MSc/PgDip Technical Ship Management

Key facts

  • Start date: January & September
  • Accreditation: RINA / IMarEST
  • Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months full-time
    PgDip: 9 months full-time
  • 1st in Europe & 3rd in the world for Marine/Ocean Engineering (Shanghai Rankings Academic Ranking 2022)

Study with us

  • develop skills essential for efficient management of ships and fleets
  • develop multidisciplinary skills
  • designed to give graduate engineers and well-qualified sea-going personnel an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and skills required for technical ship management
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Why this course?

Ninety percent of world trade is carried by sea. You'll gain an understanding of the subjects essential for effective and efficient management of ships and fleets. This course allows you to develop multidisciplinary interests and skills by working with other areas of naval architecture, ocean and marine engineering.

As a graduate you could expect to work in the industry as a technical ship superintendent or manager.

Ship's superstructure, bridge and navigation sensors

THE Awards 2019: UK University of the Year Winner

What you’ll study

The programme consists of three components:

  • instructional modules
  • group project
  • individual project (MSc only)

Group project

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 and also provides valuable access to industrial contacts. In addition, you'll gain a good understanding of all aspects of research work. The technological study must be accompanied by a 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 amongst the group, to analyse their results and to appreciate the broader implications of the whole project. Indepth 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.

Individual project (MSc only)

MSc students will take on an individual dissertation on a topic of their own interest. The aim of the individual project is to develop your research skills and to combine many of the aspects learned from other modules within a specific topic. This will be achieved by you carrying out work into a particular topic relating to your chosen theme and preparing a dissertation.

Facilities

We have excellent teaching facilities including:

  • Catalina – our departmental racing yacht
  • Kelvin Hydrodynamics Lab – the largest ship-model experiment tank in any UK university
  • Towing/wave tank exclusively for teaching purposes
  • Marine engine laboratory
  • Cutting-edge computer facilities
  • Industry standard software
Ioannis Chalaris
There have been many highlights for me, but the stand out element has undoubtedly been the approach of the academic staff and their willingness to help you achieve your goals and be the best version of yourself!
Ioannis Chalaris
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Course content

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

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.

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).

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.

Systems Availability & 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:

  • 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 module you'll be:

  • able to understand and apply various reliability software tools, concepts and strategies with application to the maritime/marine industry
  • 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 of one coursework assignment related to reliability and criticality analysis tools and a final exam associated to the above topics.

Onboard Energy Management and Marine Environment Protection

This module aims to provide you with knowledge and awareness of issues in marine environmental protection, environmentally friendly shipping and international conventions and regulations of environmental protection and introduce the state-of-the-art technology applied in the industry and future trends. To provide you with knowledge of ship energy management systems and energy resources including the optimisation and integration of machinery and power systems in a sustainable manner.

This module covers:

  • IMO MARPOL 73/78 Conventions on engine emission control
  • marine engine emissions control: primary and secondary techniques
  • fuel cell technology for ships, alternative fuels and energy sources
  • issues of supply and use of low sulphur bunker fuels
  • ballast water management
  • overview of energy issues worldwide and necessity for energy management systems onboard
  • major energy systems onboard and aspects of their design, manufacture and operation
  • utilisation of waste heat energy on ships: waste heat recovery
  • exergy analysis for thermal energy system onboard

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

  • describe the key issues in marine environmental protection
  • demonstrate an awareness of regulations concerning marine environmental protection
  • show an understanding of the formation and reduction technologies for marine emissions
  • be capable of estimating energy consumption and saving for the different energy consumers on ships.
  • demonstrate an understanding of the on-board procedures and operations which minimise emissions.
  • demonstrate an understanding of energy systems design and systems integration.
  • conduct calculations involving marine energy systems components and consumers.
  • acquire the key skills for estimating energy consumption and saving
  • demonstrate an understanding of how to optimise equipment in order to minimise emissions.
  • demonstrate an understanding of useful work and exergy
  • conduct energy and exergy analysis for both components and whole thermodynamic system onboard.

This is a coursework-class test assessment module, no exam. There are two coursework assignments and one class test, each contribute 50%, 25% and 25% to the final assessment respectively.

Project Management

This class aims to provide you with skills relating to the use of engineering practices in project management with particular respect to the effective and efficient use of resources.

