General information
Standard MSc programme
The standard MSc programme is 14 months long, and divided into three terms:
1. 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.
2. Specialization Studies are taught in the second term. Students follow one of seven specializations:
The students following the MSc in Maritime Affairs benefit from a unique field study programme hosted by organizations such as shipping companies, port authorities, maritime administrations, and a range of other governmental and non-governmental organizations, all over the world. These field studies link the students’ theoretical knowledge to practical experience, so that they can gain valuable insights into professional practices around the world - insights that are unique to WMU’s students. The field studies are part of the individual MSc specializations, and the programmes typically involve the following destinations:
- Maritime Education & Training: universities/institutions in Norway, Sweden, the Philippines, the Netherlands, EMSA (Lisbon) and IMO (London)
- Maritime Energy Management: Italy, Sweden, IMO (London), Finland and Denmark
- Maritime Law & Policy: the ICJ and the PCA (the Hague, Netherlands), ITLOS (Hamburg, Germany), DIRECTEMAR (Chile), BIMCO (Copenhagen, Denmark), and IMO (London)
- Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration: Malta, Republic of Korea, Germany, IMO (London), China, Sweden and Denmark
- Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management: Sweden, Denmark, the UK, IMO (London) and the Netherlands
- Port Management: Singapore, Sweden, the UK, Denmark, and Germany (Hamburg) and other major ports
- Shipping Management & Logistics: Greece, Singapore, Sweden (Gothenburg), the UK (London) and Germany (Hamburg) and other major shipping destinations
3. 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.
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.
Content
The highlighted icons, represent the fields of education (in compliance with ISCED Classification) engaged during this course/programme.
Venue
Malmö, Sweden
Application
Click here to apply: https://wmu-portal.tribalcampus.com/n/Course-Search-Result/skypepi-168?q
Cost:
<p>The University fee is made up of tuition, field study programme costs, study materials and the required medical and accident insurance. The University fees for entrants to the Class of 2021 are as follows:</p> <p> standard MSc programme: $27,900<br /> tuition $23,500<br /> field study programme $4,400</p> <p> accelerated MSc programme: $24,800<br /> tuition $20,400<br /> field study programme $4,400</p> <p> English & Study Skills Programme: $5,700 </p> <p>The fees and costs are revised biannually, and so will be higher for students in the Class of 2023.</p> <p><strong>FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM COMPANIES, GOVERNMENTS AND FOUNDATIONS</strong></p> <p>Half our students are funded by their own companies, governments or national funding agencies. Sponsors can choose whether to make the all-inclusive payment, or to pay just the University fee to WMU, and then make payments directly to the student to cover living expenses. Payment must be made by bank transfer to the University’s account before we can confirm enrolment. </p> <p>Before applying for a fellowship from a WMU donor, you are strongly advised to explore all funding possibilities in your home country, such as from your own company or organization, national scholarship programmes for study abroad, international scholarship and fellowship programmes, maritime sector organizations and philanthropic foundations. Make sure you find out about the requirements for each of these options well in advance of the start of your programme. There is a list on our website of some of these organizations.</p> <p><strong>SPECIAL INFORMATION FOR SOUTH AFRICAN APPLICANTS</strong></p> <p>Applicants from South Africa can seek funding for their studies from TETA, the Transport Education and Training Authority.</p>
Prerequisites:
MSC MALMÖ - ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: 14-MONTH STANDARD PROGRAMME
The University admits only mature students who are already established in a career in the maritime field. The Admissions Board will consider only those applicants who meet the minimum general entrance requirements, which are:
- a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent university qualification
- or
- the highest grade certificate of competency for unrestricted service as master mariner or chief engineer, or equivalent maritime qualifications
- and
- substantial, directly relevant professional experience
- competence in English language, demonstrated by an internationally recognised standard test (see the full English language requirements below)
- computer competence (at least the ability to use Microsoft Office)
Good IT skills are essential, as students are required to use computers from the beginning of the first term to write their examination answers, complete assignments and carry out research and other projects. Applicants who lack computer and keyboard skills cannot be accepted.
From the group of applicants who meet these general entrance requirements, the Admissions Board will select only the best-qualified candidates, taking into account all their qualifications and achievements.
