MSc International Maritime Studies - Ship and Shipping Management (Full Time)

This course is part of the taught MSc programme in International Maritime Studies (IMS) which is designed to provide a period of intensive study in a specialist maritime area.

The programme offers intellectually challenging courses with a diversity of learning experiences that aim to provide you with the skills and knowledge to operate competently within the maritime industry.

The MSc in Ship and Shipping Management addresses the complex factors which are involved in the overall management of a shipping operation. You will reflect on the latest research in safety management techniques, and explore the impact of international legislation on management strategies in the industry.

You will take advantage of industry-standard facilities in the city centre and undertake practical work at the Warsash Maritime Academy, only a few miles away at the entrance of the River Hamble.

Industrial focus

You will be taught by a highly skilled staff team with wide-ranging experience in the maritime industry and have access to first-rate facilities.

Course content

You will study five core units in periods 1 and 2 (October to May), followed by the project in period 3 (June to September).

International Maritime Law: You will critically evaluate the development, aims and applications of international maritime law, including offshore energy law. The unit investigates the allocation of rights and duties concerning the exploitation of natural resources in the marine environment, and international and European regulation of shipping and the marine environment. A negotiating exercise will help you develop problem-solving skills.

Management of Shipping Operations: This unit provides an understanding of the management issues required in running a shipping operation both on-board ship and ashore. You will study the inter-relationship of different management functions throughout the shipping operation, looking at how ship and shore are linked to enhance the commercial, safety and environmental protection aims of the maritime venture. You will also examine the requirements of current international maritime legislation.

Maritime Business and IT Strategy: This unit blends the complementary subjects of strategic management and IT strategy. You will consider the role of IT in the strategic development of the maritime enterprise and processes that integrate the areas of business and technology with business improvement. The unit also considers marketing management, project management and the human issues related to major enterprise change.

Safety and Enforcement: You will gain an appreciation of the issues and the role/influence of key organisations associated with health, safety and maritime law enforcement in both the shipping and offshore industries. The unit also explores ways of addressing these issues and examines the relationship between safety and enforcement.

Project Proposal: The aim of this unit is to progress your research and academic skills, enabling you to produce a realistic and achievable research proposal for the master’s-level project. It introduces you to the research process and details the underpinning philosophies of research, together with the methodological options for both data gathering and data analysis.

Project: Maritime professionals need to be skilled in identifying and analysing problems so that they can lead changes in policy or practices. For this unit you will develop those skills by identifying, planning and implementing a programme of research, and analysing, evaluating, interpreting and communicating the findings. You will apply these skills to an area of personal interest that is relevant to your future career.

Assessment

Each taught unit is assessed by a combination of presentations, written coursework and/or an examination. The exact combination of assessments, and their timing, depends on the content of each unit.

Key career skills

Problem solving, working to deadlines, teamwork and presentation.

Projects/work experience

There are visits to external organisations and facilities, to ensure that students understand and are exposed to the practical application of specific topics from the taught programmes. These are funded outside of the course fees.

Why Solent is special

• Professional accreditation:The courses on the MSc International Maritime Studies programme are validated by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), London. Depending on the choice of pathway, successful completion of the MSc will provide up to four exemptions from the Institute's professional examinations.
• Special facilities:The 'Solent Surveyor', a new 10-metre catamaran Evolution 995, is equipped for inshore navigational training, hydrographic and environmental research.
  Maritime systems laboratories accommodate state-of-the-art IT systems for the management of maritime resources and data.
• Field trips:
  The course takes advantage of Southampton's position as a major centre in the UK and European shipping sector with visits to the Port of Southampton and other local organisations.

Course length

12 months full-time