MSc in Maritime Affairs (Shanghai)

The Master of Science in Maritime Affairs, with a specialization in International Transport and Logistics (Shipping & Finance), is delivered in Shanghai, China by WMU in collaboration with Shanghai Maritime University (SMU). It has been designed to extend WMU’s professional education to a new and thriving clientele from the region and beyond, and to meet more of the maritime industry’s demand for high-level specialized professionals. It has been created specifically for the maritime market in China.

The programme is intensive, and is taught over 14 months from May each year, and ending in July of the following year. The programme is made up of 80 degree credits 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, and each subject carries 8 EC. The second term contains the following taught subjects: Accounting, Finance and Investment Appraisal, Decision Making Techniques and Risk Management in Shipping, Shipping KPI and Fleet Management, Supply Chain Management and Maritime Logistics, Globalization and Digital Transformation of Maritime Transport.

Dissertation is the third term and carriers 20 EC. All students complete a dissertation by applying relevant scientific theory and tools, to develop the knowledge and skills necessary for managing international transport logistics. 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. 

The subjects in this programme are taught entirely in English by WMU (75%) and SMU (25%) faculty. The entry requirements, grading system and quality assurance processes are those in force at WMU. Successful graduates receive a WMU Master of Science in Maritime Affairs degree, with a certificate signed by WMU’s Chancellor and President and a standard WMU transcript of grades.

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WMU admits students to the Master of Science in Maritime Affairs, with a specialization in International Transport and Logistics (Shipping & Finance), who are already established in careers in the maritime field. The Admissions Board will consider only those applicants who meet the following general entrance requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (with full transcript)
and/or
The highest grade certificate of competency for unrestricted service as master mariner or chief engineer

All applicants must submit an internationally recognized English language proficiency test. Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge examinations, and GCE O-levels in English language. Other tests are accepted by the Admissions Board only under exceptional circumstances; 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)

IBT: 80+
PBT: 550+  
WMU’s TOEFL institution code is 9198.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

band 6.0 or above
Please note: the academic, not the general training, version of the test is required

Cambridge Examinations

Proficiency (CPE)

Students who have a pass in a GCE O-level or the equivalent (WAEC, CXC etc) must enclose a copy of their examination results for evaluation by the Admissions Board.

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 evaluate the skill level based on guidelines shown above. Information on TOEFL may be obtained through US embassies/consulates or the US Information Service, and on the IELTS and Cambridge Examinations from the British Council or Australian or UK embassies/consulates.

More information can be found by visiting these websites:
https://www.ets.org/toefl
https://www.ielts.org
https://www.cambridgeenglish.org

The fees for the programme are affected by currency fluctuations and may rise each year. As of January 2023, the tuition fee for the next intake to the programme will be approximately equivalent to USD 15,000.  In addition, a student needs funds to cover living costs in Shanghai for the whole study period (accommodation, food, books and study material and so on). Please contact the ITL Shanghai office for the exact fees and cost of living estimate.

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As part of the programme, students are required to take part in field study visits; destinations include Shanghai-based shipping, port and other maritime institutions. Students also attend a number of seminars.

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