The Responsible and Authentic Leadership module explores the principles, theories and practices of authentic leadership in contemporary organisational contexts. It examines the concepts of responsibility, authenticity and integrity in leadership, highlighting their importance in fostering trust, engagement and sustainable performance. The module challenges the view that leadership is a predetermined set of behaviours and enables students to examine and explore new leadership styles that embrace relational and behavioural skills.

Students will develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to become responsible and authentic leaders who can inspire positive change and contribute to the greater good. Successful completion of the module will enable students to engage with classical leadership theories, apply the principles of responsible and authentic leadership to address contemporary organisational challenges, and critically reflect on their own leadership style and values.

The importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in business operations has increased in response to global challenges and the impact of the pandemic. Companies have transformed their operations, logistics, procurement and delivery methods, highlighting the need to integrate sustainability into operational strategies.

This module provides students with the opportunity to critically evaluate relevant theories, concepts and tools and apply them to real-world projects. It explores the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including industry innovation, responsible consumption, economic growth, reducing inequalities, health and safety.

Students will develop sustainable business operations, analyse technology-driven processes and develop integrated management strategies.

This module provides a comprehensive understanding of the global shipping industry, its economics, supply and demand models, and the role of different market structures. It focuses on understanding the distinction between bulk shipping and liner shipping markets, and their implications for organisation, competition and strategy.

The module also provides a practical perspective on shipbroking and chartering, examining standard charterparty agreements, common considerations and clauses. It aims to enable students to assess and critically evaluate shipping economics, shipping markets and the operations of international maritime trade.

Students will also develop essential skills in organising, synthesising and reporting information, as well as calculating the costs associated with transport systems. The module covers supply and demand in shipping, shipping market cycles, investment, risk and chartering. It also addresses the legal principles and common issues associated with time charterparty agreements, ports, performance and the four shipping markets.

The module encourages students to engage in relevant learning activities that enable them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical shipping contexts.

This module combines maritime and insurance law to examine the theory and practice of maritime and insurance law. It engages students with real-world issues facing the shipping industry, with a particular focus on accident prevention. Students will explore maritime law, including its origins, acquisition, registration, security, international institutions, commercial maritime law, contracts, crew employment and documentation.

They will also examine international regulations and conventions, including the Hague Rules, Hamburg Rules, Rotterdam Rules, ISM Code, SOLAS and MARPOL. The module covers the carriage of goods by sea, marine insurance law, insurance policies and international dispute resolution, with an emphasis on arbitration, mediation and negotiated settlements.

This module aims to develop an understanding of strategic management, financial performance and risk in the pursuit of organisational competitive advantage. It focuses on understanding the scope and direction of an organisation’s vision, mission and objectives, while addressing challenges relating to ethics, sustainability and governance (ESG), as well as aspects of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The module follows a sequential process of strategic analysis, strategic choice and strategic implementation, leading to organisational change or business transformation. It challenges students to critically evaluate contemporary research and debates concerning the relationship between mission, vision, organisational objectives and stakeholder approaches to achieving ESG and SDG ambitions.

It also examines organisational performance by identifying and evaluating financial and non-financial risks, and proposing courses of action to mitigate these risks and build organisational resilience. The module covers areas including strategic management in a changing environment, strategic change management, vision and mission, the impact of artificial intelligence, financial strength, stakeholder analysis, forms of organisational transformation, change management and building organisational resilience.

This module focuses on business analytics methods and tools for strategic decision-making, examining issues relating to ethics, data protection and governance. It introduces statistical inference, hypothesis testing, forecasting and analytical problem-solving techniques.

Students will learn to explore, describe, visualise, analyse and interpret data using statistical analysis software and Generative AI. Successful completion of the module will enable students to understand data privacy, security, ethics, big data and data analytics; apply descriptive analytics techniques; select appropriate statistical tools; and critically evaluate and communicate findings to support business decision-making.

Independent study is a critical component of the postgraduate programme, enabling students to explore in depth a significant management problem or business issue. This module enhances students’ knowledge and intellectual skills, preparing them for specialised study and supporting their future professional development.

By developing and applying an analytical framework, participants strengthen their capabilities for future research in business, management and finance. Successful completion of the module will enable students to design a research project that critically evaluates a problem or issue, complies with ethical guidelines and encourages reflection on the independent research process.

Independent Study: Research Methods is an important learning experience that enables students to engage with a specific area of management and business strategy with academic rigour.

Independent study is a critical component of the postgraduate programme, enabling students to explore management problems or business issues in depth. This module builds on the knowledge and intellectual skills developed through Independent Study: Research Methods, allowing students to investigate relevant topics in greater depth.

Successful completion of the module enables students to develop and apply analytical frameworks, strengthen their research capabilities and plan their own professional development. Independent Study: Dissertation is a significant learning experience, enabling students to engage with a specific area of business, management and strategy with academic rigour.

Each dissertation is supervised by an academic supervisor.