Maritime Affairs – (M.Sc.)

Requirements

Entrance Requirements: 14-month Standard Program

The University admits only mature students who are already established in a career in the maritime field. The Admissions Board will consider only those applicants who meet the minimum general entrance requirements, which are:

* a Bachelor´s degree in a relevant discipline, or an equivalent university qualification

or

* the highest grade certificate of competency for unrestricted service as master mariner or chief
engineer, or equivalent maritime qualifications

and

* substantial, directly relevant professional experience
* competence in English language, demonstrated by an internationally recognised standard test
* computer competence (at least the ability to use Microsoft Office)

Good IT skills are essential, as students are required to use computers from the beginning of the first semester to write their examination answers, complete assignments and carry out research and other projects. Applicants who lack computer and keyboard skills cannot be accepted. From the group of applicants who meet these general entrance requirements, the Admissions Board will select only the best-qualified candidates, taking into account all their qualifications and achievements.

Additional Entrance Requirements: Accelerated 11-month Program

In addition to meeting the requirements outlined above, applicants for advanced standing must demonstrate that they have already covered the content of the first semester of the standard program. The additional qualifications required are:

* a postgraduate qualification in an area directly relevant to the specialisation which the student intends to follow
* senior level, directly relevant professional experience
* proficiency in English without attending the English and Study Skills Program, and with a good score in the writing skills section of the test. The tests and marks required are specified under "English language requirements"
* excellent IT skills

Applicants to the accelerated program must supply detailed transcripts from their undergraduate and postgraduate study. If transcripts are not issued, then the detailed syllabus, the marks gained, and a full academic reference must be supplied.

English and Study Skills Program

All applicants to the University must offer an internationally recognised English language proficiency test. Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge examinations, and GCE O-levels in English language. Other tests are accepted by the Admissions Board only under exceptional circumstances; applicants should check with the Registry in such cases.

Applicants to the standard program have the opportunity, if necessary, to enrol on the pre-sessional English & Study Skills Program. Applicants to the accelerated 11-month program cannot attend the ESSP, and so must meet the higher requirements.

Candidates are assessed in accordance with the following general guidelines:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

ESSP participation required:

* CBT: 173 to 212
* IBT: 61 to 79
* PBT: 500 to 549

no ESSP required:

* CBT: 213+
* IBT: 80+
* PBT: 550+

WMU´s TOEFL institution code is 9198.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

* ESSP participation required: bands 5.0 and 5.5
* no ESSP required: band 6.0 or above

Please note: the academic, not the general training, version of the test is required

Cambridge Examinations

First Certificate (FCE) ESSP participation required Proficiency (CPE) no ESSP required

Students who have a pass in a GCE O-level or the equivalent (WAEC, CXC etc) must enclose a copy of their examination results for evaluation by the Admissions Board.

Sometimes applicants´ test results meet the University´s general guidelines, but show weaknesses in a certain skills area. In such cases, the Admissions Board will vary the guidelines shown above. Information on TOEFL may be obtained through US embassies/consulates or the US Information Service, and on the IELTS and Cambridge Examinations from the British Council or Australian or UK embassies/consulates.