“The lecturers brought everything along with them that students might need when it comes to a specialised industry.”
BSc (Hons)Shipping and Port Management
Apply on UCAS
Starting in: 2026
Register your interest- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
UCAS code: 3GAL
Institution code: S30
UCAS points: 104-120Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a shipping and port management degree at Solent University
If you want to work in the exciting hub of ship operations, this specialised degree gives you a global perspective of managing business for international trade.
- 0rdin the UK for learning opportunities in the subject of technology, out of 20 institutions (NSS 2025)
- 0%positivity measure for teaching in the subject of technology (NSS 2025)
- 0%positivity measure for learning opportunities in the subject of technology (NSS 2025)
- Our materials and technology courses, including the BSc (Hons) Shipping and Port Management, are ranked 1st in the UK for sustained graduate employment, further study, or both (LEO 2025).
- Study in the heart of Southampton, a major hub in the UK and European maritime and shipping industry.
- The course has been 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.
- Solent is leading the way in maritime research with topics such as shipping hybridisation, cleaner energy and low-carbon technologies for port use – you will learn direct from leading experts in their field.
- 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.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Course overview
Ships, ports, and logistics infrastructure are essential components in the multi-billion-dollar global trade network. With trillions of dollars’ worth of trade carried by over 120,000 merchant ships calling at almost 1,000 major seaports across the globe, shipping and port management is the backbone of the global economy. This specialist degree will provide you with the essential skills, knowledge and understanding for a distinguished career in this exciting and essential industry.
The shipping industry is global, fast moving, multidisciplinary and strongly influenced by geopolitical change. This course was developed and designed in conjunction with the industry to meet the needs of a dynamic shipping industry. It will enable students 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 shipping industry.
The course has a strong focus on the management of ships, ports, and shipping operations worldwide. Students will also examine the key aspects of international trade, logistics and supply chain management, economics, maritime sustainability, maritime law, 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.
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. You'll also have the opportunity to develop your professional connections at our annual maritime conference with Solent graduates and senior professionals from the industry.
If you’re looking to study our shipping and port management degree but don’t have the relevant qualifications or experience, the business and law foundation year will help you develop the core skills and knowledge to progress. Find out more about the business and law foundation year.
This course also offers the option of a placement year. A placement year allows you to put what you've learned in your first and second years into practice in the workplace, gaining valuable real-world work experience before you graduate. Our course and placements teams will help you find the perfect industry placement in your chosen field.
Accreditations
Accredited by:
Accredited by:
Who is this course for?
This degree is suited to those who would enjoy a dynamic career were no two days are the same, enjoy problem-solving, making meaningful decisions, managing complex supply chains, and communicating with different industry specialists. It will provide those who have the desire to make a mark on an exciting, dynamic, and essential global industry.
What does this course lead to?
As a graduate you will have a wide range of options in the industry available to you including within logistics, port management, port agency, ship management, terminal operations, and ship operations.
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
Students are taught by academic staff from a wide range of industry backgrounds with expertise in port and ship operations, ship finance, maritime law, chartering, general management, and logistics.
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.
International opportunities
Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.
Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.
For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.
What you'll study
Core modules
Shipping Business
This module will provide you with the foundation knowledge that is essential to the understanding of shipping as business. This knowledge forms the basis for understanding maritime commercial law and practice.
Global Trades
Develop your understanding of global trade and the relationship between supply and demand for natural resources. Explore how trade routes develop and change in response to new discoveries and socio-economic development.
Data Science
Shipping is high volume industry with a need to measure cargo, fleet capacity and distances. To be prepared for this business environment, you will learn how to summarise and communicate numerical information and develop skills to deal with complex data.
Shipping Economics
This module introduces you to economics of the main maritime trades. This covers the impact of the shipping cycle and how freight markets work alongside economic theory and business practice relating to maritime industry.
Vessel Operations
Identify vessel requirements for the vast array of commodities transported by ship and consider some of the more specialised vessels that work in the industry related to the cargo they carry. Look at how changes in technology and a need for a more sustainable approach will drive change in the industry.
Maritime Organisations
Gain a foundation of knowledge of the typical organisation of shipping companies, ports and other firms that enable the transportation of goods – and people – by ship. You will also look into the organisation of companies that support seaborne trade, such as shipyards, ship chandlers, brokers, insurance firms and more.
Core modules
Ship Management and Operations
Shipping is a global business that is regulated by multiple organisations. You will look at the operations of a range of vessels, and regulations that are in place to ensure safety of crew and cargoes with the need to balance the economic, social, environment and regulatory requirements to successfully manage ships.
Carriage of Goods by Sea
This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the commercial and legal issues involved in the carriage of goods by sea. Effectively conduct basic research using a variety of legal research tools, resources and electronic media to locate, organise and apply the core legal concepts that regulate commercial maritime law.
