Advance your career skills by gaining an in-depth perspective of global supply chains, and develop the strategic and analytical tools to manage them.
This online programme is accredited by both the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), providing students with the opportunity to receive an award that is internationally valued and gain membership to two leading professional bodies.
Whether you are seeking to further your career in supply chain management or interested in gaining insight into global trends in the industry, this business focused MSc will help advance your knowledge of supply chain management and prepare you for the jobs of the future. The curriculum has been developed from in-depth research carried out by academics at Bayes Business School, one of the world's leading business schools and part of City, University of London.
You will be immersed in the latest technologies and innovations within the supply chain and global logistics industry, including artificial intelligence, block chain technology, big data analytics and automation. You will also explore live issues such as risk mitigation, sustainability and ethics.
Advance your knowledge of international business trends that shape supply chain thinking.
Study this programme at a teaching centre near you
You can receive local support from a local teaching centre, use the dropdown to find your nearest centre.
Successful graduates of the MSc programme with relevant work experience can apply for both MCIPS and CMILT designations, which represent a global standard for industry professionals.
Flexible learning options allow you to select the programme pathway that suits your needs and interests. You can obtain an MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate from anywhere in the world.
By studying this programme, you will:
develop an understanding of international business trends that shape global supply chains and how they impact your business.
be able to use your research project to better understand the challenges facing your business.
be kept up-to-date on key innovations within supply chain management and global logistics, including analytics and advanced technology usage.
Programme details
Programme structure, modules and specification
What must you complete?
MSc in Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics: Eight core modules, two optional modules and a Final Project.
Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics: Six core modules including 'core concepts of supply chain management' and any other two modules (either further core or optional modules).
This programme has two intake dates per year: April and October.
April 2023 intake
Applications open
19 December 2022
Application deadline
13 March 2023
Registration deadline
27 March 2023
Programme starts
17 April 2023
October 2022 intake
Applications open
27 June 2022
Application deadline
12 September 2022
Registration deadline
03 October 2022
Programme starts
10 October 2022
How you study
You can study this online programme from anywhere in the world. The flexible approach to learning enables you to fit your studies around your commitments whilst providing the academic rigour and structure of an on-campus programme.
Modules are offered over two 22-week sessions each academic year. You choose which sessions to enter and how many modules to take in each session.
Assessment deadlines are outlined clearly in advance of the session. You can study up to six modules (or four modules and the Strategic Project) at any one time. You will also receive comprehensive learning materials and support from online tutors.
Study materials
We provide you with all of the resources and study materials you need to complete the course successfully, including the essential reading for each module. You can access these through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) on a range of devices.
Our online learning resources typically include multimedia content, activities and exercises (e.g. multiple choice quizzes, reflective exercises and self-assessment questions), as well as facilities for you to interact with your tutor and fellow students. You’ll also receive access to two short introductory modules that help you get the most from your studies.
Online support
When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:
On the VLE you can access electronic copies of all printed study materials, resources including audio-visual, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others.
The Online Library provides access to over 100 million academic electronic items comprising E-books, E-journals, conference proceedings, etc. In addition, students can request items which are not held in the library via the library's Inter-Library loans service with the British Library.
Senate House Library provides free reference access for all registered distance and flexible learning students.
Tutor support
All students receive tutor support and feedback while studying this programme. Tutors introduce the modules, respond to queries, monitor discussions and provide guidance on assessments.
Student Support
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.
You will have access to support through:
The Student Advice Centre – provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
TalkCampus – a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
Time commitment
Study at your own pace, either part-time or full-time. Once you begin a module it is generally expected that you will complete it in the six-month session. Each module presents about 150 hours of study. Over a 22 week session, a 15 credit module will typically require five to seven hours of work/effort per week, and a 30 credit module will typically require ten to 15 hours of work/effort per week.
Assessment
Each module includes a mix of assessments. During your study period you will undertake formative assessments, which help you to measure your progress but do not count towards your grade, and summative assessments. Summative assessments do count towards the final grade. These include a mid-session coursework submission and an unseen written examination (or final project) at the end of the session.
Written examinations are held two times a year. You can defer sitting an exam once (subject to a fee) but you cannot defer the submission of coursework.
