solent university yacht design

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Yacht Design and Production BEng (Hons) Solent University (Southampton)

Course options

Qualification.

Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) - BEng (Hon)

• TUITION FEES
• ENTRY REQUIREMENT
• UNIVERSITY INFO

Course summary

Do you dream of designing race-winning yachts or multi-million-pound superyachts? Take the first step to fulfilling your ambition by studying on Solent’s unique and highly-regarded yacht design and production course, delivered right in the heart of the south coast’s marine industry.Solent’s yacht design and production course has an international reputation and has been developed in conjunction with the industry to ensure essential skills in both the design and production of yachts and commercial craft are covered.Students on this modern course will study the engineering science underlying great design, along with the fundamental principles of naval architecture, construction methods and high-tech fibre reinforced composite materials. Planning and management processes for the efficient, effective production of racing sailing yachts, RIBs, motor yachts, cruising yachts, patrol boats and commercial craft are also key elements in the syllabus.A strong practical emphasis is present throughout the course, allowing students to gain valuable knowledge of hands-on examples, design applications and workshop experience in production methods and materials.Teaching is handled by a team of expert professionals with ongoing industry consultancy expertise.

The course maintains close links with previous graduates, some of whom have gone on to work as naval architects, design engineers and yacht designers at companies such as Dubois Yachts, Laurent Giles Naval Architects, Ker Yacht Design, Sunseeker Yachts, Monaco Marine and Viareggio Shipyards in Italy.

This popular course is perfect for aspiring designers of racing yachts or luxury superyachts.Students learn the fundamentals of yacht design alongside the latest construction methods to gain a solid grounding for roles in yacht design, naval architecture or management of new builds and refits.

Application deadline

Modules (Year 1)

Modules (year 2), modules (year 3), tuition fees.

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£ 17,750 per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

Entry requirements

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QUALIFICATION TYPE

• UCAS Points
• Access to HE Diploma
• Extended Project
• International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
• OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate
• OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
• OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
• OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
• OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
• OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
• OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
• Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
• Pearson BTEC Certificate (QCF)
• Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
• Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
• Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
• Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

A minimum of 2 A Levels required including 2 STEM subjects.

University information

University league table, campus address.

Southampton Solent University, East Park Terrace, Southampton, Southampton, SO14 0YN, England

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71st out of 75 8

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6 of the best yacht design courses to kick-start your career

Yacht design and production beng.

Although many of the world’s top superyacht designers had no formal training, taking a yacht design course can be a great way to kick-start your career and make vital industry connections. We round up five of the best.

Southampton Solent University’s Yacht Design and Production Course has an international reputation and for good reason, as it features guest lectures from BMT Nigel Gee and work experience placements at Sunseeker International . Students on this three-year course study the engineering science behind great yacht design as well as the fundamental principles of naval architecture. A foundation year is available, as well as opportunities to study abroad. Notable successes include the class of 2014, who built the foiling catamaran Solent Whisper (pictured above).

Yacht Design Diploma

Based in the American town of Arundel, Maine, the Landing School offers a wide range of courses in marine technology. Its Yacht Design Diploma boasts a 100% employment rate for former students and bursaries are available via the Women in the Marine Industry scholarship. Alumni have gone on to work for the America’s Cup team Artemis Racing (pictured above).

Yacht Design 1st Level Masters

Offered as a postgraduate course, the Yacht Design 1st Level Masters at Milan’s ISAD design school is intended for students who have a degree in architecture, engineering or design. Taught in both English and Italian, this one-year course culminates in an industry placement, and guest speakers include  Mario Pedol  (who designed the 180 metre  Azzam  — pictured), and  Andrea Vallicelli .

Yacht and Boat Design Diploma

The Westlawn Institute has been teaching yacht design for more than 80 years, and currently offers an online distance-learning programme. The Yacht and Boat Design course is taught by tutors based in the USA and Australia, and is accredited by the Royal Institute of Naval Architects in London. This one-year diploma features modules on construction, engineering and CAD. Famous alumni include Douglas Zurn , Tom Fexas and Geoffrey Van Aller , who is responsible for the design of many of the top 50 largest US-built yachts , such as the 73 metre Cocoa Bean (pictured above).

Automotive and Transport Design MDes/BA

A slightly left field option perhaps, but automotive design is one of the key fields that influences yacht design . This three to four-year undergraduate course at Coventry University is held in particularly high regard for its strong industry connections. Former students who have gone on to make a name for themselves in the superyacht world include Jonny Horsfield (whose H2 Yacht Design studio created the exteriors for the 123 metre Project Jupiter  — pictured above), and Steve Gresham.

Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering MEng

In recent years, there has been a trend towards students using naval architecture courses as a route into yacht design, as James Roy from BMT Nigel Gee explains: "It used to be that if you attended a traditional naval architecture degree then you would spend most of your time learning things about big merchant ships, but that is not the case anymore.

"Most university degrees are now geared to provide modular approaches, and the naval architecture and engineering of smaller and specialist vessels, such as yachts, are included."

