Overview
Competition and the globalisation of supply markets are redefining the way modern supply chains and logistics are managed. Companies who outsource need flexible and responsive supply chain and logistical operations which deliver added value to their customers with an increasing focus on protecting the environment.
These can lead to sustainable competitive advantage which in turn enables long-term growth and profitability. The growth and success of Amazon illustrates the huge potential of supply chain management and logistics.
To create and sustain such competitive advantage, organisations need highly trained individuals capable of developing diverse, bespoke and innovative supply chain and logistical solutions.
Developed in collaboration with current industry partners, this MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics addresses the growing demand for highly trained individuals by seeking to develop professionals with up-to-date knowledge, skills and capabilities in the key areas of strategic supply chain management, logistics, sourcing, procurement, contracts, ecommerce, forecasting and environmental management.
Professional recognition
This course uniquely embeds professional enhancements and recognition which will place you on a strong pathway to Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Chartered Manager status.
Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules, but is frequently reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to these modules, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Work placement option
This master's programme provides you with the additional option to apply for a 'work placement' opportunity during your first semester with us. The 'work placement' is designed to further develop your skills, knowledge and professional experience with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. Please note that the optional placement modules incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000, payable on completion of your placement.
Why Coventry University?
An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.
COVID-19
The University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via emerging online technologies and methods across all courses. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2020/2021 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.
Due to the ongoing restrictions relating to Covid-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.
Global ready
An international outlook, with global opportunitiesEmployability
Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeedStudent experience
All the support you need, in a top student cityAccreditation and Professional Recognition
This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:
Chartered Management Institute
As part of this course you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2020-21 intake. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost. Further details can be found under the ‘course detail’ tab and on the Professional Development module homepage.
Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules, but is frequently reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to these modules, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
Affiliate Membership of CMI on enrolment onto this course.
Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules, but is frequently reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to these modules, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
What our alumni say
I found the course incredibly helpful; opening doors across material planning and logistics and giving me the academic knowledge to excel. Additionally, thanks to the number of interactions with and trips to various manufacturing companies, I was able to gain a broad spectrum of knowledge to demonstrate to employers and apply in the future.
On the whole the lecturers were outstanding, especially the course leaders who showed outstanding knowledge of their respective fields. Additionally they were approachable at all times, and helpful with all questions asked of them, especially when working on dissertation projects.
All in all I can highly recommend the course and university, it has immeasurably helped me to move forward in my career, and will be something I draw upon for many years to come.
Course information
MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics aims to introduce the most current practices and concepts of supply chain management and logistics (SCML), combining them with a solid grounding in core management subjects. You should develop the skills and expertise to think critically, analyse problems and make informed recommendations. We aim to teach you how to implement and oversee SCML strategies across a broad range of functions, involving multiple organisations and locations.
You will be required to look at the wider aspects of business, in order to be able to integrate supply chain and logistics strategy and operations within the overall business strategy. This includes understanding the associated ethical and legal aspects, together with different models of change management and their relevancy and efficacy within organisations.
In a society in which consumers are continually demanding innovative products, faster response times, more product variety and increased performance and quality, all at a competitive price, never has there been a greater need for qualified graduates who can deliver effective and efficient SCML. From reducing costs and organising more efficient production and logistical systems to providing greater customer value, improved service and overall satisfaction, there exist many opportunities for disruptive change and improvement. These opportunities will be explored throughout the course.
We will consider the lean concepts, tools and techniques which can be applied to improve supply chain and logistical performance, as well as techniques of quality management and continuous improvement, such as Kaizen. You will be taught to evaluate supplier performance and select the appropriate problem solving tools and techniques to address issues and manage improvements in supplier operations, logistical processes, business systems and supply base capability development. We will look at emerging trends, for example, the influence of the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT), Industry 4.0 and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) developments on the supply chain and logistics technologies of the future.
Your learning will culminate with a research project/dissertation, giving you the opportunity to do in-depth research in your preferred area of SCML alongside an experienced academic supervisor who will guide and advise you. Examples of past topics covered include an analysis of the implications of Industry 4.0 on SCM, an exploration of the connected car supply chain of a German original equipment manufacturer, a study of the evolution of agile management practices in procurement, and a proof of concept of running repetitive flexible supply with a third party manufacturer in the cosmetics industry.