ADDITIONAL ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: ACCELERATED 10-MONTH PROGRAMME
In addition to meeting the requirements for the standard, 14-month programme, applicants for advanced standing must demonstrate that they have already covered the content of the first term of the standard programme. The additional qualifications required are:
- a postgraduate qualification in an area directly relevant to the specialization which the student intends to follow
- senior level, directly relevant professional experience
- proficiency in English without attending the English and Study Skills Programme, and with a good score in the writing skills section of the test (see the full English language requirements below)
- excellent IT skills
Applicants to the accelerated programme must supply detailed transcripts from their undergraduate and postgraduate study. If transcripts are not issued, then the detailed syllabus, the marks gained, and a full academic reference must be supplied.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All applicants to the University must offer an internationally recognised English language proficiency test. Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge examinations, and GCE/SCE O-levels in English language. Other tests may be accepted by the Admissions Board; applicants should check with the Registry in such cases.
Candidates are assessed in accordance with the following general guidelines:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
ESSP participation required if the scores are:
IBT: 61 to 79
PBT: 500 to 549
no ESSP required if the scores are:
IBT: 80+
PBT: 550+
WMU’s TOEFL institution code is 9198.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
bands 5.0 and 5.5 ESSP participation required
band 6.0 or above no ESSP required
Please note: the academic, not the general training, version of the test is required.
Cambridge Examinations
First Certificate (FCE) ESSP participation required
Proficiency (CPE) no ESSP required
Application Procedure:
All candidates must apply electronically. Paper applications are not accepted. Applications can be submitted at any time; there are no cut-off dates.
Applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements are reviewed by the Admissions Board. Only the best candidates each year will be approved and offered a place, pending the confirmation of funding.
If an applicant requests advanced standing to enter the accelerated MSc programme, the transcripts will be carefully assessed to ensure that the essential criteria are met. An applicant who is considered for the accelerated programme, but not accepted, is automatically then considered for the 14-month standard programme.
The Registry will notify you of the result of your application as soon as possible. The process may take longer at certain times of the year.
When an academically cleared candidate has secured financing, enrolment can be finalised. At this point, the University will send each candidate a medical report form, which must be returned to the University, along with a formal declaration that the candidate accepts the conditions of his/her enrolment.
Application for Admission
Applications for admission to the MSc in Maritime Affairs should be submitted online via the self service portal:
Note 1: Please create only ONE account and submit only ONE application.
Note 2: All supporting documentation should be completed prior to filling out the online form so files can be directly uploaded within the application.
Note 3: All applicants are advised to complete and attach the WMU Admissions Supporting Statement with their application. Your statement may have a significant bearing on the success of your application for admission to your preferred specialization.
Grant Opportunities:
More than half of WMU students are funded directly by their own companies, governments or national funding agencies.
Sponsors can choose whether to pay the inclusive full fellowship fee, or to pay tuition to the University and then make payments directly to the student to cover living expenses.
Payment must be received by WMU before confirmation of enrollment can be made.
A limited number of fellowships to provide financial support to students are given each year by a range of international donors. These fellowship awards are aimed at capacity building in developing countries, and the majority are given on a bilateral – government-to-government – basis. Candidates cannot apply for funding personally; their employer must apply.
The donors have indicated that they will support only candidates who are employed by their national governments, and that priority will be given to the least developed countries. It is expected that applicants will be aged under 40. Specific donors have additional requirements and preferences. For example, they may support women, or candidates from a specific region or range of countries.
In addition, a limited number of Sasakawa Fellowships are open to government employees from developed countries. The Sasakawa Fellowship Awards Committee is looking for well qualified candidates with a strong academic and professional record, and aged between 25 and 40. Interested applicants should apply for admission to the University, and in tandem, should submit an Application for Donor Funding from their organizations, plus a Sasakawa Fellowship Motivational Statement, completed by the candidate. It is essential that both these forms are completed in detail and with reference to the University’s Academic Handbook and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation’s web site: https://www.spf.org/e/ Complete applications must be sent to the University by the end of January 2016.
Some fellowships cover the cost of a full fellowship, and may or may not cover the additional cost of the English & Study Skills Programme. Others provide only the University Fee.
Qualification
Qualification: Master of Science
Credits:
Standard MSc programme
The standard MSc programme is 14 months long, and divided into three terms:
1. 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.
