Port and Shipping Management
Study programme title in Est.
Mereveonduse ja sadamatöö korraldamine
Study programme title in Engl.
Port and Shipping Management
TalTech study programme code
VDSR25
MER study programme code
258617
Study programme version code
VDSR25/25
Faculty / college
V - Estonian Maritime Academy
Head of study programme/study programme manager
Tõnis Hunt
Language of instruction
Estonian
Study level
Applied higher education study
ECTS credits
180
Self-paid study programme
no
Nominal study period
6 semesters
Study programme group
Transport Services
Broad area of study
Services
Study field
Transport services
Curriculum group
Transport services
Access conditions
Secondary education leaving certificate or an equivalent recognised qualification in accordance with TalTech admission requirements.
Study programme aims and objectives
The aim of this programme is to prepare specialists and middle-level
managers in port and shipping management on applied higher educational level for working in public and private sector, by providing them necessary general and technical knowledge, skills for individual and teamwork in multicultural working environment, and professional preparation and competencies. Additionally, to create the foundation in continuing studies on master's level, obtaining professional degree, and lifelong learning. Show more...
Learning outcomes of the study programme
The graduate:
- has a systematic overview of the concept of maritime transport, the basic concepts, theoretical principles and research methods in the field;

- takes into account in his/her activities the objectives of sustainable development at both individual and company level;
- is familiar with the current problems in the field and with the possibilities for applying modern solutions, and recognises the interdisciplinary links in the field;
- has an in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms of fleet management, port management and the operation of maritime transport brokerage activities, including chartering, agenting and forwarding;
- be able to work both independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment, and be able to communicate in the professional Estonian and English languages, with the necessary knowledge of information and communication technologies;
- understands the basics of the functioning of the organisation, the state and society, the basic concepts of economics, understands how the economy works and is able to assess his/her own suitability as an entrepreneur;
- knows how to carry out independent research and can use appropriate research methods and tools, creativity and can critically evaluate inputs and outputs;
- is able to assess his/her own and his/her team's needs for continuing professional development and is motivated to pursue further professional development. Show more...
Graduation requirements
Completion of the curriculum in the required amount, and the
successful defence of the graduation paper in conformity with the requirements set by the TalTech Senate; In order to obtain Cum Laude diploma the graduation paper must be defended for the grade "5" and the weighted average grade must be at least 4,60, where all grades from diploma supplement are taken into account. Show more...
Degrees conferred
Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Study programme version structure :
Module type
total ECTS credits
General studies
21.0
Core studies
48.0
Special studies
96.0
Free choice courses
6.0
Graduation thesis
9.0
Total
180.0
  • +
       MAIN SPECIALITY : Port and Shipping Management
    • +
         MODULE: General Studies Module 21.0 ECTS credits (General studies)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to:
      - create the basis for understanding the profession and principles and to develop independent working skills;

      - teach expression skills and develop mathematical, logical and structured thinking.

      Depending on the chosen elective courses, develop either cyber-security knowledge or the basics of law.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - uses mathematical methods to describe technical, technological and economic processes in his/her professional work;

      - uses modern ICT tools, solutions and facilities and understands the risks involved;
      - uses correct Estonian language in oral and written communication.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Higher Mathematics
      VAY0810
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      4.0
      E
      S
      Higher Mathematics and Operations Research
      VAY1100
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      4.0
      E
      SK
      Estonian Orthography and Composition
      VAY1110
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Total: 15.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Fundamentals of Law and Taxation
      VAY1050
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Introduction to Cyber Security
      VLL1480
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Enterpreneurship and Logistics module 27.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to:
      - give basic understanding of economics mechanisms, principles of enterpreneurship, management and organization;

      - develop entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, in setting up business as well as managing business;
      - develop knowledge and skills to work in a team;
      - give knowledge about logistics and supply chain management.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - formulates the basics of how an economy works and relates individual processes to the whole.

      - is able to act as an entrepreneur, taking into account the business environment, analysing and adapting to a changing environment.
      - demonstrates project implementation and/or teamwork skills, is able to build and manage a functioning team, operate in a multicultural environment;
      - explains the principles of logistics, including transport and warehousing logistics, operations and supply chain management and applies the acquired knowledge in professional work.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Introduction to Entrepreneurship
      TMJ0130
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.0
      1.5
      H
      SK
      Basic Logistics
      VMS0500
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Transport and Warehouse Logistics
      VMS0510
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 15.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Project Management
      TMK2080
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K1
      Basics of Accounting
      VAY0380
      3.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Micro- and Macroeconomics
      VAY0530
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Organizational Behavior and Public Relations
      VAY0910
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Total: at least 12.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Science Module 21.0 ECTS credits (Core studies)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to provide the basic knowledge of science needed to understand the profession. Students who have completed the module will be able to acquire,
      according to their preferences, knowledge in IT, computer graphics, solving problems of equilibrium and motion of mechanical systems, an overview of the materials used in industry, their properties and the different processing technologies and/or lifting and transport equipment used.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - uses physical and chemical processes to describe technical, technological and economic processes in their professional work;

      - has a basic knowledge of balance and motion problems in mechanical systems, including the principles of operation of various lifting and handling devices and their applications;
      - has a basic knowledge of the properties, processing technologies and uses of metals and other materials in industry and shipbuilding;
      - knows how to use a computer design programme to design planar objects, prepare drawings and measure them.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Science
      VAY0770
      6.0
      4.0
      1.0
      2.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      IT Foundations
      VAY0800
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      4.0
      E
      SK
      Ship Construction
      VLL0220
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 15.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Machine Engineering
      VAA0050
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Technology of metals, material studies
      VAA0320
      3.0
      2.0
      0.5
      0.2
      1.3
      E
      S
      Hoisting and Conveying Equipments
      VMS0530
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      K
      Computer Aided Design and Basics of Descriptive Geometry
      VMS0790
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      4.0
      A
      SK
      Total: at least 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Environmental Module 6.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to acquire the necessary sustainability and environmental competences to work in the maritime sector. Depending on the student's preferences,
      it is possible to acquire in-depth knowledge of either sustainable maritime transport principles, maritime spatial planning or environmental management systems.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - describes the elements of the environment system;

