The primary aim of the MSc in International Shipping and Finance (ISF) is to address the educational needs of the rapidly evolving, highly competitive and capital intensive shipping industry, by bridging the gap between academic theory and business practice.
The programme is designed to provide a unique educational experience that combines research-led, technically advanced teaching by world-renowned academic faculty and senior industry practitioners. The shipping industry itself is highly involved in shaping its structure and contributing to its delivery as well as the career development of its participants. The delivery of this programme is based on a practice centred, hands-on approach. The ultimate objective is to ensure that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, technical expertise and skills required by major employers in the sector.
You will gain an in-depth understanding of how the shipping and financial markets interact and complement each other. You will specialise in the analysis of shipping markets and cycles, maritime trade patterns and commodities carried by sea, chartering and ship-broking practices, maritime logistics systems, legal aspects in shipping, the selection of alternative shipping finance and investment methods as well as the development, implementation and appraisal of shipping related risk management strategies. You will also gain exposure to securities trading, corporate transactions, valuation, investment strategies and quantitative techniques.
Students on the MSc ISF programme also benefit from our partnership with Spinnaker Global as well as memberships of Maritime London and the Baltic Exchange offering them the opportunity to register as associate members during their study.
October – December: Part 1 Autumn Term
January: Part 1 Exams
January-April: Part 2 Spring Term
May – June: Part 2 Exams
June – August (12 month programme only): Part 3
August/Sep (12 month programme only): Part 3 Coursework deadlines
Part 1 compulsory modules
Part 2 compulsory modules
At ICMA centre
At ALBA
Part 2 optional modules (at ICMA centre)
Students on the 9-month (12-month) programme can select 40 (20) credits from the following modules:
Part 3 optional modules
Students on the 12-months programme should take 20 credits from the following:
Students will be resident and undertake full-time study in the UK. Under both, the 9 and 12-month programmes students take compulsory and/or elective modules in Part 2.
The 12 month option involves taking an elective 20 credit module between July and August, which would also mean a 20 credit reduction in the number of taught modules taken in the spring term.
After completion of the programme you will be well equipped with the knowledge for a successful career in the shipping/ transportation industries, as well as in the wider finance sector.
On average more than 90% of our graduates are in work or further education 6 months after graduation.
Indicative career paths for our graduates are ship-owning and transportation companies, ship-broking/chartering firms, shipping divisions of investment banks, shipping analysis/consulting firms, ship-finance arrangers, port operators, and shipping-related investment funds, among others. The wide curriculum of the programme will also enable you to consider careers in the global investment banking and securities markets.
Internships/Placements
Internship opportunities with leading companies in the shipping industry are available to outstanding MSc ISF graduates. A number of companies have joined our work placement scheme and offer work experience placements to some of our excellent graduates (subject to successful interviews and work permits where applicable). Additional placement and full time opportunities in the shipping industry are also made available to our students on an ad-hoc basis .
Career Advisory Partnership
Along with a full range of career advisory and professional development services available to our students from our dedicated Henley Careers team, students will also benefit from our partnership with Spinnaker Global, the leading shipping recruitment consultancy. As part of our collaboration Spinnaker provides career advice and support to our students and promotes their profiles internationally for internship and full time opportunities.
Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Professional Qualification
The programme is accredited by ICS and our students are eligible for 3 exam exemptions from the ICS qualification, which is the maximum number of exemptions offered by the institute. The 3 exemptions offered are for the ICS modules:
Our successful graduates have to take only 4 out of the 7 ICS exams to qualify for the ICS membership.
ICMA Fixed Income Certificate
To obtain the requisite knowledge to pass the rigorous FIC exam, students are required to take the ICMA Centre Fixed Income Cash and Derivatives Markets module at Part 2. In order to receive the FIC certificate, students will need to register and pass the FIC exam through ICMA.
More than 90% of the World’s trade is transported by ships. Shipping is one of the most important sectors in the global economy. Moreover, Greece is a country with a long standing tradition in shipping and the home of more than 700 shipping companies: the Greeks control the biggest fleet in the world in terms of both value and size. As a result there is a need for shipping graduates with advanced management skills and knowledge.
The MSc in Shipping Management program is designed to transform young graduates and early career professionals into seasoned professionals equipped with the skills, knowledge and expertise required for a successful career in the demanding and highly competitive world of shipping. A specialized program, providing students with a holistic and in depth knowledge of the most important issues in modern commercial shipping.
Key features of the program
The MSc in Shipping Management is Designed for:
A specialized shipping program: The MSc in Shipping Management provides a thorough and deep understanding of all the major theories and practices that can be encountered in a modern shipping company.
Academic rigor with practical know-how: The program balances academic rigor with practical experience in order to serve the needs of tomorrow’s ship managers in the most effective ways.
Internship opportunities: For eligible students with leading companies in the shipping industry.
Ideal location: Offered in Greece, a country with a long-standing tradition in shipping.
International Recognition: Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) and the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association (HSA).