This four-year course at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow is a case in point — providing a broad basis for understanding how a wide variety of vessels work, from luxury yachts to commercial ships. The faculty also owns a 10 metre sailing yacht called Catalina (pictured above), which students can hire for as little as £30 per day.

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Yacht Design and Production Beng (Hon)

Solent University

Discover more 👀

Learn more about this course.

Course Overview - Yacht Design and Production Beng (Hon)

Do you dream of designing race-winning yachts or multi-million-pound superyachts? Take the first step to fulfilling your ambition by studying on Solent’s unique and highly-regarded yacht design and production course, delivered right in the heart of the south coast’s marine industry. Solent’s yacht design and production course has an international reputation and has been developed in conjunction with the industry to ensure essential skills in both the design and production of yachts and commercial craft are covered. Students on this modern course will study the engineeri... Read more

Do you dream of designing race-winning yachts or multi-million-pound superyachts? Take the first step to fulfilling your ambition by studying on Solent’s unique and highly-regarded yacht design and production course, delivered right in the heart of the south coast’s marine industry.<br/><br/>Solent’s yacht design and production course has an international reputation and has been developed in conjunction with the industry to ensure essential skills in both the design and production of yachts and commercial craft are covered.<br/>Students on this modern course will study the engineering science underlying great design, along with the fundamental principles of naval architecture, construction methods and high-tech fibre reinforced composite materials. Planning and management processes for the efficient, effective production of racing sailing yachts, RIBs, motor yachts, cruising yachts, patrol boats and commercial craft are also key elements in the syllabus.<br/><br/>A strong practical emphasis is present throughout the course, allowing students to gain valuable knowledge of hands-on examples, design applications and workshop experience in production methods and materials.<br/><br/>Teaching is handled by a team of expert professionals with ongoing industry consultancy expertise.<br/><br/>**What does this course lead to?**<br/>The course maintains close links with previous graduates, some of whom have gone on to work as naval architects, design engineers and yacht designers at companies such as Dubois Yachts, Laurent Giles Naval Architects, Ker Yacht Design, Sunseeker Yachts, Monaco Marine and Viareggio Shipyards in Italy.<br/><br/>**Who is this course for?**<br/>This popular course is perfect for aspiring designers of racing yachts or luxury superyachts.<br/><br/>Students learn the fundamentals of yacht design alongside the latest construction methods to gain a solid grounding for roles in yacht design, naval architecture or management of new builds and refits.

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East Park Terrace, Southampton, SO14 0YN

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Yacht Design Graduate (Southampton Solent University) seeking work experience.

Discussion in ' Services & Employment ' started by quicova , Oct 2, 2009 .

quicova New Member

I’m a Portuguese Yacht design graduate from Southampton Solent University (formerly called Southampton Institute), currently living in the UK seeking work experience in Yacht design, preferably in the performance sailing yacht field. I’m 26 years old. I studied architecture for 4 years in Portugal before moving to England to study Yacht design. I’m an avid sailor with a commercially endorsed RYA/MCA Yachtmasters Offshore. I race both inshore and offshore, with crew or singlehanded (currently on a Mini Transat). I work very well with design software (Maxsurf Range, Solidworks, AutoCAD, Rhino (Plus Plug-Ins), Excel, Hullscant, WinVPP) My portfolio/CV is available online at www.franciscoaz.com I’m willing to move anywhere in the world. Please contact me with any questions at [email protected] Best regards, Francisco [email protected] www.franciscoaz.com  

Nordic Cat Senior Member

Impressive work Hi Francisco, Great with the videos showing the tank testing on your site! Can you tell us a bit more about the idea behind the bottom channels? Did you get to do a comparison VPP with and without them? What would you change if you were to start all over? Alan  

maxsalgado Junior Member

Bilge Oi Nice web site, Just a question about the Open 40, isnt the shape of the bilge supposed to be a continius line? I could see a couple of discontinuities in the bow chine and the stern bilge Good job by the way, I would love to go to South Hapton  

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Rankings of Southampton Solent University

Solent University was established in 1855 in the City Centre of Southampton, South East England. This institution started out as a private Art school in 1856 and has since evolved into one of the most important HEIs in Southampton. Being so centrally located, students are within walking distance of most amenities in the city. Even so, the university provides more than sufficient facilities for students to find anything they need on-site. The Solent campus has a particularly active Student Union office, a great Student Hub for career or even personal advice, as well as a variety of popular restaurants.

• May 2024: Publication of CUG The Complete University Guide . Ranking position #102.
• May 2024: Publication of CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject (Business & Management Studies) . Ranking position #100.
• December 2023: Publication of URAP World Ranking - University Ranking by Academic Performance . Ranking position #2261.
• December 2023: Southampton Solent University ranks 201 in the latest Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments - ShanghaiRanking (Sport Science) from ShanghaiRanking Consultancy.

University rankings

• #2261 
• #3397 

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Architecture, building & planning, arts visual & performing, computer science, engineering, journalism & media studies, social studies & humanities, sports science, highest subject rankings for southampton solent university, student ratings for southampton solent university.

