Overview

All engineering degrees within UNSW Canberra aim to provide outstanding engineering education to the future leaders of the Australian Defence Force and civilian students to pursue excellence through contributions to the engineering profession, industry and the community. Naval Architecture is concerned with the design, building and utilisation of all types … For more content click the Read More button below. Ships and marine vehicles can be classified into military vessels which include frigates, destroyers, patrol vessels, aircraft carriers, mine hunters and submarines; trading vessels which include cargo and container ships; and commercial vessels which include fishing boats, tugs, dredges, pilot boats, lighthouse supply craft, servicing vessels for oil rigs, crew transfer, passenger and vehicle ferries, floating cranes, and other specialised ships and pleasure craft. These three categories of marine vehicles can be in the form of a monohull (the usual single-hull ship or boat), a multihull catamaran or trimaran (a twin or triple hull vessel), or dynamically supported craft such as hovercraft (an air-cushion vehicle) or hydrofoil (a vessel that is lifted out of the water by submerged wings). Naval architects must be conversant with a wide variety of skills, including most forms of engineering and marine architecture. A ship must be a completely self-sufficient vehicle containing several systems and able to withstand the loads from the sea. Naval architecture firms and consultants are significant employers of naval architects. Naval architects working in the field of high-speed ferries have been particularly successful. Australia holds the leading position in the research and development of passenger and cargo multihulls. The Commonwealth Department of Defence White Paper (2016) reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to a strong, internationally competitive and sustainable Australian naval shipbuilding industry which will rely heavily on naval architects. The Commonwealth’s Naval Shipbuilding Plan (2017) identified naval architects as key enablers in the Australian naval shipbuilding workforce. Employment of naval architects within the defence sector occurs within the Department of Defence and the RAN. In addition, federal and state government departments and statutory authorities such as AMSA and state transport departments employ naval architects, as do international classification societies such as Lloyd’s Register, DNV and Bureau Veritas. Graduates of the program are expected to meet UNSW Graduate Capabilities embodied in the Program Learning Outcomes and Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies.

Learning Outcomes

1.
Relate a quantitative, theory-based understanding of the sciences and rationally apply comprehensive knowledge of the fundamental principles underpinning naval architecture, with advanced knowledge of both naval and general vessel design, hydrodynamics, ship structures, and ship systems and equipment specific to the naval architecture discipline, using critical thinking and judgement
  • Scholars
2.
Appropriately select and apply the mathematical, statistical, programming and computational tools and techniques which underpin naval architecture
  • Scholars
3.
Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of ship design, construction, performance, maritime systems and sub-systems aboard surface ships and submarines, and articulate directions of research and knowledge development in naval architecture
  • Scholars
4.
Synthesise ship design practice, contextual factors, norms and accountabilities in and the limitations on naval architecture
  • Scholars
5.
Define, conduct experiments on and apply problem solving, design and decision-making methodologies to identify complex problems in both the ship design and construction industries and the wider maritime sector whilst concurrently considering the implications of the solution in a global and sustainable context using appropriate engineering methods and tools
  • Scholars
  • Professionals
  • Leaders
6.
Demonstrate proficiency in applying systematic engineering synthesis and design processes, and critically evaluating and effectively communicating the results and implications to all audiences
  • Professionals
  • Global citizens
  • Leaders
  • Scholars
7.
Operate in collaborative environments, as leader or member of interdisciplinary teams
  • Professionals
  • Leaders
  • Scholars
8.
Review personal performance, demonstrate independent initiatives and leadership as a means of managing continuing professional development and lifelong learning
  • Leaders
  • Professionals
  • Global citizens
  • Scholars

Program Structure

Students must complete 192 UOC when taken as a standalone program.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Naval Architecture degree requires a prescribed program structure. Each year of the program comprises School-based courses (identified by the prefix ZEIT) and courses taught by other Schools within UNSW Canberra.

Completion of each year, thereby allowing progression to the next year, is normally achieved by satisfactory progress in each of the courses given in that year. At the discretion of the Head of School, students may be allowed to concurrently enrol in courses from more than one year of the program.

Disciplinary Component180 Units of Credit:
General Education12 Units of Credit:

Enrolment Disclaimer

Please note that this Handbook is a comprehensive catalogue of our offerings and includes courses that can be taken to satisfy program requirements irrespective as to their availability for a particular year. Availability of courses is best checked using filters on this site or on the class timetable site.

You are responsible for ensuring that you enrol in courses according to your program requirements and by following the advice of your Program Authority. myUNSW enrolment checks that you have met enrolment requirements such as pre-requisites for individual courses but not that you are enrolling in courses that will count towards your program requirements.

Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements

Special Admission Requirements

Other

Program Requirements

Compulsory Training Component

UNSW Canberra considers work experience measured in days, rather than hours. The requirement is to achieve 60 days of work experience placement.

Before graduation, a candidate shall complete 60 days of approved practical engineering experience. Work experience consists of internships/placements in conventional professional engineering workplaces where significant technical engineering tasks related to the Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competencies are undertaken. Internships/placements include those undertaken in either civilian or Defence establishments.

Work experience placements can consist of placements in a university setting that includes working in a research group or other programs (i.e. mentorship, project-based program, immersion experience, etc), where the student gains exposure to engineering related tasks, technical skills and professional development. This program has a mandatory 15-day full-time equivalent program of field trips, experiments, and ship visits. University-based placements can account for maximum 30 days full-time equivalent.

The minimum duration of each work experience placement must be 5 days full-time equivalent. Maximum of 5 placements in different organizations are permitted.

Students can claim up to a total of 15 days, full-time equivalent, of work experience by partaking in activities such as engineering related projects, professional events, site-visits, leadership roles, workshops, etc. during their program. In making this claim, the student must provide detailed justification, in their reflection journal, comparing the engineering work experience learning outcomes listed by Engineers Australia against those gained during the various activities.

Students can claim Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) through application made to the engineering work experience coordinator who will assess this on a case-to-case basis.

Progression Requirements

For more information on university policy on progression requirements please visit Academic Progression

Associated Programs

Similar Program

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - BE (Hons)4485 - Naval Architecture (Honours) (CDF)

Professional Outcomes

Professional Recognition

Graduation makes the person eligible for membership with The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA).

Career Opportunities

Navy Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Naval Architecture graduates will undertake courses to enhance their professional development as Naval Officers and Marine Engineers before taking up postings at sea or ashore.

Recognition of Achievement

University Medal
Honours Classes

Program Fees

At UNSW fees are generally charged at course level and therefore dependent upon individual enrolment and other factors such as student's residency status. For generic information on fees and additional expenses of UNSW programs, click on one of the following:

Pre-2019 Handbook Editions

Access past handbook editions (2018 and prior)