BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management

Course Overview

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 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 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.

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.

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

BlendedFee
Fee Per Year£ 9,250
Distance LearningFee
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 (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

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.  Our CILT and CIPS accredited BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management course 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 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 we assess you?

Assessments

Unlike on more traditional degree courses, you won’t be sitting any exams on this course. Assessments on our bachelor’s in logistics and supply chain management 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 your future employer’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 Project

The BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management concludes with an independent study assessment which forms your Business 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 analyses
Logistics and supply chain plans
Stakeholder engagement plans
Logistics and supply chain models and engines
Software appraisals work
Logistics and supply chain transformation strategies

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 our 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

  • Operations & Supply chain Management – 20 credits
  • Agile project management – 20 credits
  • Sustainable and circular supply chains – 20 credits
  • Applied logistics management – 20 credits
  • Operational risk & resilience – 20 credits
  • Data analytics & 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
  • Final project – 40 credits

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. Our 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. 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 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.

What is Blended Learning in Arden University ?

Do you want to study for a Degree, but feel like you just don’t have the time to fit it into your life? Arden University’s  Blended Learning courses combine innovative online learning with traditional, face-to-face classes to give you a more flexible way to study.

How does it work?

The face-to-face hours are delivered as a part-time course would be, but with the additional independent online learning, you can still complete your Degree in 3 years*. This Blended approach means you can study anytime, anywhere and your tutors and support teams can be contacted outside of the classroom, online or over the phone.

When can I study?

Requiring just 8 hours of classes a week at your chosen UK study centre, you will have the opportunity to select when you want to learn: weekdays or  evenings .

  • Weekdays: 2 days per week either 9.00–13.00 or 13.30-17.30
  • Evenings**: 2 evenings per week 17.30–21.30

Where can I study?

With  Arden study centres across Birmingham, London , Manchester and Berlin, we believe we can offer a study option that suits most lifestyles.

So, whether you’re a full-time parent, striving to be employee of the month, or just don’t want the traditional study methods offered by other universities, Blended Learning at Arden University offers all the flexibility and support you need to fit study around your life.

Take a look at the courses on offer and talk to one of the Ulearn’s course advisors through our Live Chat function, or complete an enquiry form and someone will be in touch.

*4 years if taken with a foundation year.
** selected centres and courses only.

Flexible Intake Dates

At Arden University you don’t have to start your Degree in September like most other universities. We offer 6 different intakes throughout the year so you can start your course at a time that suits you and fits around your commitments.

Undergraduate Intake Dates

  • September
  • November
  • February
  • April
  • June

 How much will it cost?

We believe costs shouldn’t be a barrier to personal development which is why the cost of studying with Arden is lower than traditional universities. If you are looking for a smart, value for money option then look no further – you can stay in control of your finance and focus on your learning.

You can choose to pay for your course in full, in installments or through employer sponsorship. For UK students, you can also choose to pay with a student loan, if you’re eligible. For more information and for up-to-date fees please visit: https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year 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 access to our 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 our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy. 

Studying online does not 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 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 are 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 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.