Thinking about pursuing a master’s degree in supply chain and logistics management? This guide aims to help you with the key information you need to consider and compare options for online Logistics & Supply Management courses from different universities.
Logistics & Supply Chain Management at Postgraduate Level
Logistics and Supply Chain Management (SCM) at postgraduate level is an advanced area of study that equips students with the strategic and analytical skills required to manage and optimise the flow of goods, services, and information across various stages of production and distribution.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management’s aim is to ensure that products reach the end consumer efficiently, cost-effectively, and at the right time while also managing relationships with suppliers and customers.
Studying at this level, students investigate the complexities of local and global supply chains, integrating multiple disciplines such as operations management, marketing, finance, and information technology.
Key Topics Covered:
- Supply chain strategy
- Logistics operations
- Procurement and sourcing
- Inventory management
- Transportation and distribution
- Supply chain analytics
The curriculum at the postgraduate level is designed to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Case studies, simulations, and industry projects are common teaching methods that allow students to gain hands-on experience and understand real-world applications.
One of the biggest benefits for online students is the opportunity to network and apply their learning in their work while they are studying. Many online students use real problems their company or industry faces for case studies and project work.
Why Study Logistics & Supply Chain Management?
Gaining a master’s degree in logistics and supply chain management gives learners the opportunity to immerse themselves in the subject and gain a competitive advantage in their careers and for the organisations they work for.
Studying at postgraduate level can equip you with the skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in the organisation and industry you work in. Supply chain management is a diverse area, and you can go on to specialise in many areas afterwards, from sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, and operations management to inventory, management, warehousing, transport, distribution, and customer service.
In addition, there’s a large talent gap in the field—the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals estimates that around 64% of organisations are experiencing a talent gap when it comes to recruiting supply chain professionals. Holding an MSc in logistics and supply chain management, in addition to career experience, can help secure lucrative senior positions at top global organisations.
Logistics & Supply Chain Management Masters Structure
When you take a master’s degree online, you follow a similar structure to on-campus students. Master’s degrees typically start with core modules that give you foundational knowledge and skills, followed by one or two elective modules that let you choose a specialisation.
Core Module Examples:
- Supply Chain Analytics
- Supply Chain Finance
- Supply Chain Operations
- Sustainable Logistics
- Operations and Quality Management
- Inventory Management
- Accounting and Finance for Logistics and supply chain management
- Project Management
- Risk Management
Specialisation/ Elective Module Examples:
- Supply Chains in Emerging Economies
- Supply Chain Optimisation
- Global Logistics
- Resilient Supply Chain Design
- Outsourcing Business Process
Once you’ve completed the core and elective modules, the last third of the degree is a final project/dissertation that will give you the opportunity to apply what you have learned to a real-world business project.
Online Learning Format
With online MSc Logistics & Supply Chain Management courses, you can study whenever and from wherever it suits you.
The Majority of online courses don’t require you to attend live lectures or tutorials—you can usually watch recordings of these online at a convenient time. However, some courses may have live tutorials and/or lectures you may need to attend online.
Universities understand, though, that students taking online courses are usually balancing work and study, so they generally offer some flexibility around live events.
Students studying at Master’s level are expected to be self-motivated and disciplined as they work through the course. While studying, there are normally many opportunities to interact with fellow students and tutors asynchronously through online discussions and forums.
UK universities have invested heavily in their online support structures and teams. Online students can approach their tutors with any academic-related concerns, and dedicated support teams are usually available to help with any non-academic issues. As most online students are returning to study, the first few weeks of a course usually involve a refresher on study skills and essay formats.
When comparing online logistics courses, we recommend asking the admissions teams what kinds of support is available.
Start Dates
Start dates for online MSc Logistics & Supply Chain Management courses are usually in January and September each year, but some UK universities may offer monthly or quarterly start dates. Be aware that getting funding and all the application documents in place can take a while. As a general rule, we recommend applying three months before the course start date.
Course Duration
A master’s degree is estimated to take around 1,800 hours of study. This includes reading, classes, learning activities, and producing work. An online master’s degree in logistics and supply chain management can be completed in one year full-time and between two and five years part-time.
UK universities measure hours of study in credits, sometimes called CATS points. One credit is 10 hours of notional study, so 1,800 hours of study equals 180 credits. Our part-time study calculator can help you find how long it may take to finish your course based on how many hours of study you can manage in a typical week.
Accreditation and Recognition
When researching courses, you can find Master’s degrees with additional accreditation from professional bodies. The main professional bodies for logistics and supply chain management are CILT (The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport ) and CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). Taking a degree with either of these accreditations can benefit students with quality assurance and fast-track routes to membership.
Be aware that accreditation by a professional body is a voluntary, lengthy process that some universities simply do not bother with. While professional body accreditation is nice to have when comparing courses, you should not base your decision on where to study on accreditation alone. There are many excellent courses that do not have professional body accreditation.
If you are an international student, you should be aware that only institutions with degree-awarding power can award degree certificates. Our guide provides a complete list of UK universities and education providers.
Entry Requirements
To apply for an MSc in Logistics & Supply Chain Management, you’ll usually need:
A second-class UK honours degree or equivalent
An IELTS score of 6.5 or above if English isn’t your first language
If you don’t have an undergraduate degree, some universities may consider relevant work experience. If this applies to you, we advise that you check with your preferred university to see whether you meet their entry requirements if they offer this admissions route.
Application Deadlines and Process
For MSc courses where places are limited, it’s a good idea to submit your application as early as possible.
We recommend that you start working on your application at least three months before the application deadline – this will give you time to prepare your documents and organise funding for your course.
The documents you’ll need to apply for an online MSc in Logistics & Supply Chain Management usually include the following:
- An online application form
- CV
- Personal statement
- Previous certificates and transcripts
We have a number of guides on making your application as strong as possible when applying for an online degree as a mature student.
Course Fees
Costs involved in studying an online MSc Logistics & Supply Chain Management include:
Tuition fees: These can range from £7,000 to £17,000, depending on the university. Check your chosen course page for specific information on fees.
Other costs: If your chosen course requires you to complete exams, you may also need to pay exam fees (plus travel-related costs if you have to travel to an exam centre).
Funding Options
Financial Support
If you’re a UK resident studying an online master’s degree, you may be eligible for a Master’s Loan—a government-funded loan that can cover your course costs. If you use a Master’s Loan for your study, you’ll only need to make repayments once you earn over a set amount upon graduation.
We have several guides on funding options for online study.
Scholarships and Grants
Many universities in the UK offer scholarships, grants, and bursaries, so it’s a good idea to check with your chosen university first to see if they offer any of these before deciding how you’ll fund your studies.
It’s also a good tip to check The Scholarship Hub website for information on UK scholarship options.
If you’re a registered UK Study Online subscriber and meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll be entered into the draw to receive a scholarship towards your tuition fees.
