BSc (Hons) Maritime Business with Foundation Year

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.

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. 

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 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.

What can you do with a maritime business degree?  

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• 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.

  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.

  STO3002
  Introduction to Business Research 30 credits

  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.

  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.

• 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

  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.

  MAR4002
  Transport and Logistics

  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.

  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

  MAR5001
  Maritime Economics and International Trade

  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.

  MAR5008
  Maritime Management and Operations

  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.

  MAR5009
  Research Skills for Maritime Business

  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.

  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. 

BSc (Hons) Maritime Business with Foundation Year programme specification_7067

A level: 32-80 points from a minimum of 2 A levels.

BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: Pass PPP-MMP in any subject.

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.

New Irish Highers: From 2017 32-80 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.

English language requirements  

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

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.