IN CLEARING
IN CLEARING

Plymouth Business School

BSc (Hons) Maritime Business with Foundation Year

UCAS tariff 32+
UCAS course code N109
Institution code P60
Duration 4 years (+ optional placement)
Course type Full-time
Location Plymouth
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Apply via UCASo

From shipbroking, and the transport of goods, to salvage rights and piracy, 90% of world trade is carried by sea. 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.

Our course has established a strong reputation within the industry and is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. We have an exciting active alumni network through the Plymouth Nautical Degree Association (PYNDA), where you’ll meet other students and graduates in the maritime field and make useful contacts.

Maritime Business with Foundation Year
Secure your place this September

Clearing is another opportunity for you to secure your place at the University of Plymouth this September.

Contact our Clearing call centre: 0333 241 6929

If you’re worried about your results or you’d like to chat about your options, our friendly team is there to answer your questions.

Learn more about Clearing

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
  • Our foundation year is 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.
  • 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.
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

    • The World of Economics and Finance (ECN3100)

      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.

    • Global Business (STO3001)

      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.

    • Introduction to Business Research (STO3002)

      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.

    • Business Research Project (STO3003)

      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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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. 

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 with Foundation Year Prog Spec Sep22 FINAL 7067

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+

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.
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.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.
Fees, costs and funding
Student 2023-2024 2024-2025
Home £9,250 £9,250
International £16,300 £17,100
Part time (Home) £770 £770
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.

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 2023/2024 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2023/2024 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 Supply Chain Management (Education)
    Executive Member of the Logistics Research Network Committee
  • 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

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."

Read Jisoo's story

Jisoo Kim circle

Plymouth Business School

  • ?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