Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland

You will conduct and share original research to improve approaches to safety and survival for the global maritime industries.

Academic institution, researcher in marine-based industries, marine transport, firefighting, search and rescue, government, regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, or consulting.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Maritime Studies is offered to full-time and part-time students. This program is aimed at those who want to participate in the development of new maritime studies knowledge in the area of safety and survival.

Researchers will be equipped with a national and internationally demanded skill set that focuses on statistics and research design, quantitative analysis, science communication and knowledge in the human factors that impact on safety and survival in maritime environments.

The program involves coursework aimed at developing competencies in fundamental research skills and communication so students will have the methodological tools to conduct and disseminate their research findings. In addition, students will be exposed to the field more broadly through an introduction to maritime safety and survival research.

Specific content mastery related to each individual’s research topic will be acquired in collaboration with the student’s supervisor via a research apprenticeship that will result in a doctoral dissertation. That is, while working on research projects alongside their supervisors, research colleagues, including other trainees, students will be exposed to current knowledge in the area.

Admission into the Ph.D. program in Maritime Studies is normally restricted to applicants holding a Master’s degree or its equivalent with relevant background and core knowledge in, but not limited to, criminology or criminal justice, emergency management, engineering, human kinetics, maritime studies, psychology, or sociology.  Applicants are normally expected to have a 'B' in all course work completed for the Master’s degree. In exceptional circumstances, an applicant with a B.Sc. degree who has spent no less than 12 months in an M.Sc. degree program may be recommended for transfer into a Ph.D. program. For this transfer to be accepted, the applicant must demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Supervisor and Supervisory Committee, their ability to pursue research at the doctoral level.

Please refer to the Memorial University Calendar for descriptions and regulations for this program.