ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping

The ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping is a comprehensive 50‑credit training programme designed to prepare learners for advanced roles in the global shipping, logistics, and trade sectors. This diploma is ideal for freshers who wish to establish a strong career pathway in international trade, as well as professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and progress into senior or specialist positions.

Learners will develop advanced knowledge of international shipping operations, trade regulations, port and terminal management, shipping finance, supply chain strategy, and digitalisation in maritime services. The programme also focuses on critical skills such as compliance, risk management, customer service, and quality assurance—competencies that are highly valued by employers worldwide.

By completing this diploma, learners will be equipped to pursue career opportunities in shipping agencies, freight forwarding companies, logistics providers, port authorities, and global trade organisations. The structured 50‑credit framework ensures that learners not only gain technical expertise but also strengthen transferable skills in leadership, problem‑solving, and strategic decision‑making.

Key benefits of this programme include enhanced employability, professional recognition, and the ability to contribute effectively to international trade and maritime operations. With its strong industry relevance and global adaptability, the ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping empowers learners to thrive in today’s competitive shipping and logistics environment while preparing for long‑term career growth.

Course overview

International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping

To enrol in ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping, learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 19 years old at the time of enrolment.
  • Educational Background:Learners are expected to have successfully completed a Level 4 qualification in International Trade, Shipping, Logistics, or a related subject. Alternatively, learners with a strong academic background and relevant professional interest may also be considered.
  • Professional Experience: While prior industry experience is not mandatory, learners with practical exposure to shipping, freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain operations will benefit from the advanced content of this diploma.
  • English Proficiency: As the programme is delivered in English, learners should demonstrate competence in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Centres may assess this through internal evaluations, evidence of prior study, or equivalent qualifications.
  • Additional Requirements: Learners should demonstrate motivation and commitment to developing advanced professional skills in international trade and shipping. Access to a digital device and reliable internet connection may be required if the programme is delivered in blended or online formats.

This qualification, the ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping, consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. International Shipping Strategy and Market Analysis
  2. Advanced Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Transport
  3. Financial Management in Shipping and Logistics
  4. Service Excellence and Customer Relationship Management
  5. Project Management for Shipping and Trade Operations
  6. Human Resource Management in Logistics and Shipping

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping:

International Shipping Strategy and Market Analysis

  • Understand the strategic role of shipping in supporting global trade and economic growth.
  • Recognise the impact of international market trends on shipping operations and competitiveness.
  • Identify key factors influencing shipping demand, supply, and freight rates.
  • Demonstrate awareness of strategic planning tools used in shipping market analysis.
  • Understand the role of competition, alliances, and partnerships in global shipping.
  • Recognise the influence of geopolitical, environmental, and regulatory factors on shipping markets.
  • Develop skills in evaluating market opportunities and risks for shipping companies.
  • Appreciate the importance of long‑term strategic planning in maritime business success.

Advanced Freight Forwarding and Multimodal Transport

  • Understand the advanced functions of freight forwarders in coordinating international trade.
  • Recognise the complexities of multimodal transport systems and their integration.
  • Identify the responsibilities of freight forwarders in documentation, compliance, and cargo management.
  • Demonstrate awareness of cost optimisation and efficiency in multimodal logistics.
  • Understand the role of technology in enhancing freight forwarding and cargo tracking.
  • Recognise the challenges of coordinating cross‑border and multimodal transport operations.
  • Develop skills in planning and managing multimodal transport solutions for global clients.
  • Appreciate the contribution of freight forwarding to supply chain resilience and efficiency.

Financial Management in Shipping and Logistics

  • Understand the principles of financial management in shipping and logistics operations.
  • Recognise the key cost drivers in shipping, including fuel, port charges, and insurance.
  • Identify methods of financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting in maritime business.
  • Demonstrate awareness of cost control strategies to improve profitability.
  • Understand the role of trade finance, credit, and international payment systems.
  • Recognise the importance of financial risk management in shipping and logistics.
  • Develop skills in analysing financial performance and decision‑making.
  • Appreciate the link between financial management and long‑term competitiveness in shipping.

