Having successfully completed a BSc (Hons) in Shipping and Logistics at Plymouth, the MSc in International Shipping was the next a logical decision. My desire was to foster and enhance the knowledge I'd acquired in my undergraduate study. I'd researched various other maritime and business programmes from UK universities, and Plymouth's highly accredited MSc International Shipping crowned the charts.The modules offered by the course embrace shipping, supply chain and strategic management, finance and basic law in an intelligible, worthwhile and valuable package. The reputation, recognition and practical value of the University complemented all of my search criteria.
As a former undergraduate student at Plymouth, the transition process was seamless and I obtained references from previous tutors. I was fortunate to be offered a scholarship which helped with the cost of postgraduate study. All things considered, my decision was watertight and I have definitely benefited from the MSc.
I opted for a taught MSc programme with regular lectures and seminars. The programme offers six taught modules alongside one research project. The taught modules are split evenly over two terms while term three consists of the research project. Students are required to pick an elective module in the second term which isn't part of their core modules. The chosen elective module offers diverse and dedicated high-quality learning from expert staff. The course content is comprehensive and industry focused, with diverse modules such as finance, shipping operations and logistics, international trade and law, research skills, and business modelling to name a few. Emphasis is laid on shipping, ports and logistics.
As a student, you're expected to be aware of current market circumstances and maritime activities. The required reading is accessible with an extensive variety of available journals and periodicals, accompanied by 24 hour library access. The campus also provides several other internet enabled study spaces. This offers significant flexibility for studying at a time that suits you.
There's a good balance between real world and academic application of the MSc. My favourite experience was the excursion to London in term two. The aim of the visit was to demonstrate how some of the most prominent shipping and logistics businesses. The sites we visited included International Maritime Organisation, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, ICAP Shipbrokers, International Maritime Bureau and The Baltic Exchange. The trip improved my confidence and I made some useful contacts. Students were provided with an insight into the organisations and information on applying for work with them. The visit was a change of pace from the academic routine and made me recognise the skills entailed to work in the competitive maritime industry.