The Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture of the School of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Patras offers the International (English-taught) Master’s Studies titled “Marine Policy, Seafood Business Management & Marketing” (MPSEA). The post-graduate studies are implemented in collaboration with two leading U.S. universities—the State University of New York at Oswego (USA) and the University of Alaska Southeast, Fairbanks (USA), within the framework of the SUB2 Project “Internationalization of Higher Education Institutions’ Educational Services”.
The post-graduate studies address a national gap in postgraduate education that integrates Marine Policy with the management and marketing of maritime enterprises, as well as the aquaculture sector and the fisheries industry. It constitutes an innovative educational initiative that responds to international market needs, advances Blue Growth, and links Greek exports with strategic markets such as the United States.
Objectives
The primary objective of MPSEA is to cultivate professionals with specialized knowledge and skills in the following areas:
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Marine Policy & Governance: Understanding and applying policies for the sustainable management of marine resources.
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Aquaculture Business Management: Management and development of aquaculture enterprises.
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Marine Conservation & Fisheries Management: Protection of marine ecosystems and fisheries management.
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Seafood Value Chain Management: Organization, marketing, and quality assurance throughout the seafood value chain.
Specific Aims
- To provide theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the management of “blue” maritime enterprises.
- To develop the capacity for critical analysis of international trends in marine policy and the global seafood trade.
- To promote research on blue growth, circular economy, and sustainability.
- To strengthen links with the “blue” labor market in Greece and internationally.
- To prepare graduates for doctoral-level studies in related fields.
Structure
MPSEA is a two-year programme comprising four semesters (120 ECTS) and is offered in distance or hybrid learning modes. The fourth semester is devoted to the Master’s Thesis.
The post-graduated studies award a Joint Master’s Degree conferred by the University of Patras and the partnering U.S. institutions.
Instruction is in English, delivered by faculty members of the University of Patras and professors from the partner universities.
Admissions and Selection Criteria
30 students per year.
Eligible applicants include graduates of Agricultural, Natural/Physical, Economic, and Environmental Sciences, as well as related fields, from domestic and foreign universities.
Selection is based on the following criteria:
- Degree grade: 15%
- Relevant undergraduate knowledge/coursework: 25%
- Research/professional experience: 40%
- Interview: 25%
Curriculum
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Marine Policy & Governance
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Fisheries & Aquaculture Business Economics
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Seafood Marketing & International Trade
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Environmental Challenges in Marine Ecosystems
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Sustainability & Circular Economy in Fisheries
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Data Analytics in Marine Policy & Seafood Markets
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Innovation & Entrepreneurship in Aquaculture
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Seafood Value Chain Quality Assurance
Scholarships & Tuition Fees
Tuition fees amount to €12,000 for the entire studies (€100 per ECTS credit), with flexible payment options available.
Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded as follows:
- €3,000 for theses that produce publishable results in Q1/Q2 journals (top journal quartiles).
- €3,000 for the contribution of primary/original data.
- €2,000 to the top three students in each cohort.
- 4,000 for students who support the programme’s hybrid/on-site delivery.