Sustainable Maritime Engineering (SME)

Overview

This English‑taught Master’s programme covers maritime technologies from the ocean surface to great depths, with a strong emphasis on sustainable use and protection of marine environments. It delivers a broad, critically informed grounding in maritime engineering while integrating sustainability principles across technical topics.

Structure and learning approach

Students work on interdisciplinary, application‑oriented projects and can focus their studies by choosing one of three specialisations: Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or Underwater Technologies. Team projects play a central role, promoting collaboration across specialisations. The programme is closely connected to regional industry and research institutes, reflecting the university’s maritime orientation and aiming to prepare graduates to meet global future needs of the maritime sector.

Key facts and requirements

• Language of instruction: English
• Degree awarded: Master of Science
• Field: Mechanical Engineering (maritime focus)
• Target audience: international students
• Specialisation options: Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, Underwater Technologies
• Teaching style: interdisciplinary, application‑oriented, team projects
• Industry and research links: partnerships with regional industry and research institutes

The program is organised over four semesters. In the first three semesters you complete a mix of mandatory and elective courses, accumulating 90 credit points in total (typically 30 credit points per semester). The final, fourth semester is dedicated to an independent Master's thesis worth 30 credit points, which you must both write and defend. Altogether the curriculum leads to 120 credit points and is structured to let you build core expertise while choosing electives that match your interests.

Coursework is designed to balance foundational engineering topics with subject-specific content relevant to sustainable maritime systems. Core modules provide the technical and methodological base, while elective modules let you specialise and deepen skills in areas of your choice. The programme’s sequencing (three semesters of taught modules followed by a research thesis) supports progressive learning from guided instruction to independent research.

Learning outcomes focus on advanced engineering knowledge and the ability to apply that knowledge to maritime sustainability challenges. By the end of the programme you will be able to integrate theory and practice, carry out independent research and project work, and communicate and defend technical results at Master's level—all demonstrated through your thesis and its defence. The credit-point pacing (30 CP per semester) reflects a full-time workload and a clear path from structured learning to a research-driven capstone.

Requirements (concise)

• 90 credit points from taught modules over first three semesters (30 CP each semester)
• 30 credit points for the Master's thesis in the fourth semester
• Successful completion and defence of the Master's thesis required for degree conferral
• Curriculum combines mandatory (core) and elective modules to allow specialisation within sustainable maritime engineering

Graduates are prepared for technical and design roles in the maritime sector, including shipbuilding and repair yards, offshore energy and subsea engineering companies, marine systems suppliers, and consultancies focused on coastal and ocean technologies. The programme’s emphasis on sustainability and cross-disciplinary project work also suits positions in environmental and regulatory bodies, and in research and development.

With skills in modelling, hydrodynamics, structural design and underwater technologies, alumni can pursue careers in engineering project teams, technical management, or continue into doctoral research in maritime engineering and related fields.