The thesis is a major part of the curriculum. The objective is to enable students to apply the knowledge acquired in the course, through the methodological analysis of an applied transport problem. Although, as usual, originality or scientific rigour are not prerequisites for a successful MSc thesis, it is the latter theses that would qualify applicants to be considered for a PhD Programme.

Writing, research and presentation skills are taught in the Research Methodology course. The subject of the thesis is decided by the student in consultation with a faculty member, an internship host, or with the student's own affiliation.

The thesis is finalised in the period July- September and is normally 50 to 70 pages in length. It is defended in public prior to Graduation.

To the extent possible MEL has a policy of involving students in current research conducted by members of staff or external partners. Mutual benefits are thus derived and it is common that students identify the subject of their thesis through this engagement. If they wish, foreign students are allowed to spend part or whole of the July- September period in their home country to write their thesis. This is particularly desirable when the subject is related to a country-specific problem, if an internship has been arranged in that country or if the thesis is intended to be written on a subject pertinent to the student`s own organisation. In such cases, supervision requirements are agreed in consultation with an EUR faculty member.

Internships

The MSc in Maritime Economics & Logistics (MEL) has a strong policy of encouraging graduate students to spend part of their thesis-writing period as interns (stagiers) in the environment of an external Organization. Mutual benefits can thus be derived for both host and intern.

Organisations that have hosted MEL interns: