The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: MSc Indicative duration: 2 years
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Thought modern supply chain management was simply distributing products to the end consumer? In fact, it’s a complex and carefully managed process that suits individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Future leaders in this area are required to have robust academic knowledge of this specialist sector, as well as the hands-on experience to progress in their career. Our MSc Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics allows you to get to the heart of international trade, while building on areas of expertise such as procurement, sustainability, artificial intelligence and big data. Take a deep dive into each stage of the supply chain, with this comprehensive, global postgraduate qualification.  

Study a range of exciting topics, including: 

  • the role of finance, economics and management accounting 
  • sustainability: why it’s important and how it affects the supply chain 
  • the role of management, marketing, trading and transport decisions 

And towards the end of your studies, you’ll have the option to tailor your degree with an individual research project on the topic of your choice. 

 

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The University of Essex Business School is proud to hold AACSB accreditation, which covers our MSc Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics. 

Why we’re great

  • Focus on contemporary topics including procurement, sustainability and the use of big data.
  • The course has been designed as a whole to allow you to progress seamlessly between modules, building upon your understanding of each topic in turn.
  • Prepares you to enter or progress within the high-demand industry of supply chain management, with up to six job vacancies for every applicant in the field.

The MSc Supply Chain and Management Logistics is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 credits.

Immerse yourself in the core concepts of logistics, operations and supply chain management. On this fascinating module, you’ll gain a strong understanding of the sustainability trend that’s a current theme within this industry. You’ll also discover the strategic role of logistics in organisations how this influences different business operations. 

Explore the concept of sustainable supply chain management with this informative module. You’ll explore how businesses are subject to increasingly stringent environmental pressures, their ongoing response to this and the role of innovation to tackle environmental concerns. You'll also gain insight into how businesses are interacting with the Triple Bottom Line approach.  

How can customers’ expectations be met in a global marketplace? Find out in this stimulating module. You’ll examine subjects related to logistics management and study the latest industrial and technological developments. You’ll then discover how they support competitive business operations and how this approach can drive fundamental change within an organisation. 

This comprehensive module will introduce you to key financial topics in supply chain management, key considerations that need to be made the challenges these pose. You’ll unpack the roles of corporate finance, economics and management accounting – and upon completion, you’ll have a solid understanding of how they operate within different organisations. 

What’s the role of innovation in the design and operation of modern supply chains? In this informative module, you’ll consider how new analytical tools can be used to innovative and enact change within this fast-moving field. Upon completion, you’ll have a strong understanding of how different changes are implemented to improve various business functions. 

Think globally about the concepts of procurement and risk management, with this in-depth module. You’ll carefully examine the process of risk management in procurement within the supply chain – while reviewing current sustainability theories, how these theories can be implemented in an operational sense and their potential impacts.  

What is SPSS? Hows data gathered in psychology? Get ready to gain knowledge in qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply these skills in a professional setting. By the end of this comprehensive module, you’ll be able to interpret and present your results, while continuing to build your skills portfolio.

You’ll undertake this exciting research project at the culmination of your postgraduate studies. With the support of your supervisor, you’ll compose a comprehensive report on a topic of your choice and relate this to at least one of the subjects covered in your Masters degree. 

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
  • live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
  • there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) time spent preparing and completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our MSc Supply Chain Logistics has an indicative study duration of 2 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards 

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and we’re registered with the Office for Students (OfS) 

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

Demand for logistics and supply chain management professionals is very high, with an estimated six positions available for each qualified candidate. Possible roles include those within supply chain planning and design, warehouse management, procurement, freight transportation, inventory management and control, and distribution network design.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within your two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our MSc Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our MSc Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics, as a minimum you must have at least three years’ relevant work experience.

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Full tuition fee:  

£12,471 UK / £13,049 International (2024-25) Δ

  • Designated for postgraduate student loans in England. 
  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries.
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us. 
  • 20% impact scholarship available for our October 2024 intake.
  • Global access online scholarships available to support high-potential students applying for the October 2024 intake.

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our MSc Supply Chain Management and Global Logistics are experts in the field.

What our students say

testimonials

William Annoh -Master of Business Management (MBM)

I was particularly impressed with the way that the online programme was structured. My Student Advisor Rebekah was very helpful in advising me and guiding me through the process. All the faculty who taught the modules were very very helpful; they taught me so much. I've learnt a lot of things and I'm willing and ready to use them in my career path. I particularly loved the discussion forums. It was a platform for us to engage with each other, so it helped us as online participants to get to know each other and think about different things. It helped me open my mind to a lot of different ideas. Now that I've finished my degree, the first thing I plan to do is to better myself in my role at work. I just started a new role last month so I'm looking forward to using my experiences from here to grow that. On the side I do some consultancy as well, and I have helped manage a few...

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Erin Lovell -Essex Online MBA

You are smart, capable, and strong. Repeat that to yourself as many times as you need to per day until you believe it.  

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Things I love: writing, long-distance charity walks, my Jack Russell terrier Jada, virtually all animals, tea, travelling to places I don’t speak the language, and learning. Things I dislike: cooking, butterflies, the sound of forks on teeth and being late.  

Why did you decide to open a sports centre?

My business partner and I had been discussing it for a few years before it all started to come together. We recognized that Bermuda was missing a central, family-friendly, location for practitioners of different martial arts & boxing styles to train. Our goal was to open a purpose-built facility that would be high-quality, affordable, and inclusive. So far, so good!  

Have you always...

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Serina Jonas -BA (Hons) Business and Management

I set out to earn a living instead of studying, but despite this choice I always wanted to fulfil my ambition to have a qualification. I set about furthering my education, to advance my business understanding and enrich my life skills; all from the comfort of my home. That's why I chose to study BA (Hons) Business and Management with the University of Essex Online. My new-found knowledge and confidence have improved my career over the past four years, teaching me the ‘corporate speak’ and I feel qualified to belong to the corporate world. My final objective on my personal development plan was for my daughter to look up to me and see me as a good example of a working mother with a growing career. Having my family at my graduation filled me with pride.   Interested in seeing where a business course could lead you? To find out more, <a...

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