Top Reasons to Study MEL

Substantial emphasis on including the views, experience and requirements of the industry in the design, content and development of the MEL curriculum. 

Intensive industry consultation has proven successful in attracting top students and in gaining recognition of MEL as the leading MSc in the sector. 

Following extensive industry consultation, MEL has compiled a curriculum of 10 modules. The modules comprise a holistic and tightly knitted, integrated approach to the understanding and analysis of global maritime supply chains of production-transport-distribution, where ocean transportation, port, and terminal management play a pivotal role.

MEL lecturers are a mixture of Erasmus University members and successful businessmen and -women to ensure that MEL students are instructed by both entrepreneurs and academics. A number of MEL lecturers have been nominated for and received awards.

The MEL programme puts a strong focus on extracurricular activities to provide students with the chance to further develop themselves and their network. 

1. Professional Development Courses 
2. Company Visits
3. Alumni Lecture Series
4. Distinguished Lecture Series
    

The MSc in Maritime Economics and Logistics (MEL) is offered at Erasmus University Rotterdam, an internationally recognised research university. According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, Erasmus University Rotterdam is ranked #140 globally. 

The MEL programme is jointly delivered by Rotterdam School of Management and Erasmus School of Economics, both internationally recognised schools within Erasmus University Rotterdam.

• Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) is regularly featured in international rankings for its business and management programmes, including top positions in QS Business Master’s Rankings.

• Erasmus School of Economics (ESE) contributes to subject-level standings in economics and econometrics at Erasmus University Rotterdam; for example, the university is ranked #47 in QS Economics & Econometrics subject rankings (2026).

Together, these schools are the joint degree-awarding bodies for the MSc in Maritime Economics and Logistics and provide the programme's academic foundation.