Maritime Science Ghent University

Overview

The Master of Science in Maritime Science is an inter‑university postgraduate programme jointly organised by Ghent University (UGent) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). Through a unique multidisciplinary curriculum, the programme integrates the three core pillars of today’s global maritime sector - technical/general, economic/logistic, and legal - preparing graduates for advanced roles in maritime management, port operations, shipping companies, international trade, and the blue economy.

The programme is designed for applicants with a Master’s degree or a 4‑year Bachelor’s degree and attracts students who aim to deepen their expertise in the maritime transport, shipping industry, and the wider global logistics and port economy. Applicants typically hold a Master’s degree or an equivalent four‑year Bachelor’s degree, including those from engineering, economics, law, business administration, supply chain management, nautical sciences or related disciplines. Professionals already active in the maritime or logistics sector also benefit from this advanced master programme as a path to career progression, management roles, and professional development.

The programme is structured around three interconnected pillars:

• Technical/General - covering ship technology, port engineering, infrastructure, and the scientific foundations of marine transportation;
• Economic/Logistic - exploring maritime economics, port management, supply chain systems, transport policy, and the dynamics of international trade;
• Legal - offering in‑depth expertise in maritime law, law of the sea, transport law, and international regulatory frameworks such as IMO regulations.

The curriculum combines compulsory courses (39 ECTS) and elective courses (6 ECTS), allowing students to specialise in areas aligned with their future careers in port authorities, shipping companies, maritime consultancy, transport policy, or global logistics firms. The programme culminates in a Master’s dissertation (15 ECTS) on a maritime or transport‑related topic, enabling students to conduct independent research, develop analytical skills, and present their findings during an oral defence.

This advanced academic training provides a clear pathway to leadership, high‑level management and international careers across the maritime industry.