About this course
LJMU provides training, education and research to the maritime sector. This Port Management MSc reflects almost 125 years of experience and excellence in the sector.
- Study at one of the UKs leading Maritime higher education providers
- Follow a curriculum informed by world-leading research plus links with the regional Mersey Maritime cluster, and the UK-wide maritime industry
- After graduating, enjoy exemptions from the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers chartered membership examinations
- Access an international centre of excellence in maritime education, professional training and applied research
Developed and delivered by our highly qualified and respected academic team, the programme combines specialist knowledge with relevant industrial experience. This combination of academic and professional expertise, as well as our well-established links with the industry, will help to ensure that you are well prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges of this expanding sector.
The programme provides you with a rounded viewof the management of ports and port terminals and the wider logistics industry.As part of the programme you gain the tools to be an effective project managerof port operations. The curriculum will cover container and bulk portoperations, and you will learn to analyse how national and internationalgovernance affect a port's management. You will also have the option to studylaw, and risk and asset management and broaden your experience with employervisits and lectures from guest speakers.
This programme is also available as a 2 year (240 credit) option. This consists of the standard 120 credits of taught modules plus 60 credits of MSc project, accompanied by an additional 60 credits. This can be taken as either a single semester group design project (a current module) or a sandwich placement year of 30 weeks (a current module).
Course modules
Discover the building blocks of your programme
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Core modules
Research Methods
10 credits
10 credits
The aims of this module are to develop the students’ ability to formulate a coherent and well- designed research project and associated proposal. The module also aims to develop the skills required to critically analyse and evaluate research findings and the effective presentation of the results.
Project Management
10 credits
10 credits
The central theme of this module is the management of projects using known standards and methodologies. It aims to develop a sound understanding of the fundamental concepts of managing projects. You are given the opportunity to develop your skills in a practical and theoretical context.
International Trade and Global Transport Systems
20 credits
20 credits
This module will help you develop an understanding of the key influences affecting the international trade market, with particular reference to the impact they have on global logistics flows, and an insight into freight transport operations on an international scale, with particular reference to the role of intermodality, the law and practice in relation to export sales and the movement of goods.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides an insight into the principles of logistics and supply chain management with particular reference to its application in the global business environment.
Port Management
20 credits
20 credits
This module provides students with an overview of the global port industry and the evolving role of ports. Students will gain appreciation of the diverse functions of port authorities and examine the public interests and commercial factors that influence the administration of ports at national level, and governance of ports at the corporate level. This module examines a range of contemporary issues in the field of maritime and port security through the analysis of a series of relevant case studies. Students are introduced to some of the overarching legislation and are able to appraise its effectiveness.
Optional Modules
MSc Project
60 credits
60 credits
This module requires you to refine your aims, objectives and programme of work, and undertake research work with academic supervision. You will prepare a dissertation that demonstrates the appropriate application of research techniques in a suitable subject area at postgraduate level.
Maritime Economics and Management
20 credits
20 credits
The module is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the topics including chartering, finance, economics, management, and operational considerations, which a shipping executive could deal with on a routine basis.
Marine Maintenance and Asset Management
20 credits
20 credits
The aim of this module is to provide knowledge about how the maintenance and repair of an offshore installation, vessel or a fleet of vessels is managed. In particular, it is intended to consider the lifecycle of a vessel and how maintenance is planned, scheduled and executed.
Industrial Consultancy Project
60 credits
60 credits
This module aims to provide you with an opportunity to work on an industrial driven project for an external (Industry) or internal (University) client to develop a solution to an open-ended problem presented by the client. It will require you to investigate a complex industry relevant work based problem, demonstrate initiative, and work together with the client to develop a design specification and project plan. You will select appropriate engineering and/or management processes and techniques to produce a solution which meets the specification.
Operations Research
20 credits
20 credits
This module introduces a set of fundamental techniques and tools to assist engineers and managers in making better decisions on real world management/business problems.
