Maritime Studies at Vestfold University College

The sea has always been an important basis of Norway’s economy and welfare. The maritime sector is one of Norway’s largest industries and represents 12% of all economic growth. The maritime industry in Norway consists of shipping companies, stockbroking firms, service firms, public businesses, educational institutions and various other businesses. Norway is committed to further growth in the maritime sector and Vestfold University College aims to provide its students with an education that is highlyregarded in the maritime industry.

Out into the big, wide world

You won’t find a more international job market than shipping and sea transport. A maritime education gives you the whole world as your potential place of work. Maybe you envisage yourself in a responsible position onboard as a ship’s officer? Or maybe you would like a position on land with maritime connections? Whatever area you choose to work in, a maritime education will provide you with a wide variety of exciting job opportunities. We offer the following maritime studies:

• Bachelor's in Nautical Science
• Bachelor's in Shipping and Logistics
• Bachelor's in Maritime Technical Management
• Master of Science in Maritime Management

Bachelor's in Nautical Science

About the course

Our bachelors in Nautical Science is a 3-year course which provides you with theory and skills combined with the necessary work experience (so-called ”cadet time”) that will qualify you for your first certificate. Practical skills are also an important part of the course. Our ship simulator has been built to look and sound just like a bridge on a ship and with the help of advanced technology you will learn to manoeuvre in and out of the world’s largest ports.  

Career opportunities

The course provides you with the theoretical basis required, both nationally and internationally, for issuing the highest certificate as a deck officer (Class 1 - Sea Captain). Deck officers who have completed the sea duty required for the various certificates have very good job opportunities both nationally and internationally:

• On ships (as mate or captain)
• In ports
• In shipping offices 
• In public maritime institutions

Bachelor's in Shipping and Logistics

About the course

If you would like to work within the maritime industry but don’t have ambitions to work at sea, then this is the course for you. The need for transporting goods around the world is what forms the whole basis of shipping. This course focuses on sea transport, but also looks at the entire transport chain from sender to receiver.   

This is a perfect course if you’re interested in working for a shipping company, a stockbroking firm, maritime logistics companies, port authorities or other companies in the shipping industry.

Career opportunities

Here are some examples of jobs which our graduates have obtained:

• Ship operator trainee
• Dry bulk broker
• Trainee finance
• Logistics consultant
• Sales and service executive
• Spare parts coordinator
• Shipping trainee
• Ports officer

Bachelor's in Maritime Technical Management

Vestfold University College is the only college in Norway offering chief engineer officer training at university level. Our unique facilities and highly qualified teaching staff enable us to offer an education which gives our graduates entry into a job market where being offered a job before graduation is not uncommon.

About the course

Chief engineer officers within the maritime sector are also in great demand for land-based positions. The structure of the course ensures that you end up with a varied combination of subjects. We aim for our students to be as well prepared as possible for the challenges they face once they enter the job market. Vestfold University College is the only college in Norway able to offer its students a fully equipped machine room, which is just like one you would find onboard a vessel and ensures that you become familiar with the equipment you will one day be working with.