Ports, shipping and ocean governance involve overlapping technical, economic and legal questions. The Master of Science in Maritime Science, jointly organised by Ghent University and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel in Belgium, brings these subjects together in one curriculum. Applications are now open for the 2027–2028 academic year.
Three perspectives on the maritime sector
The programme is built around three pillars: port and ship technology, maritime and port economics, and maritime law and the law of the sea. Taught entirely in English, the programme comprises 60 ECTS credits. It can be completed in one year of full-time study or followed part-time.
Learning beyond the classroom
Study trips and company visits form part of the programme, connecting the curriculum with the work of maritime organisations. A four-day visit to London includes organisations such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the International Oil Pollution Compensation Funds (IOPC Funds) and Lloyd’s Register. Students also take part in a study trip to Rotterdam and regular company visits. These activities are included in the tuition fee.
Who can apply?
The programme is open to holders of a master’s degree in any discipline. Applicants with an equivalent foreign degree comprising 240 credits may also be admitted following a review of their curriculum.
Application dates
For entry in 2027–2028, the key deadlines are:
31 March 2027: Applicants who require a visa, and applications for partial tuition-fee waivers.
30 June 2027: Other applicants with a degree from outside the Benelux.
Further information and the online application are available here . Questions about the programme can be sent to maritimescience@ugent.be.
