Five for Five

Five new scholarships offered to celebrate fifth anniversary of maritime security program at Coventry University’s Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations.

The Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations (CTPSR) at Coventry University is celebrating five years of research in the developing area of maritime security. The research has grown in scope and importance during this period with an evolving understanding of the interrelated issues that affect all aspects of the maritime domain.

CTPSR works with key organizations in the sector on understanding and responding to some of today’s most pressing challenges including piracy, human trafficking, illegal fishing and port security. Cooperation with organizations such as the International Organization of Migration Indonesia, the Royal Navy and The Nautical Institute evidence the expertise and professional status of the Centre’s Maritime Security team.

The significance of the Centre’s research was illustrated by the publication of a key international report in collaboration with IOM Indonesia and the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. The report exposed the extent of human trafficking in the illegal fishing industry in Indonesia where thousands of victims were enslaved by criminal networks on board fishing vessels.

The Indonesian Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Susi Pudjiastuti, hailed the report as “the first and only comprehensive and critical report depicting human trafficking and forced labour in the fishing industry in Indonesia.” She added that it could “become a reference for cross-sectoral stakeholders in developing systems and regulations to prevent and eradicate human trafficking in the fishing industry.”

To celebrate the five-year anniversary of the Centre’s research, five special bursaries (scholarships) have been established for study in CTPSR’s postgraduate courses in Maritime Security from September. Programmes range from Postgraduate Certificate to Master’s level and last from 8 to 24 months. They are predominantly delivered online, enabling experienced professionals to continue in their careers while gaining valuable skills and insight and also supporting recent graduates prepared to progress into a position in Maritime Security.

The bursaries highlight the strong connection between the work of the Centre’s research staff and its courses, which are designed and developed in line with this vibrant and specialized knowledge base. “We are very excited to offer these special bursaries this year,” stated Ioannis Chapsos, course director for the Maritime Postgraduate Programme. “Our team are extremely proud of the work we have achieved in the last five years in the maritime domain and are keen to share our skills and expertise with a diverse and talented cohort of students.”

Opportunities are open to all students, and decisions will be based on the merits of the applications received. Three MA Maritime Security bursaries are available worth a 1/3 tuition fee reduction and two PG Cert Maritime Security bursaries amounting to a 50 percent fee reduction.

To find out more and apply, visit http://www.coventry.ac.uk/maritimesecurity or contact [email protected]. All applications must be received by 28 July 2017.