BSc (Hons) Maritime Business

Our graduates have found opportunities around the world, including as shipbrokers, port managers, ship managers, supply chain managers, vessel operators to name but a few.

Real experience every step of the way

As well as expert-led teaching, all undergraduate modules within Plymouth Business School have integrated CV building activity, for example, through micro-credentialing, problem-based learning, or embedded direct employer activity.

We have ensured every module contains a real world problem-based exercise. We have reached out to employers directly to involve real business in our assessments. You will experience real world employee engagement every month.

We know this is key to student academic and graduate success.

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.

• Benefit from the strong reputation our course has around the world for the quality of our students. When you graduate you'll be sought after and ready for work or further study in your chosen maritime area.

• Our optional placement year and integrated CV building options throughout the course prepares you for graduate success.

• Get ahead with a course that’s accredited by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. The University also has links with many other professional bodies including the Nautical Institute, the Institute of Export, the International Association of Maritime Economists, Sea Vision UK and the International Association of Maritime Universities.

• See things from different perspectives – the wide ranging experience of the international shipping and logistics staff and the nature of the subject attracts a plethora of international students. This creates plenty of opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing.

• Year 1

• In your first year, you develop your knowledge and understanding of the maritime business environment, with emphasis on the internal and external business environment, the business of shipping, and logistics.
  

  Core modules

  • Business and Management Internal Setting (HRL4002)

    This modules encompasses the internal aspects, functions and processes of organisations, including their diverse nature, purposes, structures, size/scale, governance, operations and management, together with the individual and corporate behaviours and cultures which exist within and between different organisations.

  • Introduction to Shipping Business and Law (MAR4001)

    This module introduces you to the core vocabulary, practices and laws of the international commercial shipping industry. You will consider the ship as a vehicle for carrying cargo and the factors that influence its performance as a business investment, as well as an introduction to English and international commercial law.

  • Transport and Logistics (MAR4002)

    This module introduces you to concepts relevant to the study of logistics within the context of supply chain management. You will also consider elements of freight transport systems.

  • Business and Management External Environment (STO4001)

    This module introduces students to essential understanding and competencies in the dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including the management of risk and business resilience.

• Year 2

• Building on the knowledge and skills developed in the first year, the focus of the second year turns to maritime management, economics and international trade. You have the choice of an elective module where you can specialise in areas such maritime law, logistics or port management.
  

  Core modules

  • Maritime Economics and International Trade (MAR5001)

    The flows of goods by sea is the essence of international trade and maritime economics and geography constitutes the infrastructure that underpins it. This module will provide you with a sound understanding of maritime economic concepts and factors, and of the geographic environment in which ships function. These interrelated concepts are applied to the management of shipping and maritime business and you will examine how world trade is organised and what commercial practices support the business of international trade.

  • Maritime Management and Operations (MAR5008)

    This module provides the technical expertise and regulatory knowledge that is needed for the commercial management of international freight by sea. It includes managing ships as a vehicle for cargo, arranging and concluding maritime contracts for bulk cargoes, and the legal and technical requirements for the safe loading, carriage, and unloading of the full range of maritime cargo types.

  • Careers and Professional Development (PBS500CPD)

    This module is aimed at enhancing students employability skills and knowledge especially those who will be undertaking an industrial placement in the third year of their degree. It is designed to build on skills learned in Stage 1 and helps students in their search for a placement, and in their preparation for the placement itself.

  • Challenge Module (HRL5008)

    Through this module you can select from a choice of topics related to the big challenges business and society are facing today. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country's industrial strategy.

  Optional modules

  • Academic Skills for International Direct Entry Second Year Students (DEAS200)

    The short, not for credit module will teach academic skills (including, but not limited to, time management, groupwork, information literacy and some basic critical thinking) to second year IDES. It is based in the middle of the first term.

  • International Logistics Management (MAR5003)

    In this module you will examine the key elements within logistics management and explore the latest industrial and technological developments in the context of globalisation.

  • Marine Insurance and Admiralty Law (MAR5005)

    This module focuses on law relating to Marine Insurance and Admiralty Law, including the law of General Average.

  • Purchasing and Procurement Processes (MAR5007)

    You will use various strategic analysis tools to explore the concept of purchasing strategy within the procurement function. The module also examines the importance of procurement and its integration with other organizational functions and supply chains.