This course includes the Global Professional Development - Consultancy module developed in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute.
Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules, but is frequently reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems. If any changes occur with respect to our accreditation related to these modules, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.
Course Specification
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Modules
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
In more detail...
Using a foundation of business and management knowledge, this specialist Master’s course aims for you to develop a deep understanding of supply chain management and logistics (SCML) as it applies to a wide range of industries and sectors, both locally and globally.
The course is practical in nature; our current teaching staff are experienced academics with a strong track record of working in industries such as food, logistics, distribution, automotive, aerospace, retailing, electrical engineering, power generation, agriculture and consultancy. You will be offered opportunities to analyse actual case studies to learn how SCML theory helps to underpin and improve real-life business practices. These will draw on a range of companies from around the world to demonstrate the strategic importance of SCML to achieving competitive advantage, supporting higher returns on investment and the development of profitable business opportunities.
For example, you might study how Michael Dell pioneered new SCML strategies to grow Dell Computers into a world leading computer company or how Nissan used supplier development and performance management to help underpin their business turnaround from near bankruptcy to current global market leadership.
An advantage of this course is the current strong industry links developed through the teaching and applied research that we conduct in collaboration with industry. This enables us to organise various company study visits based on the host organisations capacity), which have previously included the BMW engine plant, Jaguar Land Rover assembly plant and Brose Ltd. We also aim to improve your business acumen, hearing directly from current practitioners through invited special guest speakers (subject to availability). Past invited guest speakers have lectured on such topics as category management, supply chain management in small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), the circular economy and the latest Industry 4.0 and AI developments in SCML.
Industrial visits and guest lectures are free to attend when included within a course or module. Additional industrial visits and guest lectures provided through the Global Leaders Programme (GLP) are subject to a GLP membership fee, and places may be subject to availability via pre-booking or on a first come first served basis.
Industrial visits are also subject to availability and additional costs may apply.
- High quality learning environment, including a modern £50m engineering and Computing Building, university library and advanced e-learning digital infrastructure.
- A large team of expert and industry experienced teaching staff.
- The course is developed with industry to equip you with the skills that employers may demand, for example communication, team working, cultural awareness and digital literacy.
- Strong connection with SCML professionals and industrial partners.
- Involvement in high value-adding industrial trips to different organisations through GLP (subject to GLP membership fee, availability and additional costs may apply
- Guest speakers via the university’s Global Leaders Programme (GLP), which in recent years has included the Group Strategy Director of Jaguar Land Rover, a NASA Astronaut and the Vice President of Telefonica Europe (membership fees apply and guest speakers are subject to availability)).
- International study field trips available through GLP to UK, Europe, India, China, Dubai and USA ( GLP is subject to membership feed, with all international study trip subject to availability, additional costs and meeting visa conditions)
- Interactive and hands-on seminars with lectures based on activity led learning/ flipped classroom teaching.
- Leadership skills developed through practical/first-hand opportunities to deliver solutions to real life problems.
- Solve real-life management problems both individually and as part of a group.
- Diversified International student community.
- Located within the heart of Coventry City, a historically and contemporarily relevant city with good transport infrastructure to Birmingham and London.
Your main study themes are:
- Supply chain management: We review the nature, role and contribution of supply chain management and its application to business supply chains in an international context from both a customer and supplier perspective.
- Logistics and supply chain economics: Takes a practical approach to the economics of logistics and supply chain businesses from a management perspective. You will become familiar with a range of economic frameworks and concepts, using them within mathematical, statistical and software tools to calculate the cost and price of logistics services, forecast activities and allocate resources, while taking economic factors into consideration. Many of these quantitative tools can be used for management decision making, forecasting and as predictive models.
- Procurement management: Aims to develop an in-depth knowledge of procurement management and a critical understanding of how effective purchasing may be applied both strategically and practically in an industrial or commercial organisational context.
- Contract Management: Provides an awareness of the relevant legal duties, rights and processes relevant to SCML projects. This is not intended to replace the need for professional advice and services, but will make you aware of the potential causes of disputes, liabilities, breaches of contract, means of resolving a dispute and the basics of contract law.
