MScInternational Maritime Business
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- 2025
- 2026
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
Why study an international maritime business master's degree at Solent University
Expand your knowledge of maritime business to graduate well-equipped for an international career in chartering, trading, ship management.
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
- Students will study in the heart of Southampton, a major hub in the UK and European maritime and shipping industry.
- Students may have the opportunity for UK and international field trips. Past students have visited key maritime organisations, such as the ports of Southampton, Antwerp, and Rotterdam; the International Maritime Organization; and the Baltic Exchange.
- You'll build a comprehensive understanding of the maritime industry, from strategic ship management and ship finance, to international trade and commercial law, and shipping.
- Solent is leading the way in maritime research. Our maritime research groups cover topics including autonomous shipping, gender dynamics at sea, shipping hybridisation, cleaner energy, and low-carbon technologies for port use, and more.
- Our annual maritime conference and careers event develops professional connections, bringing Solent alumni and senior professionals from the industry on campus to talk to students about their career experiences, help develop employability, and more.
- Our Warsash Maritime School has over 80 years' history of maritime education and an international reputation for quality.
- Get involved with Solent's Centre for Marine Sustainability. The Centre is a leader in the creation, sharing, and application of insight, innovation, and knowledge for safe, sustainable seas.
- Benefit from free maritime business career consultation for life. Our careers advice service, Solent Careers is available to all Solent students and graduates helping you to progress in your current career or discuss options for a change in career.
- This course is eligible for the Postgraduate Master's student loan. The loan is from Student Finance England and can be used to cover costs (ie, accommodation, tuition fees) associated with postgraduate studies.
- Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.
Course overview
This course was developed to meet the needs of a dynamic maritime industry with a complex business environment. It will enable students to build on their academic and professional successes and empower them to continue to develop their knowledge, understanding and skills to meet the challenges of their future careers.
Stimulating and intellectually challenging the course has a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills to help to provide students with the attributes required to operate successfully within the international maritime industry.
The course has a strong business, trade and finance focus and explores the complex factors involved in international trade, economics, finance and management of ships and shipping operations worldwide. Students will also examine the key aspects of maritime law, operations, risk management and management strategies in the maritime industry.
Accredited by:
Accredited by:
Course features
Professional accreditation
This course has been accredited by a professional body
Apply direct
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Part-time option
You can study this course part-time
This course is for
This Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport-accredited course will enable maritime professionals or recent maritime or shipping graduates to progress their career or diversify into ship management or port operations/management.
What this course leads to
Our graduates are well equipped for careers in the maritime industry in the UK or internationally. Typical roles include, but are not limited to:
- Commodity trading
- Ship brokering and chartering
- Ship and shipping company management
- Marine accident investigation
- Marine business development
- Ship operations
- Port development manager
Meet the team
You will be taught by a highly skilled team with wide-ranging experience in the maritime industry.
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
Students study in the heart of Southampton - a major hub in the UK and European maritime and shipping industry. Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.
Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
Year one
Core modules
Maritime Business and Strategy
This module blends the complementary subjects of strategic management and economics in the context of maritime and logistics organisations and the wider market environment.
International Maritime Law
This module provides the opportunity for the student to critically evaluate the development, aims and applications of international maritime law.
International Sale and Carriage of Goods
This module focuses on the commercial and legal implications of the international sale and carriage of goods and the various contractual relationships that arise because of meeting those obligations, from sale and transportation, through to insurance.
Economics of Global Trade
This module holds the key to international maritime management studies; as economics is the pivot on which global trade and shipping revolves.
Maritime Finance and Market Risk
The aim of this module is to provide a healthy set of financial skills, which would allow students to hold their own when integrating a maritime company at executive level. Core theoretical concepts are introduced; and investment appraisal, sources of funds, and risk management strategies are examined in greater detail, and within the maritime-specific context.
Maritime Digital Technologies
The module provides you with the skills and knowledge necessary in today’s complex business digital environment; providing you with theoretical and practical understanding of the benefits associated risk to enable you to better manage digital technologies.
