MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Supply Chain Management and Logistics

MSc

Summary

Study level
Award
Part time
1 year+
Location
Berlin or Online
Faculty of Business

What makes Arden University special?

Education
Education for everyone, everywhere
Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.
Where to study
You decide how and where to study
We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.
Support
Full support both online and on-site
We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.
Employability
Strong focus on employability
You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.

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 Supply Chain Management and Logistics course you’ll be guided and supported by lecturers with extensive professional experience. 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 accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). This offers full exemption from the educational requirements for Chartered Membership of both CILT and CIPS, providing you with access to a wealth of industry resources, and speeding up your journey to Chartered Membership of CILT. 

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Award
Professional Accreditation
The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). This offers full exemption from the educational requirements for Chartered Membership of CILT and CIPS, as well as speeding up your time to Chartered Member status of CILT.

Find out more

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. Our CILT and CIPS accredited MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics will engage and inspire you through course modules that have been devised by our faculty of experienced supply chain practitioners 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?
Sathesh Paramasivam

I like that the course encourages you to study independently, but you still have guidance and can ask the tutors questions whenever you need clarification. The online learning aspect of the course and the features available on ilearn have been excellent.

Sathesh Paramasivam
MSc Data Analytics & Marketing - Berlin campus

Modules

  • Designing Global Distribution Networks and Fulfilment Systems (20 credits)
  • Designing Sustainable Supply Chain Strategies (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Managing the Digital Supply Chain (20 credits)
  • Principles of Procurement (20 credits)
  • Business Transformation Projects (60 credits)
  • Analysing Big Data (20 credits)
  • Management of Traditional Projects (20 credits)
  • Developing People, Leadership and Capabilities (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 MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics 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. 

Business Transformation Project

The MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics concludes with an independent study assessment which forms the 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. 

Abdulrahaman Usman

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

Full-time blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose our blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden campus of your choice. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, our university campus in the cloud.

Blended learning is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face to face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who live within commuting or driving distance of one of our UK campuses.

If you're a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of our UK campuses) then you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan to help pay for your living expenses. You can find more information on our fees and funding page. If you're a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information about obtaining a student loan to cover your costs from your student finance body.

This course is also available to study full-time at our campus in Berlin, Germany.

Learn more about blended learning

Part-time online learning

How does it work?

Studying your degree online with Arden means you can earn your anywhere in the world 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.

Online 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

Ilearn

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 access to our Library Portal.

Library portal

The library portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your Supply Chain Management degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources we’ve put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.
 
Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

  • Office 365 subscription
  • Integrated zoom video conferencing
  • Careers support in-person and online available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
  • Free online access to our Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which we’ve carefully hand-picked to support your studies – all yours for free while you study with us.
  • Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support

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 you need to study with us

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study in a flexible and convenient way. That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you'll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.

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.

Eligibility

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

  • A UK Honours Degree at a minimum of second class (2:2) or equivalent. Some of our students decide to join us straight after they complete their undergraduate studies. 
  • Or, for those joining us after time in the workplace, we recommend that 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

Course fees and funding

Funding and Scholarships

The Arden University Postgraduate Merit Scholarship offers UK Online Learning students with a 2.1 undergraduate degree or higher £2,000 off our postgraduate tuition fees. You can also apply for up to £12,167 funding from Student Finance England fund your studies.  

If you’re an international student, we have a number of Regional Offers that can help you save money on your tuition fees.

Refer a Friend

When you help a friend or family member to study with Arden through our Refer a Friend programme, both you and the person you refer will receive a £500 Amazon e-voucher or £500 tuition fee credit.

Find your country

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

Professor Dilshad Sheikh

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.

Professor 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.

What will the MSc in Supply Chain Management and Logistics 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.
  • According to the 2022 CIPS Procurement Salary Guide, 56% of employers request MCIPS or studying towards it when recruiting.
  • Employees with CIPS credentials earn an average of 21% more than those without.

What can I do after Arden University?

The MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics 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

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (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

Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (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. 

As a CIPS-accredited degree, this programme offers full exemption from the educational requirements for Chartered Membership. You’ll also have free membership to the CIPS throughout your studies, giving you access to a wealth of valuable academic and professional resources. These include the CIPS intelligence hub and Supply Management magazine, self-assessment tools, career and continued professional development support, and global networking opportunities. And you’ll have the opportunity to sit the CIPS Ethical Procurement and Supply certificate free of charge, which is a prerequisite for Chartered Membership.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership.

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.

This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives our faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of our courses and teaching methods, ensuring that we are able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

Business Graduates Association

The BGA is a membership and quality assurance body. As a member, Arden University have signed up to the BGA Charter, committing their institution to responsible management practices and lifelong learning, positively impacting their students, communities, and the economy. This shows our students that we are demonstrating responsible management ourselves, as well as it being a central theme that runs through our own courses.

As Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), students will receive complementary BGA student and graduate membership. Through this membership, current students will have access to the BGA Career Development Centre, packed with interactive tools, e-learning content, partner discounts and the latest job opportunities. This is a lifetime access, which means students will continue to have access to these services even after they graduate.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

  • Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with our curriculum and your career goals.
  • Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
  • Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.