BA
Shipping Management

(4 Years) FT

Course Objectives

CIM-Cyprus Business School was established in 1978 in Nicosia as The Cyprus Institute of Marketing and has been operating also in Limassol since 1984.

Originally set up to promote the science of Marketing in Cyprus and abroad, during the last 45 year CIM-Cyprus Business School has evolved into an all-round Business School, offering an array of programmes at both Undergraduate as well as Postgraduate level – from Marketing, Business, to Accounting and Finance, Shipping, and Human Resource Management, Law, and other.

Over the years, CIM-Cyprus Business School has provided the opportunity to more than 10,000 students to acquire acclaimed qualifications and fulfil their aspirations. A lot of our students are individuals who had missed out, for one reason or another, on the opportunity to study after graduating from secondary school, yet who always had the desire to pursue learning, gain further knowledge and qualifications, and advance their careers.

Though CIM serves students of all ages and all walks of life, we still offer evening classes exclusively – in order to cater for the needs of working individuals. We still put emphasis on combining theory and practice and remain committed to offering the best and most accessible education at the most affordable fees.

More specifically, the programme aims to develop the managerial, analytical, and strategic skills required by professionals working in the global maritime sector. It encourages critical thinking, problem solving, and informed decision-making, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges faced by shipping organisations and maritime service providers, including those arising from digitalisation, environmental regulation and technological innovation. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme, drawing on shipping, management, economics, law, logistics, and international trade, prepares graduates to operate effectively within the complex and highly international business environment of modern shipping. The structure of the curriculum progressively introduces students to the key dimensions of shipping management and maritime business.

Recognition

The CIM BA Shipping Management (4 Years) has been reviewed and 2 out of 7 exemptions by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS):

1. Introduction to Shipping
2. Economics of Sea Transport & International Trade

The CIM BA Shipping Management is the only one of its kind to be offered in Cyprus and enjoys world-wide recognition. Apart from recognition by ICS (UK), the CIM BA Shipping Management has been accredited by the Cyprus Quality Assurance Agency and is thus recognised by KYSATS. Cypriot students are eligible to apply for state subsidy up to €3420

Why our BA in Shipping Management?

Shipping has been fundamental to the development of international trade and the global economy for centuries. In the late twentieth century, declining transportation costs, rapid economic expansion, the emergence of new markets, and the acceleration of globalisation further strengthened the strategic importance of the maritime industry. Today, shipping remains the backbone of global trade, facilitating the movement of the majority of the world’s goods and playing a central role in international supply chains.

In Cyprus, shipping constitutes one of the most dynamic and strategically important sectors of the economy. The country has established itself as a major international maritime centre, hosting a large number of ship-management companies and maritime service providers. As a result, there is a continuous demand for well-trained professionals who possess both business knowledge and specialised understanding of the maritime sector.

The BA Shipping Management programme at CIM is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the shipping industry and the broader business environment in which it operates. The programme combines core principles of business management with specialised knowledge of maritime operations, shipping markets, maritime law and regulation, logistics, finance, and emerging developments such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, smart shipping systems, cyber risk, and sustainability (ESG) in shipping. (CIM also offers a successful online postgraduate programme in Shipping: eMBA Shipping.)

Cool Number

from over 30 countries, who are leading multinational companies across the globe

AIMS

The BA (Hons) Shipping Management programme aims to enable students to:

Develop the intellectual, analytical and problem-solving skills required for effective decision-making in the global shipping and maritime industry.
Critically evaluate the theories, concepts, structures and operational processes that underpin international shipping, maritime transport and global trade.
Develop an integrated understanding of the economic, legal, regulatory, technological and ethical issues affecting the contemporary maritime sector, including sustainability, decarbonisation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, cyber risk and supply chain integration.
Apply management principles, analytical techniques and quantitative tools to the effective management of shipping operations and maritime organisations.
Acquire research, information literacy and analytical skills that support evidence-based decision-making, postgraduate study and lifelong professional development.
Communicate effectively and participate confidently in professional and academic discussions within the international and multicultural maritime environment.
Formulate and evaluate strategic responses to the opportunities and challenges facing the global shipping industry

The programme aims to develop the managerial, analytical and strategic skills required to meet the evolving demands of the global maritime sector.

