Maritime Security PgCert, PGDip, MA 2022/23 entry

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Course code:

AHT027 (MA)
AHT028 (PgDip)
AHT029 (PgCert)

Study options:

8 months (PG Cert)
16 months (PG Dip)
24 months (MA)

Location:

Coventry University (Coventry)

Starting:

September 2022

 

Fees:

2022/23 fees TBC* - 2021/22 fees - £14,250 (MA) | £9,500 (PG Dip) | £4,750 (PG Cert)

Find out more

Faculty:

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Get in touch

Dr Heather Baggaley
Postgraduate Programmes Manager

+44 (0) 247 765 9059


study.ctpsr@coventry.ac.uk

Course code:

AHT027 (MA)

Study options:

8 months (PG Cert)
16 months (PG Dip)
24 months (MA)

Location:

Coventry University (Coventry)

Starting:

September 2022

 

Fees:

2022/23 fees TBC* - 2021/22 fees - £14,250 (MA) | £9,500 (PG Dip) | £4,750 (PG Cert)

Find out more

Faculty:

Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Get in touch

Dr Heather Baggaley
Postgraduate Programmes Manager

+44 (0) 247 765 9059


study.ctpsr@coventry.ac.uk

The content of this course for September 2022 entry is still being updated.
The information on these pages relates to September 2021 entry and is for guidance only. Please revisit this course page for updated information.

Overview

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.

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Our postgraduate programmes in Maritime Security (PG Cert, PG Dip, MA) are shaped by current research-active staff and real-world events. Delivered in a friendly and supportive learning environment, these highly interactive programmes provide you with the opportunity to understand and analyse current issues and should aim to develop your skills in response.

“This MA – a pioneering programme of study focusing on some of the most pressing and critical challenges in the dynamic field of Maritime Security. Our Centre is at the forefront of this research agenda, using teaching to enhance the knowledge and actions of practitioners around the world.”

Dr Robert McCabe, Current Course Director, MA Maritime Security

The MA is a blended learning course – a mixture of distance and face-to-face study – allowing you the flexibility to integrate your studies with work and personal commitments. We also provide the opportunity to study through our fast-track (APEL*) route which can allow you to gain accreditation for your prior experience and learning, including what you have achieved in your career so far.

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*))

*Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is the process by which Coventry University awards credits towards a qualification based on a student’s prior learning and experience in, for example, their career, previous qualifications and other, relevant life experience. For this course, Coventry University is able to award a third of the credits of the qualification based on a student’s reflection on the outcomes of their prior experience and learning, providing a fast-track option and an opportunity to complete a master’s degree in 16 months rather than 2 years. For more information on our APEL route or this course, contact our team on study.ctpsr@coventry.ac.uk or speak to Heather, our Postgraduate Programmes Manager, on  +44 (0) 2477659059.

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

COVID-19

The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities

Employability

Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Student experience

All the support you need, in a top student city

What our students say...

The MA in Maritime Security at CTPSR is at the forefront of research in this complex sector. My experience of the MA with Coventry was a very rewarding year and I am delighted to highly recommend the programme to anyone looking to develop their knowledge and enhance their career prospects in this specialised field.

Jordan Wylie, Extreme Adventurer | Charity Ambassador, MA Maritime Security (Alumnus)

Course information

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.

Our postgraduate programmes in Maritime Security (PG Cert, PG Dip, MA) are shaped by our current research-active staff and real-world events. Delivered in a friendly and supportive learning environment, these unique, highly interactive programmes allow you to understand and analyse current issues and develop your skills in response.

Our Maritime Security programmes is designed for individuals preparing to enter into or further a career in fields relating to Maritime Security (e.g. shipping, the security sector, law, insurance, development, international relations, diplomacy etc).

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).
  • Fast-Track MA (APEL) Maritime Security (16 months by blended/distance-learning).

