MSc in Maritime Affairs (Malmö)

WMU’s MSc programme emphasizes the practical application of expertise. 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 and oceans industries. 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 taught in Malmö 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 the ocean. 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 and also continue to work on their dissertation preparation:

• 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 two specializations taught in China follow a different calendar to meet local demands.

The Accelerated MSc Programme

Applicants who already have a relevant postgraduate qualification (a postgraduate diploma or a Master’s degree) 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.

Flexible Enrolment

Every subject offered in the core MSc programme can also be followed by external participants, on a flexible, credit-by-credit basis. A fee of $315 per credit is charged, including assessment and/or examination; successful students are awarded a Certificate of Accomplishment, and a transcript of grades showing the subjects attended and assessed, which can be used to accumulate credits towards the full MSc degree or a Postgraduate Diploma. A student who elects only to audit a course, without any assessment, pays a reduced fee of $285 per credit, and is issued with a Certificate of Attendance.

Another mode of flexible enrolment is to study term-by-term, completing the three term programme over several years.

Students’ Progress and Awards

Students’ progress through the course is determined by his/her individual grades. Each grade awarded to a student is reviewed by the University’s Curriculum and Assessment Committee, before it is issued to the student.

To be awarded the degree of Master of Science, a student must pass every subject in the degree programme. It should be noted that from the Class of 2024 (the intake of 2023), WMU has used the Swedish system of grading. Neither field studies nor the research methodology subject are grade-bearing; they are simply classified as pass/fail. No overall GPA score will be recorded on transcripts, and no degrees will be awarded “with distinction”.

The Credit System

The Malmö MSc programme is structured on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS). ECTS is based on the principle that 60 credits measure the workload of a full-time student during one academic year, which is around 1600 hours per year. One credit therefore approximately equals 25 working hours. Student workload consists of all planned learning activities, such as attending lectures, field studies, seminars, independent and private study, preparation of projects, taking examinations, preparing and giving presentations and researching and writing the dissertation. Credits in ECTS can only be obtained after successful completion of the work required and appropriate assessment of the learning outcomes. Learning outcomes are sets of competences, expressing what the student will know, understand or be able to do after completing a process of learning.

Credits are allocated to subjects and dissertation work, reflecting the amount of work required to achieve specific objectives. This weighting relates to the total quantity of work necessary to complete the programme successfully.

Progression

To remain in good academic standing, students must pass every subject, after permitted re-assessment.

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 academic skills necessary to follow a postgraduate programme successfully, whether this programme is at WMU or elsewhere. The ESSP also welcomes 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, which targets all four language skills with a focus on contemporary maritime and oceans topics. The programme also includes academic lectures by WMU professors.

The classes are small to facilitate group activities for collaborative, student-centered learning and allow a very high level of individual feedback to students from their teachers. The competencies that are developed include effective problem solving, communication, academic writing, and critical thinking skills, all skills that are needed in postgraduate study and lifelong learning. Applications must be made online. For more information about the programme, please visit wmu.se/essp.

2025/26 Key Dates

2025

23 June - 12 September - English & Study Skills Programme: 12 weeks
15 – 19 September - Non-teaching period for ESSP students: 1 week
15 September - Orientation programme for non-ESSP students starts: 1 week
‍22 September  Inauguration of the Class of 2026
22 September - 19 December First term: 13 weeks
1   November Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2025
22 December - 9 January - Non-teaching period: 3 weeks

2026

12 January – 26 June  Second term: 24 weeks
12 January - Students with advanced standing join the class of 2026
11 - 22 May - Non-teaching, re-sit examinations period: 2 weeks
29 June - 3 July - Non-teaching period: 1 week
6 July – 30 October - Third term: 17 weeks
‍31 October Graduation Ceremony for the Class of 2026

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.

Typical 14-month programme structure

Term 1
Foundation Studies          20 EC
Research Methodology    4 non-degree EC

Term 2
Specializations                 40 EC
Field Studies                    4 non-degree EC

Term 3
Dissertation                      20 EC

Total                                88 EC
                                        80 EC grade-bearing
                                        8 EC Non-degree, Non-grade-bearing

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, such as Duolingo, 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
   Advanced (CAE)            no ESSP required
   Proficiency (CPE)          no ESSP required 

Students who have a pass in a GCE O-level or the equivalent (WAEC, SSC, CXC etc.) must enclose a copy of their examination results certificate.

Sometimes applicants’ test results meet the University’s general guidelines, but show weaknesses in a certain skills area. In such cases, the Admissions Board will vary the guidelines shown above.

