Become an expert in autonomous shipping management and get the skills needed in future leadership of autonomous maritime business!
Goal
This Master's degree programme is for maritime professionals (Master Mariners, Marine engineers and Shipbuilding Engineers) who are eligible to be a part of the fourth industrial revolution in maritime technology and planning, conducting and leading autonomous shipping in both shipowner´s organisations and maritime administrations.
The degre programme in Autonomous Shipping Management is designed for shipping organisations and maritime administrations in building and preparing the organisation for international autonomous shipping. The Students conduct their studies at same time when autonomous shipping practices are created for the industry, based on IMO MASS CODE as goal-based instrument.
The studies include topics which are essential for the duties, like in- depth maritime sustainable economics, international treaties, risk management, chartering, environmental legislation, based on the changing maritime environment and supply chains of autonomous shipping.
Content
The Master's degree programme in Autonomous Shipping Management comprises 60 ECTS and the degree title is Master of Engineering or Master of Maritime Management, Autonomous Shipping Management.
The programme has a special focus concerning the autonomous shipping management and digitalization of maritime operations based on Maritime Surface Ships (MASS) regulation and other regulatory instruments. The target is to achieve state of the art competence and knowledge in the area of autonomous shipping management from seafaring, legal and economic aspects as is relevant for the autonomous shipping industry. The studies include 6 courses of relevant subjects each of an extent of 5 credits. Following subjects are covered:
- Safety of Shipping and MASS Code
- Sustainable Shipping Economics
- Cargo Management of Autonomous Shipping
- Risk Management and insurance of Autonomous Vessels
- Law and Economics of Chartering Autonomous Vessels
- Elective Course
- Cyber Security
- Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Human-Machine Interaction
- Maritime Administration and Autonomous Vessels
- Human factor in Autonomous Shipping, Watchkeeping and Training
The elective study courses will respond to the in-depth education needs expressed by sea captains and marine engineers of working life and maritime commercial and industrial societies. Elective studies will be carried out in close connection with the professional maritime society during the second study year. In the beginning of the studies each student selects two elective courses out of the four, and places them in order of preference. Minimum two courses with highest number of selections will be implemented immediately after the degree specific advanced professional studies.
Structure of Studies
The part-time studies are constructed for flexible learning and studying, parallel with fulltime employment ashore or at sea. The meetings are mainly used for solving study technical problems, presenting assignments and group reports, and some lecturing. The great part of the studies and instruction is conducted using a learning platform.
The studies are arranged at site and online with the lecture materials, as well as the assignments to be completed online, in the system Moodle. For study administrative things the Peppi system is used. It is recommended but not mandatory for the students during the studies to attend some sessions in person at campus. Some of the courses include mandatory professional study visits to shipping organisations and administrations in Nordic countries (and possibly also UK). Study visits are financed by students or their employers – Not by Novia University of Applied Sciences.
Contact lectures of the courses are arranged on average every second (two days) month. Moreover, the student is obliged in person, in Turku, to show the Student Admissions Office the original certificates used in the application. This is basically an online program with only 2 contact lecture days every second month and e.g. moving to Finland is not possible for the studies as Finnish Immigration Service expects a higher level of contact teaching for granting permits to study in Finland physically.
Master of Engineering, Autonomous Shipping Management
- Field of study: Technology and Seafaring
- Extent: 2 years 60 Credits
- Form: Master's Degree - Part-time studies
- Location: Turku
- Application period: 7–21.1.2026
Previous Knowledge
You can apply for Master of Engineering, Autonomous Shipping Management if you have completed
- Appropriate Bachelor's degree and/or Master's degree in related field.
An appropriate Bachelor's degree in a related field for this programme can be Bachelor of Maritime Management, Maritime Management, Captain or Bachelor of Engineering, Maritime Technology or another appropriate Bachelor’s/Master’s degree completed in the field of seafaring.
- Minimum 24 months of work in a related field after completion of Bachelor's degree
News and Events
Scholarships and Tuition Fees
The studies are free for EU/EEA citizens. Tuition fee for non-EU/EEA students is set to 12 000 euro for the academic year 2025-2026.
Tuition fee-paying (non EU/EEA) students can apply for a scholarship. Read more about tuition fees and scholarships on the Admissions Services pages.
We're on social media. Follow us to keep up to date with news and what is happening.
Thesis
The thesis work is usually realized as a research and development project related to working life.
The Master's thesis is a demanding development project or research work combining theory, praxis and creation of new knowledge. The thesis subject and aim are based on requirements and needs of the maritime field. The theme of the thesis (30 ECTS) must be related to the fields studied, preferably agreed upon with an industry representative. The thesis thus works as a bridge between study and work and gives students the opportunity to apply theoretical thinking to practical problems. Constructing a thesis subject and the potential collaboration with an organization is at the responsibility of the student.
Alternatives for the thesis are, for example:
- an investigation or analysis
- a development project or case/s
- theoretical work
- product development, such as a prototype, process or a model.
Continuing Education Opportunities
With a master’s degree, students are able to continue on to university post-graduate (licentiate/doctoral) studies. However, universities may, at their own discretion, have specific admission requirements for post-graduate studies that must be met in addition to a completed master’s degree.
Read more about applying to Novia UAS on the Admissions Services pages.
Career Opportunities
After completing the Master's degree programme, you will be qualified to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the field of autonomous shipping management internationally. The international autonomous shipping is evolving due to the IMO legislation now finally taking place. Graduates will be better suited for expert work and leadership within future shipping companies, maritime authorities, ports, and a wide range of related organisations such as transport companies, maritime insurance companies, marine technology providers, education, and research. These fields have a constant need for employees relating to autonomous shipping, and the fast development of autonomy and digitalization within the maritime industry brings more opportunities with it.
Internationalisation
Given that the language of tuition is English, the possibilities for working on an international scale, both during and after the studies, are good. For example, the thesis project is suitable to conduct abroad or in an international business relating to autonomous shipping.
Language of Instruction
The studies are conducted in English.
Collaboration With Other Actors
Novia UAS co-operates with several universities internationally for example though IAMU (International Association of Maritime Universities) which are promoting autonomous shipping and digitalisation. Co-operation takes place e.g. within RDI-projects, student and staff exchange and continuing education.
Novia UAS has a long tradition in cooperation with companies’ i.e. ABB, Kongsberg and Wärtsilä in training and consulting services.
Continuing Education Opportunities
With a master’s degree, students are able to continue on to university post-graduate (licentiate/doctoral) studies. However, universities may, at their own discretion, have specific admission requirements for post-graduate studies that must be met in addition to a completed master’s degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Apply online at www.studyinfo.fi
Read more about the application process.
Webinar for Applicants to Master's Degree Programmes
Student Story
Career Opportunities
After completing the programme, you will be qualified to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the field of autonomous shipping management internationally. Graduates will be better suited for expert work and leadership within future shipping companies, maritime authorities, ports, and a wide range of related organisations such as transport companies, maritime insurance companies, marine technology providers, education, and research.
Alumni Story
"At Novia, I gained not only knowledge but also valuable connections and a broader outlook on the maritime world. The opportunities this education offers are limitless."
Related News
Read more related news
Meet Us
Novia University of Applied Sciences participates in several different student fairs and events. Our own students who are trained PR tutors visit secondary education schools across Finland. If you want to book a visit to your school or high school please contact Julia Mård, julia.mard@novia.fi and we will help you!
Novia UAS quality management is certified according to the ISO 9001 quality standard. This means that every year our entire business is audited by DNV. This is to ensure the best quality and constant development of Novia UAS.