38.1 Maritime Studies (Safety: The Human Element)

The degree of Master of Science in Maritime Studies (Safety: The Human Element) is a research-focused Master’s degree offered by the School of Maritime Studies, at the Fisheries and Marine Institute. This program is for students who aim to pursue a career in maritime studies, and includes skills training that will empower students to conduct publication-quality research in areas of safety and survival. The degree is normally offered to full-time students.

These regulations must be read in conjunction with the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies of Memorial University of Newfoundland.

38.1.1 Qualifications for Admission

  1. Admission is limited and competitive. To be considered for admission an applicant will normally hold at least a high second-class Honours Degree (from areas such as, but not limited to, emergency management, engineering, kinesiology, maritime studies, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology), or an M.D. Degree, or the equivalent of either, both in achievement and depth of study, from an institution recognized by the Senate.

  2. The applicant demonstrates a commitment and passion for safety and survival. Experience in research programs, marine-based industries (e.g., fisheries, oil and gas), marine transport, firefighting, search and rescue, regulatory agencies or government departments, non-governmental organizations, consulting activities, or other relevant activities is considered an asset.

  3. Any applicant who does not hold a high second-class Honours Degree or an M.D. Degree may be considered for admission provided that:

    1. the applicant's undergraduate record after the first year shows an average of at least Grade 'B' in courses in the proposed field of specialization; and

    2. the applicant's overall undergraduate record after the first year shows an average of at least Grade 'B' in all courses taken.

  4. Admission requirements related to English proficiency follows and are described under General Regulations, English Proficiency Requirements of the School of Graduate Studies.

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38.1.2 Program of Study and Research

  1. Every student in the Master of Science in Maritime Studies (Safety: The Human Element) program shall be required to complete all of:

    1. 12 credit hours of core course work, including MARI 6000, MARI 6001, MARI 6002, and MARI 6003;

    2. 3 credit hours of course work relevant to the student’s research area and chosen in consultation with the supervisor; and

    3. a thesis composed of at least one manuscript of original research.

  2. Students may be required by their Supervisory Committee to take additional courses.

  3. All program course requirements should be completed within four semesters from the date of first registration in the M.Sc. degree program. Students will normally complete course requirements in their first three semesters.

  4. Within three months of the first registration in the M.Sc. degree program, the student will meet with their Supervisory Committee. A meeting report, signed by all members of the Supervisory Committee and student, must be given to the Academic Unit. A copy will be sent to the graduate student and to the Dean of Graduate Studies. Subsequent meetings must occur at least annually, with a report filed after each meeting.

  5. The student shall complete a written thesis proposal that is approved by the Supervisor and Supervisory Committee and normally submitted within twelve months of the first registration in the M.Sc. degree program. The proposal shall be provided to the Head for inclusion in the student’s file.

  6. The student must present a thesis seminar of 20-30 minutes duration prior to submission of the thesis to the School of Graduate Studies.

  7. Theses shall conform to General Regulation Theses and Reports of the School of Graduate Studies.

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38.1.3 Evaluation

  1. In order to continue in the School of Graduate Studies and in order to qualify for a Master's degree, a student shall obtain an 'A' or 'B' grade in each program course as indicated under General Regulation, Evaluation, Evaluation of Graduate Students of the School of Graduate Studies.

  2. The Supervisor and the Supervisory Committee may recommend that a student be required to withdraw from the program, if after consultation with the student, it is determined that the student is not making satisfactory progress towards completion of the program and the unsatisfactory progress is unlikely to be corrected.

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38.1.4 Thesis

Theses shall conform to General Regulation Theses and Reports of the School of Graduate Studies.

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38.1.5 Courses

  • MARI 6000 Introduction to Maritime Safety and Survival Research
  • MARI 6001 Statistics and Research Design for Maritime Studies
  • MARI 6002 Science Communication for Maritime Studies (may be offered in accelerated format)
  • MARI 6003 Human Factors in Safety and Survival (may be offered in accelerated format)
  • MARI 6004 Special Topics in Safety and Survival (Learning) (prerequisite: MARI 6000)
  • MARI 6005 Special Topics in Safety and Survival (Human Behavior) (prerequisite: MARI 6000)
  • MARI 6006 Special Topics in Safety and Survival (Engineering Technology) (prerequisite: MARI 6000)
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