Law and Marine Insurance
20 credits
20 credits
This module introduces students to core principles of law with ‘wet’ maritime law, serving as an example of how civil and criminal liabilities can arise from the marine business. Having considered these liabilities, examination is made of established principles of the Marine Insurance. Analysis of the Marine Insurance Act 1906 and the implications of the Insurance Act 2015 reforms are made using case law developments. The options for alternative policy terms available via the Institute Clauses are also reviewed.
Chartering and Carriage of Goods Law
20 credits
20 credits
This module develops students understanding of legal issues through an applied examination of carriage of goods and export sales
Maritime and Offshore Safety Analysis
20 credits
20 credits
This module aims to enable you to understand and implement the requirements of formal safety design, assessment and review in marine, offshore and port areas.
Professional and Leadership Skills
10 credits
10 credits
This module will help you to develop an awareness of the legal and ethical framework surrounding the activities of a professional engineer. You will also gain an awareness of the Emotional Competence Framework for a professional engineer. This will help you to develop a specific set of personal and social competency skills appropriate for a professional engineer, such as adaptability, creativity diversification, leveraging diversity, political awareness, leadership and team capabilities.
Conventional Fuels and Alternative Energy Sources
20 credits
20 credits
This module recognises that the ways in which the maritime industry fuels vessels and the wider maritime sector is changing. In the light of rapidly shifting regulation and stringent goals for decarbonisation, the module will consider what the prospects are for new alternative fuels and how the maritime industry will adapt.
Marine Environmental Protection
10 credits
10 credits
This module aims to provide the students with an opportunity to evaluate the impact of ship and port operations on climate change and global warming and propose measures to promote safe, secure, environmentally sound, efficient and sustainable shipping.
Maritime Cybersecurity
10 credits
10 credits
This module aims to provide operational knowledge of the IT and other systems so that their vulnerabilities can be identified, and cyber-attack risks mitigated.
Energy Efficiency (Ships and Ports)
20 credits
20 credits
This semester long module aims to provide the student with an opportunity to propose energy efficiency measures and systems that could be implemented at sea and/or in ports, based on an appraisal of current practices.
Marine Technology Management
20 credits
20 credits
Your Learning Experience
An insight into teaching on your course
Teaching methods
You will gain knowledge on this course through lectures and directed student-centred learning, such as case studies. You will also need to complete open-ended reports and project work to demonstrate your understanding of topics.
Applied learning
You will have access to employer visits and listen to speakers from industry which will allow you to broaden your experience and increase your contacts to further enhance your employability.
How learning is monitored on your programme
To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
The Department of Maritime and Mechanical Enginering is located in the Byrom Street site of LJMU's City Campus. In addition to specialist engineering facilities, Byrom Street has high quality lecture theatres, meeting and seminar rooms plus a large café and social spaces. The Avril Robarts Library is just minutes away on Tithebarn Street.
Course tutors
Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning
Dr Sean Loughney
Programme Leader
Something I enjoy in my role is the international and multidisciplinary learning environment offered in the department, and the contribution our students make to this. We have a wealth of academic and industry expertise and produce graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours. Our students are able to develop and technical knowledge and skills, and the appropriate Maritime acumen from operational, managerial and engineering perspectives.
Something I enjoy in my role is the international and multidisciplinary learning environment offered in the department, and the contribution our students make to this. We have a wealth of academic and industry expertise and produce graduates with the necessary knowledge, skills, and behaviours. Our students are able to develop and technical knowledge and skills, and the appropriate Maritime acumen from operational, managerial and engineering perspectives.
Dr. Sean Loughney is a Reader in Marine Engineering and Asset Management at Liverpool John Moores University and the Chairman of YoungShip Liverpool, part of a professional non-profit organisation for young people working within the global maritime industry. He has led and participated in multiple UK and EU research projects related to maritime and marine safety and management, particularly dynamic risk modelling and human factor analysis. Dr. Loughney's research interests include the design, operation, and safety of maritime engineering systems such as: ships, oil & gas installations, offshore renewable energy structures, and marine asset integrity monitoring and management.
