Cardiff University

MSc Maritime Policy and Shipping Management

This course runs from September to September. Between September and June, you will study 120 credits of taught modules from a range of both compulsory core modules and a range of options.

Following on from this taught stage, you will undertake a dissertation project, submitted in September, with support from an academic supervisor.

In total, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. In most cases, modules are worth 15 credits and taught over one semester, but one optional module is worth 30 credits and is taught over two semesters.

In the first semester, you will study two compulsory modules that aim to give you a detailed understanding of maritime policy and shipping management. The remaining two modules are drawn from a range of options that complement the compulsory components.

You will also study four 15-credit modules in the second semester. Here, one compulsory module provides research methods training to particularly support the dissertation. The remaining modules are drawn from a pool of options. Many of these are tailored towards the shipping industry although opportunities are provided to study subjects that help you place sea transport within wider logistics systems. In doing so, you are able to customise your learning experience while meeting the overall learning outcomes of the programme.

The taught phase concludes in June and, subject to successful completion, you then progress to the dissertation phase. Through the writing of the dissertation, you will acquire and develop research skills relevant to your choice of subject. The dissertation will be submitted in early September.

Core Modules for Year One

• Maritime Economics
• Maritime Policy
• Research Skills and Methods
• Maritime Policy and Shipping Management Dissertation

Optional Modules for Year One

• Business Data Analytics
• Information Systems and Organisations
• International Logistics
• Multimodal Transport Operations
• Risk Management in Supply Chains
• Ship Chartering
• Shipping Management and Finance
• Port Management

How Will I Be Assessed?

Assessment methods vary from module to module but, across your degree scheme as a whole, you can expect a mixture of exams, coursework, essays, practical work, presentations, and individual and group projects.

What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?

Knowledge & Understanding

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

1. a systematic and in-depth knowledge of the concepts and the processes involved in the creation of the policy framework within which international shipping operates
2. a critical awareness of current approaches to shipping management as identified by leading research
3. an ability to evaluate the impact of emerging trends and issues on the organisation, regulation, and management of international shipping
4. a systematic understanding of the impact of changes in the maritime regulatory framework on international shipping

Intellectual Skills

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

1. an ability to apply knowledge in an original way in the research of maritime-related issues
2. a capability in methodologies used in the empirical investigation of maritime issues
3. a competence in capturing the interdisciplinary nature of maritime and shipping-related learning
4. a full appreciation of the relationship between regulatory functions, operations and management of shipping and maritime affairs

Professional Practical Skills

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

1. an ability to recognise the role of and interaction between public and private stakeholders in the shipping industry
2. originality and autonomy in tackling and solving a range of different problems in the context of the shipping industry
3. a capability to deal with complex issues in a systematic and creative way
4. a competence in analysing complex problems on the basis of rigorous data and communicating clearly their solutions to specialist or non-specialist audiences

Transferable/Key Skills

On successful completion of the Programme you will be able to demonstrate:

1. competence in communicating ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and practical means
2. an ability to work effectively in a team and as an individual
3. a capability in the usage of it (e.g. the internet, spreadsheets, word processing) in an applied learning environment
4. a capacity to work to a range of timescales to fit the requirements of programme tasks and outputs

At Cardiff Business School, you’ll receive a career-changing education from world-leading academics who have different points of view. They’ll challenge your thinking as you consider the world of business from a range of alternative perspectives.

On our MSc in Maritime Policy and Shipping Management, you’ll benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our Career Enhancer Team. They’re ready and waiting to identify events and opportunities to help you achieve your future aspirations.

We’ve developed relationships that range from the largest multinationals to the smallest micro-businesses, and include a wide variety of social enterprises and cooperatives. We use these networks to deliver value for our students through:

• Real-world case studies and insights
• Collaboration with our Public Value Entrepreneurs in Residence
• Guest lectures from Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport members
• Field trips and workshops

This wide-ranging and varied learning experience will help enhance your career and demonstrate how you can make a difference along the way.

The programme provides a wide range of professional skills and can lead to a wide variety of job opportunities. Many of our graduates find employment nationally and internationally, in ship operating/management companies, protection and indemnity clubs, industry associations and policy organisations. Recent graduates have found employment with Shipping Lines, Port Authorities, Vessel Traffic Management Organisations, International Maritime Organisations, and Risk Management Companies

How will I be Taught?

Our teaching is heavily informed by research and combines academic rigour with practical relevance. Our internationally leading faculty consists of academics who are at the forefront of knowledge within their field. They bring the lessons learnt from their most recent research into the classroom, giving you access to up-to-date real-life examples and scenarios and critical business thinking. Reflecting the Business School’s wider strategy, Public Value is embedded within our teaching. The range of available options encourages a multi-disciplinary approach to be taken.

Many teaching and learning resources will be provided electronically through Learning Central. In order to successfully complete the course, you will need to work during and outside formal teaching sessions and to make good use of the facilities provided.

Most modules involve a mixture of lectures and small group teaching (called classes, seminars, workshops or tutorials). In a lecture, the lecturer will mainly give an overview of a particular aspect of the module content. You will have opportunities to ask questions and be reflective in lectures. Classes and workshops provide you with the opportunity to practice techniques, discuss ideas, apply concepts and consolidate your understanding of the topic.

In addition to timetabled classes, guest presentations by practitioners will also be available, enabling students to relate the knowledge provided by the lecturers to real-world examples.