2. Specialization Studies are taught in the second term. Students follow one of seven specializations:
The students following the MSc in Maritime Affairs benefit from a unique field study programme hosted by organizations such as shipping companies, port authorities, maritime administrations, and a range of other governmental and non-governmental organizations, all over the world. These field studies link the students’ theoretical knowledge to practical experience, so that they can gain valuable insights into professional practices around the world - insights that are unique to WMU’s students. The field studies are part of the individual MSc specializations, and the programmes typically involve the following destinations:
- Maritime Education & Training: universities/institutions in Norway, Sweden, the Philippines, the Netherlands, EMSA (Lisbon) and IMO (London)
- Maritime Energy Management: Italy, Sweden, IMO (London), Finland and Denmark
- Maritime Law & Policy: the ICJ and the PCA (the Hague, Netherlands), ITLOS (Hamburg, Germany), DIRECTEMAR (Chile), BIMCO (Copenhagen, Denmark), and IMO (London)
- Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration: Malta, Republic of Korea, Germany, IMO (London), China, Sweden and Denmark
- Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management: Sweden, Denmark, the UK, IMO (London) and the Netherlands
- Port Management: Singapore, Sweden, the UK, Denmark, and Germany (Hamburg) and other major ports
- Shipping Management & Logistics: Greece, Singapore, Sweden (Gothenburg), the UK (London) and Germany (Hamburg) and other major shipping destinations
3. 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.
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.
All candidates must apply electronically. Paper applications are not accepted. Applications can be submitted at any time; there are no cut-off dates.
Applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements are reviewed by the Admissions Board. Only the best candidates each year will be approved and offered a place, pending the confirmation of funding.
If an applicant requests advanced standing to enter the accelerated MSc programme, the transcripts will be carefully assessed to ensure that the essential criteria are met. An applicant who is considered for the accelerated programme, but not accepted, is automatically then considered for the 14-month standard programme.
The Registry will notify you of the result of your application as soon as possible. The process may take longer at certain times of the year.
When an academically cleared candidate has secured financing, enrolment can be finalised. At this point, the University will send each candidate a medical report form, which must be returned to the University, along with a formal declaration that the candidate accepts the conditions of his/her enrolment.
Application for Admission
Applications for admission to the MSc in Maritime Affairs should be submitted online via the self service portal:
Note 1: Please create only ONE account and submit only ONE application.
Note 2: All supporting documentation should be completed prior to filling out the online form so files can be directly uploaded within the application.
Note 3: All applicants are advised to complete and attach the WMU Admissions Supporting Statement with their application. Your statement may have a significant bearing on the success of your application for admission to your preferred specialization.
MSC MALMÖ - ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: 14-MONTH STANDARD PROGRAMME
The University admits only mature students who are already established in a career in the maritime field. The Admissions Board will consider only those applicants who meet the minimum general entrance requirements, which are:
- a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent university qualification
- or
- the highest grade certificate of competency for unrestricted service as master mariner or chief engineer, or equivalent maritime qualifications
- and
- substantial, directly relevant professional experience
- competence in English language, demonstrated by an internationally recognised standard test (see the full English language requirements below)
- computer competence (at least the ability to use Microsoft Office)
Good IT skills are essential, as students are required to use computers from the beginning of the first term to write their examination answers, complete assignments and carry out research and other projects. Applicants who lack computer and keyboard skills cannot be accepted.
From the group of applicants who meet these general entrance requirements, the Admissions Board will select only the best-qualified candidates, taking into account all their qualifications and achievements.
ADDITIONAL ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS: ACCELERATED 10-MONTH PROGRAMME
In addition to meeting the requirements for the standard, 14-month programme, applicants for advanced standing must demonstrate that they have already covered the content of the first term of the standard programme. The additional qualifications required are:
- a postgraduate qualification in an area directly relevant to the specialization which the student intends to follow
- senior level, directly relevant professional experience
- proficiency in English without attending the English and Study Skills Programme, and with a good score in the writing skills section of the test (see the full English language requirements below)
- excellent IT skills
Applicants to the accelerated programme must supply detailed transcripts from their undergraduate and postgraduate study. If transcripts are not issued, then the detailed syllabus, the marks gained, and a full academic reference must be supplied.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
All applicants to the University must offer an internationally recognised English language proficiency test. Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge examinations, and GCE/SCE O-levels in English language. Other tests may be accepted by the Admissions Board; applicants should check with the Registry in such cases.
Candidates are assessed in accordance with the following general guidelines:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
ESSP participation required if the scores are:
IBT: 61 to 79
PBT: 500 to 549
no ESSP required if the scores are:
IBT: 80+
PBT: 550+
WMU’s TOEFL institution code is 9198.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
bands 5.0 and 5.5 ESSP participation required
band 6.0 or above no ESSP required
Please note: the academic, not the general training, version of the test is required.
Cambridge Examinations
First Certificate (FCE) ESSP participation required
Proficiency (CPE) no ESSP required



