WMU’s MSc in Maritime Affairs programme emphasizes the practical application of expertise. It offers both an overview of the complex, interrelated maritime and ocean fields, as well as the opportunity to specialize. The programme is designed to respond directly to the real needs of the maritime industry, and to equip graduates with the skills needed today and in the future. It is academically challenging and professionally oriented, and is designed for ambitious, mid-career maritime professionals. It provides a particularly strong foundation for those intending to move into either a national or an international career.
WMU is active in research that is influencing the development of the maritime industry. From the effects of climate change to maritime safety & security, from piracy to port state control, from environmental to technological developments impacting the industry, as well as on ocean-related matters, WMU’s faculty are involved in research that also adds significant value to the content of the MSc programme, keeping it up to date and relevant.
THE STANDARD MSC PROGRAMME
The standard MSc programme is 14 months long, and divided into three terms:
Foundation Studies are taught in Term 1. They are completed by students following the standard MSc programme, and provide a thorough grounding in maritime policy and the IMO system for maritime governance, as well as an introduction to the environmental, economic, and managerial aspects of sea use. Students also start the preparation for their dissertation in the research methodology subject.
Specialization Studies are taught in the second term. Students follow one of seven specializations:
- Maritime Education & Training
- Maritime Energy Management
- Maritime Law & Policy
- Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration
- Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management
- Port Management
- Shipping Management & Logistics
Dissertation: all students complete a dissertation, which may be based on a particular issue relating to their work in their home country or on a current or emerging maritime issue. The dissertation topic and proposal must be approved by the University, and may involve original research or be an analysis of a topic based on secondary sources. Students may complete the dissertation individually, in pairs or in trios.
THE ACCELERATED MSC PROGRAMME
Applicants who already have a relevant postgraduate qualification (a postgraduate diploma, a Master’s degree, etc.) may apply for advanced standing on the basis of transferring credits from their previous studies; this exempts them from the need to complete the first, foundation term and allows the MSc degree to be completed in 10 months.
VISITING PROFESSORS
A further unique element of the WMU MSc in Maritime Affairs programme is the involvement of Visiting Professors. Each year, around one hundred internationally renowned senior maritime experts come to the University from a very diverse range of countries and institutions, including governments, multilateral organizations, universities, associations and companies. They are all internationally recognized experts, and play a key role in enabling WMU to deliver our comprehensive and wide-ranging programme.
WMU is the only maritime university in the world that offers its students direct access to such a network of senior people with real global impact.
ENGLISH AND STUDY SKILLS PROGRAMME
WMU offers a specialist Maritime English and Study Skills Programme (ESSP). The ESSP is designed to enhance English language competencies and provide the skills necessary to follow a postgraduate programme successfully, whether this programme is at WMU or another institution. Around one fifth of the ESSP students are external students, who come to Malmö for this unique programme that prepares them for both study and professional life in the maritime and ocean fields.
The ESSP runs each year from June to September, and its curriculum is designed to cover the skills required for success in a postgraduate degree programme and for professional success. The core components are Academic Writing Skills, Speaking & Presentation Skills and Thematic Integrated Skills. The programme also includes academic lectures by WMU professors, and IT and library workshops.
The classes are small to facilitate group activities and allow a very high level of individual feedback to students from their teachers. The competencies that are developed include effective problem solving, solid research methods, critical reading and analysis, all skills that are needed in postgraduate study.Applications can be made online.
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