Recognition

The CIM BA Shipping Management (4 Years) has been reviewed and awarded maximum exemptions (2 out of 7) by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS):
1. Introduction to Shipping
2. Economics of Sea Transport & International Trade

Commencement

The programme can commence in October and/or February

Note: All optional modules are subject to availability of lecturers and student demand.
For a module to run, there must be a minimum of eight students

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

The Strategic Partners represent companies which are local and global leaders in their respective fields and they shall offer as strategic partners among others:
/ Guest Lecturing
/ Material to students/lecturers
/ Awards for Top-Performing students
/ Internship Opportunities
/ Master Consulting Projects

Year 1

1. Business Communication and Skills for Success (Fall)
2. Business Mathematics & Statistics (Fall)
3. Introduction to Shipping (Fall)
4. Marketing in the Digital Environment (Spring)
5. Introduction to Financial Accounting (Spring)
6. Shipping Business & Digital Transformation (Spring)

Year 2

1. Maritime Economics & Shipping Market Analysis (Fall)
2. Smart Port Management & Technologies (Fall)
3. Fundamentals of Management (Fall)
4. Human Resource Management (Spring)
5. Business Law (Spring)
6. International Trade & Finance (Spring)

Year 3

Compulsory:

1. Shipping Law & International Maritime Regulation (Fall)
2. Strategic Management (Fall)
3. Marine Insurance & Risk Management (Fall)
4. Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Spring)

Elective (Choose 2 out of 4):

1. Chartering & Shipbroking (Spring)
2. Maritime Logistics (Spring)
3. Sustainable Shipping & Decarbonisation (Spring)
4. E-Logistics and Systems Management (Spring)

Year 4

Compulsory:

1. Business Ethics (Fall)
2. Shipping Finance (Fall)
3. International Maritime Conventions (Fall)
4. Graduate Project / Internship with Applied Research Project (Spring)

Elective (Choose 2 out of 4):

1. Maritime Safety, Risk & Compliance Management (Spring)
2. Supply Chain Management (Spring)
3. Liner Shipping & Container Transport Systems (Spring)
4.Green Logistics and Sustainability (Spring)

Module Aims

Year 1

1. Business Communication & Skills for Success (Fall)

Business Communication and Skills for Success aims to improve students’ language skills for communicating effectively in the world of business. They will learn how to write successful business assignments and a range of workplace documents; develop strategies for reading complex texts on business topics; be able to give effective presentations; take part in business negotiations and academic discussions and communicate clearly and effectively in both written and spoken situations. This module also aims to help students understand the key elements of employability; what employers want and how to gather relevant information on their future work environment. Additionally, they will learn to create a professional development plan to enhance employability and develop tools to apply for future opportunities such as CVs, cover letters, application forms and interview strategies.

2. Business Mathematics & Statistics (Fall)

The course introduces students to the theory and problems of mathematical and statistical techniques applicable to the world of commerce and management. Students will understand the basic concepts and apply useful formulae and results directly to business problems. Students will be exposed to real life problems, both solved and unsolved, applying different mathematical and statistical techniques.

3. Introduction to Shipping (Fall)

This introductory course is considered an important ‘opening’ to the maritime world. It builds an understanding of the shipping industry and explains the role of shipping and its functions. At the same time, it introduces major aspects and concepts of the industry and overviews fundamental themes and concepts that will be covered later on in the course. The course gives an overview of the shipping industry including its role, services, organisation and the main issues it faces. The main characteristics of the industry are also highlighted.

