Welcome Message from the Director
The MSc in International Shipping, Finance and Management (ISFM) comprises a unique combination of three critical knowledge domains, which are crucial for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in the international shipping industry.
The MSc’s curriculum is contemporary, well-structured, and adheres to international standards. The program has achieved high global rankings from international organizations and bodies, such as Eduniversal, and has been awarded the highest possible marks in its accreditation by the Hellenic Authority of Higher Education (HAHE). Furthermore, the program has been granted several examination exemptions for its graduates by the most esteemed professional organizations in the relevant fields and has established significant collaborations with internationally renowned academic institutions.
The international recognition of the MSc in ISFM has been achieved through its curriculum, which encompasses a comprehensive educational and training process. Students engage in various educational activities, including exposure to contemporary state-of-the-art international literature, participation in tailored laboratory classes, analysis of relevant case studies, skill development through specialized workshops, familiarization with prominent global shipping companies through organized site visits, and cultivation of a robust academic orientation through rigorous coursework and scholarly dissertations.
The rigorous curriculum of MSc in ISFM is delivered by faculty members of AUEB and visiting professors from other internationally renowned universities. The academic staff members possess robust educational backgrounds and hold doctoral degrees. Furthermore, they have extensive academic and professional work experience, high-quality scientific publications, and presentations of their research at international conferences. Their work has garnered international recognition, and they have received teaching excellence awards from Greek and non-Greek universities. They are also members of prominent international associations and committees. Furthermore, top echelon shipping business executives participate in the Business Advisory Committee of the MSc in ISFM shaping its curriculum according to the latest global trends in the shipping industry. These executives are often invited to participate as guest lecturers in the program and provide valuable expertise.
The Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) is a highly esteemed Greek State University recognized for its excellence at both the national and international levels, offering accredited postgraduate programs. Enrolling in the MSc in ISFM provides access to AUEB’s cutting-edge facilities and resources that meet international standards.
The Attica region is one of the most significant international maritime centers globally, with over 700 shipping companies established in Greece possessing and managing a fleet of vessels with the world's highest tonnage capacity. The clientele of these enterprises operates within the same region and encompasses more than 1,000 shipbroking firms, financial institutions, international auditing and accounting firms, insurance companies, classification societies, and maritime legal practitioners. These key stakeholders significantly enhance networking and employment opportunities for participants in the MSc in ISFM and contribute to the program through scholarships offered to students, student placements with companies in Greece and abroad, guest speakers from the industry, and site visits to companies at the Port of Piraeus.
In conclusion, the MSc in ISFM provides a distinguished educational environment, offering students high-quality theoretical and practical knowledge. Graduates of the program demonstrate high competitiveness in the job market, with the majority securing relevant employment opportunities prior to or immediately following program completion. Graduating from the MSc in ISFM will also make you part of the extensive, international, and well-established alumni network that emanates from the program's decade-long operation.
Dimitris A. Tsouknidis, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director of the MSc in International Shipping, Finance and Management
Athens University of Economics and Business
