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Master’s degree · Law and regulation

Master's in Maritime Law and International Regulations

This master's programme gives you a deep immersion in the legal framework governing the oceans and global maritime trade. You will work with UNCLOS, IMO conventions, charter parties, insurance and liability, with case studies linking legal questions to daily operations.

100% online1,500 hours11 modulesTaught in EnglishEnrol any time

What is this programme?

This master's degree is a deep immersion in the legal framework governing the oceans and global maritime trade. It is aimed at professionals who want to specialise in maritime legislation, marine insurance, transport law and IMO regulations, with a practical and rigorous approach.

What sets the programme apart: comparative analysis of maritime legislation in different countries; real practical cases on litigation, contract interpretation and claims handling; and constant updating on regulatory trends and changes.

Programme highlights

  • Study of the legal framework of the maritime industry, from the carriage of goods to the management of marine resources.
  • Command of key instruments such as SOLAS, MARPOL and the Hamburg Rules.
  • Development of skills to resolve disputes and manage maritime risks.
  • Application of what you learn in practical cases and simulations.
  • Work on cases drawn from the sector and build a solid professional base.
  • Advance your career with a sound legal and strategic foundation.

Study plan

01International Regulation of Maritime Safety and Port Risk Management136 h
The SOLAS, ISPS and MARPOL conventions and their effect on port operations. Identification, assessment and mitigation of risks. Roles of port authorities, logistics operators and national and international authorities. Analysis of threats such as terrorism, pollution and industrial accidents. Implementation of the ISPS Code: security plans, restricted areas, access control and surveillance. Emergency management, contingency plans and institutional coordination. Certifications, audits and inspections. Security technologies (video surveillance, intrusion detection, biometric access and cybersecurity). Staff training and drills. Impact of environmental regulation on port security.
02Legislation, Compliance and Dispute Resolution in International Maritime Contracts136 h
International legal framework (IMO, UNCLOS, CMI). The regime of charter contracts, carriage of goods, insurance and charter parties. Compliance: prevention, detection and sanctioning of breaches. Contractual and non-contractual liability. Anti-corruption and anti-money-laundering rules in the maritime field. Management of legal risk in clauses and negotiations across several jurisdictions. Alternative dispute resolution methods (arbitration, mediation, conciliation). Court proceedings: jurisdiction, interim measures and enforcement of international judgments. The influence of comparative law. Advanced compliance strategies.
03International Regulation and Security in Maritime Operations and Ports136 h
Fundamental conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, UNCLOS) applied to port operations. National and international port security regulations and their alignment with the IMO. Management of operational and environmental risk. Port security protocols: ISPS, access control and prevention of terrorism and unlawful acts. Civil and criminal liability in incidents, with case studies and case law. Dangerous goods rules (IMDG Code). Security in the logistics chain. Inspection and audit, including port state control (PSC). Emergency management and drills. Cybersecurity in port infrastructure.
04Integrated Maritime Law: Shipping Contracts, Civil Liability, Insurance and International Arbitration136 h
Fundamentals of maritime law: history, sources, jurisdiction and principles. Shipping contracts (charter, sale and purchase of ships, agency, consignment and carriage). Civil liability: strict and fault-based regimes, limits, environmental damage and third parties. Marine insurance: policies, claims, general average and the role of the broker. International mediation and arbitration (ICC and UNCITRAL rules) and enforcement of awards. Conventions such as UNCLOS, the Brussels Convention and the UNCITRAL Model Law. Legal regime of pilotage. Cargo and the bill of lading: carrier responsibilities and shipper rights. Security and compliance in contract management. Practical cases and litigation simulation.
05Jurisdiction and Powers in International Maritime Law: Proceedings, Litigation and Alternative Resolution136 h
Principles of sovereign and extraterritorial jurisdiction in maritime spaces. Maritime zones under UNCLOS (internal waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, EEZ and continental shelf). Legislative, regulatory and judicial powers of states. Criminal and civil jurisdiction: landmark cases and doctrines. Conflicts of jurisdiction and legal gaps. International tribunals (ITLOS, International Court of Justice, specialised arbitration). Transnational court proceedings and enforcement of judgments. Influence of SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW and other IMO conventions. Arbitration, mediation and conciliation. Practical cases on arbitration clauses and enforcement of awards.
06International Legal and Regulatory Framework in Port Security and Management136 h
Sources, principles and hierarchy of norms in international maritime law. UNCLOS provisions on port jurisdiction and sovereignty. IMO regulation of port security and maritime traffic. Port security management systems under the ISPS Code. Environmental protection of port areas (MARPOL, Basel Convention). Pollution prevention and response. Practical application of legislation in port management. Liabilities and sanctions, with case law. Traffic control instruments (traffic separation schemes, control zones, electronic surveillance). International cooperation and bilateral treaties.
07International Regulation, Risk Management and Dispute Resolution in the Global Maritime Field136 h
Historical evolution and current legal framework of maritime regulation. Key conventions (SOLAS, MARPOL, UNCLOS, CLC, Bunkers Convention) and their operational impact. Roles of bodies such as the IMO, ILO and ICS. Integrated risk management. Safety and security protocols: the ISM Code, the ISPS Code and MLC 2006. Advanced management of operational and environmental risks, with predictive models. Civil and criminal liability in incidents, and applicable jurisdictions. Dispute resolution through arbitration, mediation and specialised courts. Claims for pollution, accidents and cargo damage. Case studies and recent case law.
08Legal Innovation and Compliance in Global Maritime Security: Regulation, Liability and Environmental Protection136 h
International security regulatory framework (SOLAS, MARPOL, ISPS) and its evolution. Regulatory adaptation to technological and geopolitical threats. Maritime compliance methodologies under ISO 31000 and COSO. Civil, criminal and administrative liability of shipowner, operator, ship agent and port authorities. Environmental protection regime and international sanctions. Risk assessment in critical infrastructure (ports, offshore platforms, strategic routes). Compliance in the face of piracy, terrorism and drug trafficking. International criminal law applied to security at sea. Legal impact of technologies such as AI, drones and blockchain. Preparing for audits and a corporate security culture.
09Global Legal System in Security, Risk and Compliance in International Maritime Operations136 h
Fundamentals and hierarchy of norms in international maritime law. Structure of the legal systems related to maritime security. The SOLAS, MARPOL, COLREG and STCW conventions and their relationship to risk management. Regulatory bodies (IMO, ILO, UNCLOS) and their supervisory role. Methodologies for assessing legal and operational risks. Civil and criminal liability, compensation and sanction mechanisms. Regulation of the carriage of dangerous goods. Port inspection: obligations of states and rights of operators. Design of compliance systems and internal audits. Cybersecurity and legal protection of critical infrastructure.
10Maritime Labour Law, Protection of the Marine Environment and the Law of the Sea136 h
The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006). Seafarers' employment agreements and the rights of seafarers. Abandonment of crews and financial guarantees. The STCW Convention and certification. Maritime zones under UNCLOS. Freedom of navigation and innocent passage. Liability for pollution (CLC and compensation funds). The Wreck Removal Convention. Piracy and legal certainty at sea. Analysis of international case law.
11Master's Final Project136 h
Objectives and scope of an integrative project. Analysis of the major conventions (UNCLOS, SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, COLREG). Assessment of global maritime risks from a legal and technical perspective. Case studies and case law on disputes, safety of navigation and pollution. Methodologies for compliance strategies. Civil, criminal and administrative liability under different frameworks. Security policies (ISPS, crisis management, contingency plans). Technological monitoring tools. Assessment of the logistics chain and prevention of cross-border offences. Preparation of a technical-legal report on a real or simulated case.

