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Plymouth Business School

BSc (Hons) Maritime Business with Foundation Year

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UCAS tariff 32+ Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code N109
Institution code P60
Duration

4 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

90% of world trade is carried by sea. You will master key areas from shipbroking, and the transport of goods, to salvage rights and piracy. This four-year course starts with a foundation year, specifically designed to introduce and develop essential skills for success in higher education, including critical thinking and research skills, and the knowledge and understanding of key facets of business and the maritime sector.

Careers with this subject
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.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features

Course details

  • Foundation year

  • Begin to develop your research skills, knowledge and understanding through an introduction to key aspects of business, accounting and economics. Undertake independent research into an area of study that interests you.

    Core modules

    ECN3100
    The World of Economics and Finance 30 credits

    This module will introduce you to a range of contemporary ideas within economics and finance. The module will use a range of contemporary real-world issues to demonstrate the relevance of foundation level economic and financial concepts for decision making.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    STO3001
    Global Business 30 credits

    The module will introduce the components, functions and context of a business. You will explore the impact of different models on business purpose, values, stakeholders and reporting. Aspects such as globalisation, sustainability, ethics and entrepreneurship will also be examined.

    100% Coursework

    STO3003
    Business Research Project 30 credits

    This module allows you to integrate subject specific knowledge and skills to investigate a specific topic relevant to your programme of study through a small-scale research project.

    100% Coursework

    STO3004
    Introduction to Business Research

    The module will enable you to develop business research at an introductory level and to develop a range of academic and professional capabilities. You will investigate research topics that will develop your understanding the importance of effective cross-disciplinary understanding and collaboration.

  • 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

    HRL4003
    Business Culture and Behaviour 40 credits

    This module 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.

    60% Tests

    40% Coursework

    MAR4001
    Introduction to Shipping Business and Law 20 credits

    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.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    MAR4002
    Transport and Logistics 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    STO4002
    The Business Environment: A Global Perspective 40 credits

    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.

    60% Tests

    40% Coursework

  • 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

    MAR5009
    Research Skills for Maritime Business 20 credits

    This module introduces students to the analytical skills and sources of data that they need to research key issues in maritime business and related fields. It uses contemporary debates to explore quantitative and qualitative approaches and to develop skills in interpreting, analysing, evaluating and presenting information (including writing and oral presentation) in this complex international environment.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    MAR5010
    Maritime Economics and Geography

    This module provides 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 businesses.

    MAR5011
    International Trade

    This module introduces students to international trade and international logistics, perfect for those interested in global business. Through exploring market entry strategies, cost-effective transportation methods, and the impact of trade agreements, students will develop the ability to analyse the dynamics of global commerce, preparing them for future roles in international business.

    MAR5012
    Managing Ships and People

    This module is designed to prepare future maritime managers by focusing on the key skills and knowledge of ship management. These include the financial and technical management of ships, crewing management and regulatory compliance.

    MAR5013
    Shipbroking and Cargo Operations

    This module provides the technical expertise in markets, cargoes, regulations and the marine commercial environment that is needed for shipbroking and ship and cargo operations. A shipbroker is an intermediary who facilitates various aspects of buying, selling, chartering, and managing ships, while operations management ensures safe and effective commercial operation of ships and delivery of cargoes.

    PBS500CPD
    Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

    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.

    Optional modules

    PBS5001C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Business 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5002C
    The Challenge Module: Sustainable Supply Chains for Global Trade 20 credits

    In this module, you will be challenged to evaluate the sustainability of the globalised business world. You will assess conflicting viewpoints and present balanced arguments for the environmental, social and economic sustainability of the supply chains that support global trade.

    100% Coursework

    PBS5003C
    The Challenge Module: Responsible Entrepreneurship in Action 20 credits

    Through this module you can develop an understanding of the big challenges business and society are facing today, in the context of entrepreneurship. These might be drawn from the UN Sustainable Development Goals or a country’s industrial strategy and will be informed by established business theories. You will develop and reflect on a business idea which has sustainability at its core.