Links to the Industry: Strongly supported by the Greek shipping community: significant networking opportunities and participation in activities such as educational field trips abroad/cruise trips, visits to shipping companies, ports and commercial vessels. ALBA is a not-for-profit educational association of 89 Greek corporations including leading shipping companies like, Arcadia, Navios, Paragon, Star Bulk, Thenamaris and Top Ships . Moreover ALBA shipping programs are supported by WISTA Hellas, The Hellenic Seabroker Association, The International Propeller Club (Piraeus), the Master's and Mates Union of the Greek Merchant Marine and the Green Award, offering several partial scholarships and financial aid.
Through the MSc in Shipping Management program, you will:
By taking a strategic perspective on the shipping industry, the MBA in Shipping Program prepares aspiring and seasoned shipping professionals for a future full of challenges in the shipping industry. The program, designed in collaboration with the Greek shipping community (the Business Advisory Committee for the Shipping programs of ALBA), provides significant networking opportunities along with a challenging and unique educational experience delivered by world-renowned academics and distinguished industry practitioners in the field. Apart from specialized shipping courses and workshops, the MBA in Shipping program invests heavily in leadership and strategic management competencies, which are particularly relevant both as personal advantages and as essential resources for companies in this sector.
Key features of the program
The MBA in Shipping is designed particularly for:
Ideal Location: Offered in Greece, a country with long-standing tradition in shipping.
Highly-Accessible World-Renowned Faculty : Teaching combines research-lead and technically advanced methods and is delivered by world renowned academics providing a challenging and eye-opening educational experience.
Leadership Development: Through classroom teaching and personal coaching, students embark on a journey of self-awareness and personal development, identifying strengths and areas of improvement and putting their aspirations into a coherent and dynamic learning plan for the future.
Specialized Shipping Workshops: Delivered by distinguished industry speakers in conjunction with professional bodies/institutions.
International Recognition: Accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), and the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association (HSA).
Links to the Industry: Strongly supported by the Greek shipping community: significant networking opportunities and participation in activities such as educational field trips abroad/cruise trips, visits to shipping companies, ports and commercial vessels. ALBA is a not-for-profit educational association of 89 Greek corporations including leading shipping companies like, Arcadia, Navios, Paragon, Star Bulk, Thenamaris and Top Ships . Moreover ALBA shipping programs are supported by WISTA Hellas, The Hellenic Seabroker Association, The International Propeller Club (Piraeus), the Master's and Mates Union of the Greek Merchant Marine and the Green Award, offering several partial scholarships and financial aid.
Through the MBA in Shipping programm you will:
This 10/12 month program seeks to address the needs of the rapidly evolving, highly competitive and capital-intensive shipping industry by bringing the gap between academic theory and business practice. Those needs have led to increase demand from ship-owning and transportation companies, ship broking firms, shipping divisions of investment funds, among others of personnel with shipping specific, practical financial management skills and knowledge.
It is delivered by the ICMA Centre at Henley Business School, University of Reading, in the UK and ALBA Graduate Business School in Greece.
The MSc in International Shipping and Finance Program is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), the chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) and the Hellenic Shipbrokers Association (HSA).
Graduates from the Program are eligible for three exam exemptions from the ICS Professional Qualification.
After completion of the programme you will be well equipped with the knowledge for a successful career in the shipping/ transportation industries, as well as in the wider finance sector. On average more than 90% of our graduates are in work or further education 6 months after graduation. Indicative career paths for our graduates are ship-owning and transportation companies, ship-broking/chartering firms, shipping divisions of investment banks, shipping analysis/consulting firms, ship-finance arrangers, port operators, and shipping-related investment funds, among others. The wide curriculum of the programme will also enable you to consider careers in the global investment banking and securities markets.
You are a business-focused individual with a high-performing career in global shipping and its associated industries as your ultimate goal. Equally at home with practical subjects and academic theory, you thrive on solving tough challenges under time constraints. You want to acquire or sharpen the skills necessary to operate at an executive level in areas ranging from shipping, supply chain and commodities, to finance, investment, trading, banking and related sectors and industries.
The course is offered through the Costas Grammenos Centre for Shipping, Trade and Finance. The Centre is widely recognised and valued by practitioners and academics.
Since its launch in 1983, its three primary aims remain the same:
The combination of the three disciplines of shipping, trade and finance was pioneering at the time but also remains current and relevant in today’s economic and financial environment. This multi-disciplinary approach ensures that you are equipped with competitive skills and knowledge not only in the core area of shipping but also in the areas of commodity trade, ship finance, banking and investment.
We review all our courses regularly to keep them up-to-date on issues of both theory and practice.
To satisfy the requirements of the degree course students must complete:
Assessment of modules on the MSc in Shipping, Trade & Finance, in most cases, is by means of coursework and unseen examination.
Coursework may consist of standard essays, individual and group presentations, group reports, classwork, unseen tests and problem sets. Please note that any group work may include an element of peer assessment.
