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The structural design and construction of ships lies at the heart of naval architecture, ensuring that vessels can operate safely, efficiently and economically throughout their service lives. Engineers must not only design structures capable of withstanding demanding operational loads but also consider how those structures can be manufactured, assembled and maintained effectively within modern shipyards.

In this module, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate and design ship structures from both engineering and production perspectives. You will learn how naval architects assess longitudinal and transverse structural strength using fundamental engineering principles and industry standards, including classification society requirements. You will also explore how production methods, manufacturing processes and design-for-production considerations influence the efficiency, quality and cost of ship construction. Through analytical exercises and engineering applications, you will strengthen your ability to make design decisions that balance structural performance with practical production constraints.

By the end of the module, you will be able to assess the strength and suitability of ship structural arrangements and appreciate how design choices affect the wider shipbuilding process. The module provides an important bridge between engineering fundamentals and advanced studies in marine structures, ship design and offshore engineering, while developing skills directly relevant to professional practice in naval architecture and shipbuilding.

The structural design and construction of ships lies at the heart of naval architecture, ensuring that vessels can operate safely, efficiently and economically throughout their service lives. Engineers must not only design structures capable of withstanding demanding operational loads but also consider how those structures can be manufactured, assembled and maintained effectively within modern shipyards.

In this module, you will develop the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate and design ship structures from both engineering and production perspectives. You will learn how naval architects assess longitudinal and transverse structural strength using fundamental engineering principles and industry standards, including classification society requirements. You will also explore how production methods, manufacturing processes and design-for-production considerations influence the efficiency, quality and cost of ship construction. Through analytical exercises and engineering applications, you will strengthen your ability to make design decisions that balance structural performance with practical production constraints.

By the end of the module, you will be able to assess the strength and suitability of ship structural arrangements and appreciate how design choices affect the wider shipbuilding process. The module provides an important bridge between engineering fundamentals and advanced studies in marine structures, ship design and offshore engineering, while developing skills directly relevant to professional practice in naval architecture and shipbuilding.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the economic principles that drive the global shipping industry, equipping students with critical analytical skills for effective decision making. The module covers the structure of the international shipping market, the major global trade routes, the commodities transported and the intricacies of various freight contracts. Students will explore the role of shipbroking and chartering, the dynamics of the four main shipping markets - cargo, newbuilding, second-hand and scrapping - and the operational differences between liner and bulk shipping. With a focus on sustainability, the course also examines the impact of environmental regulations and green technologies on maritime operations. Through theoretical study and practical case studies, students will be prepared to navigate and influence the evolving challenges of the shipping industry, with a particular emphasis on sustainable practices.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the economic principles that drive the global shipping industry, equipping students with critical analytical skills for effective decision making. The module covers the structure of the international shipping market, the major global trade routes, the commodities transported and the intricacies of various freight contracts. Students will explore the role of shipbroking and chartering, the dynamics of the four main shipping markets - cargo, newbuilding, second-hand and scrapping - and the operational differences between liner and bulk shipping. With a focus on sustainability, the course also examines the impact of environmental regulations and green technologies on maritime operations. Through theoretical study and practical case studies, students will be prepared to navigate and influence the evolving challenges of the shipping industry, with a particular emphasis on sustainable practices.

Each student undertakes an investigation which includes both practical and theoretical components. The theory component will consist of a critical review of the literature relating to the proposed experimental component of the project. The fieldwork is related to the appropriate degree programme. Each student is assigned to an appropriate supervisor who will advise on and direct the project and the preparation of a written report. The aim of this module is to allow students to carry out a short field-based project on a special topic related to his/her main area of study, and to complete a literature survey on a topic related to this area of research

As part of year one of the Integrated PhD (iPhD) programme, all students will undertake three short research projects (10-12 weeks each) in different laboratories. This offers students the opportunity to develop a broad range of laboratory skills and to develop a well-rounded understanding of their chosen field of study. Students will be offered as much choice as possible for each of the three projects, with information on project availability being provided by the module leads. Students will be encouraged to develop a wide range of skills that will support them for their research in years 2-4 of the programme.

Each student will have a clearly identified supervisor who will provide guidance and support in both the practical and theoretical elements of the project. Students will need to utilise appropriate research techniques to address a clear research question. In addition, students will be expected to develop a good understanding of the published literature within their field of study.

Assessment of the project will be through a written research report of approximately 5000 words.

As part of year one of the Integrated PhD (iPhD) programme, all students will undertake three short research projects (10-12 weeks each) in different laboratories. This offers students the opportunity to develop a broad range of laboratory skills and to develop a well-rounded understanding of their chosen field of study. Students will be offered as much choice as possible for each of the three projects, with information on project availability being provided by the module leads. Students will be encouraged to develop a wide range of skills that will support them for their research in years 2-4 of the programme.

Each student will have a clearly identified supervisor who will provide guidance and support in both the practical and theoretical elements of the project. Students will need to utilise appropriate research techniques to address a clear research question. In addition, students will be expected to develop a good understanding of the published literature within their field of study.

Assessment of the project will be through a written research report of approximately 5000 words.

As part of year one of the Integrated PhD (iPhD) programme, all students will undertake three short research projects (10-12 weeks each) in different laboratories. This offers students the opportunity to develop a broad range of laboratory skills and to develop a well-rounded understanding of their chosen field of study. Students will be offered as much choice as possible for each of the three projects, with information on project availability being provided by the module leads. Students will be encouraged to develop a wide range of skills that will support them for their research in years 2-4 of the programme.

Each student will have a clearly identified supervisor who will provide guidance and support in both the practical and theoretical elements of the project. Students will need to utilise appropriate research techniques to address a clear research question. In addition, students will be expected to develop a good understanding of the published literature within their field of study.

Assessment of the project will be through a written research report of approximately 5000 words.

As part of year one of the Integrated PhD (iPhD) programme, all students will undertake three short research projects (10-12 weeks each) in different laboratories. This offers students the opportunity to develop a broad range of laboratory skills and to develop a well-rounded understanding of their chosen field of study. Students will be offered as much choice as possible for each of the three projects, with information on project availability being provided by the module leads. Students will be encouraged to develop a wide range of skills that will support them for their research in years 2-4 of the programme.

Each student will have a clearly identified supervisor who will provide guidance and support in both the practical and theoretical elements of the project. Students will need to utilise appropriate research techniques to address a clear research question. In addition, students will be expected to develop a good understanding of the published literature within their field of study.

Assessment of the project will be through a written research report of approximately 5000 words.

As part of year one of the Integrated PhD (iPhD) programme, all students will undertake three short research projects (10-12 weeks each) in different laboratories. This offers students the opportunity to develop a broad range of laboratory skills and to develop a well-rounded understanding of their chosen field of study. Students will be offered as much choice as possible for each of the three projects, with information on project availability being provided by the module leads. Students will be encouraged to develop a wide range of skills that will support them for their research in years 2-4 of the programme.

Each student will have a clearly identified supervisor who will provide guidance and support in both the practical and theoretical elements of the project. Students will need to utilise appropriate research techniques to address a clear research question. In addition, students will be expected to develop a good understanding of the published literature within their field of study.

Assessment of the project will be through a written research report of approximately 5000 words.