Plymouth Business School

MSc International Shipping

Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
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Join a programme that combines over 40 years of international industry experience with a strong focus on commercial aspects of shipping, logistics and ports. Build industry connections through the visiting speakers' programme and stand out to employers with a qualification accredited by the Charted Institute of Logistics and Transport and recognised by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and The Nautical Institute.

  • H

    Start this programme in January or September.

Careers with this subject
Our graduates are highly employable and currently working globally in various companies as procurement managers, procurement consultants, sourcing analysts, sourcing strategies and supplier managers.

PYNDA

Alumni association for Plymouth's maritime graduates
PYNDA is a thriving group of alumni who have studied marine and maritime degrees at University of Plymouth. PYNDA boasts a membership of around 400 alumni who are in regular contact with the University, and each other, through networking opportunities, communications and international social events.
Our network reaches far and wide across the sector, with PYNDA members occupying all levels within the maritime industries - from new entrants to influential business leaders.

Careers service

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, networks - working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features
  • Stand out to employers with a postgraduate qualification accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and recognised by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) and The Nautical Institute.
  • Gain the specialist skills you need to enter senior management positions in the maritime industry and related fields.
  • Designed to appeal to those already in the workplace, our programme allows you to take the opportunity to enhance your professional competence by building on your existing experiences through a structured programme of study. Our programme offers a learner-centred approach that is responsive to your needs. If you wish, you can choose to complete your studies in three consecutive years.
  • Broaden your horizons by joining a programme with a truly international focus. In any given year our students might hail from over 20 different countries, enhancing one another’s academic experiences and providing excellent opportunities for international networking.
  • Harness the latest technologies to enhance your learning experience – our expertise in simulation-based technology will allow you to enter the work place up to speed with the most contemporary techniques.
  • Build the industry knowledge to transition smoothly into the workplace thanks to regular visits to companies, trade exhibitions, seminars, workshops and industry conferences.
  • Develop a wide-reaching network of industry contacts thanks to our programme of visiting expert industry speakers providing specialist knowledge and insights as well as opportunities to seek internship, consultancy, or research experience.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • The MSc International Shipping programme caters to the commercial needs of the specialist segments of the maritime industry. Our programme reflects a demand for professionals with the knowledge, technical capacity and skills necessary for senior management positions in various industries. Students and professionals have the opportunity to pursue a postgraduate programme in international shipping in sufficient depth to merit masters degree, postgraduate diploma or postgraduate certificate awards.The programme is designed to appeal to students and professionals seeking to gain the specialist skills required to enter into middle or senior management positions in maritime related industries.
    International Shipping also offers an opportunity to enhance the professional competence of individuals who are already experienced and who wish to build on that experience through a structured programme of study. Our programme is delivered by research intensive staff with extensive industry experience and continuous engagement with the industry.
    The design of our postgraduate programmes focuses on four taught modules and a capstone project. We believe that simplicity in programme design provides you with a better learning experience. The dynamic and challenging nature of contemporary business does not isolate concepts into small packages – and neither do our programmes. This approach links concepts together as they are in the real world, and enables you to focus in on what really matters. 

    Core modules

    • Finance and Economics for International Supply Chains (MAR7001)

      This module develops an understanding of supply chain economics and financial risk management with a focus on the maritime sector.

    • International Trade and Data Management (MAR7002)

      This module provides key information to international procurement logistical planning and forecasting.

    • Sustainable Shipping, Port Management and Policy (MAR7004)

      This module provides students with an underpinning of the policy environment and infrastructure necessary for successful for port and shipping management.

    • Maritime Security, Law and Risk Management (MAR7007)

      This module explores the operational and contextual aspects of maritime security.

    • Capstone Project (PBS7000)

      In this capstone project, you will synthesise and apply learning from the taught element of the programme to a project of your choosing. There is scope for you to undertake a broad range of project types, including consultancy, business analysis, business development or academic study.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc International Shipping programme specification 2372

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Introductory video

Dr Stavros Karamperidis, Programme Manager for MSc International Shipping provides an introduction to the programme.

