Master of Science (Maritime Technology & Management)
A programme jointly hosted by the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management (ISEM) and the Centre for Maritime Studies (CMS), NUS
The Master of Science (Maritime Technology and Management) or MSc (MTM) seeks to train and equip graduates with key skillsets to enable next-generation port capabilities in Singapore, such as industrial systems development, big data analytics tools, and emerging port technologies (e.g., digitalization to train workers). The MSc (MTM) alumni community will function as touchpoints which the Centre for Maritime Studies (CMS) and the Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management (ISEM) can capitalize for future collaboration between industry and research. Singapore strives to be the Global Maritime Hub for Connectivity, Innovation, and Talent, and a hub of excellence for shipping, port, offshore, and maritime-related businesses. We envision to be the International Maritime Centre (IMC). Singapore hopes to leverage on cutting-edge systems and infrastructure to become a key node in the global maritime network. Additionally, the industry sees the need for strong innovative players and a talented workforce equipped with future-ready skills and a global mindset.
The MSc (MTM) aims to nurture talent with strong analytics expertise to prepare the maritime industry towards digitalization and technology innovation. In line with government’s directives, the MSc (MTM) aims to develop a strong maritime innovation ecosystem at local, regional and global levels. Graduates will be equipped with skillsets enabling the next-generation maritime and logistics capabilities in Singapore and worldwide, including the latest data analytics, port, maritime and logistics technologies. The main features that distinguish our programme from existing graduate programs in maritime studies are:
- A 15-week internship practicum (for full-time students) in a maritime-related company which aims to provide students with the opportunity to integrate knowledge and theory on maritime technology and management acquired during the programme in a practical setting.
- A maritime team project (for part-time students) in a maritime related topic that is of current relevance to the maritime and adjacent industries. Part-time team projects will be purposeful and be deeply integrated with core maritime content and practices. Students will imbibe the innovative spirit that is needed for creative technological solutions to be developed.
- A deep focus on programming methodology, statistics, machine learning and data mining/analytics.
- Good blend to international mix.
- Strong support from industry, including the Singapore Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore and PSA Singapore.
- Seminars, workshops and industry visits would be arranged with industry partners to broaden the students’ learning experience and provide intense networking opportunities with industry practitioners.
- Job placement assistance.
Admission to this programme is highly competitive and exclusive to ensure high quality course content and delivery, resulting in highly trained, future ready graduates, who can make significant contribution to the maritime industry.
Curriculum
| Degree Requirements | 40 Units programme delivered over a 12-month period (full-time) or over 24 months (part-time) | |
|---|---|---|
| Candidature | Full-time^ | 1 year |
| Part-time | 2 years | |
| Continuation Requirements | https://cde.nus.edu.sg/graduate/graduate-programmes-by-coursework/graduation-requirements/ | |
| Graduation Requirements | Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.00 (equivalent to an average of B-) | |
Courses
Students are required to read ALL seven compulsory courses below.
| Code | Title & Course Description | Units |
|---|---|---|
| IE5005 | Data Analytics for Industrial Engineers This course introduces basic concepts in descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics with a focus on applications that industrial engineers commonly deal with (e.g., inventory control, replacement and maintenance, process improvement, project management and resource scheduling etc.). Topics include descriptive modelling, predictive modelling, error quantification, model training, model selection and data-based decision making. |
4 |
| IE5600 | Applied Programming for Industrial Systems This course aims to train students to develop a solid competency of the Python programming language through a rigorous and continuous exercise-based approach. Topics covered include fundamental programming concepts (IO, variables and value assignment, conditional statements, flow control, methods), data structures (lists, tuples, sets, dictionaries), objects and classes, recursion, code debugging and efficiency. The course syllabus will also emphasize on various data engineering tools from the NumPy and Pandas courses relevant to implementing industrial systems. |
4 |
| MTM5001 | Maritime Industry Fundamentals This course covers the fundamentals of the maritime industry and the roles they play in the global economy. Topics covered include ports, their importance in economic development and shipping, the business of shipping and its role in maritime logistics, and the maritime eco-system. Topics in fundamental statistics (e.g. descriptive statistics, basic concepts of probability, sampling distribution, regression models) will also be included. |
6 |
