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Bachelor of
Engineering (Maritime) (Honours)
Entry requirements
Key information
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Start dates
March
July
Delivery mode*
In person
(Tonsley)
Engineer vessels, submarines and smart marine systems
Maritime engineers design the vessels and systems that move across – and beneath – our oceans.
From high-speed ferries to autonomous submarines, their work powers defence, shipping and marine innovation.
This 2+2 degree starts at Flinders, where you’ll build strong foundations in core engineering. You’ll then complete your final two years at the Australian Maritime College in Tasmania, specialising in hydrodynamics, systems design and ship structures.
Graduate with real-world experience, advanced technical skills and connections across two leading institutions.
Australia is surrounded by water and needs maritime engineers
With major investments in defence, shipbuilding and autonomous marine tech, maritime engineers are in strong demand. Graduates work across ship design, naval defence, sustainability, offshore energy and more.
Salary
$110K
typical salary in Australia
Naval Architect
Design what dominates the sea.
Naval architects design, test and refine the structures of ships, submarines and ocean vessels. You’ll use hydrodynamics, materials science and simulation software to ensure performance, safety and innovation.
Work with organisations like the Royal Australian Navy, ASC, Austal or international shipbuilding projects.
Marine Systems Engineer
Connect the parts that keep vessels running.
Design and maintain the propulsion, electrical and mechanical systems onboard marine vessels. From autonomous drones to large ships, this role ensures everything performs as a system.
Salary
$102K
typical salary in Australia
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024 | Seek Australia, 2024
Subsea Engineer
Work with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), offshore pipelines and deep-sea infrastructure. Ideal for engineers who enjoy mechanics and the ocean environment.
Automation and Control Engineer
Design the control systems for smart ships, autonomous subs and naval robotics. Perfect for students interested in sensors, AI and real-time systems.
Study: Major in Digital Health
Defence Project Engineer
Oversee large-scale maritime engineering projects within Australia’s growing defence sector. A strong fit for those with systems thinking and project management skills.
What will you study to start your career in Maritime Engineering?
This degree dives deep (literally and figuratively) into marine vehicle design, ocean technology, hydrodynamics and naval systems.
The Bachelor of Engineering (Maritime) (Honours) is delivered through a 2+2 structure:
Years 1–2 at Flinders University in Adelaide
Years 3–4 at the Australian Maritime College in Launceston, Tasmania
You’ll begin by studying core engineering principles at Flinders, then move to AMC to complete your specialisation in maritime systems and technologies at one of the world's top maritime engineering facilities.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4
GENERAL
In your first year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two option topics at Flinders in Adelaide
Year 1 - Core topics
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
- Engineering Design and Programming
- Physics
- Maths
- Electronics
- Engineering Materials and Systems
GENERAL
In your second year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two option topics at Flinders in Adelaide
Year 2 - Core topics
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
GENERAL
In your third year, you'll start your studies at the Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania and will follow the appropriate program of study outlined on the University of Tasmania website.
GENERAL
In your fourth and final year, you'll start your studies at the Australian Maritime College, University of Tasmania and will follow the appropriate program of study outlined on the University of Tasmania website.
Accreditation or Professional Recognition
Once you’ve completed your common year, any Engineering (honours) degree you choose to move into is accredited by Engineers Australia. Professional engineering courses accredited by Engineers Australia are recognised internationally under the Washington Accord. Graduates meet the academic requirements for attaining chartered professional engineering status.
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Need support?
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Student clubs
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Campus facilities
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
Learn from the experts.
Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to the industry.
Professor Karl Sammut Marine Autonomy and Naval Systems
Karl is a professor of engineering with expertise in autonomous marine vehicles and naval technology. His research focuses on mission planning, navigation, control systems and situational awareness for crewed and uncrewed maritime platforms.
With a PhD from the University of Nottingham and research experience across the UK, Italy and Australia, Karl has worked closely with the Defence Science and Technology Group and now directs Flinders’ Centre for Defence Engineering Research and Training. He coordinates the Naval Architecture program and brings deep industry insight into the classroom, helping students design, model and innovate for the future of maritime systems.
Graduate work-ready.
You'll undertake a 20-week industry placement as part of your degree. One of the longest work placements offered in Australia, it enables you to work alongside professional engineers tackling real-world problems.
Gain hands-on experience using cutting-edge equipment and facilities of Flinders University’s new technology precinct at Tonsley.
Undertake an integrated high-technology design consulting project, putting what you learn into practice.
An Lam shares her experience in the WIL program for Engineering at Flinders.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
It’s the discipline that focuses on designing, developing and maintaining ships, submarines, and marine systems - including defence and autonomous technologies.
Not necessarily - but an interest in mechanics, the ocean, defence, or big systems definitely helps!
You might design a hull for a high-speed vessel, simulate a propulsion system, or develop control software for an unmanned submersible.
Yes. Many graduates go on to work with the Royal Australian Navy, ASC, Austal, or other defence contractors.
Yes. The course is accredited by Engineers Australia and is recognised internationally.
Definitely. Maritime engineering is a global field with opportunities across Europe, the US, Asia and beyond.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 99.40 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 73.35 | 77.78 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 65.50 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 46 | 34% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
| Work and life experience | 11 | 8% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 37 | 28% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | 2 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 13% |
| International Students | 18 | 13% |
| All students | 134 | 100% |
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