Information on the accepted tests can be found at the following websites:
   www.toefl.org
   www.ielts.org
   www.cambridgeesol.org

All candidates must apply online. Applications can be submitted at any time; there are no cut-off dates.

Certified copies of certificates (including the results of an acceptable test of English language) and transcripts supporting the qualifications listed must be attached as electronic files. 

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.

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:

• Maritime Education & Training
• Maritime Energy Management
• Maritime Law & Policy
• Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration
• Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management
• Port Management
• Shipping Management & Logistics

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.

Application for the English and Study Skills Programme (ESSP) Only

To apply to follow the ESSP as a stand-alone programme of study, please click here.

Application for the Accelerated Programme

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. Any applicant who is considered for the accelerated programme, but not accepted, is automatically then considered for the 14-month standard programme.

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 2026 are as follows:

Standard MSc programme: $30,000
(Tuition: $25,400, field study programme: $4,600)

Accelerated MSc programme: $26,675
(Tuition: $21,950, field study programme $4,725)

English & Study Skills Programme: $6,150 

The fees and costs are revised biannually, and so will be higher for students in the Class of 2027.

Living Costs

A student needs at least SEK12,000 per month for rent at the University residence and basic general living costs, plus air tickets. To rent a flat privately is considerably more expensive.

All-Inclusive Payment

Some sponsors prefer to make a single payment to the University to cover all the needs of their student during the programme. From this inclusive payment, WMU provides tuition, field studies, insurance, accommodation, a monthly living allowance and an air ticket home after graduation. The all-inclusive fees are as follows:
Standard MSc programme:                 $62,675
Accelerated MSc programme:            $63,125
English & Study Skills Programme:     $12,175 

Payments to the University

Payments to the University should be sent to:

Account Name:           The World Maritime University
Account Number:       3968-77-02567
IBAN Number:             SE66 3000 0000 0396 8770 2567
BIC Code:                    NDEASESS
Bank Name:                 Nordea
Bank Address:            PO Box 24, SE-201 24 Malmö, Sweden

Details of the transfer of funds should be sent to the Registry by email (MSc@wmu.se).

Financial Support from Companies, Governments and Foundations

One third of 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. 

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.

Special Information for South African Applicants

Applicants from South Africa can seek funding for their studies from TETA, the Transport Education and Training Authority.

Financial Support from WMU Donors

If you cannot secure funding in your home country, you can be considered for one of the fellowships granted via WMU by international donors. These are primarily for applicants who work for their home Government. The majority of these fellowships cover the full costs of studying at the University: the University fee, accommodation at the residence, a monthly living allowance, and an air ticket home after graduation. Others cover only the University fee. There is very limited donor support for the ESSP.

The application for donor funding must be made by your employer, who completes the Application for Financial Support form, available on our website. Your employer should read this information before filling out the Financial Support Form. The Financial Support Form must be emailed by your employer to msc@wmu.se. To be considered for certain donor fellowships, applicants must complete additional motivational statements. The blank forms for each donor which is currently requesting such a statement can be found on our website. As at August 2024, these awards are the Sasakawa World Maritime University Fellowships, the ITF Seafarers’ Trust Fellowships, and the TK Foundation Fellowships. Please note that only typed electronic forms can be accepted to apply for donor support, and should be submitted with your online application.

Your employer’s commitment to your studies is vital; the donors expect your employer to buy your initial plane ticket to come to Sweden, and to employ you in a suitable position after graduation. The donors have established the criteria that they use when considering applicants: awards are usually restricted to government employees from the least developed countries who are aged under 40. Some donors give priority to certain regions, to certain specializations or to women. Detailed information about academic qualifications, including English language test scores, IT skills, professional track record and anticipated employment after graduation are taken into account by donors, along with your motivational statement.

If you hope to secure a donor fellowship, you must apply as early as possible to maximize your chances, and you are advised to submit all the motivational statements. Donors start to allocate fellowships very early each year, and the process goes on over a period of several months. We receive many more applications for these fellowships than the number of donor fellowships available, and you should not rely on WMU donors if there are other options in your home country; it is very important that you and your nominating authority make every effort to secure financing on your behalf.

Financial Support for Applicants from the Private Sector

The full fellowships from international donors are overwhelmingly for applicants from developing countries and fromGovernment service. If you do not meet these criteria, you may be able to access partial financial support from the University’s Endowment Fund.