“This MA is the only one of its kind in the world – a pioneering programme of study focusing on some of the most pressing and critical challenges in the dynamic field of Maritime Security. Our Centre is at the forefront of this research agenda, using teaching to enhance the knowledge and actions of practitioners around the world.”

Dr Robert McCabe, Current Course Director, MA Maritime Security

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Course specification
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Modules

Overview

This programme is studied in three stages:

  • Postgraduate Certificate (60 Masters level credits);
  • Postgraduate Diploma level (120 Masters level credits);
  • Masters (180 Masters level credits)

Students start with the Postgraduate Certificate stage, then they move on to the Postgraduate Diploma and finish with the Master’s degree, with the option to stop, pause or progress at each stage. Each stage must be successfully completed before progressing on to the next.

Year One comprises the three modules of the Postgraduate Certificate stage and one module of the Postgraduate Diploma stage.

At the beginning of the year, you will have the opportunity to attend a short residential workshop focusing on the modules studied in the first semester – Peace, Conflict and Security in the 21st Century and Introduction to Maritime Security: Theory, Concepts and Key Perspectives. A second workshop is offered at the beginning of the Postgraduate Diploma stage focusing on the Privatisation of International Security module. Whilst not mandatory, attendance at the workshops is strongly advised as they provide a chance to hone your practical skills, network with professionals from across our postgraduate courses and meet our wider Centre team including current leading academics and our PhD community.

Modules

  • Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert)

    Our Postgraduate Certificate stage aims to focus on the key concepts and theories which underpin current maritime security and explores a range of contemporary maritime security challenges such as piracy and illegal fishing. You will be asked to study three modules:

    • Peace, Conflict and Security in the 21st Century: This module develops your critical understanding of the key concepts of peace, conflict and security and examines their application to contemporary problems. You will be presented with insights from a range of disciplines on both the causes and consequences of conflict and the practices which aim to address the problem of violence in all its forms.
    • Introduction to Maritime Security - Theory, Concepts and Key Perspectives: The central aim of this module is to provide you with a specialist study in the discipline of Maritime Security within the context of International Security. The module will present various International Relations approaches to security and explore ways in which maritime security is situated within this context, including how a variety of state and non-state stakeholders interact in the maritime domain. Emphasis will be placed on the interconnectivity between the land and sea while also encouraging a critical approach towards research including analysing traditional and contemporary approaches to maritime security. In addition, this module will encourage you to critically assess cutting edge approaches and theories relating to maritime security policy, governance and law and consider how these concepts translate into practice.
    • Maritime Security in the 21st Century - Challenges and Responses: This module provides specialist study in the discipline of maritime security. It offers you the opportunity to better understand contemporary maritime security challenges such as piracy, illegal fishing, cyber threats, etc. and the respective responses delivered by a variety of state and non-state actors. The module will also explore the typology of maritime security challenges, utilising case studies of the existing ‘hot spots’ at the global level aiming to highlight that local distinctiveness is a critical factor for the transferability of responses.

  • Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) - Part 1

    At the Postgraduate Diploma stage, students study three modules. The first of these, in Year One, is:

    • Privatisation of International Security: This module provides specialist study on the privatisation of International Security with a specific focus on the maritime domain. It offers students the opportunity to better understand the push-pull factors which led to the privatisation of security and highlight the allocation of security provision tasks to the private industry, which were hitherto perceived as a state obligation and monopoly. The module will explore potential differences between land based and maritime companies, in terms of governance, their securitised space of action and typology of business tasks.

     

Overview

Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) – Part 2

The Postgraduate Diploma stage continues in Year Two with two further modules:

  • Complexity in Protective Security and Resilience
  • Environment, Conflict, and Sustainability
Masters (MA)

The final stage of the MA is a dissertation on a subject of your choice, supervised by a subject expert from the Centre, for Trust, Peace and Social Relations.

A final workshop is offered at the beginning of the Research Design in CTPSR module, to provide training in research methods and should help you to prepare for your dissertation.

