- Launches LLM programmes in Maritime Law & International Trade Law
Gujarat Maritime University (GMU) has started its academic journey by launching two LLM programmes—one in Maritime Law and the second in International Trade Law. Incidentally, GMU has set a precedent by being the first university to offer a specialised programme in Maritime Law. As far as International Trade Law is concerned, there are universities in India teaching the subject in a few modules, but a full-fledged course in International Trade Law is offered only by a handful of universities other than the Gujarat Maritime University, said a release.
Twenty-seven students formed the maiden batch of GMU, with 13 students opting for Maritime Law and 14 students taking up International Trade Law. Contrary to the first batch of PG courses at many of the reputed institutes/universities, which had started with single-digit batch strength, GMU has commenced its academic journey on a positive note. The transitory campus of the university has been established at GNLU till the time GMU has infrastructure of its own. Gender diversity is one of the unique features of the maiden batch, in which girls outnumber boys. 16 girls are part of the total batch of 27 students. Looking at the applications that are being received, the dates of admission have been extended to August 31, 2019 to accommodate more students. Students, especially from landlocked states, are part of this batch. Only 5 students in the batch are from Gujarat while the rest are from across the country.
The academic offerings of GMU are highly unique and sector-specific. There are not many institutes in the country offering similar programmes, as per the release. For example, GMU is the only university in India offering full time one-year LLM specialisation in Maritime Law. All the other universities offer 2-year LLM programmes. GMU has capsuled the regular 2-year LLM into an exhaustive and intensive 1-year LLM. Another unique feature of the LLM programme of GMU is the 2-week international study tour to Rotterdam in the Netherlands. GMU has, in fact, collaborated with 2 international maritime institutes of repute which are based out of Rotterdam, the maritime capital of Europe. The students shall be sent to Erasmus University, where they will be exposed to not only classroom training but shall also be taken on industrial visits to ports, shipowners’ association, legal practitioners, etc. Also, to make the students employment-ready, there will be some finishing school training provided as a part of their curriculum. Additionally, Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), being the promoter of the university, will be organising monthly visits to ports for the students of GMU.
GMU envisions starting the Centre for Executive Education, which will offer shorter duration Executive Development Programmes, in September, in collaboration with Erasmus University and STC International, the release said.
