BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management

Course Overview

The BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management course at Arden provides you with the real-world skills, knowledge, and competencies you need to start or progress your career in supply chain and logistics. This course has been created with in-depth consultation with leading employers in the sector to ensure that you graduate with the up-to-date, practical abilities that employers need right now.

Studying your degree in supply chain and logistics with us means you’ll be taught and supported by lecturers with extensive professional experience at companies. 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 AU extensive industry links, including with member organisations of the UK’s NOVUS Trust network, Arden is 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 view to logistics and 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.

Course details and modules

For any business looking to make their logistics and supply chain operations more efficient, taking advantage of the latest developments in logistics and supply chain is crucial. AU CILT and CIPS accredited BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management course will engage and inspire you through course modules that have been devised by AU faculty of experienced supply chain practitioners 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.

How do Arden University assess students?

AU assess students using diverse methods that go beyond traditional exams, especially in postgraduate certificate programs. Instead of exams, these programs employ practical, real-world assessments tailored to meet individual needs and help students develop transferable skills for their future careers. These assessments may include:

Essays: Developing critical thinking and analytical writing skills.
Consultancy Reports: Addressing real-world challenges with professional insights.
Recorded Presentations: Enhancing communication and presentation abilities.
Case Studies: Applying theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios.
E-Portfolios: Showcasing personal and academic achievements through organized digital collections.
Visual Research: Combining creativity and analytical skills to present research visually.

This approach ensures that students gain valuable, hands-on experience relevant to their career goals.

Modules

You have 3-9 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of AU students, however, aim to complete the course within 3 to 6 years.

Level 4

Business research methods & analysis – 20 credits
Business consulting – 20 credits
Principles of procurement & contract management – 20 credits
Governance in a global business environment – 20 credits
Introduction to project management – 20 credits
Digital Skills & Professional Development – 20 credits
Technology & innovation – 20 credits

Level 5

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)

Level 6

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)

Study options

The course is available to students via online learning. This gives you the convenience of being able to study from anywhere in the UK or worldwide, providing you with the same high standards of teaching but with lower tuition fees.

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the Bsc (Hons) 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.

AU 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 Arden Library Portal. The 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.

ilearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate Arden study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have your 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 like-minded students who you can meet with through Arden Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. Arden have 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.

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 Arden 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.

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 AU have 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 Arden Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which Arden have 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 applications are consider 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 -Arden is more than happy to discuss your application.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management course, you must normally have:

Two subjects at GCE A-Level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent.

Course fee

Blended	Fee
Fee Per Year	£ 9,250

Distance Learning	Fee
Fee Per Year	£ 6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English proficiency

IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent
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.

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 (AU recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Apply for the Course

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Career prospects

Graduates with skills in logistics and 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. AU logistics and supply chain 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. Logistics and supply chain 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. AU 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 can I do after Arden University?

The BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management will help you develop the skills you need to accelerate your career in the logistics and 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

What will the BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management 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 the BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management 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 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.

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)

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 AU faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of AU courses and teaching methods, ensuring that AU is able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

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 AU students that they are demonstrating responsible management ourselves, as well as it being a central theme that runs through AU 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 AU 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.