Group Design Project

The overall aim of the module is to provide you with an enriched experience in the selection, conceptualisation and designing of a novel vessel or an offshore asset. 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. It will also provide you with an opportunity to present their project outputs to a panel involving academic/industry staff.

This module covers:

  • development of a broad but nevertheless critical review of prospects for techno-economic growth in maritime related activities in a particular context/area of the world
  • proposal and evaluation of specific design-related activities with a view to developing a design project to a concept level but with substantial calculations in at least one design objective
  • demonstration of analytical ability and understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving techniques, creativity and self-reflection
  • the ability to present and defend the design choices to a panel.

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

  • identify and prioritize the key-design issues along with their basic interrelations in the context of naval architecture
  • materialize a design project according to a given timeline through design steps along the key-design-issues priority path
  • work efficiently and openly in a collaborative context involving different cultures and expertise
  • choose at each design step the proper rationally-based computation methods

Assessment and feedback are in the form of either design report or presentation. There will be five tasks: each task may include the submission of a design report or an oral presentation followed by questions from the lecturers and the advisory groups.

Ship Powering in Service

This module aims to provide the fundamental concept of the energy balance of a motorship and the major contributors to the performance losses of a ship in-service. These include the resistance/power increase due to wind, waves, rudder actions/hull drift, hull roughness (including coating), biofouling. The module also aims to discuss the fundamentals of these contributors and describes how to estimate the ship performance losses (i.e. in terms of power increase or speed loss) due to these effects.

This module covers:

  • introduction to ship powering in service
  • theory of added resistance due to waves
  • numerical and experimental calculation of added resistance due to waves
  • experimental techniques for naval architects
  • towing tank experiments
  • roughness effect of biofouling – biofouling, fouling control coatings, concepts of boundary layer theory
  • the effect of hull fouling on the performance of marine vehicles
  • added resistance due to wind, rudder actions/hull drift

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

  • acquire a knowledge and understanding of the technical factors which affect the performance of a ship and the machinery at sea
  • acquire a knowledge and understanding of the main causes of performance losses (in-service) associated with the hull and propulsion, and methods to estimate these losses
  • understand the techniques used for laboratory measurement of added resistance

Assessment and feedback are in the form of two coursework assignments. The first assignment requires the calculation of the added resistance due to waves using a set of empirical formulae and potential flow-based software package. The second assignment requires the calculation of added resistance due to waves using experimental techniques, and the calculation of added resistance values due to fouling, wind, rudder actions/hull drift using various methods.

Financial Engineering

This module explores financial options for ensuring the solvency and sustainability of business ventures. It covers topics including financial reporting and financial accounting in relation to the wider issues of corporate behaviour and corporate governance. The module will also look into the implications of the occurrence of financial crises at corporate, national and global levels for financial engineering practice.

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.

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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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Learning & teaching

There are two teaching semesters of 11 weeks each.

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

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

Guest lectures

During term time, we arrange weekly seminars in which leaders and pioneers of the maritime, oil and gas and marine renewables industries visit the department and present to students. This is a great way of supplementing your education with the latest developments and gaining industry contacts for your future career.

Industrial visits are also made to a variety of companies.

Assessment

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

Student competitions

The Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering 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, our students 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
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Entry requirements

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Academic requirements

Normally a first-class or second-class honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant subject.

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.

Please note, for courses that have a January 2025 start date, 2024/25 academic year fees will apply. For courses that have a September 2025 start date, 2025/26 academic year fees will apply.

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

£10,800

England, Wales & Northern Ireland

£10,800

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

£27,500

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.

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

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

Back to course

Fees & funding

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

Please note, for courses that have a January 2025 start date, 2024/25 academic year fees will apply. For courses that have a September 2025 start date, 2025/26 academic year fees will apply.

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

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.

Available scholarships

Take a look at our scholarships search for funding opportunities.

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

Glasgow is one of the largest centres of ship management industry in the world. There's demand for well-qualified ship superintendents of various levels of practical experience.

As a graduate you’ll be able to make a valuable contribution to the shipping industry.

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're required to upload the following supporting documents. If these are not provided, we'll not be able to process your application:

  • certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications
    • if still studying, provide individual semester mark sheets to date
  • certified degree certificate for all qualifications
    • if still studying, provide this after completing the 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: Jan 2025

Technical Ship Management (January)

MSc
full-time
Start date: Jan 2025

Start date: Sep 2025

Technical Ship Management

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