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MSc Marine Engineering with Specialisation in Autonomous Marine Vehicles

Key facts

  • Start date: September
  • Accreditation: RINA / IMarEST
  • Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months, full-time
  • Guest lectures: industrial experts, visiting academics and researchers

  • 1st in Europe & 3rd in the world for Marine/Ocean Engineering (Shanghai Rankings Academic Ranking 2022)

Study with us

  • for graduates in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, marine engineering and related disciplines who want to gain advanced knowledge of autonomous marine technology
  • benefit from excellent teaching facilities: departmental racing yacht, hydrodynamics lab, wave flume tank, marine engine laboratory, hydrogen fuel cell laboratory, and more 
  • UK University of the Year 2019 (Times Higher Education Awards) and Scottish University of the Year 2020 (The Sunday Times Good University Guide)
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Why this course?

Industry 4.0 (Fourth Industrial Revolution) is the confluence of cyber-physical systems that are reshaping most sectors including the maritime sector. Autonomous technology is poised to transform the sector. Crewless vessels are now under development. It's already possible to explore the most extreme oceanic environments using autonomous and robotic systems. It's time for the maritime industry to understand how autonomous systems will shape the sector and how best to exploit them.

This new programme aims to address an identified market need for a postgraduate qualification that is relevant to the maritime industry and which develops skills and knowledge in autonomy and IT technologies used in the sector.

This course is designed for graduates in naval architecture, mechanical engineering, marine engineering and related disciplines who want to gain advanced knowledge of autonomous marine technology.

Container ship

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you’ll study

The course will be delivered by the Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Marine Engineering (NAOME). Students will study a blend of compulsory and optional modules including a group project and then complete an individual project. The taught parts of the course will comprise 120 credits including a 40-credit group project.

The taught part of this postgraduate programme includes modules dealing with the following subjects:

  • Intelligent sensing, deep learning and data analysis
  • Hydrodynamics of underwater vehicles
  • Digital twins of autonomous vehicles
  • Marine engineering simulation and modelling

Group projects

You’ll be part of a group of three to five people in ‘consultant teams’ for 10 weeks addressing a practical engineering problem. You’ll then have the opportunity to present the report to a panel of industrial experts.

This project will enhance your team working and communication skills. It also provides valuable access to industrial contacts.

Group projects will provide you with an enriched experience in the selection, conceptualisation and designing of an autonomous surface or underwater vessel. The group projects will also include a thorough market review, concept and focused design studies and techno-economic analysis in a simulated design project environment.

Student competitions

The department supports and promotes students in various competitions and awards, from cash bursaries for top performing students to the highest of awards from international organisations.

In recent years students from NAOME have been triumphant in the following high profile competitions:

  • Science, Engineering & Technology Student of the Year (SET Awards)
  • Best Maritime Technology Student (SET Awards)
  • Double winner of BP’s Ultimate Field Trip Competition
  • Strathclyder of the Year
  • Maritime Masters
  • TRA, the Transport Research Arena, is the largest European research and technology conference on transport and mobility

Facilities

We have excellent teaching facilities including:

  • Catalina - our departmental racing yacht
  • Kelvin Hydrodynamics Lab - the largest fully operational ship-model experiment tank in any UK university
  • Wave flume tank exclusively for teaching purposes
  • Marine engine laboratory
  • Cutting-edge computer facilities including high performance computers
  • Industry standard software packages

Accreditation

We will apply for accreditation from the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). Our other undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes are also accredited by these professional bodies.

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Course content

A typical selection of classes offered on the programme are outlined below. Please note that these classes may be subject to change.

Semester 1

System Availability and Maintenance

This module aims to provide you with an insight into the qualitative and quantitative systems’ reliability techniques as well as maintenance methodologies with particular emphasis to the maritime industry. The module will give you the ability to formulate, solve, report and present a comprehensive maintenance strategy based on the application of reliability and criticality analysis and assessment tools. The module will also provide you with an insight of the day-to-day operations of ships as well as explore and present features related to ships dry-dockings, inspection, repair and maintenance scheduling, regulatory regime as well as practical case studies on the above.

