THESis
Research
In preparation of the thesis, a course on research methodology will be provided during the Master program.
The objectives of this course are to make student aware of the basics of learning and make them aware of their own skills development. Students will be familiarised with research skills that are necessary to sharply define and scope a problem, define a research strategy and determine the feasibility of their project. The research courses also serve to start a process where students are actively collecting ideas and background information on a subject of their interests, which eventually result in their thesis subject.
Master Thesis Project
The thesis is the so-called ‘Master piece’ of the Master Shipping and Transport program. During four to six months of the thesis period, every course participant is required to conduct research and write a thesis, preferably within the context of a relevant management problem inside a company. Students are responsible for defining their own projects and determine and negotiate a ‘sponsor’ company for the thesis.
The thesis can never be solely a practical or theoretical piece of work. The thesis must have two elements: knowledge (theory) and practice (application). Participants are stimulated to find a thesis project in their home country and/or with the company they are working for. The final report has to be submitted; this document forms the basis of the thesis defence and final evaluation.
Thesis Defence
The student has to prepare a presentation of the thesis work. The report and presentation, and the oral examination will form the basis, together with the results of the course tests, for the graduation. Only course participants with positive results will be allowed to take the final examination.
Diploma supplement
After a period of 16 to 18 months the Master Shipping and Transport program will be concluded with a graduation ceremony. Graduates receive a diploma, certifying that he or she has successfully completed the Master Shipping and Transport program. In addition, a separate diploma supplement will be issued with information on the contents of the Master program and the qualifications gained by the graduate as a result of this program. This will facilitate international recognition of qualifications gained through the Master program.