Marine Operations Management MSc

Program Overview

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Marine Operations Management MSc

Why choose Marine Operations Management MSc at Middlesex?

The MSc in Marine Operations is exclusively available for graduates of the Lloyd’s Maritime Academy and North Kent College qualifying Diploma courses to continue studying at postgraduate level.

Course Overview

This master's gives you the unique opportunity to build on your maritime qualification and progress your existing shipping knowledge and practical expertise.

About Your Course

This MSc course is designed to enhance your technical knowledge and practical competence, while also providing you with essential management content to progress your career to the next level.

Modules

• Management Skills for Marine Operations (20 credits) - Compulsory This module introduces the key concepts and techniques required to make a positive strategic difference in your practice.
• Ship Design and Systems (20 credits) - Compulsory This module introduces the key concepts and techniques required to make a positive strategic difference in your practice.
• Optimising Business Performance (20 credits) - Compulsory This module will focus upon the development of shipping within the logistics supply chain.
• Applied Project (60 credits) - Compulsory This project module seeks to provide an opportunity to synthesise knowledge and skills developed during the programme, and apply that understanding and increased ability to the formulation, design, execution and analysis of implications of an original research project addressing a substantive marine surveying problem.
• Entrepreneurial Marketing (15 Credits) - Compulsory This module will enable students to learn how entrepreneurs can develop insights into consumer needs and transform them to create opportunities and markets.
• Developing Business Networks for Entrepreneurs (15 credits) - Optional This module develops advanced understanding of and professional skills in evaluating and assessing relationships and their impact on entrepreneurs in a variety of settings.
• Developing new product and services (15 credits) - Optional This module aims to develop students understanding of the key principles of product and service development and innovation management, and enhances their ability to put into practice these concepts.
• Digital Marketing (15 credits) - Optional The aim of this module is to develop students' knowledge and skills for understanding the complexity of the new digital landscape.
• Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (15 credits) - Optional This module focuses specifically on the development of the competences needed to develop sustainable enterprises.

Teaching and Learning

• The course is delivered online, allowing you to study from anywhere in the world, day or night.
• Blending a variety of resources and interaction methods including discussions, group participation activities and individual assignments, the course can be successfully completed from home, work or even while travelling.
• It will be delivered through our learning management system, myUniHub.

Facilities and Support

• Our Sheppard Library has over 1000 study areas with and 600 computer spaces, with some areas open 24 hours a day.
• We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.

Careers

• This specialist course will open up a range of careers within the field of marine operations management.
• Our postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career.
• We are a top 10 UK University for employability (UniCompare Rankings 2025), and a top 10 UK university for industry connections and funding in Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024.

Entry Requirements

• If you want to apply for the MSc in Marine Operations, you must have already studied one of the following with Lloyd’s Maritime Academy and North Kent College:
  • Diploma in Marine Surveying
  • Diploma in Ship Superintendency
  • Diploma in Small Craft Surveying
  • Diploma in Marine Accident Investigation
  • Diploma in Marine Engineering
  • Diploma in Surveying of Offshore Floating Units.
• You must also have a 2:2 honours degree and a minimum of three years managerial or professional experience at the appropriate level in an occupation closely related to Marine Operations.

Fees and Funding

• The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year:
  • UK students: Part-time students: £9,800
  • International students: Part-time students: £9,800
• We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.
  • Free – laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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About your course

This MSc course is designed to enhance your technical knowledge and practical competence, while also providing you with essential management content to progress your career to the next level. The course consists of three core modules covering technical elements, higher-level management, and strategic thinking, as well as a research project to apply these new skills. With an emphasis on understanding and shaping the dynamic and changing nature of business in the global environment, this course provides a broad-based education in key areas such as strategy, human resources, and operations, relevant to senior-level managers.

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Objectives

This course aims to:

• Enhance technical knowledge and practical competence.
• Equip students with essential management content for career advancement.
• Provide a broad-based education in key business areas relevant to senior-level managers.
• Develop skills in strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Foster creativity and innovation in the context of the maritime industry.
• Enable graduates to contribute effectively to the sustainable development of the maritime sector.