This module covers the following aspects:

  • introduction to reliability and maintenance (definition of reliability, hazard, risk, maintenance, maintainability, criticality, availability, etc)
  • reliability tools (qualitative and quantitative like FMEA, FMECA, FTA, ETA, BBNs, Markov Analysis, HAZOP, HAZID, etc)
  • risk and criticality matrices
  • corrective, preventive, predictive, condition-based maintenance
  • Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), Risk Based Inspection (RBI) methods. Condition Monitoring (ConMon) tool, Planned Maintenance Systems PMS, Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
  • case studies/applications regarding machinery and hull structure of ships
  • regulatory regime in relation to ship operations and maintenance (IMO, IACS, OCIMF, HSE-Safety case/ALARP, etc.)
  • research and applications in the maritime sector (i.e. FSA, GBS, TMSA, KPIs etc.)
  • preparation for dry-dockings, inspection, maintenance and repairs of ships and offshore structures, quotation lists, etc.
  • assessment of ship operational case studies
  • seminars/lectures from invited experts (maintenance/condition monitoring experts, ship managers/operators to give seminars on planned maintenance/dry-docking planning, day-to-day ship operations)

At the end of this moduleyou'll be able to:

  • understand and apply various reliability software tools, concepts and strategies with application to the maritime/marine industry
  • be aware of the different maintenance methodologies and their application in the maritime field and carry out maintenance strategy case studies

Assessment and feedback are in the form of the submission one coursework assignment related to reliability and criticality analysis tools and a final exam associated to the above topics.

Marine Engineering Simulation and Modelling

The aim of this hands-on module is to provide you with an understanding of the general concepts, advantages and limitations of computer-based system simulation. This is achieved by introducing concepts and methods used to mathematically model a wide range of marine systems and also to design and perform simulation studies on these systems using industry standard simulation software tools.

This module will teach the following:

  • introduction to simulation and advanced simulation techniques
  • introduction to modelling dynamic systems
  • time, Frequency (Fourier) and Complex Frequency (Laplace) domain models
  • introduction to Linear and non-linear concepts
  • numerical solution of dynamic systems
  • modelling examples and techniques: mechanical systems, electric systems, hydraulics, thermal and fluid systems
  • simulation of complex systems in marine engineering
  • diesel engine thermodynamic modelling
  • propulsion system modelling
  • ship power plant components modelling
  • develop models for ship power plant components

On completion of the module you're expected to:

  • become familiar with state-of-the-art techniques employed for the modelling and simulation of Marine engineering systems
  • have an understanding of simulation methodology, capabilities and evaluation procedures for a range of marine systems
  • acquire the necessary skills to perform simulation scenarios as well as to analyse and interpret simulation results

Assessment comes in the form of modelling and simulation of a marine engine/propulsion system, use of the results to comprehend the system behaviour/response. You'll need to submit a report and give a presentation describing your work.

Maritime Regulatory Framework

This module aims to provide a comprehensive introduction to the marine regulatory framework, including background to its development, description of the current framework and future enhancements, an in-depth explanation of the theoretical background, nature and meaning of each method of assessment and a quantitative demonstration of the available routes and criteria used in assessing safety.

This module includes the theoretical background to the development, relevant theoretical models, content, similarities and differences, advantages and disadvantages deriving from the use of various rules and regulations:

  • Maritime Regulatory System – Introduction
  • Key stakeholders in Maritime Regulations and Enforcement
  • Imo, FLAG States and Classification Societies
  • EU regulatory Politics and Policy
  • Shipping and Environment
  • ISM and Human element in Shipping
  • Rule Development process and Philosophy
  • Offshore Regulations

At the end of this module, you'll:

  • understand the structure and functioning of Marine Regulatory Framework including, IMO, Classification Societies and National Authorities
  • have knowledge on International regulations under IMO framework including, SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM and Offshore Regulations
  • understand the issues with maritime and environmental safety and how rules are developed to address these issues
  • understand the meanings of Prescriptive, probabilistic, performance and equivalent rules and approaches
  • have developed awareness about the future regulatory developments that may affect the design and operations of the ships and other floating structures

Assessment and feedback are in the form of two course work assignments and an exam. One assignment will be individual, and the other will be a group assignment (max 3-4 people per group). The final exam will be one hour long and purely focusing on the Fundamentals of Marine Regulatory Framework. You'll be provided with the material for the exam.

Semester 2

Autonomous Marine Vehicles & Digital Twin

Digitalisation has become an essential part of the maritime industry, ultimately steered at making the sector more innovative and productive, particularly for Autonomous Marine Vehicles (AMVs).

