Maritime Security MA, PgCert, PGDip

Maritime Security is one of the most dynamic and expanding sectors in the security industry with an impact on development efforts, insurance, international law, and global shipping. It encompasses the headline issue of piracy alongside other security challenges such as trafficking by sea, illegal fishing and port security.

The MA Maritime Security is a high-quality postgraduate qualification, shaped by research-active staff and by real world events, providing an opportunity to study in a friendly and supportive learning environment.

The MA is open to anyone with the requisite qualifications, and is targeted at preparing people to enter into a career in fields relating to Maritime Security (e.g. shipping, the security sector, law, insurance, development, international relations and diplomacy) or to enhance the career opportunities of those already working within such fields.

This programme can also be studied at postgraduate certificate and postgraduate diploma level, and is offered via blended learning or distance learning.

Qualifications available

• Postgraduate Certificate in Maritime Security (8 months by blended/distance-learning).
• Postgraduate Diploma in Maritime Security (16 months by blended/distance-learning).
• Full Term MA Maritime Security (24 months by blended/distance-learning).
• Maritime Security (16 months by blended/distance-learning Fast-Track MA (APEL*))

“The type of knowledge gained by students interested in careers in both seafaring and port security by the outstanding sharing of wisdom and experience of highly regarded professionals who are teaching the programme at Coventry is exceptional, and IAMSP is proud to be connected with this type of programme that escalates the overall professional standing of the industry”.
International Association of Maritime Security Professionals

What will I study?

At the Postgraduate Certificate stage, you will study three core modules:

• Peace, Conflict and Security in the 21st Century
• Introduction to Maritime Security: Theory, Concepts and Key Perspectives
• Maritime Security in the 21st Century: Challenges and Responses

At  the Postgraduate Diploma stage, students study three modules:

• Privatisation of International Security
• Complexity in Protective Security
• Environment, Conflict and Sustainability

The final stage in your Masters qualification is the CTPSR Dissertation. Supported by a subject expert from our Centre, you will design and conduct a piece of academic research, from developing a proposal through to presenting your findings. Students are able to choose a topic close to them or relevant to their work whilst developing their research skills for use in their career or further study. Some use the experience to prepare for a PhD or career in research.

Programme Structure. At each stage of the programme you will have the opportunity to attend a short, residential workshop (up to 5 days) to cover the core learning for one module.   The all-inclusive workshops are covered in the course fees and we strongly encourage attendance to condense your learning and as a way of meeting face-to-face with staff and other students, starting to build your network.  (Please note: Accommodation is provided but you will need to organise and finance your travel including any visa costs.  Residential workshops may be held in the UK in Coventry or London, or internationally depending on where students are based.)

In addition to the residential workshops, the programme is delivered through online module materials, small group tutoring and independent study, allowing you to fit your studies around other commitments.  Students unable to attend the workshops will receive additional contact time and can study independently using online materials. 

Starting in September each year the Postgraduate Certificate is designed to be studied over approximately 8 months either by blended learning or distance learning. The MA is designed to be studied over approximately 24 months either by blended learning or distance learning.

We also offer a 15 month fast track route to the MA to those applicants who can sufficiently evidence prior (experiential) learning. Please refer to the admissions criteria below and contact the Postgraduate Programme Manager for further information

“The course structure and delivery method is perfectly blended to suit the needs of those individuals who do not have the time to attend a campus-based course”.
MA Maritime Security alumnus

Student support. You will be well supported throughout your studies with a range of services and guidance to help you get the most out of your programme.

Students are provided with a range of pre-enrolment materials to better prepare them for their studies.  Online modules are provided through the virtual learning environment (Moodle) to facilitate communications between staff and students, and between students.  You will have access to Coventry University’s library, including its digital resources and library support for distance learners.

Extensive coursework feedback and support from the programme team will be provided, and every student is allocated a personal tutor from the moment of enrolment offering pastoral and academic skills support. For those writing a dissertation, a supervisor will be allocated.

You will be also be able to access a portfolio of non-credit bearing academic skills modules and support to develop your research and writing skills, as well as Coventry University’s Careers and Employability Service for support with developing your career following your studies.