MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management

The MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management programme calls upon established industry links and sector-leading research to equip students with the required expertise. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of supply chain management in managing global risks.

It will provide students with a robust understanding of global logistics and supply chains and the analytical tools for managing them in the modern business environment. The programme also gives you the opportunity to participate in real-life case studies and to develop the skills required to make informed decisions.

This programme gives those who have worked in the field the opportunity to formalise their knowledge through an MSc study, and offers an opportunity for others from different disciplines to gain new specialist knowledge and expertise within the area.

This year-long Master's programme focuses almost entirely on the area of Logistics and Supply Chain Management. It blends latest academic thinking with best practices from the industry to give graduates and professionals the opportunity to advance with a highly employable skillset. The programme is also available for part-time study in Dubai, and can be completed over a duration of 24 months.

The Edinburgh Business School approach

Our mix of research-led, industry-focussed learning offers the ideal preparation for those who aspire to build successful careers in the ever-advancing discipline of Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Students will study a mix of core courses and then choose from a range of option courses

If you study this programme you will develop expertise across key areas of the subject, including:

• Logistics and supply chain strategies

• Operations management and inventory planning

• Procurement and supplier management

• Freight transport and warehouse management

• Supply chain risk and resilience

• Digital supply chain optimisation

Transferrable skills for industry

On top of expertise you will gain in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, this programme will equip you with the ability to think critically, apply analytical skills, identify problems, evaluate options and communicate solutions. These crucial, transferable skills will allow you to effectively implement your specialist knowledge and adapt to any supply chain or logistical problem you may face in your career.

Career

Being equipped with the mind-set, knowledge and expertise to manage any organisation’s supply chain processes should mark you out as an excellent candidate for the following roles in an increasing number of industries:

• Supply Chain Consultant

• Supply Chain Manager

• Logistics Manager

• Procurement Specialist

• Distribution Manager

Recent graduates from our MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management programme have gone on to work for global organisations such as DHL, Cisco, Nestle, Bridgestone, IKEA, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Proctor and Gamble, Unilever and Maersk.

Networking opportunities

After enrolling in the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management, students will have numerous networking opportunities with global business leaders and experts in the field at regular events hosted by Edinburgh Business School throughout the year.

Accreditation

Industry continues to look to individuals who can demonstrate their continued commitment to acquiring industry specific knowledge. Membership of internationally recognised professional bodies is therefore an important consideration in building a successful career.

Two important industry bodies, the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (UK) (CILT), and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) have accredited our MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management programme.

CILT accreditation

Students who successfully graduate from the above degrees will receive an exemption from the academic requirements for membership at either Chartered Member or Member level of the CILT. There may also be a reduction in the length of experience that they would require.

Strategies for Managing Supply Chains

Semester 1 (mandatory)

This course explores how logistics and supply chain management can be leveraged to gain a competitive advantage. When designing a supply chain strategy we consider taxonomies for the supply chain process selection as well as approaches to design and optimisation of the physical logistics network. Finally, we explore how disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), might affect the logistics sector and transform supply chains in the future.

Operations Management and Planning

Semester 1 (mandatory)

This course will help students understand the scope and importance of Operations Management and the role of operations managers. Students will study the interaction of operations on the organisation, employees and customers. You will examine the links between process and operations design, business strategy and globalisation.

You will learn about the different elements of operations and how to analyse an operational environment. You will also explore the challenges facing the operations manager in adopting innovative practices such as lean, new technologies and the growing social agendas such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Freight Transport 

Semester 1 (mandatory)

This course examines the activities, resources and processes used in freight transport and warehousing including the foundations of multi-modal freight (road, rail, air-freight, sea-freight, pipeline); the change from warehouse (storage) to a distribution centre and value-adding activates; foundations of warehouse management (storage systems, handling systems, order picking systems, equipment choices and selection); and freight and distribution centre interface and implications.

Global Purchasing and Supply

Semester 2 (mandatory)

Content includes purchasing processes and activities; theory and the make or buy decision; category management and supplier sourcing; supplier performance and relationship management; supplier development and the role that purchasing plays in New Product Development (NPD); procuring complex performance; partnership; ethics and social responsibility.

Research Philosophy and Practice

Semester 2 (mandatory)

This course provides an understanding of the social science research process, as well as theory and approaches to research. It also develops practical skills (i.e. quantitative and qualitative techniques) in data analysis to transform the raw data into information that guides marketing management valuations.

MSc dissertation

A dissertation is then completed between May and August for full-time students and between May and November for part-time students.

Entry requirements

For MSc entry, a good relevant Honours degree (first or second class) or equivalent overseas qualifications will be considered. Given the clear practical element of the programmes, we will also consider non-graduate candidates holding less than a good Honours degree, or its equivalent, but with compensating qualifications or experience may be admitted to the Postgraduate Diploma programme. Transfer to the MSc will be possible later on if exams and course work are at MSc level.

English language requirements

Where English was not the medium of instruction at secondary school, applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 (with all elements passed at 6.0 or above). Applicants who have completed secondary and tertiary education will need to provide documentary evidence. A minimum of one year full-time study in English will be required.