Service Excellence and Customer Relationship Management

  • Understand the importance of service excellence in shipping and logistics operations.
  • Recognise the role of customer relationship management in building long‑term partnerships.
  • Identify strategies for delivering high‑quality, reliable, and timely services.
  • Demonstrate awareness of cultural sensitivity in international customer interactions.
  • Understand methods for handling complaints, disputes, and service recovery.
  • Recognise the role of technology in enhancing customer service and communication.
  • Develop skills in measuring and improving customer satisfaction in logistics services.
  • Appreciate the link between service excellence, reputation, and business growth.

Project Management for Shipping and Trade Operations

  • Understand the principles of project management in shipping and trade contexts.
  • Recognise the stages of project planning, execution, monitoring, and closure.
  • Identify tools and techniques for managing shipping and logistics projects.
  • Demonstrate awareness of risk assessment and mitigation in project management.
  • Understand the importance of time, cost, and quality control in trade operations.
  • Recognise the role of leadership and teamwork in successful project delivery.
  • Develop skills in managing resources and stakeholders in shipping projects.
  • Appreciate the contribution of project management to operational efficiency and innovation.

Human Resource Management in Logistics and Shipping

  • Understand the role of human resource management in shipping and logistics organisations.
  • Recognise strategies for recruitment, training, and retention of skilled personnel.
  • Identify methods for performance management and employee development.
  • Demonstrate awareness of labour laws, contracts, and international employment standards.
  • Understand the importance of motivation, teamwork, and leadership in logistics operations.
  • Recognise the challenges of managing a diverse and multicultural workforce.
  • Develop skills in conflict resolution and effective communication in workplace settings.
  • Appreciate the link between human resource management and organisational success.

The ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping provides learners with advanced knowledge and professional skills in shipping strategy, freight forwarding, financial management, supply chain planning, and customer relationship management. By completing this 50‑credit programme, learners are well prepared to take on senior responsibilities within the shipping, logistics, and international trade sectors. The diploma also creates structured vocational pathways for learners aiming to progress into leadership, specialist, or managerial roles across global maritime and logistics industries.

  • Progress to higher vocational qualifications in international trade, shipping, logistics, and supply chain management.
  • Access senior roles such as shipping supervisor, logistics manager, freight forwarding executive, or port operations specialist.
  • Build the expertise required for specialist positions in shipping finance, compliance, and multimodal transport management.
  • Strengthen employability in global shipping agencies, freight forwarding companies, logistics providers, and port authorities.
  • Develop a pathway towards leadership training in project management, customer service excellence, and supply chain strategy.
  • Enhance professional credibility by demonstrating advanced knowledge of international shipping practices.
  • Prepare for roles requiring decision‑making, strategic planning, and team leadership in maritime and logistics operations.
  • Establish a long‑term career pathway towards senior management and consultancy positions in shipping, logistics, and global trade services.

FAQs

The ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping is designed for learners who want to advance their expertise in global trade, shipping, and logistics. It is suitable for freshers aiming to build a strong career pathway, as well as professionals seeking to progress into senior or specialist roles. Learners interested in international shipping strategy, freight forwarding, port operations, supply chain planning, and maritime management will find this programme highly valuable.

Learners who complete this diploma can pursue advanced roles such as logistics manager, shipping supervisor, freight forwarding specialist, customs compliance officer, or port operations manager. The qualification also supports career growth in areas such as shipping finance, multimodal transport, supply chain strategy, and customer relationship management. With its international focus, the diploma enhances employability in shipping agencies, freight forwarding companies, logistics providers, port authorities, and global trade organisations.

The ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping is a 50 Credit hours training programme designed to be completed in full-time study over this period, with a focus on both theoretical learning and practical application.

ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Participants can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, ICTQual International Level 5 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping consist of 6 mandatory assessments. These assessments are designed to evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and their capacity to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass all assessments to achieve this qualification.