Supply Chain Management

MSc

This triple accredited course will put you in the forefront of an industry where you will enhance efficiency, reduces costs, and ensure seamless product delivery that is crucial for success in today's business environment.

Location: Aston University, Birmingham

Course type
Full-time
Entry requirements
Duration

One year (April 2024 and September 2024 starts)

Start date

APRIL 2024 START

Course overview

The worldwide Covid-19 crisis emphasised the vital role of effective supply chains, emphasising the importance of aspects such as procurement, manufacturing, transportation, storage, and frontline delivery. By studying this course you will be able to gain knowledge through shared experiences and formal academic study, allowing you to strive for high-level roles in supply chain and logistics management.

Developed in collaboration with the Aston Business School this course is accredited by three important industry bodies in the UK including CILT, CIPS and CMI. The course will equip you with the latest advancements in supply chain management and encompasses practical knowledge, experience, and academic expertise whilst maintaining strong ties with the industry.

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"I was thrilled to embark on the Supply Chain Management course at Aston University. My overall experience with the professors was exceptional. Interactive sessions greatly aided coursework, and the ease of communication via email for any doubts was highly beneficial". 

Sam Stennet
Supply Chain Management MSc
Graduate

Why Supply Chain Management at Aston University?

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Collaboration with Aston Business School
Aston Business School is in the top 1% of business schools in the world to hold AACSB,EQUIS and AMBA accreditations.
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Triple Acreditation
This course is triple accredited by the three leading industry bodies in the UK;CILT,CIPS and CMI
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Excellent Prospects
Aston University was named runner-up in the University of the Year for Graduate Employment Award (Times/Sunday Times Good University Guide, 2024)

Course description

Our Supply Chain Management MSc will engage you in our dynamic curriculum, with strong international content teaching you about the industry abroad and enhancing your global employability. This course has a particular focus on the effective deployment of advanced technology in environmentally sustainable and globally connected supply chains.

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What we will provide
First-class teaching, in the UK's second-largest city, delivered by academics and researchers, who are actively involved in cutting-edge supply chain management research. Access to industry partners and networking opportunities through guest lectures and global design challenges. This unique course is led by the engineering school ensuring you are equipped with methods and practices that are industry-relevant and driven by engineering practices.  You will benefit from the accreditation with Chartered Management Institute as it will provide you with access to digital resources and webinars. CIPS will provide you with career support with industry engagement and CILT offers training and exclusive industry insights.

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What you will provide
We are looking for the future managers of supply chain management, who are eager to make an impact towards future supply chain management. Preferably, you come from an engineering or business background, demonstrating strong critical thinking skills to adeptly solve problems and offer effective solutions.

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What skills we teach
This course will provide you with the latest expertise and advancements in theoretical and applied aspects of supply chain management and logistics. You will have the opportunity to engage in real-life projects, industry case studies, and current research integration enhancing your practical skills and communication skills.

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Career prospects
The demand for professionals with expertise in Supply Chain Management is rapidly growing across various industries. Graduates from this program have recently secured positions such as Supply Chain Analyst, Corporate and Planning Strategist, Quality Controller, Procurement and Logistics Expeditor, and Content Operations Executive. They are employed in renowned international organisations like Nissan, Accenture, the Royal Mail, Royal Air Force, and Singapore Airlines Cargo.

How you will learn

You’ll undertake real-life projects throughout your course with modules taught using industry-related case studies and current research in the field. We're uniquely positioned, in the heart of the UK supply chain, to be able to welcome guest speakers from leading companies to share their experiences with you. Field trips to local businesses such as Jaguar Land Rover and Aldi will give you a real insight into the industry.

Teaching and learning will take place through a variety of methods that integrate real-world problem-based learning in a multi-disciplinary setting. As well as traditional lectures and seminars, you will delve into practical sessions through site visits and guest lecturers.

The course modules will be delivered through a mixture of classroom, online, and practical projects. There will be a focus on multidisciplinary group work, collaborating with students across engineering disciplines, where the academic will act as a facilitator to enhance your learning through interactive sessions through lab sessions and lectures.

Here at Aston University, we are passionate about supporting our students. You will have a personal tutor throughout your studies to provide support and guidance. The Learning Development Centre is there to provide maths support, and bespoke academic writing development, advice, and strategies for managing your studies. 

What you will learn

This programme is designed with the primary focus of embedding supply chain management deep within the mind-set of those from an engineering or business background. The main subject areas explored and skills developed throughout the postgraduate programme are:

•    Strategic Management and Finance
•    Supply Chain Management
•    Human Resources and Change Management
•    Operational Effectiveness, Lean and Agile Manufacturing
•    Simulation for Managerial Decision-Making*
•    Supply Management
•    Logistics and Transportation
•    Research Methods

Practical hands-on work is embedded into the curriculum to apply your knowledge to your future career.

During your dissertation you will have the opportunity to collaborate with a company solving real-life problems and providing solutions that make real-world impact.

Facilities

Aston University invests in state-of-the-art facilities, providing you with the essential tools for your academic journey. From computer labs to student study spaces for individual and collaborative work, you'll have access to the resources necessary to delve into the world of artificial intelligence. 

