Unit of Maritime Law and Maritime Studies

Master of Commerce In Maritime Studies

The Unit of Maritime Law and Maritime Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offers a specialised Master of Commerce in Maritime Studies that focuses on Shipping Law, Maritime Economics and Customs and Excise.

The Programme is recommended for professionals in the Shipping Industry, including professionals consulting in International Trade Departments in Law and Accounting Firms, Customs and Excise professionals, and various public sector professionals involved in transport.

The Programme consists of six modules and a mini dissertation (20 000-word research project) with two compulsory modules, namely Analysis of Sea Freight Markets, International Business Transactions in Shipping and a core module in Research Methodology.

The balance of the required coursework modules may be selected from a number of electives from a broad spread of modules in Shipping Law, Maritime & Port Economics, and Customs and Excise. Students may select freely across elective modules.

To accommodate individuals who are in employment or outside the Durban area, students are generally required to attend one weekend lecture bundle per month for three months for each registered module. A weekend lecture bundle generally consists of a Friday evening and a full Saturday. Lectures are delivered by UKZN academics and shipping experts.

Working students are advised not to take more than two modules per semester. Working students have a maximum of four years to complete the Masters programme.

The programme can be completed over one year of full-time study, or two years if part time.
To be considered for the Programme, the applicant should have a recognised Honours equivalent degree in Commerce, Law, Engineering or Science or an equivalent certificate of competence from a recognised maritime agency, such as full membership of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.
  • 31 October for the first semester of the following year.
  • 30 June for the second semester of the current year.

Applications for Masters and PhD study by research are welcome. Prospective students may contact the Unit for further information.