Bachelor of Science (Maritime Studies)
Maritime trade is Singapore’s lifeline — powering the economy and connecting the nation to the world. As one of the world’s leading hub ports, Singapore holds an unrivalled position in seaborne trade.
At NTU-CEE, students immerse in the business and management of shipping — covering shipping economics, marine insurance, logistics, and next-generation maritime technologies — preparing to lead in Singapore’s dynamic maritime sector.
Industry-Endorsed Degree Programme
Our Bachelor of Science (Maritime Studies) programmes is strongly supported by the Maritime Port Authority of Singapore, Singapore Maritime Foundation and various industry partners.
Programmes Offered
The 4-year direct honours Maritime Studies programme focuses primarily on the shipping business and management. The programme structure is flexible and broad-based, designed to equip our students to excel as professionals in shipping and maritime-related sectors.
Curriculum Structure with Professional Internship (PI)
| Academic Unit Requirement | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (Core + Major PE) | 74 + 9 | ||
| Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core (ICC) – Common Core | 14 | ||
| Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core (ICC) – Professional Series | 16 | ||
Interdisciplinary Collaborative Core (ICC) – Care, Serve, Learn | 3 | ||
| Broadening and Deepening Electives (BDE) | 20 | ||
| Total | 136 | ||
Minor
Students can acquire multiple skills and broader knowledge beyond what their major discipline may provide, from minor programmes.
There are more than 45 minors available in NTU. Students will not be offered a minor in the same field as his major (single degree, double degree or double major programme). Students intending to pursue a minor are to indicate their intention and when they have fulfilled the minor requirements, they are to file for the award of the minor. The award of minor will be reflected in a graduate’s transcript but not his degree certificate. No additional certificate will be issued.
Specialisations
CEE offers 2 niche specialisations that enable Maritime Studies students to gain deeper expertise in their chosen field and enhance the value of their degree. Each specialisation is formally recognised on the academic transcript, giving graduates a competitive edge in their career pursuits and providing a strong foundation for further studies.
Choose from these Specialisations available to Maritime Studies students:
Bachelor of Science (Maritime Studies)
SkillsFuture Work-Study Degree Programme
Enhancing Students' Job-Readiness
The Committee on the Future Economy has recommended the introduction of new modalities of education and training at the Institutes of Higher Learning as there are tangible benefits for students to be exposed to on-the-job training (OJT). CoE's SkillsFuture Work-Study Degree (WSDeg) programmes are purposed to enhance students’ readiness for the workplace after graduation by integrating institution-based learning with structured OJT in partnership with employers. Students benefit from greater exposure to the professional work environment, allowing them to learn on the job, acquire and deepen jobskills, and cultivate an understanding of real-world practices through multiple internships, culminating in an industry-sponsored WSDeg Final Year Project (FYP).
Programme Structure
The WSDeg comprise approximately 54 weeks of OJT and industry-sponsored FYP integrated into the 4-year undergraduate curriculum. The OJT components include:
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | ||||||||
| SEM 1 | SEM 2 | S-SEM | SEM 1 | SEM 2 | S-SEM | SEM 1 | SEM 2 | S-SEM | SEM 1 | WINTER | SEM 2 |
| CW | CW | N.A. | CW | CW | WORK TERM 1 |
WORK TERM 2 |
CW | WORK TERM 3 |
FYP + CW |
WORK TERM 4 |
FYP + CW |
| BLOCK 1 | BLOCK 2 | BLOCK 3 | |||||||||
| DISCOVERY / EXPLORATORY STAGE |
DEEPENING & ENHANCING WORK-READY SKILLSETS STAGE | ||||||||||
- Work Term 1: PA (10 weeks in Year 2 Special Semester from May to Jul; 5 AU)
- Work Term 2: PI (20 weeks in Year 3, Semester 2 from Jan to May; 10 AU)
- Work Term 3: PA (11 weeks in Year 3 Special Semester from May to Jul; 5 AU)
- Work Term 4: PA Winter (5 weeks in Year 4 Winter from Dec to Jan; 3 AU)
- WSDeg Final Year Project (FYP): (40 weeks in Year 4 Semester 1 & 2, minimum 8 hours/week; 8 AU)
Note:
- Block 1 & 2: These Discovery/Exploratory blocks allow students to develop foundational skillsets and fundamental industry insights before commitment to a focused job role/function. Students may choose to stay with the same company for both Work Term 1 and 2, or select a different company for each Work Term.
- Block 3: Students are expected to commit to one of the companies they have engaged with in earlier work terms (either Work Term 1 and/or 2).
- The AU for the 3 PA in Work Term 1, 3 and 4 will be drawn from students' Broadening & Deepening Electives (BDE). Interested students should plan their studies accordingly to free up 13 AU of BDE for the 3 PA.
How to Apply
In Year 2 Semester 1, students will receive an email invitation to apply.
Tuition Fees
The tuition fees for the WSDeg are pegged to the fees for the corresponding Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Science programme.
