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Digital Supply Chain Management

MSc

Home Courses Postgraduate Business & Management degree

Summary

Study level

Postgraduate

Award

Master's

Part time

1 year+

Location

Online

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Faculty of Business

Course Overview

Across international organisations, governments, industries, and services we find supply chains of systems, people, resources, and information that are all vital in keeping the world moving. On our MSc Digital Supply chain Management course you’ll be guided and supported by lecturers with professional experience at Apple, Amazon, Cargolux, Hilton hotels, Jaguar, McDonalds, Musgrave, Phillips, and Tesco. The team behind this course have also been instrumental in commercial and policy formation of supply chains with European Commission and the UK Government.

Now, more than ever, it is vital for businesses across all industries to invest in their supply chains and embrace the latest digital technologies to optimise supply chain operations. As you study this course you’ll develop strategic operations skills that are highly sought after in any sector offering a product or service. Through a blend of core and optional course modules, you’ll get ready to address the challenges created by today's competitive, omni-channel supply chain environment and learn how to develop an agile, customer responsive, and profitable supply chain. Having been devised in consultation with leading employers in supply chain, this is a modern degree that will teach you skills that are in desperate need within the industry, including cutting edge digital practices such as blockchain, security, and governance. This will prepare you to tackle new challenges in the modern supply chain environment, such as financial fraud and sanctions violations. Importantly, you’ll find that the course takes a systematic view to supply chain, with each module building on the knowledge gained in the previous one, with interconnected content that helps you accumulate new skills in a logical sequence.

The course is in the process of being accredited by three of the industry’s leading professional bodies, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), giving you Chartered Membership status upon graduation, as well as the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). This triple accreditation gives you a degree that is a powerful addition to your CV, giving you an almost limitless choice of employment and career progression possibilities.

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Career development resources

You'll have online access to a huge range of career development tools from the day you start studying.

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We are in the process of gaining accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

Course details and modules

For any business looking to make their supply chain more efficient, taking advantage of the latest developments in digitised systems and functions is crucial. The MSc Digital Supply Chain Management will engage and inspire you through course modules that have been devised by our faculty of experienced supply chain practitioners (Apple, Amazon, Cargolux, Hilton hotels, Jaguar, McDonalds, Tesco) to give your studies a ‘real world’ focus. The course takes a systems view to supply chain, where each module builds on the knowledge of the previous one with interconnected content to help build on your understanding and knowledge of supply chain management. The course also focuses on hands-on, real-world experience with relevant software applications so that you will graduate with practical experience you can apply in the workplace.

Here at Arden we know the decision to undertake postgraduate study is a major one for all students.

Is now the right time to study a master's degree?

The staff and the support along the way has been amazing. Any questions or enquiries are answered. I cannot thank the admissions team enough for their part in advising and supporting me through this MA. It is a big step to make and having the support through the whole process really helped.

Clare Gillon

MA Strategic Marketing - Online

Modules

Core Modules

Designing Global Network Distribution & Fulfilment Systems (20 credits)
Designing Sustainable Supply Chain Strategies (20 credits)
Introduction to the Digital Supply Chain (20 credits)
Managing the Digital Supply Chain (20 credits)
Digital Procurement (20 credits)
Digital Business Transformation Project (60 credits)

Elective modules (select one)

Analysing Big Data (20 credits)
Digital Finance and Ledger Systems (20 credits)
Leading and Working in the Digital Business Environment (20 credits)
Managing Cloud-based Business Solutions (20 credits)

*The order and availability of the optional modules within each level may vary depending on intake and subject to demand.

How do we assess you?

Assessments

Unlike on more traditional degree courses, you won’t be sitting any exams on this MSc. Assessments on our master’s in digital supply chain management have been designed to help you apply your learning to real-word scenarios. This means you’ll have the opportunity to align your studies to how you’ll help transform your organisation’s supply chain operations and functions once you have completed the course.

Practice-driven

Your course assessments will be practice-driven, focusing on your experience as an industry practitioner while encouraging peer-to-peer sharing and ideation. This modern approach will encourage you to apply your knowledge to organisational challenges systematically and with an in-depth awareness of what is at stake.

Digital Business Transformation Project

The MSc Digital Supply Chain Management concludes with an independent study assessment which forms the Digital Business Transformation Project module. You’ll identify an area of digital business transformation which is of interest to you and then apply your own research and discoveries to the topic, building upon your learning from previous course modules and developing a managerial digital transformation plan related to your own organisation, or one you are familiar with.

Other assessment methods

Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning through additional assessments including:

Reflective analysis
Supply chain plans
Stakeholder engagement plans
Supply chain models and engines
Software appraisals work
Supply chain transformation strategies

Study options

This course is available to students as a fully online programme, which gives you the convenience of being able to study from anywhere worldwide.

As a mature student the key factors that I wanted when deciding which university was best for me was quality content, a flexible learning schedule, and programme accreditation. During my research I found that Arden really stood out, and I could study without having to give up my job.

Abdulrahaman Usman

Master of Business Administration

Online learning

How does it work?

Studying the MSc Digital Supply Chain Management online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

Our online students study their degree through ilearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. ilearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and online library (which when used along with our supplementary library, Perlego, gives you access to almost half a million books and journals – yours for free while you study with us).

ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy.

Studying online doesn’t mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We’ve even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you’re currently learning.

Distance learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you're a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Learn more about online learning

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

What do you need to study with us?

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.

That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you'll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and our online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively.

We’ll also support you with getting access to the design resources you need, wherever you study from, including assistance with obtaining any design software you need to successfully complete the course.

Find out more

Eligibility

To be eligible for this MSc in Digital Supply Chain Management course at Arden University, you must normally have:

A UK Honours Degree at a minimum of second class (2.2) or equivalent

Some students decide to join us straight after they complete their undergraduate studies. For those joining us after time in the workplace, recommend they have five years of experience as a manager of people or projects.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 90; or equivalent
Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English; a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted

We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide an English Proficiency letter. More information on this can be found here.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Course fees and funding

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Use the dropdown above to find course fees and funding information for your country. If you can’t find information for your country in the dropdown, visit our International support page.

Meet the faculty

Here at Arden University we strive to provide a fresh and unique approach to your business and management education. With ideas and experiences taken from employers and thought leaders across the world, we give you the opportunity to put proven business skills and techniques into practice during your studies. I look forward to welcoming you to the Arden University family.

Dilshad Sheikh

Dean of the Faculty of Business

Career prospects

Supply chain management is a key skill for any business that offers a service or product, so the career opportunities are vast. Supply chain is one the few areas that touches almost every industry, and has employment opportunities globally. Joining this course is a fantastic opportunity for international students who want to progress in the supply chain professions to boost their career impact and earning potential. Your master’s degree will give you the skills you need to demonstrate senior-level management expertise, enhancing your CV for future employers. So, wherever you want to take your career next, the choice is yours.

Related courses

What will the MSc in Digital Supply Chain Management do for my career?

Understanding how to digitise, economise, and optimise a supply chain is a highly desirable skill. That’s why your course will focus on real-world practice, giving you the opportunity to apply what you learn to real business scenarios. Guest speakers and lecturers from industry will also inform you about the latest developments in the sector as you progress through your studies. Some of the key learnings you’ll take away from this course include:

Developing a variety of transferable skills suited to an extensive range of supply chain and operations roles.
Evaluating options for enhancing supply chain efficiency in the digital business environment.
Analysing Big Data sets to identify supply chain forecasts, trends, and plans.
Designing agile, sustainable and flexible supply chain engines for success in the digital business environment.
Evaluating the contribution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics in contemporary supply chain management.
Exploring the various digital technologies, software applications and business models that might be employed to maximise supply chain efficiency and sustainability in the global business environment.  
Evaluating methodologies for data analysis and modelling, develop and evaluate supply chain plans and explore the importance of people management when building effective supply chain relationships.
Analysing relevant theory, case material and the enabling technologies that might be deployed to optimise supply chain performance.
Gaining multifunctional skills that will maximise your employability and career potential.

What can I do after Arden University?

The MSc Digital Supply Chain Management will help you develop the skills you need to accelerate your career to a senior management or leadership role in change and digital transformation within the supply chain profession. The course has been extensively informed by leading names in industry including Amazon, Mail, Kuehne & Nagel, Coca Cola, and Nestlé, who have identified current skills gaps in supply chain across the global workforce. This means you’ll learn skills and competencies that are needed today by some of the world’s most prominent and influential employers. So whether you want to join or continue working for an already established business, start your own company, or become a consultant, the course will give you everything you need to explore multiple career paths. Some roles you may want to consider after graduation include:

Supply chain solution design analyst
Supply chain IT & cyber specialist
Logistics manager/director
Strategic sourcing manager
Buyer
Procurement manager/specialist
Commodities manager
Quality manager
Production planner
Purchasing manager

Industry skills

This course is currently undergoing the validation procedure, and will eventually have much sought after triple accreditation status with the following professional organisations:

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

The CILT is the leading international voice for supply chain, logistics, and transport. The organisation is regarded as the leading professional body globally by those both within and outside the profession.
The CILT is passionate about your education and provides a number of useful membership services. Established in 1919 the organisation now has a presence in more than 30 countries worldwide, influencing and shaping government policy across many economies and providing education and training at all levels and in all sectors.

Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)

CIPS is a UK-based global professional body which aims to promote and develop high standards of professional skill, ability, and integrity among all those engaged in purchasing and supply chain management. The CIPS is also committed to the promotion of good practice cross the industry, and provides highly beneficial networking opportunities across a global network to its current membership of more than 100,000 individuals.

The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)

ASCM is a global leader in supply chain organisational transformation, innovation, and leadership. They are the most visible nonprofit body for supply chain professionals and companies globally, spearheading the latest thought leadership across all aspects of supply chain. Built on a foundation of APICS certification and training spanning 60 years, ASCM supports end-to-end professional development and education opportunities through its global network, and provides online learning opportunities for its members.

Business Graduates Association (BGA)

Arden University’s Faculty of Business is an esteemed member institution of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), an international quality assurance body of world-leading education providers who share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning. Membership with the BGA means that Arden University will support its students’ professional growth, allowing them to contribute to an international network in which ‘Leaders Never Stop Learning’.