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Marine Autonomous Vehicles

Course Code: UFI0004, UXI0004
  • Level: 5
  • Qualification: Foundation Degree
  • Awarding body: University of Plymouth
  • Duration: Two years (full-time) or three years (part-time)
  • Course type: Full-time, Part-time
  • Time of day: Daytime
  • When you'll study: Various days and times

What's it all about?

Full Fee

Full-time £14,900 (£7,450 per year)
Part-time £11,100 (£3,700 per year)


Autonomous and robotic vehicles are the future of marine science. The ability to explore the most extreme oceanic environments including the ocean depths without the need for human operation allows scientists to explore the oceans in ways that were previously not possible. The only Foundation Degree of its kind in the UK, the focus of this course will be to provide the future workforce for the blue-tech industries. However, with the free-thinking and holistic approach provided, enabling students to innovate and develop new systems and methods, it is anticipated that there will be the opportunity for students to utilise their knowledge enabling them to become new start-up businesses in their own right.


For more information about this course please read the Programme Quality Handbook which contains programme specifications and module information.

Course information

The course covers the following units:

  • engineering mathematics
  • engineering science
  • digital and analogue devices
  • applications of pneumatics and hydraulics
  • naval architecture
  • object orientated programming
  • fluids and CFD
  • advanced CAD and FEA (finite element analysis)
  • mechatronics
  • composite materials for the marine environment
  • software development
  • final project.

We welcome applications from those who have a minimum of four GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including maths and science, and one or more of the following:

  • 48 UCAS tariff points
  • a BTEC National Award in a related subject
  • an Advanced Apprenticeship
  • a level 3 qualification in mathematics
  • a level 3 qualification in a related subject
  • equivalent qualifications or relevant work experience.
  • T Level pass in an appropriate subject area

Should the entry requirements not be met then individual cases will be considered.

Assessment will be through a mixture of coursework, practical assessments and examinations.

Upon successful completion you may be able to progress to the BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering degree at the University of Plymouth.

Please note fees are quoted for one year only.

Download course PDF

Future careers

What you could earn:

Civil Engineers

£64,060.79

Potential salary

£27,261.19

Entry level salary

£42,615.99

Average salary

7

Annual openings in Plymouth

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