Port and Terminal Management
Ports are essential nodes in the transport chain and important for the economy. This module will give you an depth understanding of ports and specialist terminals within them. The role of project planning everything from operations, planning and storage will be covered in as well the regulatory environment.
Accounting for Decision Making
As you are studying to become a manager in a maritime organisation, this module should prove indispensable for your future career. This is practice-driven module teaches you to interpret financial accounting information, supplier screening, competitor analysis, profit and optimisation.
Principles of Logistics
Modern logistics is an important pillar in the development of modern economy. The module investigates logistics systems, transport systems, warehousing, handling and picking systems, inventory, stock and provisioning management, network planning, and control. The module will provide you with tools to develop a problem-solving approach to managing commercial logistics.
Optional modules
Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
Work Placement
By undertaking a work placement, you will have the opportunity to implement the knowledge and skills gained from your course and learn about new concepts and working practices. The experiences you gain from working in the industry will help you develop key skills for your future.
Chartering Practice
This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the practical, commercial and legal aspects of ship brokering and chartering.
Maritime Innovation and Technology
The maritime industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by digitalisation, decarbonisation and an increased focus on sustainability and security. Innovative technologies that improve productivity, sustainability and competitiveness are key to shaping the future of maritime and shipping.
Core modules
Dissertation
A dissertation gives you the opportunity to undertake an extensive piece of research within your subject area and develop important skills to critically analyse, synthesise and evaluate your chosen topic.
Strategic Management
This module considers the issues of strategic management within the complex environment that enterprises operate, where opportunities and constraints are continually developing and changing. It explores a range of strategic management processes that address the complexity and variability of this environment.
Supply Chain Management
The module explores how supply chain systems are developed by companies so they can remain competitive in modern, global business.
Maritime Sustainability
The opening section of the module focuses on developing your understanding of sustainability. The module then moves to discuss the global implications of sustainable development. You will explore difficulties in agreeing and negotiating sustainability objectives, helping contextualise the history, development, and resulting complexities of the topic. The following sections of the module explore the implications of sustainability across a range of topics and business applications.
Optional modules
Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.
Financial Management
Investment appraisal, sources of funds, and risk management strategies are all examined in detail within a maritime context. Consideration will be given to new buildings, second hand purchases; the acquisition of other capital assets will also be addressed.
Maritime Law
This module will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of maritime law and practice, which is essential to the understanding of shipping as an international activity. It examines the legal issues which are fundamental to ship operation.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Assignments
- Group presentations
- Group work
- 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 shipping and port management?
The shipping industry is linked to global development, wealth creation and trade. The shipping, logistics, and port industries needs graduates who understand the complexity of the interactions between ships, cargoes, and ports, who can make decisions and manage the challenges that arise in this exciting and essential part of global trade.
The industry is vast, with 120 commercial cargo-handling ports in the UK alone, the second largest number in Europe. Globally, ports and logistics employ over 15 million people, with the logistics industry worldwide expected to exceed 15 billion dollars by 2027. This course will prepare you for the fast-paced, complex work of international ports, shipping, and logistics and provides you with the knowledge and confidence to make an immediate contribution to the workplace.
Graduate stories
Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.
“The lecturers brought everything along with them that students might need when it comes to a specialised 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
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 Maritime Business
Expand your knowledge of maritime business to graduate well-equipped for an international career in chartering, trading, ship management.
Find out more
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.
Find out more
MSc Shipping Operations
Is it time to take your maritime career to the next level? This two year distance learning programme is ideally suited to maritime professionals who are hoping to move into...
Find out moreTuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2025/26 fees were:
- UK, ROI, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,535 per year
- International full-time fees: £17,750 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.
The 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:
Optional costs
- Optional trip either in the UK or abroad: approx £350
- Field trips to local shipyards (year three): approx £80
- Minor materials: approx £80
- Minor costs for final year project: approx £50
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.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
104-120 UCAS tariff points
- From A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at DMM or BTEC Diploma at D*D*, a T-Level Merit, or equivalent, which comply with the minimum requirement of 104 UCAS points.
- A BTEC Subsidiary Diploma will be considered in conjunction with other qualifications.
- Entry to year two may be offered to those with an HND or foundation degree in an appropriate subject.
- 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.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about EU qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
Key entry requirements
As a general guide, we look for qualifications that are equivalent to the British high school A-levels.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for this undergraduate degree, our trusted partner, QA Higher Education offers the following pathway programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills:
- International Foundation Year - for progression to the first year of an undergraduate degree
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.
How to apply
Want to apply through Clearing? Contact us today
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.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
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 minimum 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each individual component
- TOEFL IBT minimum 80 with a minimum of 20 in each individual component
- Duolingo English Language Test - 115 overall with minimum of 95 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.
UCAS points: 104-120
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: Call:Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
