Master of Science in Maritime Science
The study programme is aimed at students of diverse academic backgrounds, who have a common passion for and interest in maritime transport. People who are already working in the maritime sector may also profit from the programme to enhance their knowledge and skills.
What
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.
For whom
The admission requirements depend on previous degrees (type of degree, country of issue etc.) or additional experience.
Structure
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).
Labour Market
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.
Quality Assurance
At Ghent University, we strive to educate people who dare to think about the challenges of tomorrow. For that purpose, we provide education that is embedded in six strategic objectives: Think Broadly, Keep Researching, Cultivate Talent, Contribute, Extend Horizons, Opt for Quality.
Ghent University continuously focuses on quality assurance and quality culture. The Ghent University's quality assurance system offers information on each study programme’s unique selling points, and on its strengths and weaknesses with regard to quality assurance.
More information:
Unique Selling Points
- Multidisciplinarity: the programme stays true to the multidisciplinary approach by comprising the three pillars of the maritime sector (technology, economics and law) and enables students to choose their area of expertise through a wide array of elective courses.
- Linking theory to practice: the study trips and company visits, the professional experience of the teaching staff and the teaching and evaluation methods combine theoretical and practical knowledge to prepare the students for a successful professional career.
- Multiperspectivism: approaching the subject material from different angles significantly enhances the understanding and critical thinking of the students and enables them to have a good view on the various aspects and the countless interconnections.
- Unique experience: the academic activities are complemented with international study trips, company visits and various extracurricular activities, resulting in an extraordinary learning experience.
- Diversity: students with diverse academic backgrounds and nationalities can enrol in the programme, enabling different views and promoting interdisciplinary cooperation.
Strengths
- Teaching staff: the programme is taught by motivated experts with international acknowledgement and experience, in theory as well as in practice.
- A comprehensive curriculum with an international outlook: all courses echo the various aspects and the international nature of maritime transport.
- Stakeholder engagement: the study programme is boosted by the strong link and interaction with the maritime sector.
- Pluralism: the programme promotes tolerance, diversity, social responsibility and cultural sensitivity as maritime scientists will have to work in a global environment where these values are necessary to succeed.
- Maritime science research: the Maritime Institute has an impressive international track record of research output and the network of experts is a great asset to the study programme.
Weaknesses
- To consider a closer cooperation with the maritime sector in the development and evaluation of master dissertations, inter alia by linking it to possible internships.
- To involve alumni and the maritime sector in the internal quality assurance structures.
- To invest in the development of an international network.
This study programme is accredited by the Accreditation Organization of the Netherlands and Flanders (in Dutch: NVAO). Accreditation was extended following the positive outcome of the institutional review in 2017. A screening of the Education Monitor by Ghent University’s Education Quality Board is planned in the years 2021-2024.
This information was last updated on 01/06/2021.
In case of questions or suggestions with regard to the publicly available information, please contact the study programme.