The LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping is a UK accredited qualification designed to provide professionals and career changers with a strong foundation in global trade and maritime operations. This program introduces learners to the essential principles of international trade, shipping documentation, marine insurance, and trade finance, making it an ideal choice for those looking to build practical skills in the shipping and logistics sector.
International trade and shipping are the backbone of the global economy, connecting businesses, ports, and supply chains across continents. The Level 3 Diploma in International Trade and Shipping UK equips learners with the knowledge to understand trade flows, manage shipping operations, and apply compliance standards in real‑world contexts. From bills of lading and Incoterms to cargo handling and payment systems, this course covers the critical elements that drive efficiency and reliability in global commerce.
Delivered through flexible online study, this UK accredited international trade and shipping qualification is designed to fit around professional commitments. The curriculum is aligned with international standards, ensuring that learners gain skills recognized worldwide. With a focus on practical application, participants learn how to manage shipping documentation, apply trade finance instruments, and understand the basics of marine insurance and risk management.
What makes this program stand out is its balance of theory and workplace relevance. Learners not only gain technical knowledge but also develop professional communication skills essential for working with shipping companies, trade partners, and financial institutions. The course emphasizes clarity, compliance, and confidence—qualities that are highly valued in the shipping and trade industry.
By completing the LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping, learners position themselves for career growth in logistics, shipping operations, trade finance, and international business. This qualification offers a clear pathway to professional development, industry recognition, and future progression into advanced studies or senior roles in global trade and shipping.
Course Overview
Qualification Title
LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping
Total Units
6
Total Credits
60
GLH
240
Qualification #
LICQ2201311
Qualification Specification
To enroll in the LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping, applicants must meet the following criteria:
|
Qualification# |
Unit Title |
Credits |
GLH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LICQ2201311-1 |
Fundamentals of International Trade and Shipping |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201311-2 |
Shipping Documentation and Trade Compliance |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201311-3 |
Shipping Operations and Cargo Handling Basics |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201311-4 |
Introduction to Marine Insurance and Risk |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201311-5 |
Trade Finance and Payment Methods in Shipping |
10 |
40 |
|
LICQ2201311-6 |
Professional Communication in Trade and Shipping |
10 |
40 |
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
Unit 1: Fundamentals of International Trade and Shipping
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the role of international trade and shipping in the global economy.
- Identify key stakeholders in global trade, ports, and shipping networks.
- Demonstrate understanding of Incoterms and their impact on trade contracts.
- Apply basic trade and shipping concepts to real‑world business scenarios.
- Evaluate the importance of shipping in supporting global supply chains.
- Recognize how trade policies and agreements influence shipping operations.
Unit 2: Shipping Documentation and Trade Compliance
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of essential shipping documents such as bills of lading and letters of credit.
- Apply compliance standards to ensure accuracy in trade documentation.
- Explain the role of customs regulations and international trade laws.
- Evaluate the importance of documentation in reducing trade disputes.
- Recognize risks associated with incomplete or inaccurate shipping paperwork.
- Strengthen practical skills in preparing and reviewing trade documents.
Unit 3: Shipping Operations and Cargo Handling Basics
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Identify the main processes in port operations and cargo handling.
- Apply basic logistics principles to improve cargo flow efficiency.
- Demonstrate understanding of multimodal transport systems in shipping.
- Evaluate the impact of cargo handling on supply chain performance.
- Recognize international safety standards in cargo operations.
- Recommend strategies to improve efficiency in shipping operations.
Unit 4: Introduction to Marine Insurance and Risk
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the principles of marine insurance and its role in trade.
- Identify different types of marine insurance policies and coverage.
- Apply risk assessment techniques to shipping and cargo operations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of claims handling and settlement procedures.
- Evaluate the importance of insurance in protecting shipping assets.
- Recognize international conventions governing marine insurance practices.
Unit 5: Trade Finance and Payment Methods in Shipping
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Explain the role of trade finance in international shipping transactions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of payment methods such as letters of credit and collections.
- Apply trade finance instruments to support shipping operations.
- Evaluate the importance of secure payment systems in global trade.
- Recognize risks in trade finance and recommend preventive measures.
- Strengthen understanding of financial flows in shipping and logistics.
Unit 6: Professional Communication in Trade and Shipping
By the end of this unit, learners will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective communication with clients, customs, and trade partners.
- Apply professional writing skills to shipping and trade documentation.
- Use negotiation and problem‑solving skills in trade and shipping contexts.
- Evaluate the importance of cultural awareness in international communication.
- Develop strategies to build trust and credibility in global trade.
- Recognize the role of communication in supporting trade and shipping decisions.
The LICQual UK Level 3 Diploma in International Trade – Shipping is designed for professionals who want to strengthen their expertise in global trade, shipping operations, and compliance. It is particularly valuable for individuals already working in logistics, ports, trade finance, or shipping who want to expand their knowledge, as well as career changers seeking to transition into the international trade and maritime sector. This qualification provides practical, workplace‑ready skills that can be applied immediately in professional roles.
Shipping and Logistics Professionals
- Gain a strong foundation in international trade and shipping finance.
- Strengthen knowledge of cargo handling, documentation, and compliance.
- Improve efficiency in logistics and supply chain operations.
- Apply trade finance methods to support shipping transactions.
- Enhance career prospects in global logistics and maritime trade.
Port and Maritime Operations Staff
- Build structured knowledge of shipping operations and cargo handling.
- Learn best practices in trade compliance and marine insurance.
- Strengthen financial awareness for port and shipping activities.
- Improve communication with shipping companies and trade partners.
- Position yourself for supervisory or management opportunities.
Trade Finance and Banking Professionals
- Understand the financial instruments used in global shipping.
- Strengthen expertise in letters of credit, bills of lading, and collections.
- Improve coordination between banks, insurers, and shipping firms.
- Apply compliance standards to international trade transactions.
- Enhance credibility in global trade and financial services.
Marine Insurance and Risk Officers
- Apply insurance principles to protect shipping assets and cargo.
- Strengthen risk assessment and claims handling skills.
- Promote compliance with international marine insurance frameworks.
- Manage liability and risk exposure in shipping operations.
- Build professional standing in insurance and risk management.
Customs and Trade Compliance Specialists
- Gain expertise in international trade regulations and documentation.
- Apply compliance frameworks to reduce trade disputes and penalties.
- Strengthen knowledge of Incoterms and customs procedures.
- Improve accuracy in preparing and reviewing shipping documents.
- Support organizations in meeting global trade compliance standards.
Career Changers Entering International Trade and Shipping
- Transition into the maritime and trade sector with a UK accredited qualification.
- Gain practical knowledge of shipping operations, finance, and compliance.
- Build confidence in applying international trade standards to real‑world roles.
- Strengthen employability in shipping, logistics, and trade finance.
- Position yourself for new career opportunities in global commerce.
Assessment and Verification
All units within this qualification are subject to internal assessment by the approved centre and external verification by LICQual. The qualification follows a criterion-referenced assessment approach, ensuring that learners meet all specified learning outcomes.
To achieve a ‘Pass’ in any unit, learners must provide valid, sufficient, and authentic evidence demonstrating their attainment of all learning outcomes and compliance with the prescribed assessment criteria. The Assessor is responsible for evaluating the evidence and determining whether the learner has successfully met the required standards.
Assessors must maintain a clear and comprehensive audit trail, documenting the basis for their assessment decisions to ensure transparency, consistency, and compliance with quality assurance requirements.