Duration and format

1,500hours in total
11modules of 136 hours
100%online, at your own pace
Openenrolment all year round

At 10 hours a week you would finish in about 150 weeks; at 20 hours a week, in about 75.

What you will learn

  • Advise on the resolution of international maritime disputes.
  • Manage maritime legal documentation effectively.
  • Interpret and apply international maritime legislation in practical cases.
  • Assess and mitigate legal risks in maritime operations.
  • Master the legal aspects of international maritime trade.
  • Lead regulatory compliance projects in the maritime sector.

Career outcomes

  • Maritime lawyer in private practice: advice and litigation on insurance, transport, pollution and shipwrecks.
  • Legal adviser in shipping and maritime transport companies: drafting and negotiating contracts and managing legal risk.
  • International regulation consultant for maritime organisations: adapting to new conventions and regulations.
  • Official in maritime administrations: drafting and applying national and international maritime law.
  • Arbitrator or mediator in maritime disputes.
  • Compliance officer in companies in the sector: ensuring regulatory compliance.
  • Researcher or lecturer in higher education and research centres.
  • Project manager in international organisations working on maritime law and security.

Entry requirements

  • Academic or professional profile: a degree in law, political science, economics or a related field, or accredited professional experience in the maritime legal sector.
  • Language competence: a native or equivalent command of the language of instruction, and demonstrable legal English at B2 level or higher.
  • Documents: up-to-date CV, copy of degree certificate, academic transcript, identity document or passport and a motivation letter.
  • Technical requirements for online study: camera and microphone, a stable broadband connection and software for viewing documents and taking part in video conferences.

How to enrol

Enrol online

Complete your enrolment on this page, or apply through admissions if you prefer to talk to us first.

Receive your access

We send you the details to enter the virtual campus and start the programme.

Study at your pace

Work through the modules when it suits you and complete the programme from anywhere in the world.

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