Skip to main content
Southampton Solent University logo
Southampton Solent University logo

CLEARING 2025 IS NOW OPEN

BSc (Hons)Shipping and Port Management

Apply on UCAS
Register your interest
UCAS code: 3GAL
Institution code: S30
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.

  • 0%
    positivity score for academic support (NSS 2024)
  • 0%
    positivity score for learning resources across (NSS 2024)
  • Top0%
    for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide, 2025)
  • Study in the heart of Southampton, a major hub in the UK and European maritime and shipping industry.
  • The course is designed and delivered by international subject matter experts. You'll also have access to first-class industry-standard facilities.
  • 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.
  • Develop your professional connections at our annual maritime conference with Solent graduates and senior professionals from the industry.
  • 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.
Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

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.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: Call: 

Contact international admissions

Email: Call: 

Accredited by:

ICS logo

Accredited by:

CILT logo

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

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

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.

The lecturers brought everything along with them that students might need when it comes to a specialised industry.

Portrait image of Atef Abou Merhi

Atef Abou Merhi

Managing Director

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.

    A group of students sat in front of a fountain in a park

    Make your application

    Not ready to apply?

    Come to an open day