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Marine Operations Management MSc

A flexible distance learning course designed in partnership with Lloyd's Maritime Academy, this specialist master's will deepen your understanding of marine operations

Marine Operations Management MSc

Code
See the How to apply tab
Start
April 2024
October 2024
Duration
20 months part-time
Attendance
Part-time via distance learning
Fees
£9,800 (UK)*
£9,800 (INT)*
Course leader
Dr Edward Bace

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.

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

This MSc has been specifically designed for senior professionals in the Marine Operations industries, enabling you to apply your existing specialist knowledge to the ever-changing global industry and develop your ability to manage strategically.

The course covers technical and managerial aspects of the role of marine surveyors, while the accompanying modules will focus on technical skills in the industry as well as strategy and management techniques for marine surveyors. You'll have the opportunity to work in the same way as a senior manager and you will be working with MSc colleagues, broadening the learning process.

You can choose whether to follow the MSc Marine Operations pathway or to tailor the applied project to your specific Diploma award to achieve one of the following:

  • MSc Marine Operations (Marine Surveying)
  • MSc Marine Operations (Ship Superintendency)
  • MSc Marine Operations (Small Craft Surveying)
  • MSc Marine Operations (Marine Accident Investigation)
  • MSc Marine Operations (Marine Engineering)
  • MSc Marine Operations (Surveying of Offshore Floating Units).

Further information

You can view full course details for this course on the Lloyd's Maritime Academy website or request more information by emailing LMA.

Lloyd's Maritime Academy is our partner in delivering this course, combining the academic expertise and reputation of the Middlesex University Business School with the industry conference and training expertise of Lloyd's Maritime Academy, part of Informa Plc. Lloyd's Maritime Academy manages course enrolment on behalf of the University.

Find out more about the Middlesex University Business School and Lloyd's Maritime Academy.

Lloyd's and the Lloyd's crest are the registered trademarks of the Society incorporated by the Lloyd's Act 1871 by the name of 'Lloyd's'.

What you will gain

This course will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of business and management, as well as your specialist subject area.

You'll learn about professional concepts and techniques in marine operations, and how to lead innovation in this field. You'll also improve your decision-making and technical skills, and learn how to manage resources effectively. Additionally, you'll be able to use your knowledge to support marine organisations.

You'll be taught by experts in the field, including the technical course director, John Dickie, who is a Marine Engineer and Education Specialist. This course offers a variety of learning methods, including online learning, group activities, and independent study. You'll have control over your study hours and can work at your own pace. There are no exams, and coursework is submitted online.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Excellent reputation
    Top 2 university in the UK (Times Higher Education Young Universities 2022)
  • Postgraduate success
    95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study – Graduate Outcomes 2022
  • Entrepreneurs and innovators
    Top 7 for entrepreneurs and business leaders in the UK (Hitachi Capital Finance 2020).

Find out more

Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.

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.

  • 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. This will be practiced by working with clients, partners, principals and co-workers, and understanding how their different roles impact strategic imperatives, especially market standing and profitability.

    • Ship Design and Systems (20 credits) - Compulsory

      The modern maritime industry is highly complex and at the cutting edge of technology. The challenges facing the industry revolve around advancements in material science set against an industry context where environmental protection is increasingly a key operational consideration. The globalisation of the business means that standards, regulations and compliance must also be set at globally agreed minimum standards. The management of the owners’ asset is also a challenge as the on-board management team are tackling technical, cultural, human element and operational issues on a daily basis. As owners must comply with increasing legislation, the choice between shore-based and ship-based management for the seat of the decision-making process is challenging.

    • Optimising Business Performance (20 credits) - Compulsory

      This module will focus upon the development of shipping within the logistics supply chain. In particular this module will explore the role of research and development in the advance of historic, contemporary and future operations and technologies, define and delineate the key principles of maritime logistics, evaluate the need for innovation in the constant management of change, integrate and apply the principles of project mastery in attaining and sustaining operational and technical leadership in the maritime 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. In particular, the module aims to provide a structure within which you can apply your understanding of a selected topic in the field of marine surveying to a genuine, practical, professional question or issue.

How we'll teach you

As the course is delivered online, you can 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. This is a sophisticated 24-hour online portal that gives you the flexibility to work on a high-quality MSc while still meeting work and other commitments. The course is also facilitated using a variety of media and online tools (such as podcasts, wikis) which allow flexible access to a diverse range of online resources, quizzes and learning materials as well as collaborative tools with which you can engage and learn with peers.

