Master in International Relations - International Ocean Politics

General Objectives of the Course

Based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the 2030 Agenda, in the context of the United Nations, the aim of this
cycle of studies is to promote training in International Ocean Politics, in the scientific area of International Relations and
complemented by areas such as History, Economics, Law.
The objectives of this cycle of studies also include providing a solid scientific education that will enable students to develop a
professional career in areas as diverse as Research, Industry, Governance, Policy Advising, Management.
Students will be able to understand the multiple articulations between fields of knowledge and action required by International Ocean
Politics, developing a critical standing vis-à-vis the current and future challenges.
Students will be trained to perform in the context of the various dimensions of ocean governance, from a critical and ecosystemic
view of maritime spaces.

Admission Requirements

As defined in the Academic Regulations of the University of Coimbra:
a) Holders of a Bachelor degree or legal equivalent;
b) Holders of a foreign higher education degree awarded after a first study cycle organized according to the principles of the Bologna Process by an acceding State;
c) Holders of a foreign higher education degree recognized as complying with the objectives of the Bachelor degree by the Scientific Council responsible for the Master's study cycle;
d) In justified cases, applicants showing a scientific and professional curriculum relevant for attending the current study cycle may access the Master's study cycles upon recognition by the Scientific Council responsible for the Master's study cycle.

Candidates should check the admission requirements available on this site, in addition to the information provided here.

Professional Goals

Completion of this cycle of studies qualifies candidates for jobs in public and private administration, in the sectors of ocean governance, coastal management, marine resource management, the maritime security sector and the blue economy, maritime environmental management and regional and global ocean governance structures, including at European level, the United Nations and civil society organisations. Professional opportunities for this training also include the private sector, including port and other maritime infrastructure management, commercial activity, including maritime transport, insurance and tourism, as well as social sector support work with coastal communities. It also qualifies candidates for the next stage of their academic career, including access to a third cycle of studies.

Mode of Study

Face-to-Face / Daytime

Teaching / Evaluation language(s)

Portuguese and/or English

Examination Regulations, Assessment and Grading

Assessment is a pedagogical activity inseparable from teaching, aimed at improving the skills and knowledge acquired by students, their proactivity, their critical and synthesising spirit, their ability to formulate and solve problems, as well as their mastery of written and oral communication. Students enrolled in the relevant curricular units in the academic year to which the tests refer, and who are also enrolled in these tests, will be admitted to the assessment tests, if such enrolment is required, in accordance with the regulations of the University of Coimbra. The following are examples of assessment elements: written or oral exams, frequency, problem solving, practical work (laboratory or computer) or written work, and individual or group projects, which may have to be defended orally. The assessment of each curricular unit may include one or more of the above assessment elements, with students being aware of the weight of each component in the final assessment, according to the University of Coimbra Regulations. Each student's classification for each curricular unit is expressed as a whole number between 0 and 20 points, and students who obtain a minimum final classification of 10 points are considered to have passed.

Learning Objectives and Intended Skills

In line with the Dublin descriptors, the MRI-PIO provides students with a set of transversal competences (technical, personal and
systemic), as well as a number of specific competences relating to the area of International Ocean Policy. These include: specialized
problem-solving skills in ocean governance, management, international policy and sustainability; skills in developing new knowledge
and procedures and integrating knowledge from different areas; originality in developing and/or applying ideas; managing the marine
environment in accordance with best management practices and complying with national and international law, particularly within the
European framework in which we operate; demonstrating a considerable level of innovation, autonomy, scientific and professional
integrity; or the ability to critically analyse, evaluate and synthesize new and complex ideas.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is carried out in accordance with the Academic Regulation of the University of Coimbra, RAUC, Regulation n.º 805-A/2020, DR, 2nd series, of September 24 (http://www.uc.pt/ academic documents/regulations/regulations), under the terms set out in Decree-Law No. 74/2006, of March 24, in its current wording.

Qualification Requirements and Regulations

Legal framework for higher education degrees and diplomas defined by Decree-Law No. 74/2006, of March 24, in its current wording.

Graduation Requirements

According to the study plan, students must fulfil 120 ECTS in total: 1st year (two semesters) – 60 ECTS; 2nd year - 60 ECTS: In the 2nd year, 6 ECTS correspond to the curricular unit “Research Methodology” (1st semester), 6 ECTS to the curricular unit “Research Seminar”, and 48 ECTS to the curricular unit “Dissertation in International Ocean Politics” (annual), which must be publicly defended before a jury or in the curricular unit “Internship in International Ocean Politics” (annual) also of 48 ECTS, which must be publicly defended before a jury.

Access to Further Studies

Access to the 3rd cycle of studies.

Study Programme

International Relations - International Ocean Politics

Academic year
2026-2027

Course Type
2nd Cycle Studies - Lifelong Learning Master Programme

Qualification Awarded: Mestre

Duration: 2 Year(s)

ECTS Credits: 120.0

Category: Lifelong training second cycle

Applications

Call for Applications

Accreditations

Agência de Avaliação e Acreditação do Ensino Superior: 2026-07-31 a 2032-07-31
Direcção Geral de Ensino Superior