“The lecturers brought everything along with them that students might need when it comes to a specialised industry.”
BSc (Hons)Shipping and Port Management
Apply on UCAS- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years
Why study shipping and port management with a foundation year
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)
- 0thUK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes 2022)
- £0minvested in our campus estate and facilities
- The business and law foundation year is ideal for those who are looking at an alternative route into higher education, or who wish to update or broaden their knowledge before progressing onto a full undergraduate degree.
- 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.
Course overview
The one year foundation will help you develop a strong basis of business knowledge, alongside academic and transferable skills to ensure you get the most out of your degree-level studies – and provides a direct entry point to BSc (Hons) Shipping and Port Management.
Designed by experienced academics who’ve worked across key roles in a wide variety of industries, our Business and Law Foundation Year is designed to build your confidence, develop your capabilities and ensure you’re future-ready and ready for the competitive global marketplace.
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 international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066Accredited by:
Accredited by:
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?
Solent’s Business and Law Foundation Year is ideal if you want to build your academic knowledge and confidence to return to studying or progress in your studies, to then go on to study the BSc (Hons) Shipping and Port Management.
This shipping and port management 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 shipping and port management 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.
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.
What you'll study
Core modules
Academic and Personal Development
As a future business, finance, marketing, maritime or law professional, awareness of personal strengths and development areas is essential to your success. This module teaches you critical academic and communication skills, and introduces the living CV concept.
Introduction to Business
Understanding the business environment is vital for running a business. Learn about the various forms, purposes, types of ownership and governance structures across different sectors and scales, explore strategy and its implementation, and look at measurement and environmental modelling.
Introduction to Marketing and Consumer Law
Effective marketing allows businesses to develop sustainable and valuable relationships with their audiences. Exploring real-world case studies, this module covers introductory marketing theories alongside branding, customer insight and data, GDPR, consumer rights and the latest innovations.
Introduction to Law
Understand the nature and sources of law and key concepts underlying legal systems. This module will look at the English legal system, consider the different courts and their functions, legal personnel and the legislative process.
Understanding Finance
Understanding finance requirements is key to ensuring a business thrives. You will learn fundamental terms and concepts, such as key performance indicators (KPIs), regulation, cashflow, financial statements and accountability – ensuring you are an asset to your team.
Business or Law Project
Study the value and social impact of enterprise, working as a group to analyse local organisations and provide valuable insights – and developing vital skills that employers are looking for, from research and teamwork to effective communication.
How you will learn and be assessed
You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Assignments
- Group presentations
- Group work
- Written exams
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out moreStudy support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
Access Solent provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in shipping and port management?
The shipping industry is directly linked to global development and the drivers of supply and demand for commodities across the world. As such, the ever-growing industry needs graduates who appreciate and understand the complexity of and interactions between ships, cargoes and ports, and can make decisions in a fast-moving world.
There are around 120 commercial cargo-handling ports in the UK. The UK ports industry is the second largest in Europe, handling over 500 million tonnes of freight each year, as well as over 60 million international and domestic passenger journeys (Maritime UK).
This course will prepare you for the fast-paced, complex work of international ports and shipping, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to make an immediate contribution to the workplace.
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.”
Solent Futures
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
If you're in your final year, we also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Accreditations
Accredited by:
Accredited by:
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an undergraduate degree? Alumni can get 20% off their postgraduate study.
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Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island full-time fees: £9,250 per year
- International full-time fees: £15,050 for foundation level. Fees will increase for year 1.
- International full-time fees: £17,750 per year
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2025/26 other costs are not yet available. For guidance, the 2024/25 other costs were:
Optional costs
- Optional trip either in the UK or abroad: approx £350
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £15. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Student finance videos
Entry requirements
Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
48 UCAS tariff points
- A minimum of two completed A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma at PPP or BTEC Diploma at MP, a T-Level Pass (D or E), or equivalent.
- We will consider mature students who haven't recently undertaken a formalised course of study at A-level or equivalent, but who can demonstrate relevant workplace or voluntary experience, indicating their ability to complete the course successfully.
- For further information about UK qualifications, please contact admissions.
Key entry requirements
We will also consider overseas applicants in an equivalent situation to UK students (as outlined above) and who have been taught in English or have IELTS 5.5 or equivalent.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please refer to our course entry requirement statement.
Key entry requirements
We will also consider overseas applicants in an equivalent situation to UK students (as outlined above) and who have been taught in English or have IELTS 5.5 or equivalent.
If you are applying from outside the UK, find information about entry requirements, visas and agents for your country here.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please refer to our course entry requirement statement.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.ukCall: +44 (0)23 8201 5066How to apply
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Alternative entry options
Top-up route:
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.0 in each individual component
- or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
Make your application
- 3 years
- 4 years with foundation year
- 4 years with year in industry
- 5 years with foundation and industry years