MSc and Postgraduate Diploma: a first or second-class bachelor’s degree (or an acceptable equivalent) preferably in a quantitative subject, or
applicants who wish to apply for MSc or Postgraduate Diploma but do not hold a bachelor’s degree, can apply directly by the “Work Experience Entry Route” providing that they have ten years minimum work experience in a relevant field, such as operations, manufacturing, supply chain management, logistics, procurement, retail, transportation, import/export, humanitarian SCM or similar, or
applicants who wish to apply for the MSc or Postgraduate Diploma but do not meet the above admission criteria, can still pursue these degrees through the “Progression Route” provided they have two years minimum work experience in a relevant field, such as operations, manufacturing, supply chain management, logistics, procurement, retail, transportation, import/export, humanitarian SCM or similar. The progression route involves completing the Postgraduate Certificate, at that point you may progress to either the Postgraduate Diploma or the MSc.
Postgraduate Certificate:
A first or second-class bachelor’s degree (or an acceptable equivalent) preferably in a quantitative subject, or
Two years minimum work experience in a relevant field, operations, manufacturing, supply chain management, logistics, procurement, retail, transportation, import/export, humanitarian SCM or similar.
References
If you are applying for the Postgraduate Certificate with work experience only, you will need to submit at least one work related reference which supports your current position and professional performance in your current role. You can either upload your reference with your online application or you can email it at a later date.
English language requirements
You need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved one of the following within the past three years:
IELTS: at least 6.5 overall with 6.0 in the written test
Pearson Test (Academic): at least 59 overall, with 59+ in reading and writing and 54+ in speaking and listening.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (grade C or above).
TOEFL iBT: at least 92 overall, with 22+ in reading and writing and 20+ in speaking and listening.
Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 120.
Alternatively, you may satisfy the language requirements if you have at least 18 months of education or work experience conducted in English.
Computer requirements
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly.
If you have studied material as part of a previous qualification that is comparable in content and standard to our Supply Chain Management modules, you might be exempted from the equivalent course of our degree. This process is known as Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or Exemption. You will not need to study or be assessed in the module(s) to complete your award.
To be considered for RPL you should make a formal request within your application when applying online. Alternatively, this can be done through an online enquiry, once you have submitted your application.
Depending on which route you register for you can potentially apply for recognition of prior learning for up to 120 credits.
We will not recognise or accredit prior learning for a module later than 14 days after the module start date. You will be deemed to have started a module once you have been given access to the learning materials on the VLE.
Automatic
The following qualification is automatically recognised as meeting the learning outcomes of our equivalent courses. You must have passed the relevant listed qualification in full within the five years preceding your request for accreditation. No fees are charged for this service.
If you satisfy the conditions, make a formal request and supply the necessary evidence, we will accredit your prior learning as listed:
Awarding body
Qualification
Recognition for:
The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply
Core Concepts of Supply Chain Management (15 credits)
Strategy for Delivering Value (15 credits)
MITx MicroMasters® Program in Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Fundamentals (SC1x)
Core Concepts of Supply Chain Management (15 credits)
MITx MicroMasters® Program in Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Analytics (SC0x)
Supply Chain Analytics (15 credits)
Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM)
Graduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Core Concepts of Supply Chain Management (15 credits)
Global Logistics and Transport Management (15 credits)
Singapore Institute of Purchasing and Materials Management (SIPMM)
Graduate Diploma in Procurement and Supply Chain Management
Core Concepts of Supply Chain Management (15 credits)
Global Procurement and Supply Management (15 credits)
Discretionary
All other qualifications will need to be assessed by specialist academics on a case by case basis, before we can approve RPL. This is called discretionary RPL and involves a non-refundable application fee.
You will need to be eligible to study the programme and will need to provide the following for your RPL application to be considered: a completed RPL request form, the supporting documentary evidence (a transcript and syllabus of your previous studies) and the fee payable.
Note: All discretionary recognition of prior learning requests must be submitted by the dates specified for the April or October intake in the year that you apply. Once submitted, we must receive all required supporting evidence by the deadline stated.
