“The University creates assignments similar to real industry situations and challenges.”
BSc (Hons)Maritime Business
Apply on UCAS
- 2025
- 2026
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
UCAS code: MAB4
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 48Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study maritime business with foundation and placement years
If you’re looking for an exciting international career and playing a key part in global trade, Solent can offer you the vital skills needed for this fast-moving business environment.
- 0rdin the UK for learning opportunities in the subject of technology, out of 20 institutions (NSS 2025)
- Top0in the UK for academic support in the subject of business studies, out of 93 institutions (NSS 2025)
- 0%positivity measure for learning resources (NSS 2025)
- Students will study in the heart of Southampton, a major hub in the UK and European maritime and shipping industry. International subject matter experts deliver the course, and you will have access to first-class industry-standard facilities.
- 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.
- 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.
- Develop your professional connections at our annual maritime conference with Solent graduates and senior professionals from the industry.
- Our Warsash Maritime School has over 80 years' history of maritime education and an international reputation for quality.
- 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
The business and law foundation year is ideal for those who are looking at an alternative route into higher education, or who wish to update or broaden their knowledge before progressing onto a full undergraduate degree. The course will help you develop a strong foundation of business knowledge, alongside academic and transferable skills, to ensure you get the most out of your degree-level studies – and provides a direct entry point to the BSc (Hons) Maritime Business degree.
The maritime business sector is global, fast moving, multidisciplinary and strongly influenced by geopolitical change. This course was developed to meet the needs of a dynamic maritime industry with a complex business environment. It will enable students 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.
You will study real-world problems derived from the industry, explore the practicable applications of theoretical and technical concepts and processes, and develop an analytical approach to problem-solving – along with teamwork, managerial, and effective communication skills. And to put this into practice, you'll undertake a year-long placement before your final year.
Taught by a dedicated team with extensive maritime knowledge and experience, and as part of a cohort of students from around the globe, you will develop a truly international network of professional peers and connections, along with a deep appreciation of cultural and business practices.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
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Accredited by:
Course features
Professional accreditation
This course has been accredited by a professional body
Foundation year available
If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years
Further studies
After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent
Top-up option
If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year
Placement year
If you apply for this course with a placement year, you have the opportunity to undertake a year in industry between your second and third years
Who is this course for?
The business and law foundation year is ideally suited for students who want to build their academic knowledge and confidence to return to studying or progress in your studies. You’ll develop strong academic and organisational skills, and prepare yourself for successful careers in a range of business industries – studying a curriculum that is not just about theory but real-world application.
The maritime business degree is suited to students who have an interest in the world of shipping and a desire to understand both how maritime business is undertaken and what drives this global industry.
What does this course lead to?
Maritime business graduates have gone on to find roles with a wide range of companies, including: Bibby, Aberdeen; Allports, Southampton; Braemar Seascope, Sarzana; Galbraiths London; Lloyd’s Register, London; Odjfjell Tankers, Bergen; Cargill, Geneva; Carnival UK, Southampton; Ince & Co (Admiralty Law office), London; Baltic line, Bergen; DP World Southampton; UK P&I Club; Sustainable Shipping Initiative; International Maritime Organisation and DHL.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
Meet the team
The course team has wide-ranging experience and knowledge.
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
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.
What you'll study
Core modules
Academic and Personal Development
As a future business, finance, marketing, maritime or law professional, awareness of personal strengths and development areas is essential to your success. This module teaches you critical academic and communication skills, and introduces the living CV concept.
Introduction to Business
Understanding the business environment is vital for running a business. Learn about the various forms, purposes, types of ownership and governance structures across different sectors and scales, explore strategy and its implementation, and look at measurement and environmental modelling.
Introduction to Marketing and Consumer Law
Effective marketing allows businesses to develop sustainable and valuable relationships with their audiences. Exploring real-world case studies, this module covers introductory marketing theories alongside branding, customer insight and data, GDPR, consumer rights and the latest innovations.
Introduction to Law
Understand the nature and sources of law and key concepts underlying legal systems. This module will look at the English legal system, consider the different courts and their functions, legal personnel and the legislative process.
Understanding Finance
Understanding finance requirements is key to ensuring a business thrives. You will learn fundamental terms and concepts, such as key performance indicators (KPIs), regulation, cashflow, financial statements and accountability – ensuring you are an asset to your team.
Business or Law Project
Study the value and social impact of enterprise, working as a group to analyse local organisations and provide valuable insights – and developing vital skills that employers are looking for, from research and teamwork to effective communication.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Assignments
- Group work
- Group presentations
- Individual presentations
- Written exams
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in maritime?
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 globalisation, 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 prepared for careers in international commodity trading, ship broking, ship operations and management among many other exciting roles our graduates have gone on to enjoy nationally and internationally.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
“The University creates assignments similar to real industry situations and challenges.”
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
Accreditations
Accredited by:
Accredited by:
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
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.
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
MSc International Shipping and Logistics
Get a head start in the exciting, global industry of shipping and logistics - gain the skills and knowledge sought after by employers.
MSc International Maritime Business
Expand your knowledge of maritime business to graduate well-equipped for an international career in chartering, trading, ship management.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £5,760 per year for foundation level. Fees will increase from year 1 onwards.
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,535 per year (from year 1)
- International full-time fees: £15,050 for foundation level. Fees will increase from year 1 onwards.
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year (from year 1)
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island placement year fee: £1,650
- International placement year fee: £1,650
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.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Optional costs
- Optional trip either in the UK or abroad: approx £350
Bursaries, 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.
Solent EU Welcome Scholarship (Fee Discount)
This scholarship is available to students from an EU country, with EU nationality, who are applying for an undergraduate course starting in September 2025. The scholarship will reduce your tuition fees to £10,500 per year - this includes foundation years.
Find out more about the scholarship
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
Student finance in under three minutes Student funding - the essentials
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP, a T-Level Pass (D or E), or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who haven't recently undertaken a formalised course of study at A-level or equivalent, but who can demonstrate relevant workplace or voluntary experience, indicating their ability to complete the course successfully.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
We will also consider overseas applicants in an equivalent situation to UK students as outlined above, and who have been taught in English or have IELTS 5.5, or equivalent.
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 see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
We will also consider overseas applicants in an equivalent situation to UK students (as outlined above) and who have been taught in English or have IELTS 5.5 or equivalent.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For more information about qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
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.
48UCAS points
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
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 overall with a minimum of 5.5 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.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