 

Course objectives

  1. Meets the needs of recent graduates and those already in employment who wish to acquire specialist skills and knowledge in Supply Chain Management to embark on, or progress successfully in, their careers.
  2. Provides a flexible and comprehensive programme of study that meets the needs of local, national, and international students.
  3. Provides you with a learning experience that draws on the research and consultancy of Aston academic staff.
  4. Produces well-qualified graduates who aspire to senior supply chain and logistics management positions.
  5. Provides relevant and up-to-date content by maintaining and enhancing links with business, professional, and public sector organisations.
  6. Enhances lifelong learning skills and personal development to enable students to work independently and contribute to business and society.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Taught stage modules

In the taught stage, you will study the following core module:

Module TitleCredits
Strategic Management and Finance15
Simulation for Managerial Decision Making15
Supply Management15
Human Resources and Change Management15
Logistics and Transportation15
Operational Effectiveness, Lean and Agile Manufacturing15
Research Methods15
Supply Chain Management15
Total120

Dissertation stage modules

 

Module TitleCredits
Dissertation60
Total60

Programme outcomes

On successful completion of both the taught and dissertation stage, you will be able to:

  • Construct a comprehensive knowledge-base of management, social science, and financial modelling techniques and apply them effectively to advanced management questions within the supply chain management discipline.
  • Integrate knowledge from a wide range of core management areas (e.g. strategic corporate finance, supply management, human resources, logistics and transportation, change management, lean and agile operational effectiveness, simulation methods of business decision-making, and methods of research) and apply that knowledge within a supply chain management context.
  • Demonstrate the ability to reflect critically on current professional practice and analyse fruitfully problems in the discipline of supply chain management.
  • Describe and explain the management principles and techniques underpinning the solutions to management problems and processes within the management of supply chains, including an evaluation of their limitations.
  • Identify and characterise the managerial aspects and performance of supply chains.
  • Following the extraction and collation of data, integrate and apply advanced analytical methods, technical knowledge, and modelling techniques in the development of creative and effective practical solutions to management problems arising within supply chains.
  • Evaluate supply chain management practices and processes identifying sources of risk and mitigation strategies in relation to areas such as environmental sustainability, corporate social responsibility, health and safety, recycling, and ethical recruitment. 
  • Conduct an independent piece of scholarly research into supply chain management utilising a range of theoretical skills, knowledge, and understanding.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.


 

Entry requirements

You will need to have obtained a first or second-class Honours Degree from a UK academic organisation or an equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University.You must also provide two professional references – at least one must be from an academic referee, and an completed application form

We recognise the value of extensive professional experience. If you do not have the academic qualifications but have extensive and relevant professional experience and a proven ability to succeed, we would welcome your application.

The information contained on this website details the typical entry requirements for this course for the most commonly offered qualifications. Applicants with alternative qualifications may wish to enquire with the relevant admissions teams prior to application whether or not their qualifications are deemed acceptable. For less commonly encountered qualifications this will be judged on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the academic admissions tutor.

See international student information below for international equivalent information.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

For details of equivalent qualifications in your country, use our area pages below:

English language requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

How to apply

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Pathway Programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

Masters Foundation programmes

If you don’t meet our entry requirements, we have a range of pathway programmes offered by our partner, ONCAMPUS Aston, which you can complete to progress onto one of our degrees.

 

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Speak to our Admissions Team

If you have any questions about the application process please get in touch with our postgraduate admissions team:

Email: pgadmissions@aston.ac.uk

Call: 0121 204 3200 (Please note this line is open Monday-Friday between 09.30am-4.30pm)

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:£11,000

International students
(2024/25)

Annual tuition fees:£20,700

More information on fees

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as UK students.

Tuition fees for students are reviewed annually and may increase in subsequent years in line with inflation linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI) to take account of the University’s increased costs of delivering the Programme. Any such increase shall always be in accordance with the law. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Assessment

The course is assessed through a diverse range of methods, including individual/group projects and presentations, poster sessions, coursework assignments, portfolio preparation, as well as in-person and online examinations.

The assessment methods will reflect the most effective and relevant way to review your performance for each module. Therefore, each module will be assessed in a variety of ways to demonstrate your knowledge from that module and how you would apply it in the real world.
 


Career prospects

The demand for professionals with expertise in supply chain management is rapidly growing across various industries. Graduates from this program have recently secured positions such as Supply chain analyst, Corporate and planning strategist, Quality controller, Procurement and logistics expeditor, and Content operations executive. They are employed in renowned international organisations like Nissan, Accenture, the Royal Mail, Royal Air Force, and Singapore Airlines Cargo

Alumni

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Frequently asked questions

Why study Supply Chain Management MSc at Aston University?

You’ll gain the knowledge you need to develop a successful career in the supply chain and logistics sectors. This course is run in partnership between the triple-accredited Aston Business School and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, distinguishing it from other universities. 

In addition, our team has many years experience working in the supply chain, combining their practical skills and knowledge with the academic rigour of the course to provide you with a high-quality masters experience

Does the accreditation matter?

Yes. Gaining an accredited master's will give you the experience and skills you need to develop a successful career, potentially at the highest levels in the industry. 

Why should international students choose Aston University?

Study at Aston University and you will be part of a multi-cultural community located at the heart of the dynamic city of Birmingham. Our courses are practical, inspired by industry and many have internationally recognised accreditations. Renowned for our employability prospects and connections to business and industry, we provide outstanding career support, advice and placement opportunities.

For those interested in working in the UK after they have graduated, the UK Government has created a new post-study work visa.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

  • Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
  • Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
  • World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
  • Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
  • Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
  • Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham

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