The module ISM523 – Research Methods in Shipping provides essential training in research methodologies, equipping students with the skills required to excel in their current studies and future postgraduate thesis work, as well as enhancing their analytical abilities beyond the programme. This course introduces students to core aspects of academic research, including techniques for efficiently locating and identifying relevant academic and technical literature. Students will also develop essential skills in academic writing, including referencing, literature critique, and identifying knowledge gaps, which are crucial for producing high-quality, impactful research.

Throughout the course, students will build theoretical, applied, and critical skills necessary for conducting rigorous research in international shipping. The curriculum covers a variety of research methods, offering a thorough overview of advanced research practices tailored to the shipping industry. Drawing from fields such as Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research, Transportation Science, Business Research, and Computer Science, students will acquire a diverse quantitative and qualitative toolkit for analysing complex issues within the industry. These analytical skills will not only prepare students for academic challenges but will also provide them with a lasting advantage in tackling real-world shipping industry problems with precision and insight, well beyond the completion of their postgraduate studies.