Study plan - Master of Maritime Operations

This program is a joint master study program between The Western Norway University of Applied Sciences and the University of Applied Sciences Hochschule Emden/Leer. The program takes 4 semesters. The first semester is compulsory in Haugesund (Norway) and the second semester compulsory in Leer (Germany). The lectures are all given in English. The two partner institutions provide each one profile that can be elected in the third semester. This determines the location of study. The master thesis in the fourth semester should be within the frame of the profile. Overall 120 ECTS are reached when completed the study programme.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes:

Knowledge:

The candidate:

1. has advanced knowledge in the academic field of maritime operations, giving an overview of the maritime environment

2. has specialized insight in maritime operations and its processes

3. can apply knowledge to new areas related to maritime operations

4. has thorough knowledge of theories and methods in the field of maritime operations

5. can analyse academic problems related to the maritime field on the basis of history, tradition, distinctive characters and the place in society of the maritime industry

6. has thorough knowledge of theories about environmental friendly systems and can discuss these in an operational view

7. can apply his/her knowledge about the clues of safe and environmental maritime operations to the academic field

 

Skills:

The candidate:

1. can analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations e.g. system analysis, cost benefit analysis, optimisation and risk assessment, in the field of maritime operations

2. can deal critically with various sources of information both in the maritime and related fields and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments relevant for maritime operations

3. can use relevant methods for research and scholarly development to work independently on practical and theoretical problems related to maritime operations

4. can carry out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics

5. can analyze existing methods and interpretations in the maritime field and work independently on practical and theoretical problems relevant for maritime operations.

 

General competence:

The candidate:

1. can apply his/her knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects

2. can communicate extensive independent work and masters language and terminology related to maritime operations, incl. rules, legislation and classification as well as knowledge of maritime technology and innovation

3. can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes within the maritime filed and independently initiate and implement academic and interdisciplinary collaboration

4. can analyze relevant academic, professional and research ethical problems related to the maritime field

5. can assume responsibility for own academic development and specialization and qualify for the PhD-program in nautical operations

6. can communicate about academic issues, analyses and conclusions related to maritime operations with both specialists or the general public

Content

The study programme sets out to cover maritime operations, with ship technology and management as supporting framework. Maritime operations will during the programme cover different aspects related to different maritime operations; the international aspect (such as regulations), the technical aspect (such as ship stability), the organizational aspect (such as the complex relationship between human and technical factors) and the managerial aspect (such as safety and risk) throughout the two compulsory semesters. In the maritime industry of today the technological, operational and managerial aspects are entwined and technology and management will both be present in some form in all maritime operations.

The international aspects of ship technology, maritime operations and management are anchored in the international nature of the maritime industry, in addition to the international dimension of the programme itself. Maritime operations covered in the programme are of an international character, such as the maritime industry itself, and include several technical and managerial aspects through operations related to ships, installations and subsea/offshore vessels, as well as operations above and below the waterline and along the coastline.
The Maritime Operations programme combines the nautical domain with its focus on operational and organizational aspects with the engineering domain, which focuses on the technical aspects, as well as managerial aspects related to the operational perspective. The purpose of such a combination is to cover maritime operations in depth and educate students able to contributing to improve and develop such operations, e.g. related to safety and efficiency, and who will be a valued asset for the maritime industry both off- and onshore with their complete and updated knowledge.

The students can apply for student exchange in the third semester, based on their profile choice. The Master of Maritime Operations has two profiles to choose between, hence Offshore and Subsea Operations (Haugesund) and Sustainable Maritime Operation (Emden/Leer).

Offshore and Subsea Operations

The Offshore and Subsea Operations profile gives you an insight in subsea and marine systems and operations, ship operation and maintenance strategies / methods, and how environmental conditions may affect the operation and equipment. Different surface vessels, Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROV¿s), diving systems and subsea production equipment will be covered. Methods for prediction of weather window that may be crucial for the ability to execute / complete the offshore operation, will also be included in the profile, as well as risk- and reliability analysis. A simulator demonstration and excursion to a relevant company /operation site will top the gained knowledge and experience.

 

Sustainable Maritime Operations

The Sustainable Maritime Operations profile gives the student a thorough insight in three different aspects of maritime operations. The technical aspect focuses on the forces of load and bouncy, wind, waves and hydrodynamics affecting the vessel, the design of the vessel and the operational and managerial aspects. The operational aspect focuses on the chain of computational maritime modeling and simulation techniques needed in maritime operations. The managerial aspect focuses on central themes concerning the organization and leadership of projects, as well as methods and techniques for analysis and management.

 

This program is only taught in English.

The students can apply for this study programme at both universities. A common selection committee will select the students from all the applicants. The students are enrolled at both universities. For the examinations the local examination rules are applied. A good level of understanding and speaking of English is recommended. At least a B2 level according the Common European Framework of References for Language is required.

Teaching

The teaching and learning methods are varied and aim to make the students actively participate and build up independent thinking. The teaching methods vary, with lectures, solving exercises in groups, and problem-based learning being the most common. In addition to individual work, group work is encouraged throughout the programme. It is expected that the students show up for class well prepared, as the lectureres place a significant amount of time and effort in preparing the lectures.

Information and communication technology are integrated in the teaching, with Moodle/Fronter and computer based support systems as important tools in the scientific and educational work.

Assessment

The forms of assessments are chosen according to the learning outcomes of the difference courses and the total learning outcomes of the programme, and include assessment forms such as portfolio, written exams, oral exam, project thesis and master thesis.

We strive to have different assessments within the programme so that the students can be tested on several aspects such as theory, ability to reflect, to work in groups, academic skills and so on.

More information regarding the forms of assessment can be found in the module descriptions.

The forms of assessment have two goals:

1. To give the students feedback to which level they are at, and thereby facilitate improvement.

2. To say something about the students' learning outcomes.

The grade scales consists of the grades A-F and passed/not passed. The grades A-E indicates that the student has passed the exam. The grade F indicates that the student has failed the exam. The grade C reflects a good and solid academic performance.