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Outline:

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Modules

The program comprises the following modules:

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Core modules

• Management Skills for Marine Operations (20 credits): Introduces key concepts and techniques for making a strategic difference in practice, emphasizing working with various stakeholders, understanding their roles, and navigating market dynamics and profitability.
• Ship Design and Systems (20 credits): Provides an in-depth understanding of ship design principles, construction methods, and operation systems.
• Optimising Business Performance (20 credits): Explores the role of research and development in advancing shipping within the logistics supply chain, defines key principles of maritime logistics, and emphasizes innovation in managing change.
• Applied Project (60 credits): An independent research project allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to a practical, professional question or issue within marine surveying.

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Optional modules

• Entrepreneurial Marketing (15 Credits): Explores how entrepreneurs can develop customer insights and transform them into market opportunities, emphasizing entrepreneurial marketing in various organizational settings, including public and private sectors.
• Developing Business Networks for Entrepreneurs (15 credits): Investigates the significance of building business relationships, both internal and external, for entrepreneurial success, explores strategic options for network development, and highlights the importance of customer focus in the digital age.
• Developing new product and services (15 credits): Equips students with the ability to put product and service development principles into practice, emphasizing their contribution to firm success and strategic analysis of what drives successful marketing strategies for innovative offerings.
• Digital Marketing (15 credits): Analyzes the complexities of the digital landscape and provides a framework for students to develop e-marketing models and strategies for social media and e-tailing, addressing the ethical considerations and challenges in the online environment.
• Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (15 credits): Addresses the development of competencies needed for sustainable ventures, covering principles of eco and social venture development, fostering an interdisciplinary approach, and enabling students to contribute to society, economy, and the environment through responsible business practices.

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Course Schedule

The course is offered as a part-time program, spanning 20 months. It is primarily delivered online, allowing flexibility in study schedule and location.

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Assessment:

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Assessment methods

• Individual coursework: strategic and project reports, case studies
• Group coursework: collaborative projects
• Online activities and discussions: participation, engagement
• Presentations: effective communication, critical analysis

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Assessment criteria

Assessments are evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Content: Accuracy, depth of knowledge, critical analysis
• Structure and organization: Clarity, coherence, logical flow of arguments
• Originality and creativity: Fresh perspectives, innovative solutions
• Research skills: Effective sourcing and utilization of data
• Presentation: Effective communication, professional style

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Teaching:

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Teaching methods

• Online delivery through MyUniHub learning platform
• Asynchronous and synchronous learning activities: discussions, debates, multimedia resources, tutorials, webinars, individual and group tasks
• Tutor support and guidance throughout the program

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Faculty

The program benefits from the expertise of a team of experienced professionals and academic staff with extensive experience in the maritime industry and management education.

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Careers:

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Careers support

• 95% of Middlesex postgraduate students gain employment or further education upon graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022)
• Career pathways include diverse roles such as marine surveyors, ship superintendents, accident investigators, and marine engineers
• Networking opportunities through industry connections, alumni network, and 1000+ links with employers

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Other:

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Key Features:

• Exclusively available for graduates of qualifying Diploma courses from Lloyd's Maritime Academy and North Kent College
• Combines technical expertise with broader management skills for comprehensive industry preparation
• Delivers a pathway for continued learning and professional development after completion of Diploma programs
• Flexible, part-time online format enables balancing study with work commitments

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Study abroad opportunities:

While this program is primarily delivered online, students have the option to participate in study abroad programs or field trips offered by the University, enhancing their global perspective and intercultural skills.

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Industry partnerships:

The program benefits from strong industry partnerships with leading organizations within the maritime sector. This collaboration ensures that the curriculum aligns with current industry needs and provides students with practical experience and networking opportunities.

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Research opportunities:

Students are encouraged to participate in research projects aligned with their interests and career aspirations, under the guidance of experienced faculty members. This can contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the maritime field and provide valuable research experience.

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Sustainability focus: