latest software too.
  • ]

    95% of our graduates are in work or further study

  • [

    98% of our graduates say their degree was a formal requirement for their job or gave them an advantage

Optional placement year: preparing you for the future

Get your career off to a great start by spending a year working professionally as a student engineer between years two and three.
Build a network of industry contacts and often obtain offers of summer work, sponsorship or employment on graduation. Our placements team will support you in finding a placement, and we have an extensive network of employers across all sectors.
*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 Data for mechanical and marine engineering degrees at Plymouth.

Working for Condor Ferries during my placement year provided me with a fantastic opportunity to experience the maritime industry practices and real-life engineering design. It dramatically improved my commercial awareness and expanded the theoretical knowledge I’d learnt at Plymouth. It definitely fuelled my curiosity and encouraged me to further commit enthusiasm towards my course and career path.

Christopher, BEng (Hons) Marine Technology graduate

Christopher McGibbon, BEng (Hons) Marine Technology

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time UK students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Following final Parliamentary approval in March 2025, the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.

The Tamar Engineering Project

The Tamar Engineering Project is for ambitious students who want to embark on a career in engineering and who have shown potential for high academic achievement at A level, but whose background or personal circumstances may be a barrier to university study.
Successful applicants will receive:
  • £3,000 per annum towards living costs for the duration of the taught element of their degree (usually three years)
  • £1,500 fee waiver per annum
  • one-to-one mentoring from an industry expert.

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
Careers Hub

Apply

Secure your place this September

Use our helpful application support tool at any time to find out what you need to do to secure your place at the University of Plymouth.
Check what you need to do
Three students sitting on a wall at the Barbican eating fish and chips
 
 
 
 
 
 

Entry requirements

Our typical offer
120 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
Mathematics and English at grade C or above is required.

A levels
120 points to include grade C in A level Maths and grade C in a second relevant science subject. Relevant subjects include Applied ICT, Applied Science, Applied Business, Biology, Business/Business Studies, Chemistry, Computing, Computer Science, Design & Technology (Product Design Resistant Materials), Design & Technology (systems and Control Tech), Design & Technology Product Design (Textiles Tech), Economics, Economics and Business, Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Science, Design and Technology, ICT, Physics, Science, Statistics, Further Maths, Use of Maths, Pure Maths.

BTEC RQF National Extended Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
BTEC Qualifications are not accepted for MEng, but may be considered in combination with additional qualifications or experience.
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

All Access courses
Not accepted for MEng, unless the applicant has additional qualifications or experience.

International Baccalaureate
30 to 34 points overall to include 5 in Higher Level Mathematics and 5 in a second relevant Higher Level science/technology subject. English and mathematics must be included.

Irish Leaving Certificate
120 points, including H4 in Maths and H4 in a second relevant science subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.

SQA Advanced Higher
120 points, including grade C in Advanced Higher Maths and grade C in a second relevant Advanced Higher subject. GCSE equivalent English and Maths accepted within.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.
We understand that many applicants remain anxious about meeting the exact terms of our standard conditional offers. We will look again at your application and revise our offer for those applicants who we continue to believe are a good match to our courses, once we have the certainty of your actual results in August.

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
UCAS course code
J612
Institution code
P60
Duration

4 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth
  • Apply at UCAS.com

    • Other routes into this course

    The following courses are available as routes into this programme.

    BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Foundation Year

    Want to pursue engineering but lack traditional requirements, or seeking a career change? This four-year degree, with a foundation year in mechanical engineering, covers design, mechanics and materials, enhancing your employability across industries.

     

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
    Our typical offer
    120 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification.

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
  • Apply at UCAS.com
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    J612
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    4 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth

    Other routes to this course

    If you do not have the required qualifications for this course, you may be able to gain them through the University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) .
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
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    *These are the latest results from the National Student Survey. Please note that the data published on Discover Uni is updated annually in September.