This support is limited in scope, and relates only to the tuition fee. If you can at least meet your own living costs – perhaps with the help of your employer – then you can apply for Endowment Fund support. You would be expected to write an explanation of your circumstances, what you are able to contribute yourself, and your motivation for joining WMU. You would then be expected to demonstrate that you were in possession of the necessary funds, before your enrolment could be confirmed.

All forms must be saved before filling them out.

Please make sure that you fill the boxes on the forms but do not add text beyond the visible box, and do not change the pdf settings to use scrollable text. If you exceed the size of the text box, the donors' Awards Committees will not see the text outside the limits of the boxes.

Click here for information regarding external funding opportunities

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. The destinations are different each year, but might include some of the following:

Maritime Education & Training: Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Lithuania, the Philippines, Portugal and the UK (including IMO)

Maritime Energy Management: Italy, Sweden, the UK (including IMO), Finland, Denmark and Belgium

Maritime Law & Policy: the Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia, Peru, Denmark, and the UK (including IMO)

Maritime Safety & Environmental Administration: Germany, Republic of Korea, India, Sweden and Denmark

Ocean Sustainability, Governance & Management: Sweden, Denmark, and the United Republic of Tanzania

Port Management: Germany, Singapore, Poland, Sweden, and other major ports

Shipping Management & Logistics: Greece, Singapore, Denmark, Sweden and other major shipping destinations

The co-operation of an enormous range of global institutions makes it possible for WMU students to experience the application of the latest theories, practices and technologies in real-life maritime situations, and to join a global network of maritime professionals.

Malmö

Malmö is Sweden’s third largest city, situated in the southern-most province of Skåne. The city offers good shopping facilities, theatres, bars, cafés and restaurants, as well as an outstanding symphony orchestra, art galleries and museums. Malmö has a big student population, and was voted Sweden's Student City of the Year 2021-2022 by the national Association of Student Unions, in recognition of the excellent lifestyle the city offers.

Although Malmö may look typically Swedish, with its historic buildings and canals, it is also very cosmopolitan; many of its citizens were born outside Sweden, and over 180 different countries are represented in the city. It is a green city known for its parks and gardens and for its responsible attitude to sustainable development. The Western Harbour area of Malmö has been studied by many international teams looking at its innovative architecture and landscape design.

Malmö has strong historic bonds with the maritime industry; it was an important medieval sea-port and had a thriving ship-building industry for many years. It now has a knowledge-based economy that places a premium on learning and research, being home to its own University, several faculties of Lund University and to WMU. The city has developed high-technology industries to make the best use of its educated work-force. It is home, for instance, to a remarkable number of computer gaming companies.

Malmö’s sports provision is excellent, whether you want to watch or take part. Its football team is one of Sweden's best. The city is surrounded by rolling countryside and some of the best beaches in Sweden.

The Öresund Bridge provides Malmö with a direct road and rail link to Copenhagen and its international airport, just 30 minutes away by train. Copenhagen’s historic centre has all the attractions you would expect from any European capital, as well as some special features of its own, like the Tivoli Gardens. 

The City of Malmö, as WMU’s host, provides the University’s building in the centre of the city, which offers outstanding facilities in a spectacular building.

Accommodation

WMU is able to provide excellent student accommodation at the Henrik Smith Residence, run by on-site staff, at a rent of approximately SEK 5,625 (2024 figure) per month. All WMU students can be accommodated on one site, although during the First Term, students may be required to share a room or to be accommodated temporarily in alternative accommodation until the senior class has graduated and departed. The Henrik Smith Residence is less than three kilometres from the main University building, and only a short walk or bus-ride to the centre of Malmö.

The Residence has a range of facilities, including a lounge area for social meetings or group work, study rooms, facilities for playing pool and table-tennis, a sauna, laundry facilities and indoor storage space for bicycles.

Passports and Residence Permits

A residence permit cannot be issued for a period longer than your passport validity. If you need to renew your passport and residence permit while in Sweden, you will not be allowed to leave the country during the processing. This may prohibit you from taking part in field studies abroad. We therefore recommend that you make sure that your passport is valid at least as long as your whole study period.

You should apply for a residence permit as soon as you get your enrolment documents, even if you do not need a visa to enter Sweden (note: if you are an EU national, different rules apply). The Swedish residence permit allows travel to Sweden via other Schengen countries without obtaining additional or transit visas.

You should be aware that airlines will refuse to carry passengers without a valid residence permit or entry visa for their country of destination. It is therefore very important that you should start to apply for your residence permit as soon as possible. The process can often take three months, and sometimes longer, and the University is not able to assist incoming students with this.