Accelerated Bachelor Programme (ABP)
The Accelerated Bachelor Programme (ABP) is offered by invitation to eligible first-year students based on strong academic results.
Students who maintain strong academic performance may complete the programme in 3.5 years instead of the standard 4 years. Achieving early graduation requires careful curriculum mapping and timetable planning.
NTU-University Scholars Programme (NTU-USP)
The NTU–USP experience offers a vibrant student life. Our co-curricular enrichment activities include seminars by distinguished professors, professional development programmes, and NTU–USP scholar-led initiatives.
Second Majors
A Second Major programme provides students with a breadth of exposure and is also designed to offer greater depth of study in an additional discipline compared to a minor.
The award of a second major will be reflected in a graduate's transcript, but not the degree certificate. A separate certificate for the award of a second major will be issued.
Maritime Studies students can enhance their degree by choosing one of the following Second Majors:
Admission Requirements
In addition to NTU’s general admission criteria, applicants are expected to fulfil these minimum subject requirements.
| Institution | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Singapore Cambridge GCE 'A' Level | H1 Level pass in Mathematics, or 'O' Level/equivalent pass in Additional Mathematics |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma | Mathematics at Standard Level |
| NUS High School Diploma | Major CAP of 2.0 in Mathematics |
| International and Other Qualifications | Additional Mathematics at Junior High School Level* * Mathematics at Senior High School Level is only applicable to applicants who have not read Additional Mathematics at Junior High School Level |
| Polytechnic Diploma | Applicants with relevant diplomas from one of the local polytechnics may apply for admission. |
| Institution | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Singapore Cambridge GCE 'A' Level | H2 Level pass in Mathematics |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma | Mathematics at Standard Level |
| NUS High School Diploma | Major CAP of 2.0 in Mathematics |
| International and Other Qualifications | Mathematics at Senior High School Level |
| Polytechnic Diploma | Applicants with relevant diplomas from one of the local polytechnics may apply for admission. |
Eligibility
Singapore GCE ‘A’ Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) and NUS High School Diploma (NUSHS)
Students with outstanding Singapore GCE ‘A’ Level, International Baccalaureate (IB) and NUS High School Diploma results may be eligible for exemptions from the first-year Math course.
Polytechnic Qualifications
| S/N | Criteria |
|---|---|
| 1 | Up to 12 AUs for Major Core, including selected Major Prescribed Electives (MPE), subject to meeting programme-specific exemption criteria. |
| 2 | Up to 6 AUs of Broadening-Deepening Electives (BDEs). |
| 3 | An additional 12 AUs via the Advanced Placement Pathway (APP) with partner Polytechnics for NTU-registered courses taken during polytechnic studies and graded by NTU. |
Curriculum
Stay ahead of the curve with our industry-relevant and well-rounded curriculum.
Please select the programme to view its curriculum.
Course Content
All courses within NTU are designed using an outcomes-based teaching and learning (OBTL) approach, which begins by stating the desired outcomes.
Find out moreCareer Prospects
Commodity/Energy Trading
Centrica Energy Trading, Total Trading (Asia)
Commodity/Agribusiness/Food
Bunge Agribusiness Pte Ltd, Cargill International Trading Pte Ltd
Government Agencies/Classification Societies/Membership Organisations
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), Singapore Maritime Institute, American Bureau of Shipping, Lloyds Register, DNV GL, The Baltic Exchange (Asia) Pte Ltd
Marine Insurance/Finance/Investment
IMC Pan Asia Alliance Pte Ltd, Tokio Marine Asia Pte Ltd, UK P&I Club, Gard, North of England P&I Association, Richards Hogg Lindley, Shipowners' Club, Goldman Sachs
Shipbrokering
Arrow Asia Shipbrokers, Chembulk Maritime Singapore Pte Ltd
Shipping/Port
A.P. Moller - Maersk, BW Group, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement, Clarkson Asia Pte Ltd, Norden Shipping (Singapore) Pte Ltd, Pacific Carriers Limited, PSA Corporation Limited
Supply Chain/Logistics
Procter & Gamble, SH Cogent Logistics Pte Ltd, GSK Global Pte Ltd
Testimonals
The Maritime Studies programme had not only provided me with diverse knowledge of the maritime industry, but also other supporting functions, such as shipping and commodity trading. The insights and industry experiences shared by our professors provided us with a competitive edge, and they remain useful to my current work.
The flexible curriculum structure allowed us to take up modules beyond the Maritime curriculum. I enrolled in a foreign language class and a few modules related to cultural intelligence, which eventually helped me in my research work and in adapting well to a culturally diverse work environment.
— Tan Xin Hui
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2021
The Incoterms and Shipping terms (e.g., laytime and demurrage) that I learnt in NTU Maritime Studies have prepared me well in understanding the delivery terms for each shipment. I could also better position myself when coordinating with the ship master, as I have once personally experienced what work onboard the vessel is like during my internship. This rare opportunity to be on board was part of my internship programme that NTU partnered with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, called the MPA Global Internship Award.
