Maritime Business and International Trade (MSc)
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode: Full time
Conversion course
This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path.
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
Chart your course for global career success, exploring the economic, social, and environmental impacts of maritime business while developing skills to become a leader in the maritime industry.
Industry insights
Access industry intelligence, career advice, training and workshops with our CILT membership.
Research in practice
Guest speakers and field trips provide real-life insights on shipping research and practice.
Professional accreditation
Benefit from key, industry-specific accreditations, such as the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS).
International networking
Join a global network of alumni who studied our course.
Explore the core theories and practice of maritime economics, chartering aspects and relevant contracts, on our Maritime Business and International Trade (MSc) programme.
With the educational and professional needs of the competitive global shipping industry in mind, we combine high-quality research with practical application. You’ll have access to key databases, including Clarksons’ Shipping Intelligence Network, Lloyd’s List, Eikon Refinitiv, and Bloomberg.
You’ll gain deep understanding of the financial aspects of shipping, including investment appraisal and financing strategies. You’ll examine the evolving role of ports and key concepts and practices in multimodal transport.
Learning from both academic and consultancy expertise, you’ll attend field trips in shipping companies, ports, and organisations, such as the International Maritime Organisation, seeing the practical application of the theories you learn about in the classroom.
You’ll get to know professionals from the global shipping industry who visit us as guest speakers, build relationships and explore career opportunities.
Accreditations
Where you'll study
Cardiff Business School
We’re an AACSB International and AMBA-accredited Business School with a clear mission: to make a positive impact in the communities of Wales and the world.
Admissions criteria
This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path. No prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.
To be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in any subject or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 5.5 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a degree in a relevant area, your application may be considered on the basis of your professional experience, such as such as sea captaincy qualifications or marine related work experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.
If you are an international student and your qualifications do not support direct entry, you may want to consider our Pre-Master's programme at our International Study Centre.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
This is a 1-year full-time programme, running from September to September.
Taught Stage (September – June): Between September and June, you’ll study 120 credits of taught modules.
Dissertation Stage (July to September): On successful completion of the taught stage, you’ll undertake a dissertation project.
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
During the taught phase of the programme, you’ll cover the key areas of maritime business and international trade. Optional modules allow you to tailor your learning to your interests and career aspirations.
On successful completion of the taught stage, you’ll undertake an independent research project or applied dissertation focusing on a real-world business challenge. You may also have the opportunity to conduct a live project with an external organisation (subject to academic performance).
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Maritime Economics and Trade | BST863 | 20 credits |
| Shipping Finance | BST864 | 20 credits |
| Ship Chartering | BST865 | 20 credits |
| International Logistics: Multimodal Transport and Port Management | BST866 | 20 credits |
| Research Project in Maritime Business | BST882 | 60 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Business Data Analytics | BST851 | 20 credits |
| Sustainability in Business | BST871 | 20 credits |
| Information Systems and Digitalisation | BST862 | 20 credits |
| Risk and Resilience in Supply Chains | BST868 | 20 credits |
| Market Structure and Electronic Trading | BST985 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
Most modules involve a mixture of lectures and small group teaching - classes, seminars, workshops or tutorials. Lectures will provide an overview of a particular aspect of the module content while classes and workshops provide you with the opportunity to practice techniques, discuss ideas, apply concepts and consolidate understanding of the topic.
You’ll also benefit from guest presentations by practitioners, enabling you to relate your academic learning to real-world examples.
Our teaching is heavily informed by research; we combine academic rigour with practical relevance, giving you access to up-to-date real-life examples and scenarios and critical business thinking.
How will I be assessed?
Assessments are designed to help you build confidence and apply your knowledge in authentic contexts.
You’ll encounter a mix of individual and group-based tasks, including consultancy reports, presentations, reflective portfolios, simulations, case analyses, and research-led projects. These assessments are designed to test a broad range of skills—from critical thinking and stakeholder engagement to data analysis and strategic planning—ensuring your learning is both rigorous and professionally relevant.
Formative tasks – such as quizzes, peer feedback and concept maps - are embedded throughout to help track your progress and prepare for summative assessments.
The final dissertation or applied project allows you to synthesise the full range of your learning and apply it to a real-world challenge, demonstrating your capability as a future leader in the global shipping and ports industries.
How will I be supported?
Learning
Course materials will be provided on Learning Central, our Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll also have access to libraries across our campus which hold over 1.1 million printed books, supplemented by online books, journals, resources and databases.
