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MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics

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Key information

Mode of delivery
Online
Start date
Open enrolment
Duration
2.5 years
Qualification
MSc

Contact

Contact our enquiries team

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Overview

The online MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics, from Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University, leverages established industry links and sector-leading research to equip you with cutting-edge expertise in the field

During this programme, you'll build and deepen your knowledge of global logistics and supply chains and become equipped with the analytical tools for managing them in the modern business environment. You'll engage with real-life case studies and develop the skills required to make informed decisions.

Our mix of research-led, industry-aligned learning offers the ideal preparation for those who aspire to build successful careers in the ever-advancing discipline of Supply Chain Management and Logistics. Students will build a strong foundation in topics such as Logistics and Supply Chain Strategies, Operations Management and Planning, and Global Purchasing and Supply, and gain specialised knowledge in evolving and growing areas, such as Green and Sustainable Logistics.

Transferable skills for careers

This degree is purposefully designed to equip you with practical, career-ready skills which you can apply immediately in your current role, or use to build towards a career change or advancement. On top of the expertise which you will develop in supply chain management and logistics, this degree will empower you with the ability to think critically, identify problems, evaluate options and communicate solutions. These crucial, transferable skills will allow you to effectively implement your specialist knowledge to make an impact and adapt to any logistical problem you may face in your career.

Degree duration

We understand that life can be unpredictable, and we want to ensure that our programme is as flexible as possible to accommodate your needs. Therefore, it is possible for you to study anytime, anywhere.  We believe this flexibility will enable you to achieve your educational goals without compromising your other commitments. 

On average it will take 200 hours to complete each course. You can enrol at any time, begin your studies when you're ready, and pick up courses as you go – meaning you can structure your studies in a way that fits around your schedule. It also means that you are in control of your schedule and decide whether you want to speed up, slow down, or take a break at any point in your studies. Throughout the programme, regardless of your schedule, you'll be able to learn alongside a diverse and global community of students and professionals and interact with peers and tutors in forums.  

Who should study this degree?

Whether you are a seasoned professional seeking career advancement, a recent graduate looking to embark on your journey, or are simply seeking a dynamic and rewarding new career, our MSc programme caters to your needs. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including demand forecasting, inventory management, transportation logistics, procurement, and strategic decision-making. You'll delve into the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices, empowering you to address the challenges faced by modern supply chains. Upon completion, you'll be well-prepared for various roles within the logistics and supply chain domain, such as supply chain manager, logistics analyst, operations consultant, or procurement specialist. By enrolling in this MSc, you'll increase your professional value by gaining the strategic, planning and management skills increasingly sought by global organisations.

Online learning delivery

A diverse range of engaging course materials, readings, notes and multimedia are made available to you online through the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), and are accessible 24/7 and to download for offline access. The VLE also links you with our expert academics and course materials through videos, webinars, articles, journals, assessments, and discussion boards. 

Final course assessments are conducted online, meaning you can sit your assessment in the comfort of your own space. There are three assessment periods in each year, so you can choose when you sit your Final Online Assessment for each of your courses.   

When you learn online, you'll also have access to dedicated support staff and resources to ensure you successfully complete your programme. To find out more please read below, or visit our  Online learning delivery and support pages.

Student support

Whether you study online at home or with a learning partner you are never far from the support of our faculty and your fellow learners. Additional support is available through optional online tuition and revision sessions and other online tuition and revision sessions and other online resources such as tests, practice essays, collaborative discussion forums where you can engage with your fellow students around the world and tools to help you track your progress through the course materials. You can also access advice and support from the Student Support team through your studies, to graduation.

Supply Chain Management and Logistics

Course content

Year 1

The MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics calls upon established global industry links and sector-leading research and practice to equip students with cutting-edge expertise.

The degree comprises of six core courses, one optional course, and a reflective portfolio. Courses are assessed by a Final Online Assessment. 

Degree structure

Core
  • Strategies for Managing Supply Chains
  • Operations Management
  • Logistics Operations: Freight Transport and Warehouse Management
  • Global Purchasing and Supply
  • Green and Sustainable Logistics
  • Humanitarian Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management and Logistics Reflective Portfolio
Optional
  • Performance Management for Business
  • Business Analytics
  • Delivering Successful Projects

Detailed degree guide

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

EBS is an applied business school and the entire programme of courses is aimed at the application of business concepts, experience and developments towards real life examples and case studies. The MSc in Supply Chain Management and Logistics is entirely modular and delivery is flexible. EBS operates a learning rather than a teaching model and each course is designed for self-study. All courses are designed around an online course that contains all necessary learning materials for successful completion of the course.  EBS is currently going through a process of redeveloping its online learning environment, providing students with a more engaging online learning experience and with opportunities to engage with each other as part of a global multicultural learning community.

