BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management with Foundation Year

Supply Chain Management

BSc (Hons) & Foundation Year

Summary

Study level
Full time
4 years
Location
London, Manchester, Birmingham
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

Are you interested in pursuing a rewarding career in the supply chain sector, but aren’t sure if you’re ready for university study? Then our supply chain management degree with an integrated foundation year might be just the solution you’ve been looking for. 

This course has been designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in higher education, even if you don’t have the academic confidence or qualifications to join a standard undergraduate course. The foundation year is the perfect choice if you need a little extra support as you start your journey, offering study-skills and guidance at every stage.

Studying your degree in supply chain management with us means you’ll be taught and supported by lecturers with extensive professional experience at companies such as 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 the European Commission and the UK Government. Because of our extensive industry links, including with member organisations of the UK’s NOVUS Trust network, we’re able to present you with real business problems during your degree. This will allow you to develop a thorough and in-depth understanding of the industry and the real-world challenges you’ll face in your future career. Importantly, you’ll find that the course takes a systematic approach, with each module building on the knowledge gained in the previous one, and 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 offers full exemption from the educational requirements for Chartered Membership, speeding up your time to Chartered Member status as well as providing you with access to a wealth of industry resources. It is also in the process of being accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). 

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

Find out more

Course details and modules

For any business looking to make their supply chain and logistics operations more efficient, taking advantage of the latest developments in supply chain and logistics is crucial. Our dual accredited BSc (Hons) Supply Chain and Logistics course 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 logical, sequential approach to supply chain, where each subject module builds on the knowledge of the previous one with interconnected content to help build on your understanding and knowledge. The course also focuses on hands-on, real-world skills so that you’ll graduate with practical experience you can apply in the workplace. 

Clare Gillon

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 course. It is a big step to make and having the support through the whole process really helped.

Clare Gillon
MA Strategic Marketing - Online

Modules

  • Preparing for University SuccessExploring the Business Environment
  • Advancing your Academic Skills
  • Becoming an Effective Leader
  • Planning for Your Future Success
  • Investigation & Innovation Project
  • Core:
  • Business Research Methods and Analysis (20 credits)Business Consulting (20 credits)
    Principles of Procurement and Contract Management
  • (20 credits)
  • Governance in a Global Business Environment (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Project Management (20 credits)
  • Elective:
  • Digital Skills and Professional Development (20 credits)
  • Technology and Innovation (20 credits)
  • Core:
  • Operations and Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Agile Project Management (20 credits)
  • Sustainable and Circular Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Applied Logistics Management (20 credits)
  • Operational Risk and Resilience (20 credits)
  • Elective:
  • Digital & Social Media Marketing (20 credits)
  • AI and Big Data Analytics (20 credits)
  • Digital Supply Chain 4.0 (20 credits)
  • Strategic Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Quality Management (20 credits)
  • Social Value Networks (20 credits)
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Research Project (40 credits)

How do we assess you?

Authentic assessments, no exams

Unlike on more traditional degree courses, you won’t be sitting any exams on this course. Instead, our assessments have been designed to help you apply your learning to real-world scenarios. This means you’ll have the opportunity to align your studies to how you’ll help transform supply chain operations and functions in your future career.

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 Project

The course concludes with an independent study assessment which forms your Research Project module. Here you’ll have the opportunity to work on a live topic provided by one of our industry network partners – presenting your findings and solutions to a real-world organisation. This will give you highly advantageous networking opportunities alongside assessment, as you’ll be able to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers even before you graduate. 

Other assessment methods

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

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

Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at our study centres in London EalingLondon Tower HillLondon Holborn, and Birmingham

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 full-time blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden study centre of your choice. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, our university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to our Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully.

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 study centres. 

If you're a student from England who is enrolling on a full-time blended learning course with Arden (based in one of our UK study centres) then you're also entitled to a Living Cost Loan to help pay for your living expenses. Our distance learning students resident in the UK can only apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. 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 on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

This course is also available to study full-time at our campus in Berlin, Germany, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience life as an international student in the heart of one of Europe’s most dynamic and historic cities.

Please note: study centre classes are temporarily being conducted online in our virtual classroom due to Covid-19 restrictions. Face-to-face classes will resume once the current restrictions are lifted. 

Learn more about blended learning

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
  • Perlego online library access giving you access to over half a million books, journals and articles
  • 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.

Eligibility

  • To be eligible for the BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management with Foundation Year course, you must normally have:
  • At least 3 x GCSEs OR 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years we would also ask to see a professional CV.
  • If you don’t meet these requirements, your application may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and reference.
  • We also offer this course as a standard bachelor’s degree without foundation year. To view the course details, please click here.

English proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (no less than 5.5 in any element).
  • Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as 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 the above evidence of English proficiency. More information can be found here.

Course fees and funding

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

Graduates with skills in supply chain management are important to any business that offers a service or product, so the career opportunities are huge. This is one of the few areas that touches almost every industry, and has employment opportunities globally. Our supply chain and logistics lecturers are all highly experienced professionals from the sector. They have strong links to the industry and understand how to help you identify career opportunities both nationally and globally. Supply chain and logistics is also a great industry to work in if you like the idea of working for household name brands such as Apple, Amazon, Cargolux, Hilton Hotels, McDonalds, Phillips, and Tesco. Our lecturers have held senior positions in supply chain with these companies and so are perfectly placed to guide your future career success. On the course you’ll also have regular guest speaker events from prominent figures in the industry, giving you even more opportunity to network, ask questions, and develop your career. 

What will the BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management with Foundation Year do for me?

Your course will focus strongly 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. Studying this course with us is your opportunity to:

  • Understand business research methods and analysis
  • Understand business Consulting and the global business environment 
  • Learn fundamental skills in project management
  • Develop skills in operations and supply chain management 
  • Learn about the principles of procurement 
  • Understand sustainable and circular supply chain management
  • Learn about applied logistics management
  • Develop skills in digital analytics and digital supply chain 4.0
  • Understand the importance of quality management
  • Gain multifunctional skills that will maximise your employability and career potential.
  • According to the CIPS Procurement Salary Guide 2022 56% of employers request MCIPS or studying towards in when recruiting.
  • Employees with CIPS credentials earned an average of 21% more than those without.

What can I do after Arden University?

The BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management with Foundation Year will help you develop the skills you need to accelerate your career in the supply chain sector. 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: 

  • Logistics manager
  • Supply chain manager
  • Supply chain solution analyst
  • Strategic sourcing manager
  • Buyer
  • Procurement manager/specialist
  • Commodities manager
  • Quality manager
  • Production planner
  • Purchasing manager

Industry skills

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)

Established in 1919, CILT is the leading professional body for those involved in the movement of goods and people and their associated supply chains worldwide. Bringing together the five distinct communities of Logistics & Freight Movement, People Mobility, Planning in Transport, Operations and Supply Chain Management and Sustainability & the Global Community, they provide specialist activities and multi-sector engagement through their associated forums and policy groups. 

Having received accreditation from CILT, the programme now offers you full exemption from the educational requirements for Chartered Membership, helping speed along your Chartered Member status and aiding your career progression possibilities. You can also become a CILT member for a discounted fee of only £39 per year during your studies, giving you access to a range of valuable industry resources and professional development and networking opportunities.

Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)

This course is currently in the process of achieving accreditation by 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 across the industry, and provides highly beneficial networking opportunities across a global network to its current membership of more than 100,000 individuals. 

Business Graduates Association (BGA)

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.

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.

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.