Master of Science in Maritime Science

The Maritime Science programme is aimed at students of diverse academic backgrounds, who have a common passion for, and an interest in the maritime world. Prospective students with a job in the maritime sector may also profit from this programme to enhance their knowledge and skills.

Subsequent Master's Programme
1 year 60 credits
Faculty of Law and Criminology
English
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About the programme
Programme summary
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Off to a good start
After graduation

What

Our programme comprises three core components (a technical-general component, an economic-logistic component and a legal component) and stays true to the multidisciplinary approach, which makes it unique in the global academic landscape. Our teaching staff consists of experts in their respective fields with international exposure and experience. There is a strong link with the professional maritime sector, providing students with information about the actual operations and common practices on the ground and preparing them for a professional career. As the maritime sector operates in an international environment, all course units are naturally English-taught. English is the language that rules the maritime sector. It is therefore essential that students are able to use the English terminology in a correct and efficient way. All course units have a European and an international dimension, resulting from the global nature of maritime transport. In addition to the normal academic activities and course units, we organise an annual study trip to London and many other visits throughout the academic year. These (field) trips and company visits are fully integrated into the curriculum.

For whom

The admission requirements depend on your prior education (type of degree, country of issue etc.) or additional experience.

Structure

The curriculum consists of a logical, uncluttered framework, consisting of compulsory course units (39 credits) and electives (6 credits). The compulsory course units represent the core of the study programme, while the electives offer the students the possibility to choose which (professional) direction they want to go, according to their personal interests and ambition, and allow for specialisation in a certain aspect of the maritime world. The three components are represented in both categories and these academic course units are supplemented by writing a Master’s dissertation (15 credits). The Master’s dissertation is a written essay on a maritime or transport-oriented topic, by means of which the student proves that he can analyse a specific topic thoroughly and individually and write his findings down in a structured and coherent manner. The student clarifies and defends the Master’s dissertation in an oral presentation. The curriculum’s legal component aims at fostering in-depth knowledge of the International Laws of the Sea, maritime law and transport law. The economic-logistic component aims at familiarising the students with the unique economic character of maritime transport, which is a global phenomenon with very specific dynamics. It is therefore crucial that students know the economic principles governing and affecting port authorities, shipping companies and transport firms. The technical-general component comprises the essential principles of port technology (basic knowledge of the typical technical infrastructure and facilities in ports), ship technology (basic knowledge of the scientific and technical principles that govern ships) and actual port problems (insight into contemporary spatial and economic issues that determine the investment and infrastructure policy in ports).

Labour Market

The Master’s degree in Maritime Science opens a wide range of possibilities in the legal world, the maritime sector, the transport sector, the insurance sector, government bodies, international organisations … Because of the strong links with the professional maritime sector and the practically oriented course units, graduates are well-prepared for a successful career and are able to fill an existing need in the maritime sector.