“Commuting here is difficult, so I wish I lived in halls for at least a year to have a more social experience. Even so, my time here has been an enriching overall experience with lovely people and professional lecturers.”

“As an international student I would recommend my friends and family to join this university, since I’ve had such a positive experience studying International Shipping and Logistics. I feel confident about the future after graduation, and I’m looking forward to putting into practice everything I’ve been taught.”

“Living on-campus here has been my first experience away from home, so I was worried about how I would handle it. Needless to say I’ve met friendly and passionate students here, and the events that the university hosts to get you socialising with your peers in the residences really get you off to a good start here.”

About Southampton Solent University

• Student residences are right next to the campus, meaning students don’t need a car to get the most out of living here.
• Awarded 4 stars by QS Star rating, which takes into consideration the quality of teaching and facilities, as well as employment prospects post -graduation.
• Students generally agree that job opportunities with this university are abundant, thanks to the hard work of the careers advice department, and the variety of enterprises in and around Southampton.
• Students who don’t live on campus have expressed that commuting can be difficult. For this reason, popular opinion is that the best thing you can do for yourself is to live on campus.
• The most repeated comment is that learners don’t get enough contact hours with their teachers, which is disappointing for many as they feel that this is what they are paying for.

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

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NSS Aggregate Student reviews

Below you see the results of Southampton Solent University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

THE Student Experience Survey by Times Higher Education

Times Higher Education has surveyed 20251 undergraduate students in the UK about their study experience. 92 students of Southampton Solent University participated in the survey.

Below you'll find the results for each of the survey questions for Southampton Solent University in comparison to the average for all UK universities.

Overall score: 73.7

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How does southampton solent university compare in the university ranking to all other universities in southampton, in which rankings is southampton solent university listed, what is the highest ranking of southampton solent university, in which subjects is southampton solent university best, what is southampton solent university's reputation, is southampton solent university better than university of oxford, ranking publishers, the times and the sunday times, the times good university guide  (published: 15 september, 2023).

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The Times Good University Guide by Subject  (Published: 15 September, 2023)

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Celebrating 50 years of yacht design at Solent

alumni, staff and students celebrated 50 years of yacht design at solent university with a conference and gala dinner..

From world-renowned yacht designers to maritime business leaders, more than 130 alumni sailed into Southampton on Saturday 21 September 2019 to celebrate 50 years of yacht design at Solent University.

The first yacht engineering courses began in 1969 with students graduating with either HNCs or HNDs. From these humble beginnings, two popular courses emerged in the 1980s, Institute Diploma in Yacht & Boat Design and the College Diploma in Yacht & Boatyard management.

And, in 1990 the institution’s first two degree courses were launched. Following on from the success of the degrees in Yacht and Powercraft Design and  Yacht Design and Production , the University recently launched the one year MSc program, MSc Superyacht Design .

During the day, attending alumni were able to meet up with past and present staff and students, take a selection of tours – including a maritime simulation tour - and listen to academic papers, before sitting down in the evening to a gala dinner and keynote speaker - one of sailing's leading journalists and alumnus, Matthew Sheahan.

Speaking at the event, Giles Barkley, Course Leader in Yacht Engineering, said: “This is not just about celebrating 50 years of this university delivering world-leading courses in naval architecture, yacht design and yacht production; it is also about looking to the future and to the next 50 years.

“Looking at everyone here today, it is evident that we have a strong and international network of Yacht Engineering professionals. 

“Our original courses have evolved and are regularly updated, and recognised not only here in the UK but all over the globe. This has to be quite an achievement for both the course and the University.”

Alumnus and Honorary Doctorate Jason Ker, Director at Ker Yacht Design and designer of many famous race yachts including Americas Cup yachts, was pleased to be back in the building.

“It was great to see old classmates, it felt like a family reunion. The course has always provided a good foundation of practical and academic marine design and engineering knowledge,” he said.

“It is clear that in addition to its wide success in the specialisation of Yacht Design, the course has set old classmates off into exceptional careers in race car engineering and ship design.”

Andrew MacFarlan, Head of Composite Design at Red Bull, who graduated in 1995 with a BEng (Hons) in Yacht and Powercraft Design, spent four years in the marine industry before switching his skills to Formula 1 in 1999.

“The principles you learn as a naval architect or a yacht designer are transferable to the design of many things, but certainly to F1 cars,” he added. “All the materials and structural analysis, general design and engineering, centre of gravity – all of these things are completely transferable.”

Solent continues to produce graduates who shape the world of sailing, including Guillame Verdier, who designed the yachts that came both first and second at 2012 Vendee Globe.

On the sailing-side, world-class alumni include: Helena Lucas, who won Great Britain’s first ever sailing gold at the 2012 Paralympics; Paul Goodison who took gold at the 2008 Olympics; and Herve Piveteau, who sailed to victory in the Production Boat Class at the Mini Transat 2008.