PhD Programme in Nautical Operations

The PhD programme in Nautical Operations is a joint degree between four national higher education institutions: UiT the Arctic University of Norway, University of South-Eastern Norway, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, and Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The programme focuses on applied research to support, improve, and develop nautical operations.

Programme Description

Nautical operations consist of two subject areas:

• Nautical studies: navigation, maneuvering, and transport of floating craft, and corresponding operations.
• The operational perspective: strategic, tactical, and operational aspects, including the choice of type and size of a ship fleet, design of individual ships, and selection of equipment and staff.

The programme is divided into two main components:

• The coursework component (30 ECTS): compulsory and self-chosen subjects at PhD level.
• The research component (150 ECTS): an independent research project or research and development project that meets international standards.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the PhD programme requires:

• A relevant Master's degree based on a Bachelor's degree of 180 ECTS.
• Examples of fields of study that qualify for admission include: maritime management, nautical studies, occupational and organisational psychology, fire and safety, meteorology and oceanography, marine engineering.
• A weighted grade average for the Master's degree equal to B (3.5) or better is required as a basis for admission.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of:

• Coursework component (30 ECTS).
• Research component (150 ECTS). The programme shall normally be completed within three years of full-time work or within four years if one year is devoted to teaching and supervision work.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the doctoral programme, the candidate shall have achieved the following overall learning outcomes:

Knowledge (K1-K5)

• K1: at the knowledge forefront of national and international research on nautical operations.
• K2: contribute to theory or technology development in nautical operations.
• K3: thorough knowledge of scientific theory relevant to the candidate's field of research.
• K4: assess the appropriateness of different research methodologies and methods.
• K5: thorough knowledge of maritime stakeholders and their interrelations.

Skills (F1-F4)

• F1: formulate scientific research problems based on current research.
• F2: carry out research on nautical operations to generate new knowledge.
• F3: generate, process, and analyze empirical data and present research findings.
• F4: identify and analyze the need for knowledge, development, and change of technology.

General Competence (G1-G5)

• G1: identify relevant new ethical challenges and problems in one's own research.
• G2: disseminate research and development findings via national and international publications.
• G3: participate in professional maritime networks with other researchers.
• G4: manage complex multidisciplinary assignments and projects.
• G5: contribute to creativity and innovation within one's field of research.

Job Prospectives

Candidates will be eligible for positions in the national and international maritime industry, including:

• Supplier industry to the maritime sector.
• Shipping companies.
• Government bodies and public institutions with maritime activities.
• Consulting.
• The Higher Education sector with maritime professional education.
• Offshore and energy companies.
• Ports and land-based services for the maritime industry.
• Training and educational centers for maritime personnel.

Degree Name

PhD in Nautical Operations

Language of Instruction

English

Outgoing Exchange

The National Joint PhD Programme in Nautical Operations has established cooperation agreements with several international institutions, including World Maritime University, Maritime University of Szczecin, TU Delft, and Liverpool John Moores University.

University of Tromso: A Summary

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Overview:

UiT Norges arktiske universitet (University of Tromso) is a public university located in Tromso, Norway. It is known for its focus on Arctic research and education.