Marine engineering is a specialized field focused on the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of marine vessels and structures. Some of the top universities for marine engineering degrees in Australia offer programs covering areas like ship propulsion systems, ocean engineering, naval architecture, and more.
When researching schools, it’s important to consider factors like university rankings, student satisfaction, cost of attendance, location and admissions requirements. This guide covers the top universities for marine engineering degrees in Australia based on major global and national rankings, program offerings, and additional factors that make them stand out.
University of Tasmania
The University of Tasmania (UTAS) is ranked 1st in Australia and 46th globally for marine engineering degrees according to Study.com. UTAS offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Marine Engineering that focuses on the design, construction and operation of marine vessels and structures. The four-year honors program includes coursework in areas like thermodynamics, mechanics, electronics, naval architecture and ship construction. Hands-on training is provided through the university’s modern marine engineering laboratories. Graduates are prepared for careers such as marine engineer, naval architect and ocean engineer.
UTAS also offers shorter graduate certificate and graduate diploma programs in marine engineering for students who already hold an undergraduate engineering degree. An advanced diploma and Bachelor of Applied Science in Nautical Science are also available for those interested in careers as a ships officer or captain.
University of Tasmania Key Details:
Located in Launceston and Hobart, Tasmania
Founded in 1890
33,879 students enrolled
Ranked 2nd in Australia for marine engineering
University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney) in Sydney offers a Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture) degree spanning four years of full-time study. The program provides training in the fundamentals of naval architecture and marine engineering, including ship and offshore structure design, ship hydrodynamics, structural analysis, mechanics, thermodynamics, and more. Students benefit from the university’s extensive research activities and partnerships with industry groups like the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.
UNSW Sydney also allows students to pursue a dual Bachelor of Engineering that combines the naval architecture major with areas like aerospace engineering, civil engineering or mechanical engineering. This provides additional flexibility for those seeking a wide engineering skill set across domains.
University of New South Wales Key Details:
Located in Sydney, New South Wales
Founded in 1949
60% acceptance rate
Ranked 3rd in Australia for marine engineering
University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane offers a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Naval Architecture. Spanning four years of full-time enrollment, the program covers fundamentals like hydrodynamics, ship structures, propulsion, computer-aided design, and provides an overview of marine systems. Students also select an additional mechanical or electrical engineering specialization to complement their naval architecture training. Graduates are prepared for careers in areas like commercial and defense ship design, floating offshore platforms, marine consultancies and shipping companies.
UQ also offers shorter graduate coursework programs in naval architecture, including Graduate Certificates and Graduate Diplomas for current engineering professionals seeking additional training. A Bachelor of Engineering Science is also available as an alternative three year pre-major program.
University of Queensland Key Details:
Located in Brisbane, Queensland
Founded in 1909
48,771 students enrolled
Ranked 5th in Australia for marine engineering
University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide provides both undergraduate and graduate coursework programs related to marine engineering and naval architecture. The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Naval Architecture) oversees all aspects of ship design over four years, including hydrostatics, structures, propulsion systems and computer-aided design tools. Students also select from technical electives like marine engineering, mechatronics or dynamics.
Shorter Graduate Certificates and Diplomas are also offered in naval architecture for those who already hold an accredited engineering degree. Programs blend coursework with practical, hands-on learning using tools found across industry. Graduates are equipped for roles like naval architects, marine superintendents, and roles across shipbuilding companies, consultancies and regulatory agencies.
University of Adelaide Key Details:
Located in Adelaide, South Australia
Founded in 1874
25,000 students enrolled
Ranked 6th in Australia for marine engineering
Australian Maritime College
The Australian Maritime College (AMC) at the University of Tasmania focuses exclusively on maritime teaching and research. AMC offers a Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering) degree preparing students across technical areas like ship structures, engineering mechanics, ship propulsion, and provides an overview of key marine systems. The program also emphasizes practical learning, with students spending 12 months training aboard the AMC’s training ship and in industry work placements.
In addition to the undergraduate program, AMC offers an Associate Degree of Applied Engineering, advanced diplomas, and shorter graduate certificates for current engineering professionals. These provide additional maritime engineering training to supplement an existing bachelor’s degree.
Australian Maritime College Key Details:
Specialized maritime college located in Launceston, Tasmania
Emphasis on practical seafaring experience
Offers shorter graduate programs in marine engineering
Curtin University
Curtin University in Perth offers both undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs related to marine engineering and naval architecture. The Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture) provides training across ship hydrodynamics, marine structures, mechanics, propulsion systems, and an introduction to key marine technologies over four years of study. Several technical electives are also available for students to customize aspects of their degree.
For current engineering degree holders, Curtin offers a Graduate Certificate in Technology (Naval Architecture) to provide supplemental training through a combination of coursework and industry placements. This allows working engineers to transition into naval architecture roles through a flexible 1-year program.
Curtin University Key Details:
Located in Perth, Western Australia
Founded in 1966
58,216 students enrolled
Ranking 12th in Australia for marine engineering
James Cook University
James Cook University (JCU) offers specialized marine engineering training targeted towards the marine industries across Northern Queensland and the broader Australasia region. JCU’s Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture) emphasizes practical skills across ship design, construction supervision, operations and maintenance. The four-year program includes coursework, extensive practical learning, and a full-year industry placement to provide hands-on engineering experience.
In addition to the bachelor’s degree, JCU offers an Associate Degree in Engineering focused on vessel design, construction and operation. Graduates work as marine engineering technicians and naval architecture drafters. Shorter diplomas are also available for current technical workers seeking additional training.
James Cook University Key Details:
Specialized marine programs targeted for Australasian industries
Emphasis on extensive practical training
Year-long industry placement program
Located in Townsville, Queensland
Additional Universities Offering Marine Engineering Programs:
Beyond the major universities covered above, students can find quality marine engineering degrees at institutions like:
RMIT University (Melbourne & Vietnam campuses)
University of Wollongong
University of Western Australia
Flinders University
Australian National University
When comparing schools, be sure to check program coursework, availability of specializations, enrollment durations, location/campus options, costs, and admission requirements. Some universities also offer shorter graduate certificates or diplomas, which provide supplemental marine engineering training for working engineers or technical professionals.