It offers both an overview of the complex, inter-related 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. 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:. 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.
Every subject offered in the core MSc programme can also be followed by external participants, on a flexible, credit-by-credit basis. Another mode of flexible enrolment is to study term-by-term, completing the three term programme over several years. The award for which a student may be eligible depends on the successful completion of a specified number of credits and the grades obtained.
