BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management with Foundation Year

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 Arden’s 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 AU extensive industry links, including with member organisations of the UK’s NOVUS Trust network,AU 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).

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. AU dual accredited BSc (Hons) Supply Chain and Logistics course will engage and inspire you through course modules that have been devised by Arden 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.

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 4-12 years to complete this course, meaning you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of AU students, however, aim to complete the course within 4-8 years.

Foundation year

Preparing for University Success
Exploring the Business Environment
Advancing your Academic Skills
Becoming an Effective Leader
Planning for Your Future Success
Investigation & Innovation Project

Level 4

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)
Digital Skills and Professional Development (20 credits)
Technology and Innovation (20 credits)

Level 5

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)
Data Analytics and Management (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

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at AU study centres in London Ealing, London Tower Hill, London Holborn, and Birmingham

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
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

Full time blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose AU 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.

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 team is more than happy to discuss your application.

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 AU 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.
Arden also offer this course as a standard bachelor’s degree without foundation year.

Course fee

International Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£4000

UK Fee	Fee
fee per level:	£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 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.

AU also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency.

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

Enquire Now

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. AU 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. 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 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

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.

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.

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.

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 AU 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.

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 Arden is able to provide you with the best possible university experience.