A range of online materials will be provided on MyUnihub such as audio and video content, virtual learning environment (VLE) online discussion groups and debates, multimedia resources, tutor-led discussions, webinars and online chats available in real time. You will also be given access to all electronic textbooks necessary for the course.

Exercises are provided online, and there is occasional communication with fellow students (most of whom are remote) via Skype (or similar) to provide guidance and advice. For the applied project, you'll be assigned a supervisor to guide you through the process.

You will be challenged and should expect to spend up to 18–20 hours per week on reading, discussions and assessments on an individual basis.

Where will I study?

Distance learning — you can study this course from anywhere with an internet connection.

Teaching vs independent study

In a typical year, you’ll spend about 1200 hours on your course.

Outside of teaching hours, you’ll learn independently through reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework and presentations.

Academic support

We have a strong support network online and on campus to help you develop your academic skills. We offer one-to-one and group sessions to develop your learning skills together with academic support from our library, IT teams and learning experts.

Coursework and assessments

There are no exams as part of this course. Instead, you'll be assessed on individual pieces of coursework including strategic and project reports and case studies, group coursework and contribution to online activities and discussions.

Feedback

You'll evaluate your work, skills and knowledge and identify areas for improvement. Sometimes you'll work in groups and assess each other's progress.

Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.

Facilities

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the MSc Marine Operations Management support your career?

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. 95% of our postgraduate students go on to work or further study (Graduate Outcomes 2022).

Career paths

Some of our graduates have gone on to work as marine surveyors, ship superintendents, marine accident investigators and marine engineers

MDXWorks

MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.

Global network

Our London location helps us connect with over 1,000 industry partners to develop our students’ future employment prospects.

And we have unique work and study opportunities at our campuses in Dubai and Mauritius.

At Middlesex, you’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network.  After you graduate, we'll support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

  1. UK entry
  2. International entry
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2023/24 academic year:

UK students1

Part-time students: £9,800

International students2

Part-time students: £9,800

Additional costs

We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies.

  • Free – laptop loans, e-books, Wi-Fi and printing
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Financial support

We offer lots of support to help you with fees and living costs. Check out our guide to student life on a budget and find out more about postgraduate funding.

Postgraduate scholarships

You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:

  • The Alumni Postgraduate Award – for all UK/EU Middlesex alumni a 20% fee reduction
  • The Commonwealth Scholarship – full course fees, airfares and a living allowance
  • The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees
  • The European Academic Awards – £1000 to £7000 for students showing academic excellence
  • Regional or International Merit Award –up to £2,000 towards course fees.

For international students, we also have a limited number of other awards specific to certain regions, and work in partnership with funding providers in your country to help support you financially with your study.

Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.

Help from your employer

Your employer can contribute towards the cost of your postgraduate study as part of their staff development programme.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

Dr Edward Bace
Course leader

Dr Bace obtained his PhD from the University of Michigan and his MBA in Finance from the Business School of New York University. He has a PGCHE from ifs University College in London, and is a CFA, Chartered MCSI, SFHEA, and a member of PRMIA, where he represented their Ethics and Standards Committee. His research interests include credit and risk management, sustainable and corporate finance, valuation, banking, financial regulation, corporate governance and professional ethics.

Dr Efthimios Poulis
Senior lecturer

Dr Poulis received a PhD in Strategy from the University of Manchester, and an MBA from Athens University of Economics and Business. He is Senior Lecturer in Business KT Management at Middlesex University Business School, and is also involved with Epsilon Maritime Services. His research interests are in strategic management, more specifically requisite variety, complexity, fitness landscapes and dynamic capabilities.

John Dickie
Academic

John has spent five decades in Maritime Education and practice. He is or has been a certified cargo surveyor, marine superintendent, and operations director. John started his own company JDass Ltd, an international maritime consultancy group. He also acts as an Academic Course Director for LMA (Lloyd's Maritime Academy).

Panagiotis Ballas
Business performance tutor

Panagiotis has a PhD in Marketing, and an MSc in Financial Management. He has trained widely in the UK and Greece, and held a number of public sector appointments. He has published extensivley, and his interests include operations management, supply chain management, and system modelling and simulation.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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