Study guide
Source: https://studiekiezer.ugent.be/2026/international-master-in-advanced-design-of-sustainable-ships-and-offshore-structures-en Parent: https://www.ugent.be/ea/en/education/study-programmes
International Master of Science in Advanced Design of Sustainable Ships and Offshore Structures
This is an advanced two-year Master’s programme in the design and optimisation of ships and offshore structures dedicated to sustainable maritime transport, offshore and renewable energy structures. Students have the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of seven European universities each with its specific nuance, scientific innovation and expertise.
2026-2027 2025-2026 2024-2025
Master's Programme
2 year 120 credits
Faculty of Engineering and Architecture
English
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About the programme
Programme summary
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Off to a good start
After graduation
What
The demand for highly qualified engineers is higher than ever. This is even more true in the globalized maritime and offshore market which is at the dawn of massive challenges and, luckily, opportunities. The energy transition, not only for vessels but also to create offshore energy for land based locations, is but a single but important example.
\ The combined expertise of the seven core partners of the EMship programme, complemented with the strong background of the associated universities, comes together in this programme with global impact and state-of-the-art insights on the rapid technological evolution in the fields of naval architecture, maritime technology and offshore engineering. \
Student will acquire the necessary analytical reasoning, scientific and technical skills and competences to help move the maritime world towards a greener transportation mode and towards a safer and sustainable maritime transportation/navigation. Graduates will be able to meet the growing demand from companies for engineers with up-to-date competences and societal challenges related to global warming: need for energy saving, renewable energy sources, more efficient and less polluting means of transport… \
For whom
The admission requirements may vary. Depending on your prior education, you can either enrol directly or there may be additional requirements.
Take a look at the admission requirements
Structure
The two-year programme consists of four semesters of 30 ECTS each. The first year (2 semesters) is offered at Ghent University, Belgium, and in parallel at Universitatea “Dunărea de Jos” din Galați, Romania. In the second master’s year, students can choose from five universities, each with its specific nuance and expertise:
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM, Spain): focus on Offshore Wind and Renewable Marine Energy
- University of Rostock (URO, Germany): focus on Shipbuilding, Ship Technology and Ocean Engineering
- Ecole Centrale de Nantes (ECN, France): focus on Ship Hydrodynamics
- University of Liège (ULiège, Belgium): focus on Offshore Structures and Digital Twin
- Instituo Superio Técnico (IST, Portugal): focus on Ship Logistics and Maritime Transport
This mobility structure allows students to gain from the strengths and expertise of the different universities. \
EMShip week\ Twice during their studies, the students join the EMSHIP week where they meet professors from all the EMSHIP partner universities, industrial partners, alumni and students of the previous/next cohort. This is an opportunity for technical visits (shipyards, manufacturers…), discussions with industrial partners about internships and, for newly graduated students, about job opportunities. \
Labour Market
This programmes prepares students for a leadership and entrepreneurship role in various naval, maritime and ocean engineering sectors. European and worldwide employers active in these sectors require top quality graduates as managers, planners, researchers, designers or advisors, who can make the difference in the design of sustainable ships and offshore structures. The labour market needs highly qualified engineers who have the ability to think through complex issues, who can analyse the structures through various modelling approaches, who are capable of managing projects and programmes, and have well developed leadership and personal skills.
Study programme quality
Quality Assurance
At Ghent University, we strive to educate people who dare to think about the challenges of tomorrow. For that purpose, we provide education that is embedded in six strategic objectives: Think Broadly, Keep Researching, Cultivate Talent, Contribute, Extend Horizons, Opt for Quality. *Ghent University continuously focuseson quality assurance and quality culture. The Ghent University's quality assurance system* offers information on each study programme’s unique selling points, and on its strengths and weaknesses with regard to quality assurance.
More information:
Ghent University's Education Objectives
Quality Assurance at Ghent University
This study programme is accredited according to Art. II.151 of the Flemish Higher Education Code.
Accreditation
This study programme is accredited according to Art. II.151 of the Flemish Higher Education Code.
This information was last updated on 16/07/2025.
In case of questions or suggestions with regard to the publicly available information, please contact the study programme.