The programme comprises three main pillars (a technical-general pillar, an economic-logistic pillar and a legal pillar) and stays true to the multidisciplinary approach, which makes it unique in the global academic landscape. The study programme is supported by a very strong teaching staff, composed 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. All courses are taught in English, as the maritime sector operates in an international environment. The language that rules the maritime sector is in se English. It is therefore essential that students are able to use the English terminology in a correct and efficient way. All courses have a European and an international dimension, resulting out of the global nature of maritime transport. As a supplement to the normal academic activities and courses, an annual study trip to London and many other visits are organised during the academic year. Both the five-day study trip to London and the other field trips and company visits are integrated as a full-fledged component of the curriculum.

The study programme is built on a logical, uncluttered framework, consisting of compulsory courses (39 credits) and optional courses (6 credits). The compulsory courses represent the core of the study programme, while the optional courses offer the student 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 pillars are represented in both categories and these academic courses are supplemented by the writing of a master’s dissertation (15 credits). The master’s dissertation is a written essay about a maritime or transport oriented subject, wherein 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 legal content of the study programme aims at developing in-depth knowledge of international law of the sea, maritime law and transport law. The economic-logistic content of the study programme aims at familiarising the student with the unique economic character of maritime transport, which is a global phenomenon with very specific dynamics. Therefore it is crucial that students know about the economic principles that govern and affect port authorities, shipping companies and transport firms. The technical-general content of the study programme 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).

The degree of master 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 courses, graduate students are well prepared for a successful career and are able to fill an existing need in the maritime sector.