Modules

  • Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) – Part 2

    • Complexity in Protective Security and Resilience: This module is designed to critically explore the complex issues impacting on protective security approaches in urban, maritime and aviation contexts. It is designed to critically analyse these complexities in the context of threats, governance (jurisdictional/governmental/organisations), geography (location/physicality of sites), and people (public/private) and the interconnections and dependencies that exist between all of these components. The module utilises detailed case studies to stimulate thinking and discussion and seeks to do so in a manner that allows for interoperability in similar contexts internationally. The module then explores the different theoretical and applied approaches (physical, people, procedural, personal, ad cyber) that policy makers and practitioners can use to understand, counter and mitigate these complexities.
    • Environment, Conflict and Sustainability: This interdisciplinary module examines the complex interactions of natural resources, environment, conflict, development and peace on land and at sea. It looks at key theories and concepts in the area such as ‘resource curse,’ ‘extractivism,’ ‘environmental justice’ and ‘political ecology.’ It also encourages you to analyse specific conflicts and to identify challenges and opportunities for equitable natural resource governance towards sustainable peace and development. The module will provide you with an opportunity to use analytical tools from multiple perspectives including politics, sociology, political economy and geography to encourage critical reflection about contemporary debates on resource conflict, natural resource governance and environmental peacebuilding.

  • Masters (MA)

    • Research Design in CTPSR: This module enables you to learn how to carefully design and plan your research. You will be asked to identify the appropriate methodology and methods for your chosen project, be taught the difference about distinct types of research questions and encouraged to gain an understanding of research ethics.
    • Dissertation in CTPSR: This module enables you to write an extended piece of written work entailing independent study and the use of appropriate research techniques and source materials – your dissertation. The dissertation may consist of a critical evaluation of literature, of a reassessment of evidence, of an evaluation of particular approaches or techniques, or of a limited piece of original or applied research. The dissertation should build on the foundation provided by the Maritime Security taught modules and may involve either the fuller development of subject matter and techniques encountered in the taught programme or the exploration of new areas and techniques appropriate to the overall programme of study.

Module Disclaimer

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

In more detail...

  • You can complete an MA in 16 months with accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). For those with 5 years+ working experience in a relevant field, you could gain one-third of your Master’s degree credits in recognition of what you’ve already achieved, through our APEL (Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning) route.
  • Complete a Postgraduate Certificate in 8 months or a Postgraduate Diploma in 16 months. Our course can be studied at Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s Level, with the opportunity to stop, pause or progress between stages. Whilst most complete a full Master’s degree with us, many students choose to pause after the first or second stage, graduating and continuing their careers with ‘PGCert’ or ‘PGDip’ after their name.
  • Study wherever you are, whilst working. We provide the flexibility of studying online and through short residential workshops where you can have the opportunity to meet, network and be taught with peers in a diverse range of roles around the world. Often the biggest barrier to taking a Master’s degree is balancing it with your employment – our blended-learning, part-time courses are designed for busy professionals, which should allow you to work and study.
  • An international network of professionals. Access to a network of practitioners currently working in roles related to peacebuilding internationally, as well as a large team of current researchers and practitioners working in the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations.
  • A distinctive, international course led by world-leading experts. A pioneering programme of study delivered by current active international researchers. Our courses aim to be global, from the content of the programme and the staff leading them, to the diverse backgrounds of our participants.
  • Inspired by our city. Our courses are founded in and inspired by the heritage of Coventry, the UK’s City of Peace and Reconciliation. Further, our courses are developed by Coventry University, ranked 15th in the Guardian’s University Guide (2020) and Times Modern University of the Year 2014, 2015 and 2016.
  • Practice-focused. A blend of academic knowledge and practical skills aims to enhance your practice and further your career.
How you'll be taught

Our blended learning Maritime Security courses combine residential workshops in Coventry and interactive online learning, making them ideal for people who need to integrate their studies with family or work commitments.

