The Sea and Maritime Law (Ph.D.)
The Ph.D. in The Sea and Maritime Law is a doctoral-level program taught in English, focused on international sea law, maritime law, maritime security, and related legal frameworks. The program aims to train experts who understand both theoretical and practical aspects of maritime legislation, sea governance, shipping law, and maritime disputes, preparing them for advanced research or policy-oriented roles.
Based at Ankara University, the program is embedded within a research and policy context — designed to contribute to national and international maritime legal scholarship and to support legal decision-making related to seas, straits, marine safety, pollution, and shipping commerce. Students engage in rigorous academic training and dissertation research, preparing for careers in academia, government, international law, or maritime institutions.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Standard period of study: 4 years (typical for doctoral programmes)
- Location: Ankara
- Study Type: Graduate (Doctorate, research-oriented)
- Admission semester: Fall semester (as per academic calendar)
- Area of study: Sea Law, Maritime Law, International Maritime Security & Shipping Law
- Admission modus: Research-oriented doctoral programme (dissertation required)
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundations in Sea & Maritime Law
- Core theoretical courses in International Law of the Sea and Maritime Law
- Historical and legal frameworks for seas and maritime zones
- Maritime security law, regulations for straits and international navigation
- Research methods, legal writing & methodology training
Year 2 – Advanced Maritime Legal Studies & Applied Law
- Flagging and ship registration law, port & coastal-state control regulations
- Shipping contracts, carriage law, bills of lading, maritime insurance law
- Marine pollution, accident liability, environmental and maritime safety law
- Seminar courses & elective legal topics related to maritime commerce and security
Year 3 – Dissertation Preparation & Research Design
- Literature review and preparation of dissertation proposal
- Specialized legal research under supervision
- Participation in seminars/conferences, comparative law studies, international maritime law updates
- Qualitative and quantitative legal research methods, case-studies
Year 4 – Doctoral Dissertation & Defense
- Independent research and data collection / case analysis
- Dissertation writing, submission, and defence
- Contribution to legal scholarship — publication or policy-oriented outputs
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this Ph.D. program are qualified for academic careers (university teaching, legal research), roles in governmental institutions (maritime administration, coast guard, regulatory bodies), international organizations, shipping companies, maritime law firms, or consulting agencies dealing with maritime security, maritime commerce, marine environmental law, and international sea law. They may also participate in national and international maritime law policy development, treaty negotiation, or maritime dispute resolution.
Why Choose This Program
The program blends theoretical depth with practical and policy-oriented relevance, preparing graduates to address complex maritime issues — from shipping regulation and safety to international maritime disputes and environmental law.
With its English-medium instruction and comprehensive curriculum, this program enables candidates from different countries or legal backgrounds to gain internationally applicable expertise. It is an ideal path for those aiming for academic research, international law practice, governmental service, or involvement in global maritime legal matters.
Contact Information
Ankara University – Graduate School / Institute of Social Sciences
Ankara University, 06100 Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 (312) 212 60 40
Email: info@ankara.edu.tr
Department of Sea and Maritime Law – Program Office
Faculty of Law / Maritime Law Department
Ankara University
Tel: +90 (312) 310 30 10
Email: maritimephd@ankara.edu.tr
International Office – Ankara University
Tandoğan Campus
06100 Ankara, Türkiye
Tel: +90 (312) 600 01 00
Email: international@ankara.edu.tr