If you are curious about how shipping interconnects with the different parts of the world, come join NTU Maritime Studies and understand how shipping plays an important role in international trading.
— Cheryl Teng
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2020
My time in NTU Maritime Studies has allowed me to understand the maritime industry better, equipping me with the relevant skills to grasp important concepts in shipping. Group work and discussions foster interaction and communication, while our professors impart fundamental shipping concepts to us during classes. The concepts we learned in school reduce the knowledge gap when joining the industry.
To potential applicants, consider this program as an introduction to an international and dynamic industry. To existing students, learning does not stop outside the classroom. Look to expand your personal growth and development through various means such as discussions, seminar events, and internships.
— Ng Sen Mian
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2020
Maritime studies have given us a broad perspective of what goes on in the shipping industry and how the industry plays a huge part in global transportation, be it container shipping or dry/wet cargoes. It is the backbone of global trade and certainly cannot be overlooked by anyone.
The International Trading Programme (ITP) specialisation has provided me with significant exposure to commodity trading and the related companies. I am forever grateful for the education, as it has opened an exciting career path that I foresee myself working in for years to come.
— Lim Hong Yu
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2019
The NTU Maritime Studies covers a rather wide scope of the maritime industry, ranging from Maritime Law to Port Planning, to Warehousing and Distribution. The fundamental and broad knowledge allows graduates to explore numerous career opportunities upon graduation.
The instructors are very experienced in their respective fields, and they expose the students not only to the theoretical aspects but also to the real-life experiences, which allow students to receive a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
— Muhammad Nawazsher Khan
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2019
With a strong foundation and knowledge that NTU MS has provided me over the years, I have an edge over my peers in terms of port and shipping knowledge. I am then able to share my knowledge in the field with my peers.
Most importantly, NTU MS has taught me the importance of persevering through tough moments and that anything can be achieved if we pour our heart and soul into it.
— Eugene Lim
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2019
The curriculum in NTU Maritime Studies has broadened my horizon on the integrated global supply chain. Upon graduation, I joined a shipping company as a Management Trainee, which enabled me to utilise my maritime knowledge and gain insights into real-world operations. At work, I was also given the opportunity to manage other supply chain-related businesses, which sparked my interest to learn more about this field, and I did a part-time master's in supply chain management.
I appreciate my education in NTU Maritime Studies, which provided me with an eye-opening experience and a good foundation for all supply chain-related roles.
— Wang Wenxiu Charlotte
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2016
The NTU Maritime Studies programme has equipped me well with the knowledge of the maritime industry beyond just the ports we see every day. It helped me to draw connections between various stakeholders in the industry and understand the importance of each role that makes the sector thrive. More importantly, it opens the door to a myriad of opportunities within this big global industry.
— Debbie Leng
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2015
The Maritime Studies programme provides a holistic coverage of the maritime industry, covering economic, management, legal, regulatory, technology, and environmental aspects. The programme has equipped me with the necessary knowledge to pursue and complete further studies. The knowledge that I have acquired has remained largely relevant and is used in my research.
— Yuen Kam Fai
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2012
The broad curriculum that Maritime Studies offered had certainly given me an edge in executing my duties. From oceanography to maritime technology, and chartering to project management, these are skill sets that can be applied to problem-solving on a daily basis. The ball is always grey when you put black and white together, and there is no true or false in shipping, but only consequences. This is why shipping is a reflection of life, and I would say it is a way of life!
— Su Weixiang
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2011
It has been useful to me that the NTU Maritime Studies programme has an industry focus, involving maritime practitioners to share their experiences with us in classes. This equipped me with rich background knowledge of the maritime industry even before I joined the workforce, making the learning curve at work less steep. Opportunities such as internships with maritime companies during my studies, the overseas semester-long exchange during which we visited Norwegian companies to better understand the industry from the perspective of another maritime nation, are some of the most memorable parts of the programme. Till today, I remain in close contact with my fellow course mates and friends, many of whom are now in various sectors of the industry (such as chartering, marine insurance, and ship operations).
Shipping is the lifeblood of the Singapore economy, and the maritime industry is a diverse and multifaceted one, with many exciting career opportunities. I hope you will enjoy the journey of learning more about this industry!
— Shen Wanling
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2009
My four years of studies at NTU have provided me with ample knowledge required to succeed in the industry. The programme curricula covered finance and accounting subjects, together with courses closely related to shipping, such as chartering, insurance, and maritime law. You will not only be learning one aspect of the industry but its full picture from an international perspective. Shipping is truly an international business.
I still reminisce about the semester of overseas exchange, where I gained greater international exposure and experienced those countries that have rich shipping traditions. Moreover, the impressive internship programme at NTU has helped me land my first job and paved the way for me to grow professionally. For those who are already in the programme or to be enrolled soon, this is the industry that offers an attractive career choice!
— Niu Wenjue
BSc in Maritime Studies, Class of 2008