4. Marketing in the Digital Environment (Spring)

This course provides students with a good knowledge of the basic precepts of marketing in general and digital marketing specifically. The course aims to provide students with a strong understanding about the major decisions facing marketing executives and top management in relation to building marketing strategies, building and managing strong value creating brands, sustainable marketing measuring and managing returns. Further the student will be introduced to digital marketing, including marketing communication marketing mix, the plan, communication theory, agencies, digital media, Marketing Analytics, Digital & Social Media Marketing tools and the changing marketing environment.

5. Introduction to Financial Accounting (Spring)

This is an introductory course to financial accounting, where students will acquire the technical skills needed to analyse financial statements and disclosures for use in financial analysis and learn how accounting standards and managerial incentives affect the financial reporting process. By the end of this course, students will be able to read the three most common financial statements: the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flows. Then they can apply these skills to a real-world business challenge

5. Shipping Business & Digital Transformation (Spring)

The module examines the structure and operation of shipping businesses, including chartering, ship management, port agency and liner trades. It also introduces the role of digital transformation in modern shipping, including digital platforms, supply chain systems and emerging technologies that are reshaping maritime operations.

Year 2

1. Maritime Economics & Shipping Market Analysis (Fall)

The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of the structure of the global shipping industry, including its business entities, sectors and organisations, as well as the economic principles and policies relevant to the effective management of shipping companies operating within a highly competitive international environment.

The course covers the major economic components of maritime transport, the factors influencing supply and demand fluctuations in shipping markets, and the decision-making processes undertaken by market participants. Furthermore, the module examines the structure and dynamics of international shipping markets, freight rate formation, cost structures in maritime transport, and the impact of structural and technological developments on the shipping industry.

2. Smart Port Management & Technologies (Fall)

The main objective of this course is to familiarise students with the essential elements of ports, covering their role and function, administration, management, economics and operations. The module also examines the historical development of ports and their evolving role in global trade and logistics systems.

The course discusses key aspects of port location, infrastructure, cargo handling and storage, as well as port ownership structures, strategies and financing. In addition, the module introduces the concept of smart ports and digital transformation in port operations, including the role of information technologies, automation, artificial intelligence and smart shipping integration, and data-driven decision-making in enhancing port efficiency, sustainability and competitiveness within global logistics systems.

3. Fundamentals of Management (Fall)

This course is an overview of the major functions of management. The course examines the basic managerial functions of planning, organising, staffing, leading and controlling in the contemporary environment through a variety of theories and models for an effective managerial decision-making. Emphasis is on basic managerial functions of planning, organising, controlling and leading through a variety of theories and models for an effective managerial decision-making. Students will learn to explore the practical skills and competencies to deal with business challenges and challenges that managers face in business. The aim is to apply the theoretical concepts with leading examples in typical organisations and to user’s requirements. Upon completion, students should be able to work as contributing members of a team utilising these functions of management.

4. Human Resource Management (Spring)

The course provides a broad introduction to principles, policies and best practices of managing personnel at all levels of employment. It puts emphasis on real case situation and practical application of these practices. It gives learners a solid foundation concerning a variety of HR aspects, from the recruiting stage to retirement.

5. Business Law (Spring)

This course provides students with an understanding of the legal framework within which business decisions take place and is designed to introduce students to Business Law. The course provides an understanding of the legal framework within which business decisions take place. It draws attention to the legal aspects of business and aims to develop an understanding of the main principles of contract and company law vital for the success of any organisation.

6. International Trade & Finance (Spring)

This course provides students with an understanding of the principles and practices of international trade payments and finance. This includes international trade theory; culture influences on international business decisions; explores how all functional business areas (operations, marketing, management, accounting, finance, human resources and law) change in international setting thus developing a strategic framework for analysing international business decisions. Students will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the international legal and regulatory framework within which international trade has to be conducted, and there is significant emphasis on the practical and operational nature of this subject area.

Note: Case studies will be used that relate to the Shipping Industry.

