International Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Distance Learning) - MSc
Accredited by the internationally respected Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), our MSc International Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree covers complex production flows, production processes, distribution and materials management, channels of supply, procurement strategies and logistics systems management in the UK and international logistics sectors.
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Distance Learning
- Location Online Learning
- Award MSc
- Start date September 2021, January 2022
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Engineering and the Built Environment
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
Overview
Accredited by the internationally respected Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), our MSc International Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree covers complex production flows, production processes, distribution and materials management, channels of supply, procurement strategies and logistics systems management in the UK and international logistics sectors.
What's covered in this course?
The term logistics addresses every aspect of operation of product-based and service industry sectors. International logistics can affect operations from the initial design process and sourcing of the raw materials and bought in components to the long-term satisfaction of the customer. Customer satisfaction is achieved by ensuring the supply of the right goods, in the right quantity, of the right quality, at the right price, to the right place, anywhere in the world, at the right time.
With companies facing ever-increasing competition, coupled with the need to reduce waste and improve the overall service offered to customers from initial design to final delivery, the need for highly skilled logistics practitioners and managers has never been more pronounced.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
Why Choose Us?
- Flexible Learning - The course is taught via distance learning, meaning you can fit your studies around your personal and work commitments.
- Accredited Course – This course is accredited by the Association of Project Management (APM).
- Route to continue professional development - This programme will offer a route towards membership from APM (Association of Project Management) and PMI (Project Management Institute).
- Develop transferable skills- You will learn the skills you need to succeed within the industry, as well as valuable transferrable attributes.
- Industry-standard facilities and equipment - You will be based at the impressive City Centre campus. The £114 million Millennium Point building boasts a wide range of industry-standard facilities, software and equipment.
- Highly Employable Graduates - 96% of our PG graduates find work or further study within six months (DLHE 2016/17). Our graduates have secured roles and promotions at WEG Electric Motors (U.K.) Ltd, Ishida Europe, DHL Manufacturing Logistics Services, Palletways UK, APL Logistics, and BAE Systems.
Entry Requirements
Essential Requirements
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Applicants are expected to have obtained an honours degree in a relevant technology-related subject, with at least a 2:2 classification. |
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Alternatively, provide evidence of a portfolio of relevant industrial experience to successfully enter the course. |
Person Specification
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Designed primarily for delegates with prior knowledge of information systems and/or technologies, logistics and distribution, wishing to specialise and extend intellectually and practically according to their abilities. |
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The course provides an opportunity to acquire skills in response to the market need for competent Logistics and Supply Chain practitioners operating across multi-national organisations embracing differing cultural dimensions. |
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 33 months
- Show fees
Fees for Distance Learning students
This course can be studied on a Distance Learning study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Year 1 60 credits - £3000
Year 2 60 credits - £3000
Year 3 60 credits - £3000
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 33 months
- Show fees
Fees for Distance Learning students
This course can be studied on a Distance Learning study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Year 1 60 credits - £3300
Year 2 60 credits - £3300
Year 3 60 credits - £3300
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 33 months
- Show fees
Fees for Distance Learning students
This course can be studied on a Distance Learning study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Year 1 60 credits - £3000
Year 2 60 credits - £3000
Year 3 60 credits - £3000
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2022
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Distance Learning
- 33 months
- Show fees
Fees for Distance Learning students
This course can be studied on a Distance Learning study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year as shown here.
Year 1 60 credits - £3300
Year 2 60 credits - £3300
Year 3 60 credits - £3300
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Personal statement
Students are required to submit a personal statement as part of their application for this course.
Your postgraduate personal statement is going to shine a light on your personal experience, academic success, personal skills and any other factors that will support your application for further study.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Your passion and motivations
Studying a postgraduate course usually means you want to specialise in something. So what’s driving you?
Why this course?
Show that you’ve researched the course offering. What is it about this particular course that appeals to you? Is it the lecturers? The modules? Etc.
What makes you a good postgraduate candidate?
Tutors want to know that you can handle postgraduate study, so show them how your undergraduate experiences or work life has equipped you for a more advanced level of study. Key areas to address are research and group work but this can vary depending on your chosen course.
Relevant academic or work experience
Add anything relevant that relates back to your chosen course and shows how your skills will contribute towards your learning. What extra-curricular activities have you taken part in? What awards have you won? What employment or voluntary experience do you have that has helped you develop transferable skills? How do these specifically relate to the course you are applying for?
You should also mention your future plans and how a postgraduate qualification fits in. Try to look beyond your postgraduate study – do you plan to jump straight into a specific career or follow your studies with a research degree? Lastly, use plain, professional English and, where possible, utilise the language of your chosen industry.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Module
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 credits):
20 credits
The module aims to provide you with a foundation for academic research skills employed in all modules, but particularly the master’s dissertation. This will enhance your learning experience providing a research output which is both industrially relevant, and contributes academic value to the research base of your chosen industry.