- Sustainability and the environment: You are taught how to develop and implement business models and strategies within the appropriate frameworks to comply with future requirements for sustainability, studying various aspects of sustainability (economic, social, environment), sustainable operations, and sustainability challenges.
- Project management: Teaches how to manage organisational change through projects. We focus on projects involving major changes, including issues related to new products, new plant and equipment and new operating systems, which will affect the lives of people both within and without the organisation. We take a high level, critical and evaluative view of the subject, emphasising managerial and strategic use of the tools and techniques of project management.
- Leadership and consultancy: We will be covering these in the professional development topic as part of the Chartered management Institute element of the course.
The course can be studied full-time or part-time. It offers some evening modules, and part-time students can select their modules to be studied in each year from both daytime and evening occurrences. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.
The teaching and learning includes lectures, seminars, workshops individual and group exercises and projects. We incorporate a wide range of learning and teaching methods as part of our innovative activity-led learning, such as a team based projects, problem solving scenarios, case study analysis and enquiry led research.
We also provide training in research methods and study skills, improving your research capabilities to enable you to undertake investigations, identify business opportunities and make recommendations in different operational settings.
You may also have the opportunity to work with staff on real-world problems from industry, commerce and research groups, as you would in professional practice (subject to availability and application). For example, in the past, students have tackled how Nissan develop their supply base to embrace early supplier involvement in new product and process development to shorten new vehicle development times and improve vehicle performance while simultaneously lowering product and development costs.
This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. Assessment methods include in-class tests, written reports and presentations.
The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes of each course.
On successful completion, you will have knowledge of:
- The theory and practice of supply chain management and logistics and their potential contribution to business performance.
- The key economic and financial concepts appropriate to supply chain management and logistics.
- A range of advanced business, analytical, supply chain management and logistical techniques to achieve competitive advantage.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
- Critically evaluate the current body of knowledge in supply chain management and logistics and apply it to the analysis of supply chain problems across a wide variety of scenarios in a global industry.
- Evaluate and apply the most appropriate supply chain management tools, techniques and theories to formulate practical solutions.
- Critically explore the different ways that supply chain management and logistics can significantly contribute to wealth creation, competitive advantage, and the advancement of society.
- Critically assess the feasibility of a supply chain project integrating the technical, financial, contractual and human resource elements.
- Apply and manage supply chain and logistics practice by combining skills, theory and experience, and the use of other relevant knowledge to new developments, taking account of commercial, technical and resource constraints.
- Assess and evaluate the environmental impact and community contribution of Supply Chain management and Logistics decision making.
- Apply transferrable skills and knowledge for personal global professional development, teamwork and intercultural engagement.
- Apply study, research and communication skills to support the analytical, critical, ethical and reflective requirements of written, oral and team based assignments.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles of consultancy and the theories and practices found in leadership.
Actual teaching contact hours will vary depending on the requirements of a particular semester, you will study two taught semesters and 1 project semester over the course of the year. For taught semesters In a typical week your contact hours will be divided amongst personal tutorials, medium group teaching in tutorial sessions, labs and workshops activities as well as large group teaching in lectures. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study approximately 3016-2035 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules. The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 12 contact hours per week in the taught semesters. Your project based semester will be largely supervisor supported, self-directed study in the region of 45 hours per week as well as supervisor meetings around 1 hour per week and optional workshops supporting your project which can add up to 10 additional hours across your project third semester.
The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials. As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.
As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods”
The University is committed to providing a global educational experience, which is reflected throughout the teaching experience. The course has previously recruited diverse international graduates and promotes multicultural experiences.
The course itself focuses on supply chain management and logistics within a global context, drawing on case studies and experience from around the world.
In so doing, we facilitate multi-national classes, with students participating in discussion-based seminars, workshops and presentations. We additionally provide numerous opportunities for students to share their cultures and different country experiences through working on group assignments and in team based projects.
International field trips provided through the Global Leaders Programme (GLP) are subject to a GLP membership fee, and places may be subject to availability and meeting visa requirements and additional costs may apply.
In addition to the international field trips and student mobility opportunities provided by our Global Leaders Programme (GLP), we have introduced Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects, which have proved highly popular across other courses within the University, providing the chance to collaborate on projects with students on similar courses throughout the world.
Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that any such opportunities referred to on this webpage may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.
Global ready
Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?
In 2018/19, we were able to provide a total of 5,469 experiences abroad that lasted at least five days.
Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.
Explore our international experiences1st for
International experiences
Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni 2016/17
5,469
Student experiences
The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2018/19
12,000
and counting
The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally since 2016
12
global programmes
As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses
What our alumni say
My Supply Chain Management MSc has provided me with the best possible head start to begin my career in the procurement/supply chain industry at Jaguar Land Rover.
The ‘think global’ philosophy endorsed throughout the course promotes dynamic and holistic thinking. The practical nature in actually learning how to apply the tools and theories of procurement, engineering management, and contract management promotes a seamless, innovative and natural transition from classroom champion to industry champion.
Entry Requirements
What our alumni say
My Supply Chain Management MSc has provided me with the best possible head start to begin my career in the procurement/supply chain industry at Jaguar Land Rover.
The ‘think global’ philosophy endorsed throughout the course promotes dynamic and holistic thinking. The practical nature in actually learning how to apply the tools and theories of procurement, engineering management, and contract management promotes a seamless, innovative and natural transition from classroom champion to industry champion.
Tuition Fees
We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.
Course essentials – additional costs
This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to) travel, accommodation, activities and visas.This course may incur additional costs associated with any equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire.
EU student fees
EU nationals and their family members starting in the 2019/20 academic year remain eligible for the same fees as home students and the same financial support. Financial support comes from Student Finance England, and covers undergraduate and postgraduate study for the duration of their course, providing they meet the residency requirement.
For tuition fee loans
EU nationals must have resided in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland for the three years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that three year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
For maintenance loans
EU nationals must have resided in the UK and Islands for the five years prior to the start of their course. The purpose of that five year residency should not have been mainly for the purpose of receiving full time education.
What our alumni say
My Supply Chain Management MSc has provided me with the best possible head start to begin my career in the procurement/supply chain industry at Jaguar Land Rover.
The ‘think global’ philosophy endorsed throughout the course promotes dynamic and holistic thinking. The practical nature in actually learning how to apply the tools and theories of procurement, engineering management, and contract management promotes a seamless, innovative and natural transition from classroom champion to industry champion.
Career prospects
Graduate Immigration Route visa
Based on current information from the UK Government, international students whose study extends beyond summer 2021 may be eligible for a visa under the UK Government’s Graduate Immigration Route, which will enable students to stay and work, or look for work, in the UK at any skill level for up to two (2) years. Check the most up to date guidance available to check your eligibility and any updates from the UK Government before making an application or enrolment decision.
The course should prepare you for roles in areas such as supply chain management, logistics management, distribution, procurement, purchasing management, retail management, air transport management, manufacturing management, inventory management, warehousing management, passenger transport management, consultancy and many others.
Every organisation has a supply chain, so this is an area where there could be multiple opportunities for employment; someone equipped with comprehensive and integrated knowledge of supply chain and logistics is a strong candidate in the job market.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The university's Talent Team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
Where our graduates work
Our graduates work with leading organisations worldwide such as Jaguar Land Rover, Aston Martin, Brose, Infosys, Unipart, Lear Corp, Vinci, O2, Nandos and Contechs Consulting.
Our graduate alumni have in the past supported current students by hosting visits to their companies and providing prestigious lectures through our Global Leaders Programme (GLP membership fee applies and visits are subject to availability). Others have supported training, internships, work experience placements, graduation prizes and provide job opportunities to graduates through the university’s network of corporate partners, employers and UK leaders. All opportunities are subject to availability, application and may incur additional costs.
Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Careers and Employability team provide a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.
What our alumni say
My Supply Chain Management MSc has provided me with the best possible head start to begin my career in the procurement/supply chain industry at Jaguar Land Rover.
The ‘think global’ philosophy endorsed throughout the course promotes dynamic and holistic thinking. The practical nature in actually learning how to apply the tools and theories of procurement, engineering management, and contract management promotes a seamless, innovative and natural transition from classroom champion to industry champion.
Disclaimer
By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2020/21 Contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.
The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.
For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.