| MTM5002 | Port Logistics and Supply Chain This course consists of lectures and seminars. The course coordinator will decide on the proportion of lectures and seminars. Lectures will cover ports as gateways of goods for export and import. Innovative ways (e.g., containerization, improved key port processes, sound operation strategies, and enhanced port connectivity) to enhance ports’ efficiency and competitiveness will also be covered. Academics and practitioners will give seminars on emerging technology, port digitalization, digital twin engines, and green maritime technologies. |
4 |
| MTM5004 | Maritime Data Analytics This course builds on IE5005 and IE5600, where knowledge learnt about data analytics (IE 5005) and programming (IE 5600) is applied to solve maritime-related problems. Students are expected to analyze real-world data sets, define the objectives and scope of the problems, and then design, develop and implement systems. CMS will work with maritime related companies for access to real world data sets |
6 |
| MTM5005 | Intermodal Freight Transport and Logistics This course aims to develop in students a solid competency in intermodal freight transport and logistics. Students learn to identify roles of various transport modes together with their importance in logistics. Topics covered include the geography of intermodal transport, policy and planning, and challenges. The course will provide students with a deep understanding of the intricacies of intermodal transport system. |
4 |
| MTM5101 or MTM5101P |
MTM5101 Industrial Attachment for Full-time Students This is a 15 weeks long industrial attachment with a maritime related company and shall focus on solving a key problem the company is facing.in the maritime space. This programme adopts a strong pedagogical approach in guiding students to solve large-scale maritime problems applying skills such as optimization, simulation and advanced analytics. CMS will source for companies with significantly relevant problems/issues that can challenge our students. CMS will assign a faculty member to co-supervise with the industry mentor. The objective is to immerse the students in a culture of innovation with some of the best minds in the maritime industry. The number of students (not more than 3) assigned to a company will depend on the magnitude and the scale of the problem.MTM5101P Maritime Team Project for Part-time Students This course (about 3 to a team) aims to provide students with the opportunity to integrate knowledge and theory on maritime technology and management acquired during the programme. Students will work on maritime related issues/problems. Examples of project topics are maritime safety and security, green shipping and logistics, and impact of ICT on maritime operations, port efficiency and effectiveness. Part-time students will embark on their project at the start of Year 2 and complete it 2 months before graduation. Full time students will undertake internships (MTM5101), which will permit them to participate in a real-world problem setting and get the opportunity to solve challenging issues/problems using what they have learnt. However, the internship is an intensive and intense exercise over 15 weeks. Part-time students do not have the luxury of undertaking such an exercise. Rigor required will not be compromised. Mentors from the NUS faculty and the industry will ensure that the part-time students are properly guided. |
12 |
Timetable
Courses are typically taught on weekday evenings from 6-9pm over 13 weeks. Exams may be held during working hours on weekdays.
| Academic Year 2024/2025 | |
|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Admissions
| Eligibility | (i) An undergraduate degree with honours or its equivalent from a good University, preferably from a STEM background;
(ii) Applicants without an honours degree will be considered for admission based on your average scores during your course of study. These applicants may be requested to attend an interview session. Applicants with evidence of strong technical background and having at least 2 years of working experience in the maritime sector will be an advantage. |
|---|---|
| English Requirement | TOEFL (internet-based test)> 85 or IELTS (academic)> 6.0 is required if your first language is not English. You may be waived from this requirement if you have completed your degree programme taught entirely in English, situated in an English speaking country, for example (non-exhaustive list) Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, United Kingdom, USA.
The TOEFL/IELTS result is only valid for 2 years after the test and should be valid at the beginning of the application period. |
| Intake Semester | August 2025 |
| Application Period | 01 October 2024 – 28 February 2025 |
| Outcome Release Date | Early April 2025
Applicants who demonstrate outstanding credentials would be considered for early admission. |
| Application instructions | https://cde.nus.edu.sg/graduate/graduate-programmes-by-coursework/application-to-graduate-coursework-programmes/ |
Fees and Financial Information
The full programme fee for Academic Year (AY) 2025/2026 is illustrated in the following table. Programme fees are reviewed yearly and thus subjected to revisions. Payment schedule, due on the first week of every semester, is as follows:
| Full Programme Fees
(inclusive of GST) |
Acceptance Fee
(inclusive of 9% GST) |
1st semester
(inclusive of 9% GST) |
2nd semester
(inclusive of 9% GST) |
3rd semester
(inclusive of 9% GST) |
4th semester
(inclusive of 9% GST) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time Students | S$63,220.00 | S$5,450.00 | S$28,885.00 | S$28,885.00 | N.A. | N.A. |
| Part-time Students | S$63,220.00 | S$5,450.00 | S$14,442.50 | S$14,442.50 | S$14,442.50 | S$14,442.50 |
AY2025/2026 Fee Rebate
The following Fee Rebates will automatically be awarded to all successful applicants for AY2025/2026 based on the following categories.