Online modules are provided through the virtual learning environment (Moodle) to facilitate communication 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. CTPSR also has PGT (Postgraduate Teaching) Ambassadors who provide more general support.

How you'll be assessed

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods, which will could vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include coursework, tests, essays and project work. They may also include exams, individual assignment or work group elements.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards the achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Teaching contact hours

The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

What our students say...

I found the programme to be very well-tailored and delivered for the students with respect to widening their scope and knowledge on the maritime domain.

Ahmed Hersi, MA Maritime Security (Alumnus)

Entry Requirements

All applications will be evaluated individually with admissions decisions made by CTPSR. Admission decisions are based on the entry criteria elaborated below and an evaluation of the required application documents. Ordinarily, the minimum entry criteria for each stage (PGCert, PGDip & MA) of the Maritime Security programme are as follows:

Applicants should hold a 2:2 or above degree (or equivalent international grade/qualification), from a recognised University, preferably in a social science subject (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Security Studies, International Relations, Politics, Peace and Conflict Studies, Development Studies, etc.).

For non-UK applicants, the entry requirement is English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Where applicants do not hold up-to-date IELTS certification, we will look at whether an applicant has previously studied and successfully completed a Higher Education qualification in English. Where an applicant does not hold such a qualification entry will be at the discretion of the Course Director and subject to a review of documentation and an interview. Please call or email our team if you have questions about this requirement – contact details below.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning:

To be eligible for AP(E)L an applicant must have a minimum of five (5) years evidenced working experience in a o Maritime Security and be operating at the level of mid-management or above at the time of application, or have operated within a relevant role at the level of mid-management or above within 12 months of the time of application. An eligible applicant seeking AP(E)L will be assessed by a portfolio and admissions interview, alongside their capacity to complete the programme successfully.

For further information on eligibility and the application process please email study.ctpsr@coventry.ac.uk.

*Relevant fields are shipping (industry, insurance, legal services, risk management); security (navies, coastguards, marine police, privately contracted); governmental and non-governmental organisations (foreign policy, international development, environmental, security policy, marine); maritime education (lecturers, teaching, instructors). Other roles and experience outside of these specific fields may be considered. Contact our team if you would like any further information on this on the contact details below.

 

How to Apply

Prior to submitting an application please ensure you have the following supporting documents ready to upload:

*this must be sent directly by the referee to study.ctpsr@coventry.ac.uk. Please ensure you read the guidance which can be found under the entry requirements section, particularly if you wish to apply for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL – Please see section ‘Entry Requirements’ above).


For further information:

Dr Heather Baggaley

Postgraduate Programmes Manager

+44 (0) 2477659059

study.ctpsr@coventry.ac.uk

 

 

 

 

All applications will be evaluated individually with admissions decisions made by CTPSR. Admission decisions are based on the entry criteria elaborated below and an evaluation of the required application documents. Ordinarily, the minimum entry criteria for each stage (PGCert, PGDip & MA) of the Maritime Security programme are as follows:

Applicants should hold a 2:2 or above degree (or equivalent international grade/qualification), from a recognised University, preferably in a social science subject (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Security Studies, International Relations, Politics, Peace and Conflict Studies, Development Studies, etc.).

For non-UK applicants, the entry requirement is English language proficiency at IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Where applicants do not hold up-to-date IELTS certification, we will look at whether an applicant has previously studied and successfully completed a Higher Education qualification in English. Where an applicant does not hold such a qualification entry will be at the discretion of the Course Director and subject to a review of documentation and an interview. Please call or email our team if you have questions about this requirement – contact details below.

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning:

To be eligible for AP(E)L an applicant must have a minimum of five (5) years evidenced working experience in a o Maritime Security and be operating at the level of mid-management or above at the time of application, or have operated within a relevant role at the level of mid-management or above within 12 months of the time of application. An eligible applicant seeking AP(E)L will be assessed by a portfolio and admissions interview, alongside their capacity to complete the programme successfully.