    100% Coursework

  • Optional placement 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

    PBS600PLC
    Placement Year

    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.

  • Year 5

  • 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

    MAR6001
    Managerial Accounting and Shipping Finance 20 credits

    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.

    50% Coursework

    50% Examinations

    MAR6009
    Strategic Maritime Management 20 credits

    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.

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    PBS6000
    Honours Project 40 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    PBS600CPD
    Continued Careers and Professional Development 0 credits

    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.

    Optional modules

    MAR6002
    Carriage of Goods and Passengers by Sea 20 credits

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

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    MAR6003
    International Logistics Management 20 credits

    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.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    MAR6005
    Marine Insurance and Admiralty Law 20 credits

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

    60% Examinations

    40% Coursework

    MAR6006
    Ports and Intermodalism 20 credits

    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.

    100% Coursework

    MAR6011
    Supply Chain Risk and Maritime Security 20 credits

    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.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

32+

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level: 32+ points from a minimum of 2 A levels.
BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: Pass PPP-MMP 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.
International Baccalaureate: 24-25 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level. English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4, Standard Level = 5.
IELTS: If overseas and not studying English within IB – Must have IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.
Irish Highers: 32+ points.
Access courses: Pass Access Course (any subject) plus GCSE English and Maths grade C / 4 or above or equivalent.
T level: Pass in any subject.
City and Guilds Level 3: We will accept with a minimum of Merit overall alongside a good GCSE profile, including English and Maths grade C / 4.
Cyprus Apolytirion: 15/20 to 16/20 overall to include a pass in Maths and IELTS: 6.0 overall with 5.5 in all elements.
GCSE’s or equivalent: Maths and English at Grade C/4 or City and Guilds; Key Skills Level 2 will be considered on an individual basis.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £5,760
International £17,100 £17,600
Part time (Home) £770 £480
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.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Classroom-based Foundation years
On 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to cap the home student fee for the Foundation year of this programme at £5,760, this will be applied from 1 August 2025. Subsequent years of this degree programme will be charged at the new standard rate for home undergraduate tuition fees of £9,535 per annum. Implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business additional costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Design your degree

Our course allows students to specialise in a number of different pathways. Tailor your degree to suit your career goals.

A group of men and women in a discussion around a table covered with paperwork.
Law

Develop your knowledge of the organisation of world trade. Understand the principles and law of successful international trade.
Morrisons logistics and procurement field trip 2018
Logistics

Explore key elements within logistics management and identify the latest industrial and technological developments in the context of globalisation.

Meet our experts

  • Lecturer in Maritime Business
    Master Mariner with 12 years industry and naval experience
  • Associate Head of School - Postgraduate Programmes
    Extensive industry experience in seagoing logistics and commercial procurement
  • Lecturer in Management and Maritime Business
    Extensive experience and knowledge in the maritime sector
  • Lecturer in Operations & Supply Chain Management
    Over 20 years experience in international trade and finance in a global context
  • Lecturer in Maritime Regulation and Policy
    Expert in maritime law with comprehensive research interests
  • Lecturer in International Shipping and Port Management
    Research expertise in new shipping technology and maritime sustainability
  • Lecturer in International Logistics
    Research expertise in humanitarian logistics and supply chain management
  • Honorary Professor

The life and dreams of a dedicated seafarer

Jisoo reflects on his hard work and dedication while studying at Plymouth and how he was able to swap early coursework struggles for award-winning dissertation success, which has led to a career travelling around the world and a dream to create opportunities for those less privileged in the maritime industry.
“Plymouth has provided me with a global-scale network and world class education in the maritime industry.”
Jisoo Kim circle

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

A new home to cultivate business leaders

Our Fitzroy Building has been transformed, becoming the new home of the Plymouth Business School, providing students with specialist facilities and social learning spaces.
Among these spaces for business, management, accounting, finance and marketing students, you'll find the Bloomberg Interactive Suite for tracking stock markets and The Cube - support for our student and graduate entrepreneurs, as well as a Maritime Suite and a Language Lab.
Watch our video visualising what the new building looks like.