Start of the International study programme for future leaders in the port and logistics industry
An innovative study programme has been created at the University of Gdańsk. MIPMAL (Joint Master in Port Management and Logistics) is an international master’s programme aimed at people who want to build their careers as leaders and experts in the fields of port management and maritime logistics.
The new programme is the result of a close partnership between academia and the business sector. The programme’s partners include ports from all over Europe, including the Port of Gdańsk, Poland’s largest port and a strategic site for the Polish economy. Thanks to the commitment of representatives of the maritime economy and ports, the curriculum responds to the real needs of the labour market and the dynamically changing international logistics.
‘Ports are a window onto the economy for the entire country. It is estimated that as much as 90% of global trade involves the sea. This means that most of the products we use every day – from electronics to clothing and food – reach us by ships calling at ports like the Port of Gdańsk’, said Dorota Pyć, President of the Port of Gdańsk. ‘The Port of Gdańsk builds its resilience through investments. Our goal is to be a sustainable port in the blue-green economy. In order to achieve this goal, we need investments in a port energy hub and energy storage facilities, digitalisation solutions, as well as a new perspective and the involvement of young, educated people in the port’s development’.
The University of Gdańsk opens up to seaports
The MIPMAL programme stands out, for example, thanks to the direct involvement of practitioners in the teaching process. Some of the classes are taught by experts from different European ports and global logistics operators. The programme allows students to gain invaluable knowledge and build a contact network that may be crucial for future market leaders.
The programme is taught in English. It is intended for individuals who are not afraid of challenges, think strategically and want to actively participate in shaping the future of maritime transport and logistics. The first students are set to begin their studies in 2025, and recruitment started on 15 May. Each of the 4 terms of MIPMAL is a unique teaching module devoted to a different aspect of the maritime logistics industry. Students begin by delving into the secrets of port operations, then they gain knowledge in the field of logistics and port management, and in the third term they learn about the necessary port laws and digitisation processes. During the final term, MIPMAL students choose between a work placement at an external institution and writing a full master’s thesis.
‘Our students have the opportunity to complete work placements in ports, and their diploma thesis may be written in two forms: academic or business,’ said dr hab. Przemysław Borkowski, coordinator of work on MIPMAL at the University of Gdańsk. ‘In the first case, it includes only a short work placement in a port company and a diploma thesis with a more research-oriented profile, while, in the second case, more time is dedicated to practical work and less to theoretical research. In this case, the thesis is practical in nature and based on solving a specific problem presented by a business partner.’
Cadiz, Malta, Naples…
The subject of the MIPMAL study programme is inextricably linked to mobility, transport and international exchange. This means our students also have to be mobile – they are going to be travelling between universities based near the sea (the University of Gdańsk works with 8 universities within the SEA-EU European alliance). The first year of the programme will take place at the University of Cadiz, the third term will be completed at the University of Gdańsk, and the venue for the fourth term will be determined depending on the topic and supervisor of their master’s thesis or the site of the their work placement.
After graduation, the students have numerous employment opportunities, such as: port operations manager, logistics coordinator, supply chain analyst, port development planner, maritime risk analyst, port marketing and business development specialist, and environmental compliance manager.
New horizons await – time to get on board!
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