BSc (Hons) Maritime Business and Logistics

Course validated by the University of Plymouth
Container cargo ship and cargo and sunrise

Sea transport and logistics experts are in great demand. This three-year degree helps prepare students for work in a global industry that is challenging, exciting and dynamic. While technological innovation is needed for operational advantage, this is also a people industry, and the success of a company depends upon the skills and knowledge of those employed.

This course is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Key features

  • Students deepen their knowledge of the industry with field trips to ports and the City of London.
  • Students benefit from teaching by academic staff with relevant industrial and academic backgrounds including sea- and shore-based experience.
  • Students take advantage of our programme of visiting speakers to gain insider knowledge and important networking contacts.
  • Students join our active alumni association, the Plymouth Nautical Degree Association (PYNDA).
  • Students focus on commercial, economic, operational and legal subjects, required for a full appreciation of the activities of international shipping and its related industries.
  • Students distinguish themselves professionally with a degree accredited by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
  • Students can increase their employability with an optional one year industrial placement.
  • Students take advantage of our programme of visiting speakers, and gain insider knowledge and important networking contacts.

Course details

Year 1

In the first year, students get an introduction to the maritime business environment with modules in economics, logistics, shipping, law and international trade procedures. Students develop key business and learning skills.
Core modules
  • ECN1013: Introduction to Business Economics
  • ENT101: Entrepreneurial Thought and Action
  • MAR104: Introducing Maritime Business, Maritime Law and Logistics
  • MAR105: International Trade and Commercial Law
  • MAR106: Principles of Logistics and Freight Transport
  • MAR108: Shipping Fundamentals




Year 2

In the second year, students cover further business functions and gain more in-depth operational knowledge of maritime business. The focus is on maritime commercial practice, operations and management, shipping markets, shipping geography, and economics and financial accounting. Students begin to specialise in maritime logistics.
Core modules
  • EPIE200: Placement Preparation
  • MAR207: Maritime Geography and Economics
  • MAR209: Financial Accounting and Managerial Decision Making
  • MAR210: Maritime Management and Markets
  • MAR212: Maritime Operations
  • MKT215: Marketing Fundamentals
  • STO209: International Logistics and Supply Chain Operations
Optional modules
  • DEAS200: Academic Skills for International Direct Entry Second Year Students


Optional placement year

During the third year, students have the opportunity to take an optional industrial placement year. Students benefit from the support of a dedicated team in finding a suitable placement. The placement year is a chance to showcase skills and employment history.


Core modules

The placement year consists of an extended period of appropriate professional experience in a business or organisation. It allows students to gain relevant experience to consolidate their studies and prepare for final stage study and employment after graduation.

  • EPIE300: Placement Year
  • EPIE301: The Placement Project


Final year

The final year is designed to enhance students' awareness of the maritime and logistics business by developing an understanding at a strategic level. Students also undertake a final year dissertation on a topic of their choice with the guidance of their personal supervisor.
Core modules
  • MAR322: Research Skills for International Business
  • MAR323: International Logistics Management
  • MAR324: International Shipping
  • MAR326: Ports and Intermodalism
  • MAR327: Strategic Management and Governance
  • MAR328: Project Dissertation
Optional modules
  • DEAS300: Academic Skills for International Direct Entry Final Year Students
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:
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

104 - 120

A level: 104-120 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. This course considers general studies.

BTEC: 18 Unit BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM 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.

Access: Pass a named Access to HE Diploma in any subject with at least 33 credits at merit/distinction.

IB: 26 - 30 overall to include 4 at any subject at Higher Level.
English and Maths accepted within: Higher Level = 4 Standard Level = 5

All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above.

English language requirements

How to apply

Applications should be made through our partner institutions:

HKU Space

Peninsula College Malaysia