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Reader -
Programme Leader
Career paths
Further your career prospects
LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2018) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
Recent graduates from this programme have undertaken roles incorporating port management and operations and are working in consultancy, for regulatory bodies and international logistics and supply chain businesses.
Fees and funding
Tuition Fees:
- Home fee:
- £9,840
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students
Fees
The fees quoted at the top of this page cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as:
- library membership with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources
- access to programme-appropriate software
- library and student IT support
- free on-campus wifi via eduroam
Additional costs
Although not all of the following are compulsory/relevant, you should keep in mind the costs of:
- accommodation and living expenditure
- books (should you wish to have your own copies)
- printing, photocopying and stationery
- PC/laptop (should you prefer to purchase your own for independent study and online learning activities)
- mobile phone/tablet (to access online services)
- field trips (travel and activity costs)
- placements (travel expenses and living costs)
- student visas (international students only)
- study abroad opportunities (travel costs, accommodation, visas and immunisations)
- academic conferences (travel costs)
- professional-body membership
- graduation (gown hire etc)
Funding
There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.
- International fee:
- £18,250
- Placement year international:
- £3,830
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university. Postgraduate scholarships include tuition fee reductions and are often offered in partnership with external funding organisations.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
Entry requirements
You will need:
Qualification requirements
Undergraduate degree
- An 2.2 honours degree or equivalent in Maritime, Transport, Logistics, Business, Management or related studies -Applicants with an unclassified degree and significant relevant industrial experience may be considered
Alternative qualifications considered
- A level 5 qualification and suitable work experience
or
- Applicants with an unclassified degree and significant relevant industrial experience may be considered.
or
- Other qualifications considered by the course team to be of similar academic level to the above.
or
- A non-UK equivalent qualification
Further information
- Extra Requirements
-
RPL
- RPL is accepted on this programme
International requirements
IELTS
- IELTS English language requirement: 6.0 (minimum 5.5 in each component)
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.
You need to demonstrate that you have a sufficient level of knowledge to embark on the programme and to complete it within the time limits. You should provide evidence, at the interview stage, of your learning capabilities and commitment to a postgraduate programme of study.
Applications from non-standard applicants are welcomed. In exceptional circumstances applications by mature healthcare practitioners without sufficient qualifications will be considered.
Your student experience
There's so much more to university than just studying for a degree.
Postgraduate life at LJMU
See the amazing support you will get from the university, the academic expertise of the staff here, the first-class learning environment, fabulous libraries, excellent career guidance and their ongoing love affair with the city of Liverpool.
Accommodation
As a new student at LJMU, we guarantee accommodation right in the heart of the dynamic city centre, with easy access to the main University campuses.
You can view our approved accommodation to see the halls that we offer to new students.
Your campus
We’re very proud of our campuses. Not only because they provide a modern and inspiring learning space for all our students but also because they’re a place people really want to be.
Living in Liverpool
Liverpool is one of Europe's most dynamic and cultured cities. Come find out why it's a great city to study in.
Go abroad
LJMU aims to make international opportunities available to every student. You may be able to study abroad as part of your degree at one of our 100+ partner universities across the world. You could also complete a work placement or apply for one of our prestigious worldwide internship programmes.
Sports, societies and lifestyle
Getting involved in sports, clubs and societies at Liverpool John Moores University is a great way to challenge yourself, meet people who share your interests, and feel more connected to the University community.
Talk to our students
Connect with a current LJMU student through Unibuddy for insights and advice on university life, courses, and more.
See what our students are saying
At LJMU we want you to know you’re making the right choice by studying with us. You can see what our students are saying about their experience with us through their reviews on the following websites:
News and views
Browse through the latest stories and updates from the University and beyond
The University reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the University. Where this does happen, the University operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.