Year 3

1. Shipping Law & International Maritime Regulation (Fall)

The course of Shipping Law & International Maritime Regulation introduces students to the core principles of maritime law and the legal framework governing the carriage of goods by sea. It develops students’ ability to interpret case law, statutes and international conventions, and to apply legal principles to commercial shipping situations.

The course also examines international regulatory developments, including environmental (ESG) obligations and legal issues arising from digitalisation and cyber risk, highlighting how maritime law evolves in response to contemporary challenges in the global shipping industry.

2. Strategic Management (Fall)

Strategic Management is concerned with the challenges of management and with strategic issues. This course aims to combine the functional analysis of other subjects in order to take a holistic approach to management decision-making. It also helps students understand and communicate with general managers and to provide the initial background for those who themselves intend to have a general management career. The course covers major areas of public controversy and academic interest as far as it affects current business practice.

Note: Case studies will be used that relate to the Shipping Industry

3. Marine Insurance & Risk Management (Fall)

The course of Marine Insurance & Risk Management provides an in-depth investigation of the legal principles underlying the area of Marine Insurance & Risk Management. Different insurance policies and principles are used as a guide while the course also covers the important aspects of marine insurance: from terms and conditions to the practical handling of claims and loss prevention. The course also considers emerging risks in marine insurance, including cyber risk and its implications for coverage, exclusions and claims handling.

4. Business Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Spring)

Entrepreneurship and innovation involve the application of patterns of behavior to enhance abilities, knowledge and decision making. The module is designed to integrate the two concepts in a way that students see them as a symbiotic relationship rather than isolated and independent activities. The module builds an appreciation of the need for an entrepreneurial mindset across different contexts including commercial enterprises, family-owned businesses, social enterprises and public social partnerships operating at national and international levels. The practical application of responsible management and an ethical dimension to entrepreneurial and innovative activities play a key role in the discussion and debates that are a key feature of the module. Entrepreneurship is inextricably linked to innovation. This module incorporates innovation into the process of entrepreneurship by demonstrating innovation in all its manifestations and characteristics. Thus, innovation includes novelty, new insights into product development, new services, processes and systems that contribute to achieving competitive advantage or other strategic aims of organisations.

5. Chartering & Shipbroking (Spring)

This course introduces students to topics examined in detail in subsequent courses (in later years) and therefore serves as an important introduction to chartering and shipbroking. The scope of this course is quite broad but it specifically provides a foundation for achieving the learning outcomes below.

6. Maritime Logistics (Spring)

The module focuses on the current developments and practices in logistics and supply chain management within the global maritime industry (i.e., shipping and ports). It aims to:

Provide an understanding of the challenges involved in the management of systems for the transportation of goods by sea as well as the optimization of maritime transportation and distribution systems.
Stress and enable students to critically interrogate the importance of the maritime industry within global logistics and supply chain and the impact of current business patterns in logistics and supply chain within the maritime sector.
Offer students the tools to understand and be able to assess the strategic approach of shipping companies in the globalised market place as well as the logistics-related challenges faced by global port operators.

Note: Case studies will be used that relate to Maritime Logistics.

7. Sustainable Shipping & Decarbonisation (Spring)

The course examines the environmental impact of maritime transport and the regulatory and technological measures aimed at improving sustainability in the shipping industry. It introduces international environmental conventions, pollution prevention strategies, and decarbonisation initiatives shaping the future of global shipping.

8. E-Logistics and System Management (Spring)

E-Logistics module provides the latest and most comprehensive coverage on digitalization in logistics and supply chain.

This module aims to:

Introduce students to all transport modes and the role of ICT in supporting an integrated freight and supply chain network.

Examine in depth support systems for B2C and B2B e-commerce and e-fulfilment, warehouse management, RFID, electronic marketplaces, global supply network visibility and service chain automation. Industry case studies are used to support the discussion

Year 4

1. Business Ethics (Fall)

The module examines the role of ethical principles in business decision-making and organisational behaviour. It introduces key ethical theories and explores their application to contemporary business challenges, including corporate governance, stakeholder relations, sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The course encourages critical reflection on the role of businesses in society and evaluates practical approaches to managing ethical issues in modern organisations.

2. Shipping Finance (Fall)

The module focuses on traditional and alternative sources of finance available to shipping companies, covering both theory and practical examples on the topic. The course provides an overview of relevant topics such as, asset-backed finance, shipbuilding credit, debt financing in private and public markets, structured finance, and bank lending. Instruments covered include, among others, bonds, stocks, structured products, and preferred equity issues. In addition, the course covers topics related to investment appraisal and budgeting, as well as financial analysis and modelling of ship investment.

3. International Maritime Conventions (Fall)

The module examines the most important international maritime conventions that are in force. In particular, the conventions covered deal with the carriage of goods and passengers by sea and the protection of the marine environment. In addition, the institutional framework and the stakeholders involved in shipping are discussed.

4. Graduate Project / Internship with Applied Research Project (Spring)

During the fourth year of their studies, students are required to complete one of the following pathways:

Pathway A: Graduate Project

Students undertake an independent 10,000-word graduate project on a contemporary issue within the shipping industry.

Pathway B: Internship with Applied Research Project

Students undertake a six-month internship within an approved shipping organisation and complete:

a 1,500 word structured reflective portfolio documenting their professional development;
a 5,000-word applied research report investigating a real organisational issue, challenge, or opportunity identified during the internship.

Both pathways are equivalent to one course’s worth of credits (10 ECTS) and are designed to enable students to integrate and apply knowledge acquired throughout their studies to real-world situations.

The module provides opportunities for students to:

apply theoretical and practical knowledge to industry contexts;
develop analytical, research and problem-solving skills;
demonstrate independent learning and professional competence;
investigate real organisational challenges within the shipping industry;
produce evidence-based recommendations for practice.

Throughout the academic year, students are supported by an academic mentor who monitors their progress. Formal progress evaluations are conducted twice during the year and submitted to the Programme Coordinator.

Seminars are delivered throughout the year to provide academic and professional guidance.

5. Maritime Safety, Risk & Compliance Management (Spring)

The aim of this course is to examine the principles and practices of maritime safety, risk management and regulatory compliance in the shipping industry. The module explores international safety frameworks, safety management systems, and the role of human factors in maritime operations. It also analyses the implementation of international regulations and examines contemporary challenges in managing safety risks in modern shipping.

6. Supply Chain Management (Spring)

This course is designed to provide theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in various aspects of logistics and supply chain management. The course aims to enable students to critically and creatively analyse how the concepts of the course can be applied to supply chains in the shipping industry.

Note: Case studies will be used which relate to the Shipping Industry.

7. Liner Shipping & Container Transport Systems (Spring)

The aim of this course is to provide an understanding of the structure and operations of the liner shipping industry and its role in global containerised trade. The module examines the development of container transport systems, liner service networks, and the operational, commercial and technological challenges faced by liner operators. It also explores cooperation strategies among carriers, container logistics systems, and emerging trends affecting container shipping and global supply chains.

8. Green Logistics and Sustainability (Spring)

Green Logistics provides an insight on the environmental impacts of logistics and the actions that companies and governments can take to deal with them. It introduces contributors and international case studies that illustrate the impact of green logistics in practice. It also covers the links between green logistics and corporate social responsibility and a series of postscripts examining the effects of new developments, such as 3D printing, distribution by drone, the physical internet and the concept of peak freight.

BA
Shipping Management

(4 Years) FT

Course Objectives

Recognition

Why our BA in Shipping Management?

AIMS

Recognition

Commencement

STRATEGIC PARTNERS

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Compulsory:

Elective (Choose 2 out of 4):

Year 4

Compulsory:

Elective (Choose 2 out of 4):

Module Aims

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Assessment

Admission Requirements

Duration

Accreditation

Limassol

Tuition Fees

Registration Fee

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