Study Guide

Objectives

The aim of the education is to deepen leadership skills and adopt a systematic development approach, especially in expert positions within the maritime cluster. Upon completing the degree, you will be able to take on challenging leadership roles in both private and public organizations within the maritime cluster. You will master the concepts, methods, and tools of project management. You will be familiar with the principles of financial management and human resources management, and you will know how to apply related practices and theories to leadership tasks in your specific field. You will understand the importance of organization and be able to lead and develop your area of responsibility's organization even in a challenging operating environment, taking into account essential leadership principles. The goal is to enhance your readiness to work in expert and leadership positions in the maritime industry's business and administration sectors, meeting future needs.

The education is aimed at sea captains or marine engineers who have completed a university of applied sciences (AMK) degree and have at least two years of relevant work experience after completing their degree.

Degree programme description

Core Competence, 25 ECTS

Leadership in the Maritime Cluster, 15 ECTS

You will be able to lead complex, high-capital projects and understand the principles of portfolio and program management. You will know how to utilize financial management as part of organizational leadership. You will be able to apply leadership skills in your work and master various elements of leadership. You will be familiar with the principles of the maritime cluster's safety culture and understand the regulatory constraints and their impact on business operations. You will know how to source information from international sources and have the ability to develop maritime safety culture comprehensively and in connection with overall safety.
- Project Management in the Maritime Cluster
- Financial Management
- Leadership and Safety Culture in the Maritime Cluster

Development in the Maritime Cluster, 10 ECTS

You will be able to develop business or public services related to the maritime cluster with consideration of sustainability principles. You will understand what responsible business means and apply it naturally as part of daily leadership. You will master the theories and principles of innovation management and know how to apply them as part of leadership and business development. You will research and develop the innovation model of your organization.
- Responsible Business in the Maritime Cluster
- Development and Innovation Management in Maritime Business

Thesis, 30 ECTS

Additionally, you will write a thesis, worth 30 ECTS. You will learn to identify development or research needs in your professional field, and be able to plan, implement, evaluate, and report on a research or development process that promotes changes in the professional field or work life. You will be able to produce results or outputs that develop work life in the research or development process, and you will know how to communicate about the research or development process and its results, as well as any potential outputs.

Complementary competence 

You can choose complementary competence studies from a wide supply of Xamk Master School’s common studies according to your interests. 
 
These common studies cover courses both in Finnish and English and include the following:  
• Digitality and technology in society
• International operating environments and communication
• Management, leadership and entrepreneurship
• Research and development
• Language studies

You can also choose complementary competence studies from other universities, if they are at the level of master’s degree.  

In case you have previously completed studies at the level of EQF 7, and they match the objectives of the degree, they can be accredited as part of your studies. More information is provided by the Degree Programme Coordinator. 

Implementation of studies

The education is conducted as a multi-modal program at the Kotka campus, meaning you can study alongside working, though having a job is not a prerequisite. The studies are organized flexibly according to the demands of working life, taking into account the challenges active seafarers face in attending in-person classes. However, those studying while at sea must also be able to visit the campus according to their personal study plan. The studies include in-person classes at the Kotka campus, online learning, self-study for literature exams, and group work. Some supplementary studies may also take place at other Xamk campuses. You can integrate the learning tasks and thesis work into your own organization and duties, thereby enhancing your current job or role.

At the beginning of your studies, a personalized study and career planning (HOPS) process will be initiated with you. This process will support you in making choices related to your studies, internships, thesis, and international opportunities. Your personal student advisor will guide and assist you in this planning. Studying at Master School helps you build your career path according to your interests and goals.

Xamk supports students in all aspects of their studies. The entire university staff is dedicated to your well-being. You will have support from student advisors, student well-being experts, study psychologists, student health care staff, and a school chaplain. Xamk requires students to use their own devices (e.g., laptops).

Career opportunities

Upon completing the Master’s degree in Maritime Management (YAMK), you will be qualified for a wide range of leadership positions within the maritime cluster. You can work in the international maritime environment in roles such as a member of executive teams, project manager or leader, supervisor, senior specialist, development and expert roles, or as an entrepreneur. Your degree title will be either Master Mariner (Master of Maritime Management, YAMK) or Engineer (Master of Engineering, YAMK), depending on your previous educational background. The YAMK degree provides the same qualifications as a university master's degree.

RDI and cooperation with world of work

The degree programme is multidisciplinary, providing you with the opportunity to meet professionals from various fields during your studies. Together with your teachers, they challenge you to practise your critical thinking and argumentation skills. As a result, you not only gain new perspectives on your own field, but also contribute to the development of other fields.

The networks created with experts during the studies are also a considerable advantage for you after graduation. This is something that students graduating from Xamk Master School consider one of the most important aspects of the education.


Development-oriented approach to work

At Master School, you learn to retrieve and process field-specific research data and apply it to your own work. Learning is research-based, development-oriented and aimed at promoting innovation.

You can also carry out research work and other assignments as part of Xamk’s research, development and innovation (RDI) projects.

RDI specialists are an essential part of Xamk Master School, building bridges with the world of work. Among Finnish universities of applied sciences, Xamk stands out as the largest in the field of RDI activities; the total number of ongoing projects per year is nearly 200.

Learning environments

The studies for the Master's degree in Maritime Management (YAMK) are primarily conducted at the Kotka campus, utilizing simulation, laboratory, and classroom facilities. The comprehensive digital learning environment enables remote and hybrid learning for applicable courses