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BSc (Hons)Shipping and Port Management

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Starting in2025
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UCAS code: 3GAL
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study a shipping and port management degree at Solent University

If you want to work in the exciting hub of ship operations, this specialised degree gives you a global perspective of managing business for international trade.

  • Top0%
    for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide, 2025)
  • 0th
    UK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes 2022)
  • £0m
    invested in our campus estate and facilities
  • Study in the heart of Southampton, a major hub in the UK and European maritime and shipping industry.
  • 95% positivity score for academic support across our BSc (Hons) Shipping and Port Management and BSc (Hons) Maritime Business (NSS 2024).
  • 94% positivity score for learning resources across our BSc (Hons) Shipping and Port Management and BSc (Hons) Maritime Business (NSS 2024).
  • Develop your professional connections at our annual maritime conference with Solent graduates and senior professionals from the industry.
  • Solent is leading the way in maritime research with topics such as shipping hybridisation, cleaner energy and low-carbon technologies for port use – you will learn direct from leading experts in their field.
  • Solent alumni successes throughout the maritime industry.
  • Graduates have gone on to roles with companies including; Bibby, Aberdeen; Lloyd’s Register, London; Odjfjell Tankers, Bergen; Cargill, Geneva; Carnival UK; and the International Maritime Organization.
  • You’ll explore real-world scenarios and learn to put theory into practice working on projects with clients such as Red Funnel , Ocean Infinity, and more.
Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

Course overview

The multi-billion dollar maritime industry is the backbone of modern trade, with approximately 93,000 ships trading across the world. On this specialist degree course you will develop the essential skills and understanding for a great career – exploring everything from maritime law to insurance to logistics to ports’ environmental and economic impact.

Led by tutors with a range of academic and industry expertise, you will study the latest management and business practices and learn to apply them to this specialist industry – exploring real-world scenarios and learning to put theory into practice. You will get to grips with the complexities of the global transport trade, learn to manage the day-to-day operation of ships and ports, explore the intricate web of law, regulations and economic interests which manage the industry – and learn how to apply that knowledge to keep the industry functioning smoothly.

On graduating, you will be well placed to make an immediate contribution in the workplace, showing the in-depth knowledge, keen problem-solving and decision-making skills and hands-on attitude to deliver practical solutions to everyday management challenges.

And you will also have plenty of opportunities to develop your professional network in the industry, from working alongside students from across the globe to our maritime events and guest speakers – including Solent alumni and industry figures at every level.

Any questions?

Contact UK admissions

Email: admissions@solent.ac.ukCall: 023 8201 5066

Contact international admissions

Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066

Accredited by:

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Accredited by:

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Course features

  • Professional accreditation

    This course has been accredited by a professional body

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

  • Further studies

    After successfully completing your studies, there's an opportunity to continue your studies at Solent

  • Top-up option

    If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

Who is this course for?

This degree is suited to students who have an interest in the world of shipping, ports and logistics, combined with a desire to make your mark on an exciting, dynamic and essential global industry.

What does this course lead to?

As a graduate you’ll have a wide range of options in the industry available to you,  including port management, port agency, ship management, terminal operations and ship operations.

Graduate stories

Hear from Solent alumni about where their careers have taken them and how studying at Solent prepared them for their future.

The lecturers brought everything along with them that students might need when it comes to a specialised industry.

Portrait image of Atef Abou Merhi

Atef Abou Merhi

Managing Director

Meet the team

Students are taught by academic staff from a wide range of industry backgrounds with expertise in port and ship operations, ship finance, maritime law, chartering, general management, and logistics.

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces.

Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

    International opportunities

    Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.

    Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.

    For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.

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