ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping

The ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping is a 60‑credit training programme designed to prepare learners for senior roles in the global shipping, logistics, and trade sectors. This advanced qualification is suitable for freshers who aspire to build a strong career in international trade, as well as professionals aiming to progress into leadership, consultancy, or specialist positions within the maritime and logistics industries.

Learners will gain in‑depth expertise in international shipping strategy, advanced freight forwarding, port and terminal management, financial planning, supply chain leadership, and digital transformation in maritime operations. The programme also develops critical skills in compliance, project management, customer relationship management, and human resource leadership—competencies that are highly valued by employers worldwide.

By completing this diploma, learners will be equipped to pursue senior opportunities in shipping agencies, freight forwarding companies, logistics providers, port authorities, and multinational trade organisations. The structured 60‑credit framework ensures that learners not only acquire advanced technical knowledge but also strengthen transferable skills such as strategic decision‑making, leadership, problem‑solving, and innovation.

Key benefits of this programme include enhanced employability, professional recognition, and the ability to contribute effectively to international trade and maritime operations at a senior level. With its strong industry relevance and global adaptability, the ICTQual International Level 6 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 6 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping

To enrol in ICTQual International Level 6 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 5 qualification in International Trade, Shipping, Logistics, or a related subject. Alternatively, learners with a strong academic background and relevant industry knowledge may also be considered.
  • Professional Experience: While prior professional experience is not mandatory, learners with practical exposure to shipping, freight forwarding, logistics, or supply chain management will find the programme particularly beneficial, as it builds on applied industry knowledge.
  • 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, commitment, and the ability to engage with advanced concepts 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 6 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping, consists of 6 mandatory units.

  1. International Trade Policy and Maritime Economics
  2. Strategic Risk, Security, and Crisis Management in Shipping
  3. Advanced Supply Chain Analytics and Decision-Making
  4. Innovation and Technology in Maritime Logistics
  5. Corporate Governance and Ethical Practices in Shipping
  6. Strategic Leadership and Change Management in Logistics

Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping:

International Trade Policy and Maritime Economics

  • Understand the principles of international trade policy and their impact on maritime economics.
  • Recognise the influence of global trade agreements, tariffs, and regulations on shipping markets.
  • Analyse the relationship between maritime transport, globalisation, and economic development.
  • Demonstrate awareness of supply and demand factors affecting freight rates and shipping cycles.
  • Understand the role of government policies and international organisations in shaping maritime trade.
  • Evaluate the economic implications of port development, shipping alliances, and trade routes.
  • Develop skills in interpreting trade data and applying economic models to shipping scenarios.
  • Appreciate the importance of sustainable trade policies in supporting long‑term maritime growth.

Strategic Risk, Security, and Crisis Management in Shipping

  • Understand the types of risks faced by the shipping industry, including operational, financial, and geopolitical.
  • Recognise the importance of maritime security in protecting vessels, cargo, and ports.
  • Identify strategies for risk assessment, mitigation, and contingency planning in shipping operations.
  • Demonstrate awareness of international conventions and frameworks for maritime safety and security.
  • Understand the role of crisis management in responding to piracy, accidents, and natural disasters.
  • Evaluate the impact of cyber threats and digital vulnerabilities on shipping operations.
  • Develop skills in designing risk management frameworks for shipping companies.
  • Appreciate the importance of resilience and preparedness in ensuring business continuity.

Advanced Supply Chain Analytics and Decision‑Making

  • Understand the role of data analytics in optimising global supply chain performance.
  • Recognise the importance of forecasting, modelling, and simulation in logistics decision‑making.
  • Identify tools and techniques for analysing supply chain efficiency and risk.
  • Demonstrate awareness of big data, AI, and predictive analytics in supply chain management.
  • Understand the challenges of integrating data across multimodal and cross‑border supply chains.
  • Evaluate the impact of analytics on cost reduction, service quality, and sustainability.
  • Develop skills in applying analytical insights to strategic supply chain decisions.
  • Appreciate the importance of evidence‑based decision‑making in global logistics.