A digital twin is a dynamic digital representation of an AMV, capable of replicating significant aspects of autonomy, including dynamics, control, guidance, and navigation. The idea is to create a virtual version of the AMV to achieve a realistic, digital simulation of the system utilising the state-of-the-art physical models.

The digital version of the system can be then utilised to mirror the behaviour of the real-world twin using the sensor updates and historical data. The digital twin can be employed to perform complex scenarios simulation to mitigate loss or performance decay by recommending changes in the use of the AMV and increases the success-probability of the mission.

Mathematical modelling and simulation of AMV is a necessary part of the digital-twin contact development. This course aims to provide the student with the skills and knowledge required to model, simulate and then analyse the complex non-linear behaviour of AMV using MATLAB/Simulink.

This module covers:

Introduction

1. An introduction to Autonomous Marine Vehicles: capabilities and potential.
2. AMV Design parameters.
3. Overview of AMV Power and Propulsion.

Modelling and Dynamics of Autonomous Marine Vehicles

4. Hydrodynamic forces and moments.
5. Six degrees of freedom of equations of motions.
6. Models for wind waves and ocean currents.

Guidance, Navigation and Control

7. Reference models
8. Trajectory tracking and manoeuvring control
9. Control methods for AMV

Modelling of Power and Propulsion plant

10. Models for propellers and motors
11. Thrust and torque modelling

AVM Applications

12. Autopilot models
13. AMV Propulsion Plant Modelling and Simulation

On completion of the model you're expected to be able to:

  • understand the fundamentals if digital twins idea and concepts; including the benefits of using digital twins for Autonomous vessels. Critically evaluate how the digital twin concept is utilized for replicating significant aspects of autonomy.
  • assess the strength and weaknesses of the digital representation of the systems, interpret the mathematical equations utilized to replicate significant aspects of autonomy
  • implement efficient numerical models to develop dynamic simulation of real AMV problems, including behaviour prediction and performance optimisation using MATLAB/Simulink
  • design test procedures to evaluate the model performances. Develop an appropriate experimental research design for an engineering case study taking into account practical limitations.

Assessment and feedback are in the form of modelling and simulation of autonomous vessels, make use of numerical simulation techniques to obtain knowledge and to comprehend the system dynamics, behaviour and response. You're requested to submit two reports, the developed digital twin models, and give a presentation describing your projects.

Ship Operability and Control

This module aims to demonstrate the fundamental concepts of ship’s controllability and a ship’s control surfaces, and to explain the factors influencing their performance. It also aims to provide the ship operability concept from a seakeeping perspective and teach the superior seakeeping characteristics of various advanced marine vehicles.

This module covers:

  • the ship operability concept and the calculation methods
  • the fundamentals of station keeping
  • the concept and knowledge of seakeeping considerations in design
  • the seakeeping features of advanced marine vehicles
  • the fundamental concept of controllability
  • control surfaces and applications
  • design of marine rudders
  • course-keeping and course-changing control

At the end of this module you'll be able to:

  • acquire an advanced knowledge of ship manoeuvrability and a ship’s control surfaces
  • design a rudder for a given ship and develop its course-keeping and course-changing controller
  • apply the ship operability concept into a real case study and be able to understand the factors affecting the operability of a ship

There will be two coursework assignments in this module as summative assessment. The first coursework will be about ship operability and the second coursework will be about ship controllability. Summative assessment will be used in conjunction and alignment with formative assessment as appropriate for this module.

Group Project

This module aims to give you a good understanding of all aspects of research work. In addition, the technological study must be accompanied by survey of the relevance and applicability of the findings to the maritime industries at large. You'll learn efficient ways to gather information, to distribute workload and to delegate, to analyse your results and to appreciate the broader implications of the whole project. In-depth technological studies will be accompanied by increasingly important competence in managerial skills, quality assurance and a sound appreciation of the economic, political, social and environmental issues crucial to professional success.

The module will teach the following:

  • a detailed structure for the class is outlined in the Project Brief presented to the students. This includes details of key milestones and assessment criteria
  • the project brief is reviewed each session to reflect changing technical and economic opportunities in the fields of activity embraced by the Department’s MSc courses

On completion of the module you're expected to be able to:

  • develop a broad but nevertheless critical review of prospects for techno-economic growth in maritime related activities in a particular context/area of the world
  • propose and evaluate specific design-related activities with a view to proposing a future research and/or development project in, for example, key areas such as offshore hydrocarbon support; marine construction/repair diversification; or maritime transportation, tourism and leisure
  • present a research/development proposal to a panel drawn from industry and academia and defend the recommendations

The assessment for each group member will be made through continuous project management, the submission and presentation of the interim report as well as the submission and presentation of the final report and peer assignment.