If English is not your first language, then our Academic English Skills for International Students team offer classes and one-to-one tutorials to support your studies including reading, writing and presentation skills.
Wellbeing
You’ll be assigned a Personal Tutor, who can support you with academic and pastoral matters in a confidential and informal manner. Additional support is available through our Student Life teams, based in the Centre for Student Life. These teams include Advice and Money, Counselling services, Health and Wellbeing, the Student Disability Service including dyslexia support, and Student Visa Support.
Careers and Employability
The Student Futures team can enhance your career prospects by offering tailored support throughout your studies. You’ll benefit from expert advice on CV writing, interview techniques, and job applications. The team can support you with internships, placements, and networking opportunities, giving you valuable real-world experience. If you are an international student, Student Futures offers tailored support to explore part-time jobs, placements, and graduate roles in the UK and globally.
Community
You’ll become a member of the Cardiff Business School community, making friends and connections that will last beyond your studies. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in programme and school level events and activities that enhance your learning and broaden your experiences.
What skills will I practise and develop?
The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.
On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:
Knowledge & Understanding:
- Demonstrate systematic understanding of the principles, theory, philosophy and practice of maritime business and international trade.
- Critically evaluate contemporary debates in shipping as identified by leading research and professional practice.
- Assess emerging empirical trends and issues that influence maritime business and international trade, and the ability to analyse their impact on the shipping industry.
Appreciate the relationship between regulatory functions, operations and management of shipping, and maritime affairs and international trade.
Intellectual Skills:
- Relate and apply the principles of maritime business and international trade to practice.
- Evaluate and apply techniques applicable to problem solving and research in shipping.
- Demonstrate a capability in capturing the interdisciplinary nature of maritime business and international trade.
- Critique, synthesise and evaluate contrasting perspectives and supporting evidence.
- Apply knowledge in an original way when researching issues in shipping and international trade.
Professional Practical Skills:
- Demonstrate originality and autonomy in tackling a range of different problems in the context of the shipping industry.
- Address complex issues in a systematic and creative way.
- An ability to recognise the role of and interaction between public and private stakeholders in the shipping industry.
- Analyse maritime-related problems on the basis of rigorous data and communicate clearly their solutions to specialist or non-specialist audiences.
- Evaluate the trade-offs and impacts of decision making in maritime affairs taking into account economic, environmental and societal impacts.
Transferable/Key Skills:
- Communicate ideas, principles and theories effectively by oral, written and practical means.
- Work effectively in a team and as an individual.
- Apply information literacy skills to locate, evaluate, and synthesize relevant information from diverse sources.
- Conceive, plan, execute and communicate outcomes of significant project or research work.
Tuition fees for 2026 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £12,950 | None |
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £22,450 | £2,500 |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Will I need any specific equipment to study this course/programme?
No specific equipment is needed
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
An employability focus is embedded throughout, including case studies and assessments that mirror the challenges you’ll face in the workplace. Your expertise will grow cumulatively as you engage with guest lecturers, case studies, simulations, and research projects that reflect current industry challenges.
Combining academic depth with real-world relevance, you’ll develop and apply the critical thinking, technical knowledge, and professional skills required to succeed in the shipping industry today.
The programme is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), leading professional bodies for everyone who works in shipping industry. ICS accreditation by the means you’ll benefit from formal exemptions from selected professional qualifying examinations, enabling a faster and more streamlined progression towards ICS membership. Successful completion of the programme means that you’ll be exempted from the education requirements for full Membership of the CILT.
Our alumni have enjoyed successful careers in a range of industries, undertaking roles such as Ship Broker, Maritime Surveyor and in consultancy roles. They have been employed by a wide range of public and private sector organisations including Stena Ports, Ocean Network Express (ONE) and maritime authorities.
Placements
You’ll benefit from a range of experiential and work-based learning opportunities that allow you to apply theory to practice and develop professional skills.
While the programme doesn’t include a formal placement, you’ll benefit from meeting with industry professionals through work-based learning activities, such as guest lectures and site visits. Strong links with our research groups and industrial partners offer enhanced opportunities for networking and exposure to potential employers.
Within the dissertation phase you may be offered the opportunity (subject to academic performance) to undertake a project in conjunction with an industrial partner, giving you with the chance to gain knowledge of industrial practice, while contributing primary data for the dissertation study. A competitive process is used to match students to suitable opportunities.
Next steps
Open Day visits
Register for information about our upcoming dates.Make an enquiry
Contact us for more information about this course.International
Learn more about our truly global university.Discover more
Related searches: Business, Management
HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