Singapore Citizens & Singapore Permanent Residents (NUS Alumni & Non-NUS Alumni) and International students (NUS Alumni) will be given a minimum 40% tuition fee rebate.
| Nationality | Alumni | Fee Rebate (incl. 9% GST) |
| Singapore Citizen (SC) &
Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR) |
NUS Alumni | S$25,288.00 |
| Non-NUS Alumni | S$25,288.00 | |
| International Students | NUS Alumni | S$25,288.00 |
| Non-NUS Alumni | S$7,630.00 |
The payment schedule (nett of ‘Fee Rebate’), due on the first week of every semester, is as follows:
With effect from AY2025/2026 cohort, students who are eligible for fee rebates will receive the full rebate credit of their acceptance fee into their Semester 1 student bill. The below table illustrates the changes in fee payment schedule.
| Programme Fees with fee rebate
(inclusive of GST) |
Acceptance Fee
(inclusive of 9% GST) |
1st semester
(inclusive of 9% GST) |
2nd semester
(inclusive of 9% GST) |
3rd semester
(inclusive of 9% GST) |
4th semester
(inclusive of 9% GST) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time
NUS Alumni (SC, SPR, International) Non-NUS Alumni (SC & SPR only) |
S$37,932.00 | S$5,450.00 | S$15,151 | S$17,331 | N.A. | N.A. | |
| Part-time
NUS Alumni (SC, SPR, International) Non-NUS Alumni (SC & SPR only) |
S$37,932.00 | S$5,450.00 | S$6,485.50 | S$8,665.50 | S$8,665.50 | S$8,665.50 | |
| Full-time
Non-NUS Alumni (International) |
S$55,590.00 | S$5,450.00 | S$24,721.20 | S$25,418.80 | N.A. | N.A. | |
| Part-time
Non-NUS Alumni (International) |
S$55,590.00 | S$5,450.00 | S$12,011.80 | S$12,709.40 | S$12,709.40 | S$12,709.40 | |
- The fees listed are in Singapore Dollars (S$) and inclusive of 9% GST from 2024 onwards*
- A non-refundable application fee of S$109 (inclusive of 9% GST*) must accompany your online application.
- Payment of fees will be on an instalment basis, paid over 2 semesters for full-time students and (up to) 4 semesters for part-time students. Complete fee must be paid before a student can graduate from the programme.
- Students need to separately pay for Miscellaneous Student Fee (MSF) directly to the University on a semester basis. Fees are reviewed annually. For the latest Miscellaneous student fees, please refer to the Office of the University Registrar’s website here.
- Acceptance Fee of S$5,450 (inclusive of 9% GST*) – which will be credited towards your programme fees – is payable upon acceptance into the programme. Fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents may apply for the MPA Postgraduate Scholarship. Please refer to the MPA Scholarship website for further details.
- Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents may apply for the MPA’s Maritime Cluster Fund (MCF) support with up to 70%* co-funding of the course/tuition fee (excluding GST), subject to a cap. Please refer to MCF Training@MaritimeSingapore for more details.
- Students may utilise SkillsFuture Credit (SFC) to offset tuition fees: https://www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/content/portal/en/training-exchange/course-directory/course-detail.html?courseReferenceNumber=TGS-2022011753
Refer to the SFC application guide here: https://www.nus.edu.sg/finance/students/student-finance-matters.html - Programme fee is for 40 units only. To graduate, a student has to complete 40 units. Students reading more than 40 units will incur additional prorated programme fees (without subsidy/rebate) at the prevailing rate of the Academic Year in which the course is read.
- Programme fees do not include the cost of recommended textbooks and readings.
- The cost of travel, accommodation and miscellaneous expenses are not included and are to be borne by the participant. For an estimated cost of living, please click here.
Tuition Fees and Curriculum information for previous intakes
For students from past cohorts, please refer to this document for previous information on tuition fees & curriculum requirement.
Qn: I do not have a 2nd class honours, can I still apply?
Yes, you may apply. Considerations will be given for relevant work experience. We may also call you for an interview if necessary.
Qn: What is the typical class profile?
Majority of our students are aged between 22 to 35.
Qn: What is the difference between full-time and part-time if all the classes are held in the evenings?
A full-time student can take up to 20 units (or typically 5 courses) per semester, hence, they will study one course per weekday. A part-time student is limited to half of a full-time student’s workload, and will only be able to study up to a maximum of 12 units (or typically up to 3 courses) per semester.
Qn: What are the job prospects after attaining this degree? Will NUS help with job placements?
Some of the common job prospects are maritime and logistics data analyst, or technical management positions of potential employers including port operators, shipping companies, ship management companies, logistics companies, logistics and planning departments of manufacturing or technology companies, and government agencies in charge of the maritime, logistics, and transportation sectors.
There will be career fairs organised by the NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates to help you connect with potential employers.
Qn: Is there any specialisation?
Students are required to read ALL seven compulsory courses.
Qn: Can I take MTM5101 Industrial Attachment as a Part-time student?
Students are assigned to a company on a full time basis. Part-time students are full time working adults and would not be suitable for industrial attachments. They will take up MTM5101P maritime team project instead.
Qn: How do I file for graduation?
Students will be automatically graduated once they have completed all the seven courses. There is no need to file for graduation. Conferment will be on either 31 January (end of semester 1) or 30 June (end of semester 2). You may refer to Registrar’s website on more details of conferment, student status letter, transcripts & scrolls, and other actions required upon conferment.
If you have any questions or require more information, please contact Mr Jeffrey Tng at pg_isem@nus.edu.sg.