UPEACE Africa · MSc-BEMS

MSc Blue Economy and Maritime Security

January 2027 intake · Applications close 25 December 2026

Apply for this programme

Programme overview

Explore the sustainable use of marine and coastal resources through an interdisciplinary approach to blue economy development, maritime security, resource management and environmental sustainability. The programme connects policy and governance with the practical challenges and opportunities facing maritime sectors.

Academic information is drawn from the UPEACE Master’s brochure. Duration, delivery format, entry requirements and curriculum for the January 2027 intake are subject to confirmation by admissions.

Who this programme is for

Applicants interested in maritime policy, governance, security and environmental sustainability.

Areas of study

  • Marine and coastal resource management
  • Maritime security, law and ethics
  • Marine renewable energy and blue economy investment
  • GIS, data science and maritime climate adaptation

Knowledge and skills

Develop knowledge and skills to address marine resource challenges and contribute to sustainable blue economy development and maritime security.

Programme modules

Modules listed in the supplied UPEACE brochure. The admissions team confirms the final curriculum and credit requirements for your intake.

Semester 1

  • UPEACE Foundation Course

    UPM-6001 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Introduction to the Blue Economy

    BEMS-6000 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Marine and Coastal Resource Management

    BEMS-6002 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Maritime Security

    BEMS-6003 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Data Science and GIS for Marine Applications.

    BEMS-6004 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Maritime Law and Ethics

    BEMS-6005 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

Semester 2

  • Marine Coastal Zone Management

    BEMS-6006 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Marine Renewable Energy

    BEMS-6007 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Blue Economy Finance and Investment

    BEMS-6008 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Climate Change and Maritime Adaptation

    BEMS-6009 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Research Methods

    BEMS-6010 · 3 credits · 4 weeks

  • Final Research Project (Thesis)

    BEMS -7000 · 8 credits · 24 weeks

Teaching and assessment

Live online teaching combines discussion, participatory activities, critical reflection and applied tasks. Faculty and tutors provide course materials and feedback. Assessment includes course papers and examinations, followed by a final research project or dissertation. Field practice is included where specified in the programme curriculum.

Entry requirements

  • A Bachelor’s degree; the brochure lists social or behavioural sciences, business, economics and humanities. Admissions reviews programme-specific suitability.
  • Evidence of English-language competence, including previous study in English or an appropriate language assessment.
  • Reliable internet access and familiarity with e-learning tools, word processing and presentations.

Application documents

Prepare a completed application form, certified Bachelor’s degree certificates and transcripts, a 300-word statement of purpose and evidence of English competence. The Africa admissions process also requests an ID or passport copy and passport photograph.

Fees and scholarships

While the standard international tuition for postgraduate programmes at the University for Peace Main Campus in Costa Rica is USD 10,000, the UPEACE Africa Regional Programme provides an automatic 50% regional scholarship to qualifying African professionals admitted to our executive online and hybrid programmes. The total tuition payable is adjusted to USD 5,000 for the complete 18-month programme. The fees are payable in instalment.

Milestone payment schedule for the January 2027 intake
Milestone stageAcademic checkpoint & timingAmount (USD)
Admission & RegistrationUpon offer acceptance (secures seat)$500
Semester 1 – Installment 1Prior to commencement of Semester 1$750
Semester 1 – Installment 2Before the end of Semester 1 (Prior to exams)$750
Semester 2 – Installment 1Prior to commencement of Semester 2$750
Semester 2 – Installment 2Before the end of Semester 2 (Coursework clearance)$750
Dissertation – Installment 1Beginning of dissertation (Supervisor allocation)$750
Dissertation – Installment 2Before final thesis defense & graduation clearance$750
Total programme fee$5,000 USD

Fees are payable in the seven instalments shown above. Payment instructions are issued by the UPEACE Africa finance office once an offer of admission is confirmed.

Contact admissions about fees and scholarships

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MSc Blue Economy and Maritime Security

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