April 2023 intake
Submit RPL request by
08 March 2023
Submit supporting evidence by
19 March 2023
October 2023 intake
Submit RPL request by
06 September 2023
Submit supporting evidence by
16 September 2023
Please note: if you submit your application but are too late to be considered for RPL then we will still process your application to study the programme.
If you receive an offer, you can still register. You will be asked to contact us at a later date to be considered for RPL in the study session. So don't register on the modules you wish to be considered for RPL in the current study session.
Further information on rules regarding RPL is covered in the Recognition of Prior Learning section of the appropriate Programme Regulations and Section 3 of the General Regulations.
Fees
The fee depends on two factors:
Whether you choose web-supported or Recognised Teaching Centre supported learning.
Whether you live in a developing (Band A) or developed (Band B) nation.
Important: the table below does not include fees payable to a third party, such as tuition costs payable to a Recognised Teaching Centre or fees charged by your local examination centre, or local VAT, Goods or Services Tax (GST) or sales tax. Please see below for further information about additional costs you may be required to pay.
The Programme Fees below refer to the October 2022 and April 2023 session only and are effective from 1 January 2022.
Full MSc programme fee 2022-2023
Band A countries:
Independent web-supported student
7007
Band B Countries:
Independent web-supported student
11681
MSc indicative totals* 2022-2023
Band A countries:
Independent web-supported student
7826
Recognised Teaching Centre supported
5490 + Teaching Centre Fee
Band B Countries:
Independent web-supported student
12470
Recognised Teaching Centre supported
8762 + Teaching Centre Fee
Pay per module 2022-2023
Independent web-supported learners:
15 credit module fee (Band A)
645
15 credit module fee (Band B)
1051
Project module [30 credits] (Band A)
1169
Project module [30 credits] (Band B)
1753
Recognised Teaching Centre supported learners:
15 credit module fee (Band A)
467
15 credit module fee (Band B)
762
Project module [30 credits] (Band A)
613
Project module [30 credits] (Band B)
935
Module continuation fee - per module (Bands A and Band B)
440
Other fees:
Application fee (non-refundable
107
Application fee for Recognition of Prior Learning
61
Online examination fee*
10
See details below for costs you may incur with parties which are external to the University of London, for example, examination centre charges and locally imposed taxes. You should budget for these accordingly.
The programme fees below refer to the October 2021 and April 2022 sessions only and are effective from 1 December 2020.
Application fee 2021-2022
Application fee (non-refundable)
£107
The application fee (non-refundable) is payable when you make your application for an MSc, PGDip, PGCert or Individual modules taken on a standalone basis. If your application is successful, you will receive an offer inviting you to register. The application fee is separate to other fees listed. Offer validity: All offers for this programme are valid for the session in which you apply. If you do not complete registration for the given session then on request we will reissue your offer for the following three subsequent sessions. If you would like your offer reissued then you should contact us. After the subsequent third session the offer has expired, meaning if you would like to then complete registration you would need to submit a new application.
Full MSc programme fee 2021-2022
Band A countries:
Independent web-supported student
£6615
Band B Countries:
Independent web-supported student
£11025
MSc indicative totals* 2021-2022
Band A countries:
Independent web-supported student
£6722
Recognised Teaching Centre supported
5095
Band B countries:
Independent web-supported student
£11132
Recognised Teaching Centre supported
8182
Pay per module 2021-2022
Independent web-supported learners:
15 credit module fee (Band A)
£609
15 credit module fee (Band B)
£992
Project module [30 credits] (Band A)
£1103
Project module [30 credits] (Band B)
£1654
Recognised Teaching Centre supported learners:
15 credit module fee (Band A)
£441
15 credit module fee (Band B)
£719
Project module [30 credits] (Band A)
£578
Project module [30 credits] (Band B)
£882
Module continuation fee - per module (Bands A and Band B)
£415
Other fees:
Application fee for Recognition of Prior Learning
£58
See details below for costs you may incur with parties which are external to the University of London, for example, examination centre charges and locally imposed taxes. You should budget for these accordingly.
*The indicative totals include the application fee, all module and continuation fees payable to the University of London for the duration of your study, as well as online tutor support. This fee does not include applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, local exam centre fees and fees payable to University of London Recognised Teaching Centres.
