Program Overview

The business and law foundation year is ideal for those who are looking at an alternative route into higher education, or who wish to update or broaden their knowledge before progressing onto a full undergraduate degree.

The one year foundation will help you develop a strong basis of business knowledge, alongside academic and transferable skills to ensure you get the most out of your degree-level studies – and provides a direct entry point to BSc (Hons) Shipping and Port Management.

Designed by experienced academics who’ve worked across key roles in a wide variety of industries, our Business and Law Foundation Year is designed to build your confidence, develop your capabilities and ensure you’re future-ready and ready for the competitive global marketplace.

The multi-billion dollar maritime industry is the backbone of modern trade, with approximately 93,000 ships trading across the world. On this specialist degree course you will develop the essential skills and understanding for a great career in this complex and fast-moving industry – exploring everything from maritime law to insurance to logistics to ports’ environmental and economic impact.

Led by tutors with a range of academic and industry expertise, you will study the latest management and business practices and learn to apply them to this specialist industry – exploring real-world scenarios and learning to put theory into practice. You will get to grips with the complexities of the global transport trade, learn to manage the day-to-day operation of ships and ports, explore the intricate web of law, regulations and economic interests which manage the industry – and learn how to apply that knowledge to keep the industry functioning smoothly.

On graduating, you will be well placed to make an immediate contribution in the workplace, showing the in-depth knowledge, keen problem-solving and decision-making skills and hands-on attitude to deliver practical solutions to everyday management challenges.

And you will also have plenty of opportunities to develop your professional network in the industry, from working alongside students from across the globe to our maritime events and guest speakers – including Solent alumni and industry figures at every level.