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UiT The Arctic University of Norway - Nautical Science & Law of the Sea Program


Bachelor's Degree Program in Nautical Ccience and LL. M Program in Law of the Sea in Tromso, Norway

university of tromso uit

Founded in 1968 and headquartered at Tromso Norway, University of Tromso - UiT The Arctic University of Norway, is the third largest and one of eight universities in Norway. UiT is the largest research and educational institution in northern Norway with 15500 students and 3300 staff. UiT The Arctic University of Norway is a founding member of the University of the Arctic, an international network of 160 study and research institutions of the circumpolar region.

University cooperates with all parts of the world with 200 international agreements and active academic exchange of students and staff with partner institutions worldwide. UiT's key research focuses on the polar environment, climate research, indigenous people, peace and conflict transformation, telemedicine, medical biology, space physics, fishery science, marine biosprospecting, linguistics and computational chemistry.

The main campuses are located in Tromsø, Alta, Narvik and Harstad, with smaller departments in the towns of Mo i Rana, Hammerfest and Kirkenes. The University offers more than 20 English taught master´s degree programs, and all faculties offer English taught courses at both bachelor’s and master’s level.

uit norway campus

Academic Programs

Bachelors Nautical Program

  • Bachelors Degree Program in Nautical Science (Norwegian, 3 years): The study focuses on basic subjects related to the management and operation of ships and maritime installations. You will learn, among other things, navigation, operation and management, Maritime Law, handling of ships and Cargo and meteorology.
  • After completing your studies, you will be qualified to start training on board ships to prepare for a deck officer's certificate. After 12 months of approved sailing time, you will be able to obtain a deck officer's certificate Class D3, which entitles you to be a mate on ships of unlimited size. With sufficient operational experience on board from ships or maritime installations, one will be able to obtain a deck officer's certificate Class D1, which gives unlimited driving rights and the opportunity to become a sea captain.
  • UiT's geographical location also provides a unique opportunity to learn about issues related to maritime operations in the Arctic, and during the course of the study you will have the opportunity to take special courses for operating ships in Arctic conditions.

Masters Law Program

  • Master of Laws in Law of the Sea (LL.M): The LL.M. program aims to broaden the traditional approach to the Law of the Sea from jurisdictional issues to also include substantial law such as conservation and sustainable use of biological resources and protection of biodiversity and the environment. Although the program of study has a clear global profile, it will also have a distinct Arctic dimension. The research community in Tromsø is a world leader in marine Arctic issues, including natural sciences, history, political science and law. In addition to the University of Tromsø, the Norwegian Polar Institute is situated in Tromsø. The objective of the LL.M. program is to introduce the students to such perspectives enabling them to improve their ability to understand the function of the law and learn to interpret it.
  • Candidates will be qualified for jobs within the United Nations and its specialized agencies, in national diplomatic service as well as public administration and industry and commerce.
  • Admission to the Master's program in Law of the Sea requires a Bachelor's degree (180 ECTS) in Law or equivalent qualification, such as three years duration in law or political science at university level. You must also document knowledge of the fundamentals of international law and international politics.
  • The program has limited capacity, and approximately 20 students are admitted each year.
  • The duration of the program is 1 calendar year or 90 ECTS credits, full-time study.
  • Language of instruction is English.