Semester 1

Shipping Economics and Market Sector Analysis

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the financial and operational issues that companies that manage or own ships in the various sectors of merchant shipping face, both charter and liner shipping, as well as an acquaintance with maritime sector infrastructures.

This module covers:

  • international seaborne trade
  • economic model for perfect competition conditions
  • shipping markets and commodities transported
  • charter shipping and the liner market
  • supply chain management and logistics
  • marine transport systems infrastructures
  • geography of marine transport

At the end of this module you'll be able to:

  • develop an understanding of the application of basic economic concepts in the shipping sector, its role in the world economy and the role of market sectors in seaborne transportation
  • be in a position to assume managerial decisions concerning the charter market sector (wet and dry bulk cargoes)
  • make decisions involving liner shipping issues and maritime transport system infrastructures

Assessment and feedback are in the form of a two-hours final exam during the Semester 1 exam diet and a group coursework assignment on selected contemporary topics of shipping economics and market sector analysis.

Semester 2

Maritime Safety & Risk

This module aims to demonstrate how the principles and methods of risk analysis are undertaken and reflected in safety assessment. Risk analysis offers a variety of methods, tools and techniques that can be applied in solving problems covering different phases of the life cycle of a vessel (design, construction, operation and end-of-life) and, as such, this module will also elaborate on the practicalities of its application to a range of marine scenarios.

This module covers:

  • safety, risk and risk analysis; key terminology; lessons learnt from past experience; human factors.
  • formal safety assessment
  • hazard Identification
  • frequency analysis and consequence modelling
  • quantitative risk assessment methods
  • risk control and decision support, cost benefit analysis
  • human Factors and Safety culture in the maritime
  • industry guest lectures addressing topical issues related to maritime safety and risk

At the end of this module you'll be able to:

  • understand the concepts and importance of safety, risk and of all requisite fundamentals enabling quantification of risk in the maritime context
  • utilise methods and tools undertaking fundamental studies, specific to any component, system or function and in general first-principles implementation to life-cycle design
  • understand and have experience of the use of risk analysis in the marine field via related case studies (risk-based ship design, operation and regulation).
  • be able to appreciate components of a formal safety assessment and apply it for indicative problems of maritime operations

Assessment and feedback are in the form of one final exam (during Semester-2 diet) and two coursework assignments (assignment-one focusses on accident investigation, assignment-two is a safety assessment case study).

Learning & teaching

There are two teaching semesters of 11 weeks each.

Course modules are delivered in form of formal lectures supported with tutorials and laboratory experiment.

You’re required to attend an induction prior to the start of the course.

Assessment

There are two types of method for module assessment. One is course work assessment only, the other is examination assessment. For examined modules the final assessment mark typically consists of 30 to 40% course work and 60 to 70% examination.

Guest lectures

You’ll appreciate industry experts involved in the teaching on selected modules within this PGT programme. In addition, the group project will be assessed by a panel of industry experts.

NAOME runs a so-called Marine Forum seminar series for all students in the Department, which is timetabled into all MSc programmes. The seminars are delivered by industrial experts, visiting academics and researchers of the Department in subjects relevant to the marine industry. As well as providing an opportunity for making contacts, specific seminars are also arranged to provide careers advice and promote membership of professional societies including the accrediting bodies.

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If you want to know more about what it’s like to be an Engineering student at the University of Strathclyde, a selection of our current students are here to help!

Our Unibuddy ambassadors can answer all the questions you might have about courses and studying at Strathclyde, along with offering insight into their experiences of life in Glasgow and Scotland.

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Entry requirements

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MSc

BEng with First, or Second Class (Upper Division) Honours or equivalent overseas qualification.

PgDip

Applicants with marginally lower qualifications will be considered for the Postgraduate Diploma in the first instance. Applicants with other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, please visit our English language requirements page for full details of the requirements in place before making your application.

Pre-Masters preparation course

The Pre-Masters Programme is a preparation course held at the University of Strathclyde International Study Centre, for international students (non-UK/Ireland) who do not meet the academic entry requirements for a Masters degree at University of Strathclyde.