  • Carriage of Goods and Passengers by Sea (MAR5002)

    In this module, you will explore the law relating to freight and passenger contracts by sea.

  • Ports and Intermodalism (MAR5006)

    In this module you will examine national policies, governance and operations associated with port and intermodal activities set within the context of a globalised industry, giving you an understanding of ports and terminals and their development and management.

• Optional placement year

• During the third year, you have the opportunity to take an optional industrial placement year. You benefit from the support of a dedicated team in finding a placement suitable for you. The placement year is a chance to showcase your skills and employment history.
  

  Core modules

  • Placement Year (PBS600PLC)

    The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows the student to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation. Students on BA International Business may also or alternatively undertake a study placement at an approved partner institution.

• Final year

• Your final year offers you the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of maritime and logistics business by developing an understanding of management and finance at a strategic level, along with shipping policy and governance and the legal aspects of the carriage of goods. You'll also undertake a final year honours project under the guidance of an expert supervisor. 
  

  Core modules

  • Managerial Accounting and Shipping Finance (MAR6001)

    In this module, you will gain a strategic understanding of the industry via an overview of the role of financial and management accounting within the business environment, including capital investment models and sources of finance appropriate in the shipping sector. You will explore decision making theories such as system thinking, game theory and decision trees along with model application to shipping and maritime industry and associated accounting and finance applications.

  • Strategic Maritime Management (MAR6009)

    In this module, you will gain an in-depth knowledge of the strategies, activities and responsibilities related to the management of ships and shipping companies in an international environment.

  • Honours Project (PBS6000)

    The module gives you the opportunity to investigate in-depth a specialist academic or practice-based topic for which you have a passion for knowing more within your field of study.

  • Continued Careers and Professional Development (PBS600CPD)

    The Continued Career and Professional Development module is a development scheme designed to enhance students’ employability and builds on the stage 2 module. The stage 3 module focuses on providing students with information on graduate options and equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary for articulating and recording achievement and applying for graduate positions. The module also includes a number of workshops and events designed to develop students’ skills and knowledge, with the purpose of filling gaps in their CV’s and enhancing their employability.

  • Supply Chain Risk and Maritime Security (MAR6011)

    This module explores supply chain risks and considers the theory and practice that underpin their management. Risk and resilience management techniques, strategies and theoretical approaches will be considered for supply chain management and maritime security. You will learn how to identify, assess and manage the strategic, organisational, environmental and technological risks and threats presented by unpredictable situations.

  Optional modules

  • Academic Skills for International Direct Entry Final Year Students (DEAS300)

    This module focuses on the study skills required for the study of business in UK HE for international direct entry final year students, it provides generic skills for students who are new to UK HE, such as information literacy, criticality, different types of assessment, assignment briefs, preparation and planning, and marking rubrics.

  • International Logistics Management (MAR6003)

    In this module you will examine the key elements within logistics management and explore the latest industrial and technological developments in the context of globalisation.

  • International Supply Chain Management (MAR6004)

    Through this module, you will acquire a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of international supply chain management and the complexities involved in planning, coordinating and operating various business processes in the management of international supply chains.

  • Marine Insurance and Admiralty Law (MAR6005)

    This module focuses on law relating to Marine Insurance and Admiralty Law, including the law of General Average.

  • Purchasing and Procurement Processes (MAR6007)

    You will use various strategic analysis tools to explore the concept of purchasing strategy within the procurement function. The module also examines the importance of procurement and its integration with other organizational functions and supply chains.

  • Carriage of Goods and Passengers by Sea (MAR6002)

    In this module, you will explore the law relating to freight and passenger contracts by sea.

  • Ports and Intermodalism (MAR6006)

    In this module you will examine national policies, governance and operations associated with port and intermodal activities set within the context of a globalised industry, giving you an understanding of ports and terminals and their development and management.

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

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

BSc Maritime Business Prog Spec Sep22 FINAL 7063

UCAS tariff

104 - 120

A level: 104-120 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. This course considers general studies.

BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in any subject.

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access: Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.

T level: Merit in any subject.

IB: 26 - 30 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level.
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4   Standard Level = 5

All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.

Short of the entry requirements for this course? Don’t worry you may be eligible for a foundation year to prepare you for possible entry onto this course for the following year.

We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

English language requirements