MSc Shipping Operations (Distance Learning)

The course aims to cater for students that have a wealth of professional expertise and practical experience and are likely to be very motivated. It provides a flexible, accessible, structured, and interactive programme of study that is designed to meet the needs of the maritime industries and the career aspirations of students through the development of specialised knowledge and skills in the areas of ship safety management or human resource aspects of shipping operations.

The course enables experienced shipping industry professionals to succeed in management positions ashore and to apply their learning to identify and solve complex, real-life issues and problems through work-related assignments and workplace projects. The course also develops students’ general managerial abilities of time management, influencing skills, report writing, presentations, and career management.

Serving seafarers and shipping industry professionals have demanding jobs that may take them to different parts of the world, and so need to be able to study wherever they are and whenever they can. This postgraduate programme is offered fully online by distance learning using Solent University’s virtual learning environment, a web based platform that is accessible from anywhere in the world, day or night. Students learn as part of an on-line community of tutors, fellow students, library, and student support services just as they would if they went to the university itself. Each student has his or her own dedicated academic tutor and study partner, and studying online is made interesting, interactive, and engaging with forums, wikis, reflective journals, and video presentations. Additionally, shipping industry experts are involved in the programme and in the mentoring of work-based projects, which enhances the value of the students’ learning.

Industrial focus

The teaching on the course is founded on current issues, as well as case studies, and is drawn from the extensive experience of the academic staff through their research and representation at IMO and other important shipping organisations. Industry experts also contribute to the programme and mentor students in their work-based projects and the development of their professional skills. The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) accredits this course and students can register for Chartered Marine Technologist status after successful completion of the programme.

Course content

Year 1

Core units:

• Postgraduate and Self-managed Study
• International Maritime Context
• Business Research Skills
• Professional Skills and Practice Portfolio

Option units:

You have the option to follow the Safety Management Strand or the Human Element Strand. The choice in the first year is between Risk & Safety Management and Strategic Management of the Human Element and then Legal Process and Maritime Talent Management.

Year 2

Core units:

• Project

Option units:

You continue to follow the Safety Management Strand or the Human Element Strand. In the second year you choose between Safety Culture and Performance and Reward Management and then Accident Investigation and Organisational Learning and Employee Relations and Engagement.

Why choose Solent?

The MSc is a unique university degree aimed at professionals working in the maritime industry, which focuses specifically on the safety and human resource aspects of maritime operations. The course is accredited by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST). The course is delivered fully online and enables individuals to continue to work while studying; to add to their professional and practical experience with the intellectual, reflective, and decision-making skills necessary for management positions; and, to enhance their professional development through registration for Chartered Marine Technologist with IMarEST.

Southampton Solent University’s pedigree in maritime education and training extends back over 100 years through its internationally acclaimed Warsash Maritime Academy. Southampton is a hub of maritime activity and the University has close, international links with the industry through its academic staff who are actively engaged in researching the safety and human resource challenges that the industry faces.

Assessment

Assessment is through individual coursework, presentations, briefing paper, reports, portfolio, personal development plan, and project work including a dissertation.

Projects/work experience

Students will complete many of the course work assessments and the project as part of a live brief within their workplace. Additionally, an industry mentor will guide the work-based project and the development of a professional practice portfolio thereby ensuring development of skills relevant to their work.

Key career skills

Analysis, problem solving, decision-making, communication, presentation, time management, debating, and career management.

Graduate quote

"I started sailing in 1972 with Denholm Ship Management as a cadet. I am now Senior Marine Superintendent for Odfjell Management AS, the world’s largest Chemical Shipping company. Having gone to sea at 16 and worked my way up to a senior management position, I had never considered that I would be able to turn the clock back and carry on with further education, let alone at Masters level.

"The fact that the MSc Shipping Operations is an online learning suite that does not require attendance at the university is a benefit. The core units are relevant to all sectors of the Maritime Industry and the investigative reports and analysis required are again a benefit to my work as a Marine Superintendent.

"Time management has been a skill I never appreciated till the start of this course. The requirements for Internet access and limited on line access to certain set texts have posed some challenges to me, however, overall I am excited about the course and the upcoming project work I will be involved in. The use of a Mentor to guide and assist in the course work and project determination is a core part of the process, and again one I was not familiar with.

"The interaction with other students on the course is dynamic and many points of view are shared as the other participants come from all levels and disciplines with the shipping industry. This interaction is encouraged as part of the learning and the self-reflection and self-analysis have enabled me to improve my approach to my work and to develop skills that will aid me in the future.

"This will benefit my position and the company as we work to promote a greater safety culture at sea."

Contact

Tel: +44(0)1489 556241Email: nick.richards@solent.ac.uk| Warsash Maritime Academy's website: www.warsashacademy.co.uk|