Maritime Operations

Overview The programme begins by grounding students in scientific methods and a thorough introduction to international maritime processes. Early coursework examines cultural aspects, communication, safety and organisational learning, while technical study focuses on the stability of floating structures — a fundamental concept for safe maritime operations.

Structure and learning approach In the second semester, students sharpen analytical skills through complex, project-based examples. They build simulation models and evaluate them from commercial, logistical and technical viewpoints, including quality and risk assessments. Optimisation techniques are introduced and applied to these simulations, always with managerial considerations in mind and taught in a hands‑on, project-oriented manner.

Specialisation and international experience During the third semester students can deepen their expertise by contributing to ongoing research projects. One available profile is Sustainable Maritime Operations offered by the Faculty of Maritime Studies in Leer, while the partner institution Stord/Haugesund University College specialises in Offshore and Subsea Operations. Students may apply for an exchange semester at the partner institution, supporting both technical learning and intercultural experience.

Personal and professional development Beyond technical and operational skills, the programme emphasises the managerial and personal qualities needed for leadership roles: methodological and social competencies, mental maturity, independence, decision-making ability and a sense of responsibility. Intercultural competence is fostered both within course modules and through at least one semester spent at the joint programme’s partner institution.

What the programme expects and develops

• Scientific working methods and analytical thinking
• Understanding of international maritime processes, safety and organisational learning
• Technical competence in stability of floating structures and maritime technology
• Ability to build and evaluate simulation models (commercial, logistical, technical, quality, risk)
• Application of optimisation methods in project contexts
• Managerial, leadership and decision-making skills
• Methodological, social and intercultural competence through coursework and an exchange opportunity

Curriculum overview

This MSc track combines foundational research training with technical and operational modules delivered across two partner locations in Norway and Germany. In the first semester (Haugesund, Norway) you build a strong methodological and safety-focused base through Philosophy of Science, Research Design and Methods (10 ECTS), Safety and Human Factors (10 ECTS) and Modern Ship Design: Safety, Limitations and Hazards (10 ECTS) — a total of 30 ECTS. These courses develop your ability to design rigorous maritime research, evaluate human and organisational contributors to safety, and assess ship designs for operational limits and hazards.

The second semester (Leer, Germany) emphasizes engineering tools needed for ship performance and decision-making: Maritime Computational Fluid Dynamics (6 ECTS), Cost Accounting (6 ECTS) and Ship Propulsion Systems (6 ECTS), together with an Applied Approach to Tools of Optimisation and Simulation. These modules train you in computational analysis, propulsion concepts, economic assessment, and the use of optimisation and simulation software to improve vessel design and operations.

In the third semester you choose a profile to deepen either management/technology or sustainability perspectives: Maritime Technology and Management (Haugesund, Norway) or Sustainable Maritime Operations (Leer, Germany). The programme concludes in the fourth semester with an independent Master’s thesis that integrates technical knowledge, operational considerations and research skills into a substantial piece of original work.

Program requirements (concise)

• Semester 1 (Haugesund, Norway): Philosophy of Science, Research Design and Methods (10 ECTS); Safety and Human Factors (10 ECTS); Modern Ship Design: Safety, Limitations and Hazards (10 ECTS) — 30 ECTS total.
• Semester 2 (Leer, Germany): Maritime Computational Fluid Dynamics (6 ECTS); Cost Accounting (6 ECTS); Ship Propulsion Systems (6 ECTS); Applied Approach to Tools of Optimisation and Simulation.
• Semester 3 (profile): choose either Maritime Technology and Management (Haugesund, Norway) or Sustainable Maritime Operations (Leer, Germany).
• Semester 4: completion of the Master’s thesis.

Note for international applicants: the curriculum involves study periods in both Norway and Germany; verify language of instruction, credit recognition, and any mobility/visa arrangements before applying.

Graduates are prepared for technical and managerial roles across the maritime sector, including ship operation and management, offshore and subsea industries, shipyards, classification societies, maritime consultancies, logistics firms and regulatory bodies. The mix of technical simulation skills, commercial evaluation and leadership training supports positions such as operations manager, project engineer, offshore operations specialist, marine systems analyst or consultant.

The international structure of the programme — study and enrolment in both Norway and Germany, plus optional research experience — enhances employability for organisations operating across national boundaries and those seeking candidates with intercultural competence and applied research experience.