Master of Commerce in Maritime Studies

Purpose

This qualification is intended for learners from a background in economics, law or from the ranks of technical maritime professionals, who wish to develop high-level analytical skills that are associated with the maritime transport industry. The skills learners will develop on the qualification are those that will facilitate their potential to work as professionals in the maritime transport industry itself, in ports and in port-ancillary industries, and in activities specialising in the distribution of cargoes, including the regulatory customs framework that facilitates international commodity trade.

Rationale

The South African economy is an economy that is highly open to international trade. The large majority of that international commodity trade involves the carriage of goods by sea. Seaborne commerce is consequently of pivotal importance in a South African context. This qualification seeks to address the underlying laws of motion and the needs of this industry. Through the economic principles, practices and policies associated with the sea transport. In addition, with the legal principles that underpin the carriage and distribution of cargoes of all types.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Maritime Studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules 1, Level 9, 128 Credits

• International Business Transactions in Shipping,16 Credits.
• Dissertation in Maritime Studies, 96 Credits.
• Analysis of Sea Freight, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, 64 Credits (Choose 4 Modules)

• Marine Insurance, 16 Credits.
• Customs and Excise, 16 Credits.
• Maritime Transport Policy & Applications, 16 Credits.
• International Trade Economics, 16 Credits.
• Excise and Duty at Source, 16 Credits.
• Carriage of Goods by Sea, 16 Credits.
• Charter parties, 16 Credits.
• Customs Theory & Administration, 16 Credits.
• Admiralty Jurisdiction & Practice, 16 Credits.
• Carriage of Goods by Air, 16 Credits.
• Research Article in Maritime Studies Subsea Yr.
• Research Article in Maritime Studies16 Credits.
• Port Economics, 16 Credits.
• Dissertation in Maritime Studies Subsea Yr., 96 Credits.

1. Demonstrate understanding of the factors that drive the demand for sea transport space on the part of transport users; that drive the level and growth of sea transport supply or capacity; that influence the prices of shipping space (in the form of a spectrum of freight rates); and that explain the dominant market structures within various major parts of the shipping industry.
2. Demonstrate understanding of the processes and practices that govern international sales of commodities carried by sea; that govern international payments associated with those sales arrangements; and of the relationships between buyers and sellers of commodities that underpin the international commercial terms of shipment or Incoterms.

The associated assessment criteria are used in an integrated manner.

• Undertake independent research underpinned by advanced economic and/or legal concepts and principles, to write a dissertation which reflects advanced research skills, independent thinking, critical analysis and advanced insight.
• Apply sound economic and/or legal theories and principles to develop an advanced understanding of areas such as, inter alia, the functions, management, efficiency and pricing of Ports; the relationship between shippers and carriers and the rules that govern their interaction in relation to the Carriage of goods by sea, in various global jurisdictions; the relationships between carriers and shippers, or between carriers and other carriers in relation to the charter market for vessel of different types and characteristics, in the form of various Charter parties; the broad principles and instruments of Admiralty Law applicable to vessels, their owners, their charterers, their crews, their end users, and other parties rendering services to them, when engaged in seaborne commerce; and the administration of various Customs practices, and the theories that underpin those practices, to render international seaborne commerce more stable, more secure, more efficient and better regulated into selected areas of maritime transport.

Integrated Assessment

With regard to the dissertation component (and with conceptual support from the Research Methodology module), learners should be able to undertake independent research underpinned by advanced economic and/or legal concepts and principles, to write a dissertation which reflects advanced research skills, independent thinking, critical analysis and advanced insight into selected areas of maritime transport. Seminar presentations, assignments and formal examinations are the key means of assessing learning outcomes. Learners are required to apply and integrate key principles of analysis consistently across the modules of the qualification. Learners obtain feedback on these assessments as a means of facilitating and encouraging learning improvements.