Research Methods and Proposal
The module provides the opportunity to develop and carry out research applied to an area relevant to the programme of study and in an area of personal interest to the student and which is also relevant to a student’s future career.
Maritime Dissertation
Maritime professionals need to be skilled in identifying and analysing problems to lead changes in policy or practices. You will develop these skills by identifying, planning, and implementing research in your chosen area, and analysing and communicating the findings.
Optional modules
Operations Risk Management
This module provides you with a practical understanding of the principles of risk assessment and risk management. It will enable you to recognise and control risk in maritime operations in ships, port facilities and related maritime businesses.
Sustainable Vessel Operations
Sustainability has become the driving force for change across the globe and in every industry. This module will investigate ways in which the shipping industry aims to align with the UN Sustainable Development.
Learning resources
The course is taught by a mix of lectures, seminars, simulation and negotiation exercises, and problem-based learning.
There is also a strong emphasis on research and you'll complete a thesis under supervision.
Learn transferable skills
You will be supported to develop a range of transferable skills throughout the course. This includes programming, project management, problem-solving, analytical skills, technical writing, teamwork, communication and presentation skills.
These transferable skills empower you to work in a range of different industries after graduation. The course will also equip you with research and academic skills helping those who wish to pursue a PhD or an academic career.
Why choose a career in international maritime business?
One of the most important developments of the last century has been the integration of national economies into a global economic system. This process of integration, often called globalization, has resulted in a remarkable growth in trade between countries. Shipping is the key link in international trade and wealth creation; it accounts for over 90 per cent of commodities and manufactured goods moved globally.
Our graduates are well equipped for careers in international commodity trading, ship broking and management and the industries that support this nationally and internationally.
You will have access to international subject matter experts, first-class industry-standard facilities in and around Southampton. The course was designed in conjunction with the maritime industry to ensure that you graduate with the necessary knowledge, confidence, and work-based skills to enter this exciting, dynamic, and rewarding industry.
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accredited by:
Accredited by:
Alumni network
As part of our global alumni community, you can take advantage of a range of benefits.
Whether it's been days or decades since you left us, or you're soon to don your cap and gown, things are constantly changing at Solent. We're always innovating, but we're also immensely proud of our heritage. And that means you.
Research and knowledge exchange
Research doesn't just live in publications and journals - the effects of groundbreaking research can be found everywhere you look. That's why research at Solent has always been firmly rooted in industry needs and real-world application.
Solent University prides itself on carrying out not only pioneering research, but also research that addresses real world problems. We offer opportunities to study for a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in a number of areas.
At Solent, we want to help you achieve your best and discover new insights. Whether you're thinking about applying for a PhD, or already underway with your research studies, you'll find useful guidance and information in our research pages.
Research at SolentTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK and Channel Island full-time fees: £10,400 per year
- International full-time fees: £18,350 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
Alumni discount
Solent alumni are eligible for a 20% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course.
Find out moreBursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Discover Solent University Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.Find out what Southampton has to offer Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
An honours degree at 2:2 or higher in maritime studies, shipping, business, economics, law, or a relevant subject
- An ordinary degree or HND in a technical or business discipline, combined with appropriate professional experience.
- Other qualifications may also be considered – contact admissions for further information.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please contact admissions.
Note to all international students requiring a visa
All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University, and the English language requirements to obtain a visa from the Home Office, may be different. This means that if you meet the Solent University language requirement to gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be granted with a visa by the Home Office.
We strongly advise all applicants to visit the Home Office website which outlines all the requirements for a successful visa application and to take a look at our course entry statement document.
An honours degree at2:2 or higher
Your application checklist
Applications for postgraduate courses can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. However, we strongly recommend you apply at your earliest convenience.
Please ensure you upload the following mandatory documents with your application:
- Two academic references.
- Certified transcripts of qualifications, including English language proficiency if non-UK student.
- Copy of passport.
- Copy of current visa (if applicable).
- A personal statement.
- Employer sponsor form, where appropriate.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT 92 with a minimum of 22 in writing and a minimum of 20 in reading, listening and speaking
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 100 in each component
or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Study options
Make your application
- 1 year full-time
- 2 years part-time
