Develop specialist knowledge and financial expertise on our MSc Shipping Finance course. You'll cover topics around shipping trade and finance, and learn how to apply your skills in the maritime sector.
You'll build a comprehensive understanding of:
This understanding will allow you to effectively analyse and contribute to the field of marine finance. You'll also be able to address the complex financial operations of shipping on a global scale.
Learning from an experienced team of academics and industry professionals, you'll cover topics such as:
Your knowledge of these topics will prepare you for a diverse range of job roles within the maritime and financial sectors.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
This shipping finance course is led by Dr Yun Lou. Yun is a Lecturer of Finance at Southampton Business School and a researcher in the following fields:
Yun's research is question-driven, aiming to provide new and innovative perspectives on central questions facing society. Her research interests include banking, foreign direct investment, and mergers and acquisitions.
You can view Yun's staff profile for more information.
This course is based at Highfield.
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
You’ll need a 2.1 degree in a subject which includes quantitative study such as:
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
We do not accept the following subjects:
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
On this master's in shipping finance, your studies will run for 12 months. You'll cover the taught content of the course in the first 9 months, and work on your dissertation project in the final 3 months..
The course offers a flexible and inclusive approach to learning and teaching. This will enable you to achieve your intended learning outcomes and excel within the course.
In your first semester you'll cover 3 core modules. These modules will explore the subject of shipping trade and finance in more detail. You'll also get to cover topics like international finance.
There are 4 optional modules in your first semester. You'll get to choose one of them and specialise in a subject area that appeals to you.
In your second semester you'll cover 3 core modules. These will cover subjects such as risk management and quantitative research in finance.
You'll also get to choose one of four optional modules in your second semester, enabling you to specialise in another subject area of your interest.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules :
The dissertation stage of your Postgraduate programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing and the preparation of a 15,000 word dissertation describing your work. Essentially, the dissertation is a test of your a...
This module offers a comprehensive exploration into the intricacies of managing financial risks within the shipping industry. From foundational principles surrounding shipping markets to advanced applications of financial derivatives, this course equips s...
This module deals with the finance in an international context. This includes spot and the forward exchange rates, the operation of common currency systems and also international cultural differences which affect the way business is governed.
In this module, the aim is to integrate risk management as part of financial theory and practice. The three main risk concepts in the investment and corporate risk management field are: market risk (times series), credit risk (financial ratings), liquidit...
Portfolio Theory and Asset Pricing is designed to equip students with a profound understanding of the principles that govern investment decisions and the valuation of financial assets. The course delves into the core concepts of Modern Portfolio Theory (M...
This module provides you with the opportunity to engage with econometrics theory focusing, in particular, on analysing financial markets and firms' investment and financing decisions. The module will systematically prepare you with the necessary skills to...
This module provides an in-depth exploration of the economic principles that drive the global shipping industry, equipping students with critical analytical skills for effective decision making. The module covers the structure of the international shippin...
You must also choose from the following modules :
This module provides a deep insight in some key theories and topics in Corporate Finance. The module looks at how firms and corporation manage financial investment and decisions in the long term and short term. The module will discuss topics ranging fro...
The module provides practical insight into the workings of the corporate risk and insurance profession. Emphasising corporate risk management’s strong reliance upon corporate insurance programmes, it also introduces the broader range of risk retention and...
This module aims to provide you with a thorough knowledge of the fixed income securities and techniques available for fixed income securities analysis, together with an understanding of investment data and performance measurement. Emphasis will be placed ...
The international logistics module provides a sound foundation in international logistics management in terms of road, rail, air and sea freight transport. The focus is primarily from a user perspective in order to provide a logistics and supply chain man...
This module provides a broad overview of topics relevant to contemporary principles and sustainable Supply Chain Management. It acts as a foundation for your further investigation into areas pertinent to your career choice(s) as well as an integrative mod...
Strategic Purchasing and Supply Management aims to provide students with an appreciation and understanding of the roles and position of strategic purchasing and supply within the organisation, the processes that support it, and the implications of electro...
This module provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable finance- a rapidly growing area at the intersection of finance and sustainability. The module underscores the significance of sustainable finance, illustrating its potential impact in shaping fi...
Based on your acquired initial knowledge of supply chains and operations, this module provides a deeper exposure to sustainable, ethical and responsible operations and global supply chains. It emphasizes the need for taking into account how supply chains ...
You'll learn through a combination of classes, practice assessments, and independent learning. Your hours spent in class may depend on the modules you choose.
Outside of timetabled sessions, you'll have the opportunity to learn independently through self-study.
This may involve:
You'll learn from experienced academics, professional practitioners, and technical officers.
Postgraduate research students with the appropriate training may also contribute to teaching seminars, if their research specialism is directly related to the module topic.
You'll get to test your understanding of shipping finance before completing formal assessments. Each module contains a practice assessment and you'll receive feedback to help you improve.
Formal assessments usually take place at the end of your module and may include methods such as:
For your dissertation you'll investigate a topic of your choosing. You'll then need to write a 15,000 word description of your work.
Your dissertation is a test of your ability to investigate using your own initiative, and it should show a master's level of understanding.
You'll meet your personal academic tutor when you begin your studies. They'll offer one-to-one support and advice throughout your time at the university.
The Student Support Hub is a great first point of contact for any concerns you might have. They can support with:
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees for a year's study:
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
You'll also need to submit two academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You may also be asked to provide:
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