      - applies the principles of sustainable development in work;
      - applies measures to prevent and reduce environmental pollution.       Show more...
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Maritime Spatial Planning and Environmental Impact Assessment
      VMS0770
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Sustainable Maritime Transport
      VMS0800
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      The environmental management system and environmental management of the port
      VMV0690
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      S
      Total: at least 6.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Maritime Transport Module 66.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to:
      - develop competencies in managing maritime transport and port operations,
      preparing them for various levels of management within the sector, primarily at the operational and tactical levels in a multicultural/foreign-language environment, considering principles and trends related to sustainable development on a global scale;
      - gain foundational knowledge of the holistic functioning of maritime transport, along with a deeper understanding of maritime transport economics, commercial practices, maritime and transport law, and port management;
      - adopt a scientific approach to addressing various professional topics;
      - develop professional English.

      Elective courses will allow for further specialization in specific areas of interest.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - explains the principles and interrelationships within the field of maritime transport and the links with international trade and logistics;

      - applies what has been learnt in the various processes of maritime transport (agency, chartering of vessels, forwarding, drawing up contracts for the sale and purchase of goods, preparation of documents relating to the receipt and delivery of cargo);
      - explains aspects of maritime law, transport law and the maritime insurance process;
      - describes the nature and role of ports in providing a quality maritime transport service, the stages in the development of modern ports, and explains the principles of port management and operation and the regulations affecting operations;
      - describes the ship's structure, main characteristics, basic knowledge of ship theory and the preparation of a ship's cargo plan;
      - applies the various principles and requirements for storing goods, including the Code for the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Sea;
      - explains the challenges (decarbonisation, alternative fuels, energy supply, digitalisation, automation, etc.) for maritime transport, including ports, in ensuring sustainable development;
      - analyses and forecasts the economic performance of maritime transport companies and prepares a business plan;
      - organises the operational planning of a voyage and the economic evaluation of its results;
      - communicates professionally in English.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Specialty Seminar
      VMS0520
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      0.0
      4.0
      A
      SK
      Maritime and Transport Law
      VMS0550
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Cargoes
      VMS0560
      6.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Maritime Transport Economics
      VMS0640
      6.0
      4.0
      3.0
      0.0
      1.0
      E
      SK
      Introduction to Maritime Economics
      VMS0650
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      S
      Port Management and Operation
      VMS0700
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Commercial Operations of Maritime Transport
      VMS0750
      9.0
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Total: 45.0 ECTS credits
      Elective courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Stevedoring Operations
      VMS0570
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Management of Passenger Seaborne Transport
      VMS0580
      3.0
      2.0
      1.0
      0.0
      1.0
      H
      SK
      Professional English I
      VMS0660
      6.0
      4.0
      0.0
      4.0
      0.0
      H
      K
      Information Technology in Maritime Transport
      VMS0720
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Quality Management in Maritime Transport
      VMS0760
      6.0
      4.0
      2.0
      0.0
      2.0
      E
      SK
      Working Environment Safety
      VXX0020
      3.0
      2.0
      2.0
      0.0
      0.0
      E
      SK
      Total: at least 21.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Training Module 24.0 ECTS credits (Special studies)
      Aims
      The aim of this module is to apply knowledge and skills gained from studies in working environment,
      and to gain practical experience and skills in order to work in the field of port and shipping management.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - uses his/her professional knowledge to solve tasks with what managers of maritime transport confront daily and finds solutions to a company’s specific problems;

      - works independently and in a team in a practical environment;
      - finds bottlenecks in the working process, is able to foresee problems and collect data through different channels (incl digital) for solving the problem.       Show more...
      Compulsory courses:
      Course title
      Course code
      ECTS credits
      Hours per week
      Lectures
      Practices
      Exercises
      E/P-F.Ass./ Gr.Ass.
      Teaching semester
      Maritime Transport Practice I (Internship)
      VMS0490
      12.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Maritime Transport Practice II (Internship)
      VMS0810
      12.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      0.0
      A
      SK
      Total: 24.0 ECTS credits
    • +
         MODULE: Free Choice Studies 6.0 ECTS credits (Free choice courses)
      Aims
      The module allows students to choose subjects in addition to those included in the curriculum,
      based on individual preference or future study and work plans, and thereby acquire additional knowledge.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Is able to explain and use knowledge obtained in free choice courses.
    • +
         MODULE: Graduation Thesis 9.0 ECTS credits (Graduation thesis)
      Aims
      The aim of final thesis is to:
      - acquire insights in specific
      subject of port and shipping management together with skills of compiling thesis corresponding on applied higher educational level standards;
      - teach to use appropriate means and methods to individually gather and analyze information.       Show more...
      Learning outcomes
      Student:
      - analyzes gathered material, makes reasoned conclusions and puts gathered knowledge into practice;

      - defines the research tasks and chooses appropriate methods to solve them;
      - has in-depth knowledge of some narrower field of his/her speciality;
      - presents and defends his/her views, conclusions and generalizations and gives reasoned arguments to defend them;
      - presents his/her results both in writing and orally.       Show more...
    • +
         STANDARD STUDY PLAN: Autumn daytime study
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           1st Semester
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           2nd Semester
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           3rd Semester
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           4th Semester
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           5th Semester
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           6th Semester