Upon successful completion, you'll be able to progress to this degree course at the University of Strathclyde.

Please note: Previous Maths & English qualifications and your undergraduate degree must meet GTCS minimum entry requirements as well as the pre-Masters course and an interview will be conducted before an offer can be made.

International students

We've a thriving international community with students coming here to study from over 140 countries across the world. Find out all you need to know about studying in Glasgow at Strathclyde and hear from students about their experiences.

Visit our international students' section

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Fees & funding

All fees quoted are for full-time courses and per academic year unless stated otherwise.

Fees may be subject to updates to maintain accuracy. Tuition fees will be notified in your offer letter.

All fees are in £ sterling, unless otherwise stated, and may be subject to revision.

Annual revision of fees

Students on programmes of study of more than one year (or studying standalone modules) should be aware that the majority of fees will increase annually. The University will take a range of factors into account, including, but not limited to, UK inflation, changes in delivery costs and changes in Scottish and/or UK Government funding. Changes in fees will be published on the University website in October each year for the following year of study and any annual increase will be capped at a maximum of 10% per year.

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Scotland

£11,900

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£11,900

Republic of Ireland

If you are an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status. For more information and advice on tuition fee status, you can visit the UKCISA - International student advice and guidance - Scotland: fee status webpage. Find out more about the University of Strathclyde's fee assessments process.

International

£30,250

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

Additional costs

Course materials & costs

Printing Services Printing: Prices variable per size

Binding: £3 per copy approx.

Placements & field trips

Travel to the Kelvin Hydrodynamics Laboratory may be required depending on selected courses. Frequency variable: Average 5 visits if relevant to subjects. Bus fare £2-3 each way.  

Other costs

Access cards are provided free of charge. £10 charge to replace a lost card.

Visa and immigration

International students may have associated visa and immigration costs. Please see student visa guidance for more information.

Please note: the fees shown are annual and may be subject to an increase each year. Find out more about fees.

How can I fund my course?

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Scottish postgraduate students

Scottish postgraduate students may be able to apply for support from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). The support is in the form of a tuition fee loan and for eligible students, a living cost loan. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from England

Students ordinarily resident in England may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance England. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Wales

Students ordinarily resident in Wales may be to apply for postgraduate support from Student Finance Wales. The support is a loan of up to £10,280 which can be used for both tuition fees and living costs. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Students coming from Northern Ireland

Postgraduate students who are ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland may be able to apply for support from Student Finance Northern Ireland. The support is a tuition fee loan of up to £5,500. Find out more about the support and how to apply.

Don’t forget to check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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International students

We've a large range of scholarships available to help you fund your studies. Check our scholarship search for more help with fees and funding.

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Careers

We believe that there will be huge home/EU and overseas demand for these graduates.

Job titles for future graduates of this postgraduate programme include but not limited to:

  • Graduate/Senior naval architect
  • Marine surveyor
  • Academic/Researcher
  • Design engineer
  • Fleet manager
  • Consultant

Our graduates should be able to work at:

  • Classification societies
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Shipping companies
  • Research centres, experimental facilities and universitiesN
  • aval architecture companies

Glasgow is Scotland's biggest & most cosmopolitan city

Our campus is based right in the very heart of Glasgow. We're in the city centre, next to the Merchant City, both of which are great locations for sightseeing, shopping and socialising alongside your studies.

Life in Glasgow
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Apply

During the application process, you must upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we will not be able to process your application:

  • certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications. If you're still studying, please provide your individual semester mark sheets to date
  • certified degree certificate for all qualification. If youre still studying, please provide this after completing your qualification
  • provide evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not your first language, or you're not from a “UKVI recognised "Majority English Speaking" country”; check the University’s language requirements
  • if you have been out of full-time education for over two years, provide a CV, detailing employment history, organisations worked for and a brief description of roles and responsibilities
  • a copy of your passport containing your photo and passport number
  • a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate) 
  • names, job titles and email addresses for two nominated referees

Start date: Sep 2025

Marine Eng with Specialisation in Autonomous Marine Vehicles

MSc
full-time
Start date: Sep 2025

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Contact us

Faculty of Engineering

Telephone: +44 (0)141 574 5484

Email: eng-admissions@strath.ac.uk