Bachelor of Maritime Business (MB)

Embark on a career-defining program that equips you with the skills to excel in global maritime business and leadership.
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Overview

The Bachelor in Maritime Business (MB) program at SMA offers students an exceptional opportunity to launch careers in one of the world's most dynamic and globally connected industries. This comprehensive 4-year program, which is designed in conjunction with the senior professionals from the maritime industry, uniquely combines essential business management skills with specialized maritime expertise, preparing graduates to excel in international shipping, port operations, logistics, ship finance, insurance, and maritime trade, law and management.

Students benefit from addressing real-world and live challenges in the field of maritime business while gaining hands-on experience of ship operations using the world-class simulation facilities including full-mission navigational bridge simulators and cutting-edge mixed reality vessel handling.

Program Highlights
Accreditation
Recognised by the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA)
Duration
Four years of comprehensive study
Credits
120 credit hours

Why Choose This Course?

With a curriculum covering everything from maritime law and cyber risk management to sustainable business practices and digital transformation, graduates will emerge as well-rounded professionals ready to tackle contemporary challenges in the maritime business sector. The program's emphasis on leadership development, ethical decision-making, and international communication ensures students are equipped not just with technical knowledge, but with the strategic thinking and cultural awareness needed to advance to management positions in this truly global industry. Upon completion, graduates are positioned to make immediate, effective contributions to leading maritime organizations worldwide.

Industry-Relevant Curriculum

The program’s curriculum is highly relevant to the needs of the maritime business industry, including:

1. Maritime Operations & Technical Knowledge - Master ship operations, cargo handling, navigation systems, and vessel stability while understanding the technical foundations that drive the maritime industry  

2. Commercial Maritime Law & Risk Management - Develop expertise in international maritime law, marine insurance, cyber risk management, and regulatory compliance essential for modern shipping operations  

3. Port & Terminal Management - Gain specialized knowledge in port operations, terminal management, and the integration of technology and digitalization in current and future port facilities  

4. Shipping Finance & Chartering - Learn the financial mechanisms of the maritime industry including shipping finance, chartering practices, charter party agreements, and investment appraisal techniques specific to maritime assets  

5. Digital Transformation & Sustainability - Explore cutting-edge topics including AI applications in maritime business, e-commerce integration, cybersecurity protocols, and Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) principles aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Program Learning Outcomes

PLO1: Demonstrate thorough understanding of contemporary business practices in maritime transport and business practices in the international shipping context (QFE: Knowledge)
PLO2: Demonstrate proficiency in research methods and the application of new concepts and interdisciplinary approaches to maritime transport and business (QFE: Knowledge).
PLO3: Investigate and solve complex problems in maritime business and communicate findings to diverse audiences in professional or academic settings (QFE: Skills).
PLO4: Analyse diverse maritime business problems in simulated and work-based scenarios to identify potential solutions (QFE: Knowledge & Skills).
PLO5: Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in different team roles and contribute to successful outcomes in professional or academic settings (QFE: Responsibility).
PLO6: Communicate effectively on maritime business issues in an international maritime environment (QFE: Skills).
PLO7: Make well-reasoned decisions in situations relevant to the field of study, taking into account sustainability, legal and ethical standards in line with professional obligations (QFE: Responsibility & Skills).

Program Structure

General English
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Credit Hours: 3
Emirati Studies
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Credit Hours: 3
General Mathematics
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Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to Ship & Cargo Knowledge
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Credit Hours: 2
Introduction to Bridge Watchkeeping & Marine Communication
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Credit Hours: 2
Introduction to Navigation & Chart Work
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Credit Hours: 2
Introduction to Digital Navigation
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Credit Hours: 2

Islamic Studies
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Credit Hours: 3

Technical Writing & Communication
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Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to Ship Stability & Construction
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Credit Hours: 2

Ship Emergency Procedures
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Credit Hours: 2

Introduction to Maritime Law
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Credit Hours: 3

Financial Accounting
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Credit Hours: 3

E Commerce & Digital Technology
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Credit Hours: 3
Global Logistics
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Credit Hours: 3
Marine Organisations
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Credit Hours: 3
Elective 1
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Credit Hours: 3
Managerial Accounting
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Credit Hours: 3
Elective 2
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Credit Hours: 3
Principles of Management
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Credit Hours: 3
Statistics and Data Analytics
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Credit Hours: 3
Maritime Economics
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Credit Hours: 3
Port & Terminal Management
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Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to Business Law
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Credit Hours: 3

Commercial Ship Management
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Credit Hours: 3
Human Resource Management
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Credit Hours: 3
International Maritime Law
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Credit Hours: 3
Maritime Cyber Risk Management
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Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to Chartering
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Credit Hours: 3
Internship I (Work Placement)
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Credit Hours: 6
Chartering Practice
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Credit Hours: 3
AI & Digital Business
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Credit Hours: 3
Economics of International Trade
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Credit Hours: 3
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
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Credit Hours: 3
Elective 3
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Credit Hours: 3
Research Methods
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Credit Hours: 3
Marine Insurance & Risk
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Credit Hours: 3
Elective 4
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Credit Hours: 3
Internship II (with industry-based, career- aligned, final project)
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Credit Hours: 6
More Information
program chair
Nicola Butt
Head of Maritime Business
nickie.butt@sma.ac.ae
Key information
Intakes:
Sep and Jan
Duration:
4 Years
Mode:
Full-time, On campus
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