Assessment Policies

All 20 credit courses on this programme are assessed by a single summative timed online piece of coursework. Assessment will typically include case studies and essays. All courses are examined in the major examination diets in April, August and December. The 40 credit reflective portfolio is assessed formatively as students progress through the programme before a summative portfolio, providing evidence of reflection on what they have learned in their own practice, is submitted in a final diet when the student completes their final courses.

The pass mark for all courses is 50%. A candidate must pass all required course units to be eligible for the MSc award. Failing candidates are allowed a single resit in each course

Award with Distinction will be made to candidates completing an award with an average mark of 70% or more with no course failures.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Additional fee information

The MSc degree comprises of seven courses and a Reflective Portfolio. You can study on a course-by-course basis and pay as you learn, or sign up for multiple courses at once.

Standard fee

Per course: £1,248
Full programme: £9,984

Emerging Economies fee

Per course: £848
Full programme: £6,784

All course fees include one assessment attempt. Each attempt after this point will be charged at £160.

If you want to enrol in live tuition for any or all of course courses, you can opt to at an additional charge. For more information, download the programme prospectus.

Additional information is available within our Frequently Asked Questions.

Scholarships and bursaries

Each year, Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University make available a number of scholarships and discounts to help students achieve one of our awards.

We also offer an Emerging Economies Scholarship to students in certain countries. To check if you are eligible, visit the fees page.

Scholarships and bursaries

Each year Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University makes available a number of scholarships and discounts to help students to achieve one of our awards.

Scholarship funding

Upskilling Scotland Funding

Fully funded scholarships for a selection of the MSc courses on this programme are available to professionals living and working in Scotland. Find out more information about the Upskilling Scotland Scholarship.

Diwali Community Scholarship Award (Online)

In celebration of Diwali, we are pleased to offer a 15% Diwali Scholarship on Edinburgh Business School online courses. This award is available to all new students who enrol in courses prior to 30 November 2024.

To apply, complete this short form and register for your first courses by the deadline.

20% Fee Reduction

Students on our online Edinburgh Business School programmes benefit from a 20% fee reduction when purchasing all courses upfront for their programme of choice*.

Take advantage and enrol today.

* This does not apply to PG Cert, PG DIP or DBA programmes.

Alumni Discount

If you are a Heriot-Watt alumnus, you qualify for 20% off your programme fees. For more information on how to claim for your alumni discount contact hwonlineapps@hw.ac.uk

Please note that these discounts cannot be applied simultaneously.

Entry requirements

Typically, you will hold a recognised first or second-class honours degree, or equivalent professional qualification. However, we run a performance-based admissions process which means that you can begin your studies even if you don't meet these requirements. Download the prospectus for more information on performance-based entry and the enrolment process

Students whose native language is not English and who have not been educated at university level previously in the English language, must provide evidence of their English language proficiency.

Rewarding previous study

Edinburgh Business School recognises that some students entering our online MBA or MSc programmes will have completed prior academic study in subjects that align closely to certain EBS courses.

The qualification being presented for exemption consideration should have been gained within the last five years. Qualifications gained over five years ago may be considered if additional supporting evidence shows that you have kept abreast of the current developments and trends in the subject area. 

Exemptions are considered only on the basis of qualifications which have been gained through formal assessment. No consideration will be given for life/work experience.

Exemption from mandatory and optional courses may be granted based on master's/postgraduate level qualifications and professional qualification only. Undergraduate level qualifications cannot be considered.

Exemptions will not be awarded on the basis of courses which have been used towards the award of another degree (of the same discipline) at master's level, whether this was awarded by Heriot-Watt University or any other institution. For example, a student who has gained an MSc in Accounting will not be given an exemption in Accounting from Edinburgh Business School's MBA or MSc degree programmes.

If you would like to enquire about your eligibility, please complete an Exemption Application Form.

Employability

The MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics is aimed at both graduates and professionals seeking the leadership and technical skills to confront the challenges for a new era in business management. The degree offers students the opportunity to advance with a highly employability skillset, in-depth knowledge and expertise which are required for variety of jobs.

Potential career paths

  • Supply chain consultant
  • Supply chain manager
  • Global logistics manager
  • Procurement specialist
  • Supply chain analyst
  • Distribution manager

Why Heriot-Watt?

Flexibility and affordability

Study at a time and pace that suits you, and even while you work. HW Online offers pay-as-you-study courses and fees inclusive of exams and study materials, meaning you can focus on success, not extra costs.

Online tutoring and revision

We offer live tutoring and revision sessions with highly experienced tutors from our global network of teaching partners. You can choose the session which best suits your needs, such as time of day, duration and structure.

Your career

Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

Online events

We host online events throughout the year, giving you the opportunity to speak to our academic teaching staff, meet students, find out what it is like to study using our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and discover how to enrol.

Lifelong connections

Upon completing your studies you will automatically join the UK's oldest alumni association The Watt Club, with 147k members worldwide.

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