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About the course

Keen to learn more about the business of maritime? With a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, Solent’s International Maritime Business master’s programme aims to leave graduates well-equipped for careers in ship management or port operations/management, both in the UK and internationally.

This stimulating and intellectually challenging course helps to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to operate successfully within the international maritime industry.

The course has a strong business focus and explores the complex factors involved in the management of ships and shipping operations worldwide. Students will also reflect on the key aspects of maritime law, operations and risk management techniques and look at the impact of international trade on management strategies in the industry.

This course has been accredited by a professional body.
Professional accreditation
You can apply direct to Solent University for this course.
Apply direct
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent.
Further studies
You can study this course part-time.
Part time option

Students study in the heart of Southampton - a major hub in the UK and European maritime and shipping industry.

What does this course lead to?

With a rich blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, our graduates are well equipped for careers in ship management or port operations/management, either in the UK or internationally.

Our graduates have pursued a variety of careers in organisations such as BP; The Baltic Exchange; DHL; Grimaldi Group; IKEA; Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers; Rio Tinto; Royal Caribbean International and Transport Malta.

Who is this course for?

This Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers-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.

Facts and figures

Fees icon

Fees and costs

Tuition fees

The tuition fees for the 2020/21 academic year are:
UK, EU and Channel Island full-time fees: £8,460
International full-time fees: £14,300
UK, EU and Channel Island part-time fees: £4,230 per year
International part-time fees: Students from outside the EU are usually unable to obtain a visa for part-time study. Please visit our visas and immigration page for more information.

Students in receipt of a postgraduate loan from the Student Loan Company are typically able to pay their tuition fees via instalments.

For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.

Other 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.

The 2020/21 other costs are not yet available.

Bursaries and scholarships

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.

Graduation costs

For graduates in 2020, 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 was £15 in 2019, but this fee is subject to change for future years. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Key entry requirements icon

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 the admissions office for further information.
  • Part-time study is not available for overseas students requiring a student visa.
  • 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 refer to our course entry requirement statement.

English 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 6.0 with no component score below 5.5
  • TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 19 in each individual 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.

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.


Key facts and indicators

  1. Accredited by

    ics

  2. Accreditations

    The course is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS). Depending on their chosen pathway, students on this master’s programme may be exempt from some of the Institute’s professional exams. The course is also validated by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

  3. Assessment

    Assessment is through a mix of presentations, written coursework, an examination and a negotiation exercise. The exact mix depends on the module. You’ll also complete a 15,000- to 20,000-word research dissertation.

  4. Transferable skills

    You’ll develop a range of transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, negotiation, teamwork and presentation.

  5. Practical vs theory

    The course is taught by a mix of lectures, seminars, simulation and negotiation exercises, problem-based learning and field work.

    There is also a strong emphasis on research and you’ll complete a thesis under supervision.

  6. The industry

    Shipping is a key link in the global supply chain and accounts for over 95 per cent of all imports and exports. With the growing demand of a global population, levels of international trade have dramatically increased over the last four decades. In the UK alone, this translates to a...

  7. Trips

    We organise an annual international field trip to the port of Rotterdam.

  8. Student support and services

    Student welfare - Solent University is committed to giving you the best possible educational experience during your time with us. As such we have a number of support services and policies set up covering funding, careers and employability, chaplaincy, counselling, international advice, student affairs, key academic skills, disability support and...

50%

Solent alumni save up to 50% on their tuition fees

Study location

East Park Terrace

Got a question about this course?

Contact our Ask Solent team:

admissions@solent.ac.uk 023 8201 5066

How to apply

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

Full-time:

Part-time:
Starts on 26 September 2020 Starts on 25 September 2020
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Alumni discount

Solent alumni could be eligible for up to a 50% reduction of tuition fees if returning to study a postgraduate course. The discount applied will be dependent on your undergraduate degree classification as follows:

Solent Alumni with a:

  • First (1.1) will be offered a 50% discount to study at PG level
  • 2.1 or 2.2 will be offered a 20% discount to study at PG level

The discount applied will be based on the most recently completed course.

If you are currently a student at Solent University and are continuing on without a break in your studies, your discount will be automatically applied on your return.

If are not following directly on from a course at Solent University, but have studied with us in previous years, you will need to register for the alumni discount.

Click here to register or to find out more

What you'll study

Year one

Core modules:
  • Maritime Management
  • International Maritime Law
  • Maritime Operations and Transport
  • International Trade and Commercial Law
  • Economics of International Trade and Shipping
  • Finance and Business Risk
  • Research Methods and Proposal

Project:

  • Maritime professionals need to be skilled in identifying and analysing problems to lead changes in policy or practices. You’ll develop these skills by identifying, planning and implementing research in your chosen area, and analysing and communicating the findings.
Programme specification document

Support

Web-based learning

Solent's virtual learning environment provides quick online access to assignments, lecture notes, suggested reading and other course information.

The Student Hub

The Student Hub is a central space where you can access all of the information and support you need during your time at University.

Professional and experienced staff can help resolve any query, and if they cannot answer the question themselves they will find the person who can.

Career support

Meet the course team

Nickie Butt academic profile Nickie Butt Head of Subject View profile
Nickie Butt academic profile Nickie Butt Course Leader View profile
Nicola Pryce-Roberts academic profile Nicola Pryce-Roberts Senior Lecturer View profile
Dr Alexandros Dimitriadis academic profile Alexandros Dimitriadis Lecturer View profile
Pengfei Zhang academic profile Pengfei Zhang Lecturer View profile

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

We provide a stimulating learning environment and access to state-of-the-art resources to help you make the most of your time with us. Flexible spaces, Wi-Fi facilities and learning zones all contribute to our lively and contemporary study environment at Solent.

Solent is leading the way in maritime research across a range of important issues.

360°Virtual tour

Your future

Suitable roles for graduates include:

  • General and project management roles within relevant maritime organisations and businesses.
  • Ship and shipping company management.
  • Marine accident investigation.
  • Marine business development manager. 
  • Voyage operations manager.
  • Port development manager.
  • Marine client manager.
  • Charterer.
  • Vessel operator.

  • I took considerable time to research the strengths of leading maritime universities before embarking on a postgraduate study. Solent University in conjunction with Warsash Maritime Academy offered such a rich heritage and a global reputation of excellence in the maritime arena that was hard to beat by its competitors.

    Fabian Nwabueze, Marine business analyst

Industry links

You will be taught by a highly skilled team with wide-ranging experience in the maritime industry. You’ll also have access to first-rate industry-standard facilities in and around Southampton. We have designed the course in conjunction with maritime industry representatives to ensure that you graduate with the necessary work-based skills to enhance your career prospects.

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