For further information on eligibility and the application process please email study.ctpsr@coventry.ac.uk.

*Relevant fields are shipping (industry, insurance, legal services, risk management); security (navies, coastguards, marine police, privately contracted); governmental and non-governmental organisations (foreign policy, international development, environmental, security policy, marine); maritime education (lecturers, teaching, instructors). Other roles and experience outside of these specific fields may be considered. Contact our team if you would like any further information on this on the contact details below.

 

How to Apply

Prior to submitting an application please ensure you have the following supporting documents ready to upload:

*this must be sent directly by the referee to study.ctpsr@coventry.ac.uk. Please ensure you read the guidance which can be found under the entry requirements section, particularly if you wish to apply for Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL – Please see section ‘Entry Requirements’ above).


For further information:

Dr Heather Baggaley

Postgraduate Programmes Manager

+44 (0) 2477659059

English as a Foreign Language: This course requires IELTS of 6.5 or above. Pre-sessional English is available if required.

Pre-Sessional English

Our International Student Hub offers information on entry requirements for your country, as well as contact details for agents and representatives should you need more advice.

More detail

What our students say...

My experience of the MA with Coventry was a very rewarding year and I am delighted to highly recommend the programme to anyone looking to develop their knowledge and enhance their career prospects in this specialised field.

Ahmed Hersi, MA Maritime Security (Alumnus)

EU student fees

EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.

For tuition fee loans

EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.

For maintenance loans

EU nationals starting in the 2020/21 academic year must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.

Starts

Fee

September 2022

2022/23 fees TBC* - 2021/22 fees - £14,250 (MA) | £9,500 (PG Dip) | £4,750 (PG Cert) (per year)

UK Scholarships

If you're a truly outstanding undergraduate candidate we may be able to offer you a Coventry University Scholarship. Coventry University Scholarships are awarded to recognise truly exceptional sports achievement and academic excellence.

UK Scholarships

Starts

Fee

September 2022

2022/23 fees TBC* - 2021/22 fees - £14,250 (MA) | £9,500 (PG Dip) | £4,750 (PG Cert) (per year)

Scholarships

If you're a truly exceptional candidate we may be able to offer you a Coventry University Scholarship. Coventry University Scholarships are awarded to recognise truly exceptional achievement and academic excellence.

Scholarships

What our students say...

The MA in Maritime Security at CTPSR is at the forefront of research in this complex sector. My experience of the MA with Coventry was a very rewarding year and I am delighted to highly recommend the programme to anyone looking to develop their knowledge and enhance their career prospects in this specialised field.

Jordan Wylie, Extreme Adventurer | Charity Ambassador, MA Maritime Security (Alumnus), MA Maritime Security (Alumnus).

Career prospects

Graduate Immigration Route visa

Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.

The MA in Maritime Security is a pioneering course that offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain a deeper insight through both theoretical and practical perspectives of the present security challenges at sea. The course is currently taught by experts in the field of Maritime Security and is informed by their research. The programme is also evolving alongside these challenges and our teaching reflects that.

The course seeks to create a learning community where ideas can be discussed amongst academic staff, alumni, and current students, lasting well beyond the timespan of the academic programme itself.

These are the benefits that the MA in Maritime Security can offer you and should thus enhance your career prospects in the following ways. If you are already a practitioner, you will be offered the opportunity to broaden your professional network, which should be useful to you in the workplace, whilst also gaining a formal accredited postgraduate qualification, which may be required for further progression in your career.

If you are interested in Maritime Security, this course equips you with the skills commonly needed to work for a broad range of organisations, including international non-government organisations, multinational government organisations like the United Nations, regional communities such as the European Union or the Economic Community of West African states, the shipping industry, oil and gas, think tanks and academia.

What our students say...

I found the programme to be very well-tailored and delivered for the students with respect to widening their scope and knowledge on the maritime domain.

Ahmed Hersi, MA Maritime Security (Alumnus)
Disclaimer

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2021/22 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the University will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.