*The online examination administration fee is charged for each examination paper held online, including resits. This does not apply to any coursework submissions.
How fees work
Your fees include study materials and entry into assessments.
The full programme fee includes all module and continuation fees for the duration of your study, as well as online tutor support. By paying in full at the beginning of your programme, you receive a discount on paying per module and avoid any annual fee increases.
With pay per module, you pay for each module as you register for it. The ‘web-supported learning’ fee includes support from a University of London online tutor. Alternatively, if you prefer face-to-face tuition, you can pay a smaller fee to us and a separate fee to a teaching centre which supports the programme.
The module continuation fee is the cost per module if you defer an examination or need to retake assessments. It includes all study materials, entry into assessments, and online tutor support.
Exams: our approved examination centres around the world charge a fee when you sit an exam. Contact your chosen examination centre for details about costs.
Tuition: as described, teaching centres charge for face-to-face tuition if you choose to take modules with institution-supported learning.
Recognition of prior learning applications: these are not included within the course fees.
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).
Further information about fee payment options can be found in the “How to pay your fees” link above.
Career opportunities
A University of London qualification in Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics provides you with the opportunity to hone the attributes and capabilities necessary to build an effective career in the supply and logistics field in the future. As a future manager in this sector, your Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics qualification can provide you with specific managerial insights into the complex world of global supply chains and how vital they are to the development of any business as it moves forward.
Beyond the technical details of logistics and supply chain which you will cover on your programme, you will also have the opportunity to collaborate and network with fellow peers from across the world who will also be enhancing their understanding of international trade and business. Your strategic thinking and analytical skills will also be enhanced by your studies, as you learn to apply the theoretical approaches to logistics within the realities of the fast-paced and dynamic landscape of global supply chains. Your improved understanding of the sector will also be enhanced by the programme, which is accredited by leading professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
Many employers across multiple sectors, from government departments to retail firms, require skilled supply chain and logistics professionals and recruit directly into their businesses and organisations. Supply chain and logistics is also an inherently international sector so roles can be based across the world and often involve national and international travel.
To find out more about the career support available to our students please visit our Careers Service page.
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching centre.
Accreditation
CIPS accreditation
Students who successfully complete the MSc, may be eligible to apply for MCIPS, a globally recognised standard for procurement and supply management provided by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
In addition, MSc programme students are also eligible for complementary student membership of CIPS with access to a range of industry relevant resources and opportunities to join specialist networks and attend events.
To apply for MCIPS you must meet the following conditions:
the Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics Project must be completed on a procurement and supply chain topic
Supply Chain Finance and Risk Management must be taken as one of the two electives
all modules must be passed, with no modules being compensated or condoned.
CILT accreditation
Students who successfully complete the MSc programme and have the relevant work experience will be eligible for full membership by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and can use the CMILT designation.
CILT Accreditation provides the MSc with a universally recognised stamp of approval, and therefore a competitive advantage within the industry.
Academic leadership
Academic direction is provided by Bayes Business School, one of the world’s leading global business schools and a central part of City, University of London.
Bayes Business School has been at the helm of business education for over 50 years, with many of their academic staff having worked or are still working in their specialist area of teaching. This brings an international perspective, which enables progressive thinking and innovative research.
Programme Directors
Dr Byung-Gak Son is a Senior Lecturer in Supply Chain Management at Bayes Business School. His research expertise revolves around supply chain partnerships, supply chain risk management, offshoring and outsourcing. His consultancy work includes the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and The Korea Trade Investment promotion Agency.
Dr Joerg Ries is a Senior Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management. He works on the development of advanced planning tools and has collaborated with a wide range of companies from processing, manufacturing and transport industry.
Funding your study
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there may be additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.
If you're employed, your employer may be willing to cover part/all of the programme fees if you can make a compelling case as to how this programme will boost your contribution to the workplace.
New registrants who have previously studied and received a degree from City, University of London (including City's Business School) are eligible for the Member Institution Alumni Bursary towards their programme fees.
Accredited now
One of the few UK degrees to be accredited by both the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), to increase your career potential. Successful graduates with sufficient work experience can apply for both MCIPS (CIPS) and CMILT designations (CILT), marking you out as a professional with internationally recognised status.
Apply to Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics