MSc International Maritime Business

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.

Recently, Solent University launched the China Centre (Maritime) with the key aim of growing a number of strong links with industry and with maritime universities in China, allowing the University to be at the forefront of international research and global trade developments.

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.

Tuition fees

The 2020/21 tuition fees are not yet available. For guidance, the 2019/20 fees were:
UK, EU and Channel Island full-time fees: £8,220
International full-time fees: £13,905
UK, EU and Channel Island part-time fees: £4,110 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

Graduation is the ceremony to celebrate the achievements of your studies. For graduates in 2018, 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.

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.
If your first language is not English, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 (6.0 writing), or equivalent.
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.

Accredited by
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).
Assessment

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

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

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 contribution of around £31 billion for the UK economy and the maritime industry is responsible for one in every 50 jobs. With the world shipping fleet growing at just under four per cent per year and anticipated annual growth in seaborne trade demand currently sitting at three-four per cent, the employment opportunities within the maritime sector look set to expand.
Trips

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

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 general student advice. Find out more about our approach to student welfare.

Accommodation - Solent University has a range of student accommodation available. All student residences are in the city centre and within easy walking distance to the city campuses. Accommodation costs vary depending on the size and type of room. Find out more about the cost of living in our student residences.

University facilities - You will have access to a modern, comfortable and efficient study environment, including the Mountbatten library and learning resource centres. Solent offers a wide variety of sports halls, gyms and sports equipment, plus superb IT, media, and cutting-edge specialist facilities. Find out more about our first-class facilities here.

Living in Southampton - Southampton is a modern, vibrant student city brimming with arts and culture, top high street brands, green spaces and a buzzing nightlife. Studying at Solent means that you’ll be at the very heart of it. Find out more about being a student in Southampton.

Solent Students’ Union - Run by students for students, Solent Students’ Union is on hand to offer independent advice and support while you’re at university. Visit the Students’ Union website for more information.

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

Applications for 2020 will open soon. For any enquiries, please email admissions.

Email us

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

Core units:

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

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

Nickie Butt Head of Subject View profile

Giuseppe Saieva Course Leader View profile

Nicola Pryce-Roberts Senior Lecturer View profile

Alexandros Dimitriadis Lecturer View 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.

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

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

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.