ÎçÒ¹AV

Shipping (MBA)

Please note: This degree programme is currently not open for enrolment. Are you interested in a part-time study programme with a focus on shipping and logistics? Then we recommend our Master's degree programme in Innovation Management – Shipping & Logistics (MSc), which allows you to specialise in shipping & logistics from the second semester onwards.

Are you interested in an internationally oriented MBA programme? Then we recommend our English-language Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme.

Study Profile MBA Shipping

The MBA Shipping Programme is focused on business development in the shipping industry and related industries. The programme provides the students with the necessary knowledge, analytical skills and competences regarded as essential for extraordinary managerial performance in the maritime industry. The course is taught and assessed in English. 

Highlights of the Study Course

  • Focus on Business Development in the Maritime Industry

  • Modules are taught in London, Athens/Piraeus and Dubai: Improve your intercultural competencies!

  • Experienced Lecturers from the Shipping Industry

  • Unique Mentoring Programme with many Networking Opportunities: The HSBA master’s students benefit from a special mentoring programme by the German Shipowners' Association () and the network between HSBA and the Hamburg Chamber of Commerce

  • Interesting Financing Options: VDR Scholarship, HSBA Scholarship, other Scholarships

Facts on the Study Course

Students Generally approximately 20 per group
Degree Officially recognised Master of Business Administration with the right to proceed into doctoral studies
Credits 60 ECTS
Language English
Course Duration 24 months on the regular track and 12 months on the fast track, start is 1 October
Course Organisation Part-time, contact hours during 6 full-time weeks per year for the regular track, and 12 full-time weeks for the fast track
Admission Requirements Good bachelor´s degree and a minimum of 2 years of relevant management experience or an apprenticeship + a minimum of 6 years of relevant management experience + entrance examination, B2-level in English
Patronage and Mentoring German Shipowners' Association
Financing Grants of 25% to 50% of the study fees as well and a grant of 100% of study fees under a VDR scholarship
Study Fees 19.800 Euro (living and travel expenses not included) inclusive early-bird discount of 10% if the application is handed in by the 31 May.
Application Process Written application, telephone interview, Admission Day. Applications are accepted until the maximum number of students is reached. We recommend to apply early as study places are allocated on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Accreditation The study course was awarded the Premium Accreditation of the FIBAA in 2018. ÎçÒ¹AVs accredited by the science council.

Impressions on the Study Course

Benjamin Zuhusky graduiert im MBA Shipping

"With the competitive nature of today’s work environment, the experience and knowledge gained throughout my time at the HSBA has given me the edge in my field. Not only have I been able to leverage my degree, but the connections I’ve made during my studies have only strengthened with time."

Benjamin Zuhusky
MBA Shipping (Class of 2018 - Fast Track)
Gerardo Silva

"The MBA Shipping covers the essential core areas of the shipping industry. Through study trips to London, Greece and Dubai, I have been able to develop my intercultural skills so that the programme not only has given me a better international presence in the maritime industry, but also entry into the offshore wind energy industry in Germany in March 2018."

Gerardo Silva
MBA Shipping (Class of 2016)
MBA Shipping Sebastian Keweitsch

"The network provided by the MBA Shipping is a great benefi t of the programme. The variety of nationalities and the professional backgrounds of the participants creates the perfect condition for learning and broadening one’s horizons."

Sebastian Kewitsch
MBA Shipping (Class of 2013)
MBA Shipping Kick-Off

"Only the scholarship of HSBA and the German Shipowners’ association has allowed me to join the MBA Shipping programme. I very much enjoyed the unique group experience in this multinational group."

Irene Wieja
MBA Shipping (Class of 2014)
Shipping Orestis Schinas

"With its focus on Business Development in the maritime industry, the MBA Shipping is unique in Europe. Graduates of the programme have learned to ‘think of the future‘ and are prepared to meet the multi-faceted challenges of the sector."

Prof. Dr. Orestis Schinas
Head of the Study Course MBA Shipping
Svante Magunia

"I took the decision to join the programme because of its international character and its practice-oriented teaching concept. In particular, I learned a lot from the case studies and the lectures in maritime centres abroad."

Svante Matthias Fink
MBA Shipping (Class of 2013)

Study Structure

60 ECTS can be acquired over the course of the study programme. The curriculum is structured in seven modules: two modules focus on maritime issues; five modules cover topics of the maritime industry. Courses take place in Hamburg (mainly), London, Athens/Piraeus and Dubai.

On the regular track, the course lasts 24 months (6 full-time weeks per year). On the fast track, the programme can be studied intensively in 12 months (12 full-time weeks per year). The course consists of 450 contact hours. 

Study Plan

  • Management & Finance

    This module includes five sub modules where the following topics are covered:

    • Optimisation of Networks
    • Game Theory
    • Strategy
    • Corporate Finance
    • Academic Writing
  • Maritime Business

    This module includes four sub modules where the following topics are covered:

    • Maritime Policy
    • Chartering and Revenue Planning
    • International Trade and Commodities
    • Hamburg Maritime Cluster (potential visits and/or expert sessions)
  • Maritime Economics & Management

    This module includes five sub modules where the following topics are covered:

    • Tramp Shipping
    • Chartering and Revenue Planning
    • Vessel Acquisition
    • Quality Systems and Performance Monitoring
    • Digital Ship
Includes Study Trips to Dubai, Athens / Piraeus and London
  • International Business Clusters

    In the first part the students shall gain international experiences and acquaintance with London, as a leading global business center. The focuslies primarily on international governance, financial and insurance issues as well as on governance and international organizations.
    In the second part the students will visit Dubai to get insights in the dynamic markets of Asia and Middle East. The focus lies primarily on logistics issues as well as on intercultural business management.

  • Maritime Law & Insurance

    This module provides an introduction to the law of the seas. Further, students will discuss the difference of ethics and law.

  • Ship Finance

    The students shall gain advanced knowledge in the fields of ship finance, acquisition of ships, as well as commercial and technical management of ships with a focus on the methodological aspects. Teaching is a mix of seminar and case studies.

  • Development Strategies

    The course aims to offer to the student an integrated approach on the business development issues in the maritime industry. In this regard, students shall combine knowledge gained in other modules, to prepare an investment proposal for an existing or a start-up entity.

  • Master Thesis

    The Thesis concludes the postgraduate programmes at HSBA. Its results will be presented in the final Colloquium.

Includes Study Trips to Dubai, Athens / Piraeus and London