20 credits
This module will focus on resource management and its effective deployment and allocation to achieve sustainable competitive advantage for organisations. Two main resources will be considered: HUMAN and FINANCIAL; without which, organisational success cannot be guaranteed.
You will be introduced to theoretical concepts underpinning resource development and deployment such as, human capital development, change management, motivational theories, learning organisations, financial methods, investment appraisal, budgeting, alongside financial and management accounting.
20 credits
All organisations need input of good and services from external suppliers or providers. This module will examine the developing role of purchasing and procurement within the supply function, in managing these inputs in which the activity can contribute to the efficiency of the organisation or project. Using contract law and its relevant legal duties, rights and processes, you will understand the underpinning contractual obligations for individuals and organisation.
20 credits
This module will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a critical evaluation of supply chain management and its links to the marketplace, the distribution networks, the manufacturing process and the procurement activity required; ensuring that customers are served at high levels by lowering operational costs through effective logistics and supply chain operations.
20 credits
Organisations are embracing computing technology in daily operations to enable integration, collaboration, interaction, and the processing needs of the entire organisation. One of these computing technologies that has become an essential part of an organisation's IT portfolio is Enterprise Systems (ES), which incorporates ERP, CRM, SCM, and so forth.
20 credits
The module will consider in depth the effect of increasing competitive demand on all parts of the supply chain, how companies can gain competitive advantage by aligning both their internal and external supply chains to enhance customer satisfaction, product profitability, customer-supplier partnership and manufacturing and distribution efficiencies.
60 credits
The purpose of the module is to enable you to undertake a sustained, in-depth and research-informed Level 7 project exploring an area that is of personal interest to you. In agreement with your supervisor, you will decide upon your topic which will take the form of a practical outcome (artefact) with accompanying contextual material. The main consideration when choosing your topic is that it must be aligned to the programme you are studying and informed by the research strategy of your school, and you should consider the relevance of this topic to your future academic or professional development.
The programme is designed solely for distance learning, part-time study and utilises teaching and learning strategies and tools developed by the University for the delivery of similar programmes, including the virtual learning environment (VLE) Moodle, and the continuing personal and professional development tools available for an effective VLE.
There is an emphasis on active and participative learning, as well as practical work, problem-based learning and group work, all of which will develop your analytical and decision-making skills. Throughout the programme, you will relate real-life problems to industry and commerce, as well as applying new technologies and techniques to solve present and future problems.
This postgraduate programme is designed to allow maximum flexibility in learning to allow you to decide for yourself how and when it is most convenient to fit your studies around employment commitments.
Student stories Christopher Cheesman
Logistics at NATO
Already working in the field of logistics for NATO, Christopher Cheesman was looking for a Master's level qualification that he could study from Luxembourg, and the distance learning course from Birmingham City University fitted the bill.
When he joined the course, he was a member of the Management and Planning Section, working as part of the General Manager's staff in the NATO Maintenance and Supply Agency. He has since continued in the same field of work, although he has now been promoted to lead the team. The Agency has been through a major integration with two other agencies to form the NATO Support Agency and the General Manager that Christopher works for leads the integrated group.
This course is accredited by the following organisation:
CILT
This degree course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Employability
Enhancing employability
We will prepare you for employment by providing you with the skills, experience and industry links you’ll need to thrive upon graduating.
The University also has its Graduate+ scheme, an extracurricular programme which is designed to augment and enhance the subject-based skills you develop through the programme. These additional skills and attributes will further enhance your employment options and prospects once you leave the University.
The programme will help you develop your skills in CV writing, presentations, covering letters and creating winning portfolios.
Wajeeh Ahmed has launched his own logistics and supply chain company – Texture Shipping – in Dubai since completing his Master’s course.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
International Students
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities and Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
Building work on our new Conservatoire began in the summer of 2015 – and is scheduled for completion in summer 2017. This, along with the construction of a new city centre accommodation block, means our students have access to their very own building sites.
We couple this with the more traditional, office-based facilities:
Surveying equipment
Part of your learning activity will be hands-on, including carrying out survey work using a range of equipment, such as levels, theodolites, measuring tapes.
Computer Assisted Design (CAD)
You will be provided with the latest CAD software – free of charge – to enable you to acquire the skills you need in a modern design office.
Our staff
Jahangir Akhtar
Associate Professor
Jahangir worked in the electronics and automotive industries on manufacturing systems and Supply Chain Management activities, prior to moving into the public sector to work on European funded Programs for Birmingham City Council and provide training support local Small and Medium Enterprises. He worked with GEC Avery and Rover Group and later joined Birmingham City University formally University of Central England (UCE), initially as consultant to external bodies and then moved in teaching in 2004 on postgraduate programs.
More about Jahangir