MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Course Overview

Across international organisations, industries, and services we find supply chains of systems, people, resources, and information that are all crucial in keeping the world moving. Our MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics course has been created by lecturers with professional experience at Apple, Amazon, Cargolux, Hilton hotels, Jaguar, McDonalds, Musgrave, Phillips, and Tesco. The team behind the course have also worked with the European Commission and the UK Government in supply chain implementation. 

Today, it is essential for businesses 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. 

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. It is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). This double accreditation gives you a degree that is a powerful addition to your CV, giving you an almost limitless choice of employment and career progression possibilities. 

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 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 students decide to join us straight after they complete their undergraduate studies. For those joining us after time in the workplace, recommend they have five years of experience as a manager of people or projects. 

Course fee

 International Fee Fee
Fee per year:£10550
Uk FeeFee
Total fee:£9500
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 60-78; 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.

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

The MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics here at Arden University Berlin 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 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.

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 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 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 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

Core Modules

  • Designing Global Network Distribution & 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 Project (60 credits)

Elective modules (select one)

  • 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.

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 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

What will the MSc 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.

Full-time study in Berlin

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 our centrally located Berlin campus. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, our online learning platform and university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study your degree successfully when you’re away from campus. You’ll also have access to our online library, BibliU, which contains almost half a million books, journals, and industry literature which you can make use of throughout your studies, removing the need to buy expensive course books in order to study successfully.
 
Full time study in Berlin 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 are attracted by the opportunity to move to Germany to study, where you can take advantage of the employment opportunities available for overseas students. 

Part-time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the MSc Operations and 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. 
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 online library (which when used along with our supplementary library, BibliU, gives you access to almost half a million books and journals – yours for free while you study 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 doesn’t 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’ve 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.Â