WMU students’ families follow the same procedures as any other visitor coming to Sweden and the process for obtaining a temporary residence permit can be very lengthy. Processing permits for whole families can take longer than for individual students. Your highest priority should be to arrive on time for the start of your programme, which begins in full strength on the advertised date. Please see the section on Should you bring your family to Malmö? for full details.

Health Care

The University takes out medical insurance to cover treatment in Sweden, as well as emergency treatment during field studies abroad. This health insurance covers sudden illness and accidents; it does not cover pre-existing conditions not mentioned on your pre-enrolment medical report. The insurance will also refund students the cost of medicines available only by prescription. The insurance does not cover treatment from an optician, and gives only limited dental cover. Incoming students must read carefully the Fees and Facilities booklet, which contains the latest information available.

Students have free access to a sports centre close to the University and WMU can facilitate membership at a gym very close to the student residence.

If you are planning to bring your family to join you in Malmö, it is compulsory to take out private medical insurance to cover them. The University insurance for you cannot be extended to your family. Please see the section on Should you bring your family to Malmö? for full details.

Student Support Services

The WMU community is welcoming and supportive. Senior students and staff join in helping newcomers settle and find their way. An orientation programme is given to each group of new students to provide an introduction to the University and living in Sweden. This is supplemented by a comprehensive information and advice service.

When you arrive, the Student Council arranges for you to be met by a ‘buddy’ – another student who can help you with all the practicalities of settling in, and who can make sure you find your feet immediately. Later, you will be invited to give similar help to new students.

The University provides students with travel insurance for University travel during their study period, in addition to the medical insurance described above. Students are assisted in obtaining the visas needed for field studies abroad.

Student Life

As a member of the WMU community, you can benefit from a broader experience both as a professional and as an individual. The University offers you the chance to establish friendships with people from all over the world, and to become, temporarily, a member of Swedish society. Students are encouraged to take full advantage of all that their time at WMU has to offer.

Students at WMU have a voice in the affairs of the University through the Student Council, which has special officers responsible for all areas of student life, from sports activities to academic affairs. You can get involved in all the things that interest you.

You might wish to bring your national dress with you when you come to Malmö. While at WMU, you may be asked to represent your country on a number of occasions, and many students are proud to wear their national dress. 

Alumni

When you graduate, we make sure you can keep in touch with the University through webinars and online discussion forums. Many countries have lively alumni associations, which are part of a global network.

Some graduates have returned as resident academic staff or visiting lecturers. Many meet again at conferences, seminars and IMO meetings. Social media provides another forum for continuing professional collaboration with WMU contacts, as well as for keeping up informally with friends made in Malmö. The networking opportunities offered by studies at WMU are invaluable and extend far into the future.

Should you bring your family to Malmö?

Many students wish to bring their families to Malmö, but in reality very few can afford to do so. It is costly and making arrangements for your family is time-consuming, especially in a foreign country. Students find their studies very demanding and difficult to balance with family life. 

If you decide to bring your family you should in any case arrive here alone. This will allow you to make suitable arrangements for their accommodation, as children are not allowed to live at the Student Residence at any time. The cost of renting a basic apartment is currently around SEK14,000 per month, plus utilities. The rental market is very challenging, with strong demand and low supply.

The arrangements made by the University apply only to students, and not to dependants. If you bring your family, you must arrange financial support for them, quite apart from any fellowship that you may yourself hold. Your home government or employer is expected to continue to pay your salary while you are studying at the University, particularly to support your family, whether they remain in your home country or come to Malmö. Such arrangements are entirely a matter for students and their sponsoring government/organizations, and do not involve the University in any way.

If you intend to bring your family to Malmö, you must obtain the necessary immigration clearance for them to enter Sweden before they leave your home country. You must be able to demonstrate to the Swedish authorities that you can support your family financially, in line with Swedish regulations, and that you can afford the necessary health insurance for the whole period of their visit. Such insurance is quite expensive. The Migration Agency also needs to be satisfied that you and your family will leave Sweden at the end of your approved period of enrolment.

If you are joined in Malmö by your husband or wife only, he or she may share your accommodation in the Residence from the start of the second term in January. Please remember that the apartments were designed and are equipped to accommodate only one person comfortably. It is not possible for children to live at the Residence, even for short periods, and so families with children must arrange outside housing at their own expense. 

Instead of bringing their families for the whole period of their studies, many WMU students arrange a shorter visit during the summer months or at graduation.