University of Macerata offers Master's Degree in Marketing, Communication and Nautical Journalism

by University of Macerata 5 Nov 01:06 PST

Master Journalism Macerata Italy © University of Macerata

For the 2025/2026 academic year, the University of Macerata announces the first edition of the Level I Master's Degree in "Marketing, Communication and Journalism in the Nautical Sector - MCGN", a high-level educational program that combines academic expertise with in-depth knowledge of the nautical industry and its industrial supply chain.

With a one-year duration and a total workload of 1,500 hours corresponding to 60 university credits (ECTS), the Master's program aims to train professionals capable of operating in nautical marketing, corporate communication, and specialized journalism. It provides technical and strategic skills essential for interacting with companies, institutions, media, and operators in a sector that represents one of the leading expressions of Made in Italy excellence.

Enrollment is limited to a maximum of 40 students, with activation upon reaching a minimum of 25 participants. Classes will start in April 2026 and end in April 2027, following a blended learning format that combines in-person classes with online lessons via a dedicated e-learning platform.

The Master's program was conceived by Fabio Petrone, Director of PressMare, in agreement with Maurizio Minossi, President of the Marche Yachting and Cruising Association. Together, they proposed to the Rector of the University of Macerata, John Francis McCourt, the creation of a university-level program dedicated to training new professional figures in nautical marketing and communication.

The project was developed by a team led by Prof. Elena Cedrola - Professor of International Economics and Marketing and Director of the Department of Economics and Law at the University of Macerata - supported by Roberta Sabatini, Image and Communication Manager at Ferretti Group Superyacht Yard; Tünde Harkácsi, Marketing & Communication Manager at Videoworks; Virginia De Carlo, Marketing Director at Palumbo Superyacht; and Petrone himself.

A special thank also goes to Massimo Pigliapoco, Communication Strategist and Co-founder of the Agency Tonidigrigio, for his contribution to the planning of the course and for developing the communication strategy that will support its launch.

From the synergy between the academic world and the nautical industry has emerged an innovative training program, designed to concretely address the communication and promotional needs of companies across the entire Italian nautical supply chain.

The Master is launched at a time of strong expansion for the Italian nautical sector. Italy, a global leader in superyacht production, currently holds over 50% of the worldwide market share for delivered units, a figure expected to grow further over the next five years according to major international sources (Confindustria Nautica, SuperyachtTimes, Boat International, PressMare).

In 2023, the direct economic value of the sector exceeded €8.3 billion, employing more than 157,000 people. The industry generates a multiplier effect of 2.7 times on the national economy and an employment multiplier of six times (Source: Deloitte for Confindustria Nautica).

Within this context, marketing and communication are strategic levers for enhancing corporate competitiveness, strengthening brand identity, and promoting the "Italy system" worldwide.

The MCGN Master's program integrates disciplines in strategic marketing, corporate communication, sectoral journalism, and public relations, applying them to real contexts such as boatbuilding, equipment manufacturing, refit and repair, marina management, and nautical tourism services.

Main teaching modules include:

Principles of Marketing and Communication
Analysis of the Nautical Sector and Maritime Legislation
Technology and Yacht Design
Brand Communication and Corporate Identity
Media Mix and Digital Communication
Sector Events, Co-marketing and Co-branding
Technical English and Managerial Soft Skills

The curriculum includes 239 hours of coursework (80 in-person and 159 online), plus 250 hours of internship or project work within shipyards, supply-chain companies, media organizations, or sector associations, including international placements.

The Master is designed to foster direct contact with the industry. Throughout the academic year, students will meet professionals from shipyards, specialized journalists, and communication managers from nautical companies and associations. These interactions will facilitate the transfer of immediately applicable professional skills.

Career opportunities include:

Marketing and communication offices within shipyards and nautical companies
Specialized media outlets and trade publications
Press offices and PR agencies
Trade associations, tourism and port authorities, yacht clubs, and charter companies

The program is open to graduates with a Bachelor's degree interested in pursuing a career in nautical communication and marketing, with professional opportunities both in Italy and abroad.

Classes will take place every two weeks, either in person or online, with an intensive in-person weekend every six weeks.

Through the University of Macerata's e-learning platform, students can attend courses in synchronous or asynchronous mode, accessing materials 24 hours a day.

Attendance is mandatory for at least 75% of total hours. The internship may be carried out remotely or in hybrid mode, depending on the host company's needs.

Full details and the official call for applications are available at www.unimc.it in the postgraduate courses section.