Innovation and Technology in Maritime Logistics

  • Understand the role of innovation in driving competitiveness in maritime logistics.
  • Recognise the impact of digitalisation, automation, and smart technologies on shipping operations.
  • Identify emerging technologies such as blockchain, IoT, and AI in maritime logistics.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the benefits and challenges of adopting new technologies.
  • Understand the role of innovation in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.
  • Evaluate the impact of smart ports and digital supply chains on global trade.
  • Develop skills in assessing technology adoption strategies for shipping companies.
  • Appreciate the importance of continuous innovation in shaping the future of maritime logistics.

Corporate Governance and Ethical Practices in Shipping

  • Understand the principles of corporate governance and their application in shipping organisations.
  • Recognise the importance of accountability, transparency, and ethical leadership.
  • Identify international standards and frameworks for governance in maritime industries.
  • Demonstrate awareness of ethical challenges such as corruption, labour exploitation, and environmental impact.
  • Understand the role of compliance and corporate responsibility in shipping operations.
  • Evaluate the impact of governance practices on organisational reputation and stakeholder trust.
  • Develop skills in applying ethical decision‑making frameworks to shipping scenarios.
  • Appreciate the importance of sustainability and social responsibility in maritime governance.

Strategic Leadership and Change Management in Logistics

  • Understand the role of strategic leadership in guiding logistics and shipping organisations.
  • Recognise the importance of vision, communication, and influence in effective leadership.
  • Identify strategies for managing organisational change in dynamic trade environments.
  • Demonstrate awareness of leadership styles and their impact on team performance.
  • Understand the challenges of leading diverse, multicultural, and global logistics teams.
  • Evaluate the role of leadership in driving innovation, resilience, and competitiveness.
  • Develop skills in planning and implementing change management initiatives.
  • Appreciate the importance of adaptive leadership in responding to global trade challenges.

The ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping is designed to prepare learners for senior responsibilities in the global shipping, logistics, and trade sectors. By completing this 60‑credit programme, learners gain advanced expertise in maritime economics, strategic risk management, supply chain analytics, innovation, governance, and leadership. This qualification creates strong vocational pathways for learners aiming to progress into executive, consultancy, and high‑level management roles across international trade and maritime industries.

  • Progress to higher vocational qualifications in international trade, shipping, logistics, and supply chain leadership.
  • Access senior roles such as shipping manager, logistics director, freight forwarding consultant, or port operations strategist.
  • Build the expertise required for specialist positions in maritime economics, risk management, and supply chain analytics.
  • Strengthen employability in global shipping agencies, freight forwarding companies, logistics providers, port authorities, and multinational trade organisations.
  • Develop a pathway towards executive leadership training in corporate governance, strategic planning, and change management.
  • Enhance professional credibility by demonstrating mastery of advanced international shipping practices.
  • Prepare for roles requiring strategic decision‑making, innovation, and organisational leadership in maritime and logistics operations.
  • Establish a long‑term career pathway towards senior management, consultancy, and policy advisory positions in shipping, logistics, and global trade services.

FAQs

The ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping is designed for learners who want to advance their expertise in global trade, shipping, and logistics at a senior level. It is suitable for freshers aiming to build a strong career pathway in international trade, as well as professionals seeking to progress into leadership, consultancy, or specialist roles. Learners interested in maritime economics, supply chain analytics, corporate governance, and strategic leadership will find this programme highly valuable.

Learners who complete this diploma can pursue senior roles such as shipping manager, logistics director, freight forwarding consultant, port operations strategist, or supply chain leader. The qualification also supports career growth in areas such as maritime economics, risk management, innovation in logistics, and corporate governance. With its international focus, the diploma enhances employability in shipping agencies, freight forwarding companies, logistics providers, port authorities, and multinational trade organisations.

The ICTQual International Level 6 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping is a 60 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 6 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 6 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.