This English-taught Master’s programme prepares students to manage a wide range of maritime systems with an emphasis on safe, efficient and legally compliant operation. The curriculum combines technical knowledge (including simulation and maintenance), commercial and logistical perspectives, and transferable “soft” skills such as human resources and organisational management. It is designed to strengthen both specialist engineering capabilities and the managerial competencies needed in ports, shipping companies, shipyards and related service providers.
Teaching covers risk, security and environmental considerations alongside technical subjects such as propulsion, navigation and monitoring systems, and offers training in maritime communication and business simulation. The programme balances classroom-based learning with methods for applied research and project management, equipping graduates to take on operational and strategic responsibility in the maritime sector.
The final part of the degree is a research-based Master’s thesis, which is publicly presented at a university colloquium attended by the university community. This gives students the chance to demonstrate their independent research and problem-solving skills in a professional context.
The programme combines mandatory core modules and a selection of elective specialisations, finishing with an independent Master’s thesis in semester three.
Key compulsory modules:
Sample elective modules (students choose according to focus):
Learning outcomes:
This program requires applicants to hold a first professional degree (for example, a Bachelor’s, “Diplom,” or an equivalent qualification) in a subject related to business or engineering, awarded by a German or foreign university. The prior degree must include at least 210 credit points in the completed programme. If your previous degree contains fewer than 210 credits, you may be allowed to acquire up to 30 additional credits by taking courses at UAS Wismar either before the start of the master’s programme or while enrolled. The specific modules you must take to make up missing credits will be determined by the Examination Board upon request.
Academic grading also plays a role in admission decisions. The degree certificate presented must show an overall grade of at least 2.5; if the overall grade is worse than 2.5, admission can still be considered only if the final examination grade is 2.0 or better. Applications will be rejected if the overall degree grade is 3.0 or lower. Any special cases or exceptions are evaluated by the Examination Board on an individual basis, so contact them if you have unusual circumstances or questions about eligibility.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 July 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 July 2026
Graduates are prepared for operational and managerial roles in maritime industries, including ship management, port and terminal operations, shipping companies, shipyards and maritime logistics providers. The combination of technical simulation skills and management training also suits roles in maintenance and monitoring, project management, and areas dealing with safety, security and environmental compliance.
With its applied focus, the programme is also a good foundation for positions in consulting, classification societies, regulatory bodies and technology providers supporting autonomous and digital maritime systems. The research and project skills developed during the Master’s thesis can support progression to senior technical or managerial positions, and provide a base for further research or industry-led innovation projects.
Hochschule der Bayerischen Wirtschaft (HDBW) — München
Hof University of Applied Sciences — Hof
Stralsund University of Applied Sciences — Stralsund
Technische Universität Braunschweig — Braunschweig