The course starts with two compulsory induction weeks, focused mainly on:
The wide curriculum of the MSc STF provides a range of employment opportunities for our graduates. Many hold key positions and have eminent careers in over 70 countries in fields including:
The MSc Global Shipping Management programme provides a unique opportunity to address the academic and educational needs of the rapidly growing and competitive global shipping industry. This postgraduate degree programme addresses the key challenges of the shipping industry through the combination of theoretical maritime and shipping management topics with the emerging industry trends; applying the learning within the shipping, maritime and port industry sectors.
This programme provides a global perspective and also maintains a high quality of delivery from experts, from both industry and academia. The programme also features software products and computer-based training from market leaders in the appropriate subject areas.
The aims of the programme are:
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Year 2
Students are required to study the following compulsory courses.
Assessment methods include examinations, coursework and a project.
Accreditation will be sought for the programme. It is strongly anticipated that this programme will have a minimum of two accrediting professional bodies.
Our career-focused, one-year postgraduate degree will help you navigate the complexities of the global shipping industry. You will study environmental issues and the latest regulations and governance, and develop a range of business and management skills that will help you launch your career in this large and dynamic field.
Students will have access to existing online resources such as Moodle, library online resources, IEEEXplore, databases, Web of Knowledge and Scopus.
Over 90 per cent of the world’s goods are transported by sea, making shipping and shipping logistics a vital part of world trade. Southampton Solent University’s international shipping and logistics master’s degree will help you develop the key skills and knowledge required to tap into this exciting, global industry.
Shipping managers in the current marketplace need to understand all aspects of international supply chain management. As the shipping industry evolves towards an integrated, multimodal, door-to-door logistics approach, such knowledge becomes increasingly important.
Southampton Solent’s intellectually challenging international shipping and logistics master’s degree is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge sought after by employers within this dynamic industry. The units studied during the course aim to enable students to develop a detailed understanding of the operations and strategies of shipping as a single transport mode within the context of international multimodal logistics.
To complement their studies, past students have had the opportunity to visit key maritime organisations, such as the ports of Southampton, Antwerp and Rotterdam, the International Maritime Organization and the Baltic Exchange. Some of these visits were funded outside of the course fees.
Recently, Southampton Solent University launched the China Centre (Maritime) with the key aim of growing a number of strong links with industry and with maritime universities in China, allowing the University to be at the forefront of international research and global trade developments.
With a mix of theoretical and practical skills, our graduates are well equipped for careers in maritime business, logistics and/or supply chain management, either in the UK or internationally.
There are further study opportunities are available through a developing PhD programme within the school.
This master’s degree is suited to maritime professionals who wish to progress their shipping and logistics career, or for those with a business background who are looking to move into the global shipping or logistics industries.
Core units
Project:
We provide a stimulating learning environment and access to state-of-the-art resources to help you make the most of your time with us. Flexible spaces, wi-fi facilities and learning zones all contribute to our lively and contemporary study environment at Solent.
Our graduates have pursued a variety of careers in organisations such as:
Taught by both academics and a highly skilled team with wide-ranging experience in the maritime industry, the course has been designed in conjunction with key maritime industry organisations to enable students to graduate with the necessary knowledge and work-based skills that will enhance their career prospects.
Is it time to take your maritime career to the next level? This two year distance learning programme is ideally suited to maritime professionals who are hoping to move into shore-based management positions. You’ll learn specialist skills in ship safety management and shipping operations, solving complex problems during challenging workplace assignments.
This postgraduate programme is delivered online using Solent University’s virtual learning environment, a web based platform that is accessible from anywhere in the world.
Students learn as part of an online community of tutors, fellow students and student support services - just as they would if they went to the University itself. Each student has their own dedicated academic tutor and study partner, and studying online is made interesting, interactive, and engaging by forums, wikis, reflective journals and video presentations. Shipping industry experts are involved in the mentoring of work-based projects, further enhancing the value of student learning.
The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) accredits this course, enabling students to register for Chartered Marine Technologist status after graduation.
As a graduate of this course, you’ll possess a diverse range of skills. This can open up a range of opportunities in shipping management, port operations and even teaching. This MSc is directly aimed at professionals working in maritime roles. It provides professional development for a variety of management careers in the sector.
This master’s degree is aimed at maritime professionals who wish to move into shore-based management roles.
The distance learning delivery of the course also makes it ideal for currently serving seafarers to study wherever they are in the world and whenever they are able to.
Core units
Specialised units
Please note: Not all optional units are guaranteed to run each year.
You will need a personal computer or laptop and access to a broadband internet connection. Solent’s virtual learning environment gives students 24-hour access to course materials, discussions, learning support and assignments.
Recent graduates have pursued careers in a raft of different roles, including:
Our teaching staff keep up-to-date with the latest industry practices and developments through their research and representation at the IMO (International Maritime Organization) and other shipping bodies.
Industry experts also contribute to the programme and mentor students on work-based projects, helping to develop professional skills relevant to their work.
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