Entry requirements
UK/EU
Normal minimum entry requirements are a Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) degree or equivalent. Other qualifications accompanied by substantial experience in an appropriate field may also be considered. Non-standard applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
International
Please view the country specific pages for further information regarding the equivalency of your degree. International applicants will be required to provide evidence of their English language ability, for example by achieving an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each element) or equivalent, see our English language requirements. Pre-sessional English language courses are available if you do not meet these requirements.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for postgraduate taught programmes. Tell me more about scholarships and bursaries.  

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £10,900 £11,350
International £18,400 £18,950
Part time (Home) £610 £630
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

How to apply

Applications for September 2025 onwards

Please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1752 585858 to register your interest in applying for this programme. 
Please include your name, contact details, email and telephone number, the course that you are interested in and the year you wish to start your studies. 
You will be sent further details on how to apply as soon as possible. 
 

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance. 

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides.

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page). 

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. 
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

Discover more from our postgraduate shipping programmes

The future of maritime education event
News and events
Keep up to date with the latest news and events for postgraduate shipping programmes.
Cardiff shipping dinner 2019
Study trips
Find out more about our past shipping events, visits and socials.
Dr Stavros Karamperidis presenting at the F+L conference in Madrid.
Company based projects
Postgraduate shipping students have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and partner organisations on the development and resolution of live projects throughout the course.
PYNDA event Greece, shipping graduates
PYNDA
PYNDA is a thriving group of around 400 alumni who are in regular contact with the University, and each other, through networking opportunities, communications and international social events.
Care of Shutterstock - Cargo ships entering one of the busiest ports in the world, Singapore.
Research
The Maritime and Logistics, Business and Policy Group (MLBP) aims to promote excellent research into business and policy issues in maritime business and logistics.
Sarah Liu
Alumni
Our graduates are highly employable and currently working globally in various companies as procurement managers, procurement consultants, sourcing analysts, sourcing strategies and supplier managers.

Meet our experts

  • Lecturer in Maritime Economics
    Extensive experience in industry & professional organisations
  • Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management
    Considerable experience in international research projects
  • Deputy Head of School
    Comprehensive industry experience in seagoing logistics and procurement
  • Lecturer in Maritime Regulation and Policy
    Expert in maritime law with wide-ranging research interests
  • Lecturer in Operations & Supply Chain Management
    Over 20 years experience in international trade across the world
  • Lecturer in International Supply Chain Management (Education)
    Executive Member of the Logistics Research Network
  • Lecturer in International Logistics
    Research expertise in humanitarian logistics and supply chain management
  • Lecturer in International Shipping and Port Management
    Research expertise in new shipping technology and maritime sustainability
  • Lecturer in Maritime Business
    Master Mariner with 12 years industry and naval experience
  • Lecturer in International Procurement and Supply Chain Management
  • Lecturer in Management and Maritime Business
CILT academic partner logo
We are proud to partner with The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) through our shipping masters degrees. First established in 1919, CILT in the UK is the membership organisation for professionals leading supply chain operations for the movement of goods and people and is part of the CILT international family with over 33,000 members in countries across the world. 

Plymouth Business School

  • ?Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

  • ?Committed to social, economic and environmental responsibility

  • ?Supporting the internationally recognised focus on sustainability and social purpose of the University

  • ?Leading business ready graduates onto a successful career and happy life

  • ?Supporting graduates to make informed choices based on current economic and market trends

  • ?Building students resilience and confidence

  • ?Promoting practical skills development

Fitzroy Building

The University of Plymouth is creating an exciting new space for the Plymouth Business School in which current and future students can foster the knowledge and enthusiasm that they will need to achieve their ambitions. Work is underway at the heart of our city centre campus. 
Watch our video visualising what the new building will look like.