Adelaide University
Master of Engineering (Maritime)
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 24 months
- Course Type: Master's
Learn to design, build and maintain ships, submarines and other marine vessels and structures, ensuring they’re safe, sturdy and efficient.
Course overview
Adelaide University's Master of Engineering (Maritime) is designed to challenge and extend, elevating you to take your engineering career to the next level.
You’ll study higher-level courses in advanced systems engineering, submarine design, naval architecture and shipbuilding programs, building a formidable knowledge base. Deepen and formalise your project management expertise in engineering management and data analytics courses.
The university's wide range of electives gives you the freedom to tailor your studies to your specific interests and career goals. Whether that’s defence leadership, autonomous robotic systems or advanced mechanics and materials, you’ll explore a range of disciplines.
Put your learning into practice through the university's hands-on curriculum. Complete a capstone design project, major research project and up to 450 hours of professional industry placement.
These experiences combine to ensure you graduate with the advanced technical and professional skills necessary to achieve your career goals.
Key features
- Extend your knowledge in higher-level courses in advanced systems engineering, submarine design, defence leadership and more.
- Choose specialised electives aligned to your specific interests and career goals.
- Collaborate and apply your skills in the industry with up to 450 hours of professional placement.
- Build your project management skillset through courses in engineering management and data analytics.
- Develop your research skills through capstone design and research projects in your final year.
- Commit to your studies at a pace that suits you, taking advantage of the university's stackable qualifications.
CSP Subsidised Fees Available
This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.
Key facts
Mawson Lakes Campus
July, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 96 units comprising:
- 78 units for all core courses.
- 12 units for all work-integrated learning.
- 6 units for electives.
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.
Complete 78 units for all of the following:
- Professional Engineering Management
- Engineering Data Analytics
- Submarine Design and Construction
- Engineering Systems Design Project
- Submarine Naval Architecture Maritime Engineering
- Shipbuilding Programs for Industry and Defence Managers
- Naval Nuclear Propulsion and Stewardship
- Master's Engineering Research Project A
- Master's Engineering Research Project B (12 units)
- Principles of Submarine Design
- Acoustics and Vibrations
- Principles of Systems Engineering
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
A completed four-year bachelor's (AQF7) or bachelor's honours (AQF8) degree or equivalent in science, engineering, technology or a related field from a recognised higher education institution.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.
Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.
Credit determinations will be:
- Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
- Academically sound.
- Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.
Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.
Credit will only be granted if it:
- Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
- Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
- Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.
For more information, contact the university or visit its website.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
You could lead the development of modular shipbuilding techniques, enhancing flexibility and reducing construction timelines. Maybe you’ll implement predictive maintenance technologies, identifying potential equipment failures before they occur to improve safety or perhaps you’ll pioneer new approaches to ship construction that minimise the impact of maritime activities on marine ecosystems.
Whatever your area of interest, career paths are available in a wide range of sectors, including:
- Construction and Infrastructure
- Consulting and Regulatory Bodies
- Defence and Security
- Dredging and Marine Construction
- Environmental Management
- Fishing and Aquaculture
- Manufacturing and Supply
- Oil and Gas
- Port and Harbour Management
- Recreational Boating
- Renewable Energy
- Research and Development
- Salvage and Rescue Operations
- Shipbuilding
- Shipping and Transportation
Fees and CSP
Estimated student contribution amount per 1.0 EFTSL (48 units) in 2026: $9,537 (Commonwealth Supported Place)
Commonwealth-supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.
The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:
- Number of courses you are enrolled in.
- Unit value of courses.
- Funding cluster your courses fall under.
A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.