
Logistics and Supply Chain Management - MSc
Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry.
Become a competent, innovative practitioner with our MSc Logistics Supply Chain Management (CILT) course. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, our course addresses the key concerns of the subject, ensuring you graduate with the skills the industry demands.
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Full Time/Part Time
- Location City Centre
- Award MSc
- Start date September 2023, January 2024
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Engineering and the Built Environment
- Faculty Faculty of Computing, Engineering and The Built Environment
Overview
Become a competent, innovative practitioner with our MSc Logistics Supply Chain Management (CILT) course. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, our course addresses the key concerns of the subject, ensuring you graduate with the skills the industry demands.
What's covered in this course?
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.
This supply chain management course addresses the main operations aspects of both product- based and service industries. It is concerned with the initial design process, sourcing materials for 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, at the right time.
Tailor your degree
The Professional Placement version of the course is optional and is offered as an alternative to the standard version of the course. This will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market.
Accredited By
This course is accredited by:
I applied to study at BCU because I was becoming more involved in supply chain and logistics management within my career. I wanted to increase my academic knowledge at a reputable University in the UK. After graduation I am planning to work in the pharmaceuticals industry in an international environment, combing the new skills I have gained in the course with my current skills and experience.
Duygu Mazlum Kabacaoglu
Why Choose Us?
- Accredited Course - This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) which ensures our course is fresh, relevant and replete with key industry insight. Upon graduation, you will receive an additional certificate from CILT.
- Experienced staff - You'll receive the support of expert staff, who have a wide range of academic, research and industrial experience in sectors such as manufacturing and electronics.
- Flexible Learning - The course is flexible in delivery, allowing you to decide the best method of study, and ensuring you can fit your course around work and personal commitments.
- Problem-based learning - Relate real-life, problem-based learning to industry and commerce, while also getting to grips with new technologies and techniques.
- Highly Employable Graduates - 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.
Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic
The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
OPEN DAY
Join us for an on-campus open day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. Booking for the next event isn’t open yet. Register your interest below and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.
Next Event: Saturday 24 June
Entry Requirements
Essential Requirements
We would normally expect you to hold at least a Second Class Honours degree. |
However, we can also consider your application without standard entry qualifications if you can provide evidence of the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully complete the course. |
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £8,500 in 2023/24
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement*
- £9,350 in 2023/24
- Part Time
- 20 months
- Show fees
- £945 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 80 credits
- Year 2 - 100 credits
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £8,500 in 2023/24
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement*
- £9,350 in 2023/24
- Part Time
- 28 months
- Show fees
- £945 per 20 credits
- Year 1 - 80 credits
- Year 2 - 100 credits
Fees for Part-time students
This course can be studied on a Part-time study basis. The cost per year of study is based on credit requirements for that year.
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: MSc
Starting: Sep 2023
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £16,870 in 2023/24
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement*
- £18,557 in 2023/24
Award: MSc
Starting: Jan 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 12 months
- £16,870 in 2023/24
- Full Time
- 18 months with Professional Placement (see below*)
- £18,557 in 2023/24
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.
Professional Placement option*
The Professional Placement option will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
You will be responsible for finding and securing your own placement. The University, however, will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will also benefit from support sessions delivered by Careers+ as well as advice and guidance from your School.
Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process, therefore the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the ‘with Professional Placement’ course. All students who do not find a suitable placement or do not pass the competitive selection process will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
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
Master's
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 180 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. ES are a comprehensive, configurable, and integrated suite of systems and information resources, which support organisational-wide operational and management processes.
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.
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.
Professional Placement (Optional)
In order to qualify for the award of MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management with Professional Placement, a student must successfully complete all of the Level 7 modules listed above as well as the following Level 6 module:
This module is designed to provide you with the opportunity to undertake a credit bearing, 20-week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree.
The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
Download course specification
Download nowYou will acquire knowledge and understanding through formal lectures, tutor-led seminars and practical activities, as well as a range of independent learning activities.
There is an emphasis on guided, self-directed and student-centred learning with a progressively increasing independence of approach, thought and process. This independent learning includes an element of peer review in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the learning.
Lectures introduce themes, theories and concepts, which are further explored in seminars. You will benefit from technology-enhanced learning, where appropriate, through online resources, discussion forums and other activities.
Transferable/key skills, such as team-working, are pervasive and incorporated into modules and assessments as appropriate. You are encouraged to plan your own work schedules and required to meet deadlines. The course will foster your skills in reflection and self-awareness.
Professional Placement option
The Professional Placement option will allow you to complete a credit bearing, 20 week Professional Placement as an integral part of your Master’s Degree. The purpose of the Professional Placement is to improve your employability skills which will, through the placement experience, allow you to evidence your professional skills, attitudes and behaviours at the point of entry to the postgraduate job market. Furthermore, by completing the Professional Placement, you will be able to develop and enhance your understanding of the professional work environment, relevant to your chosen field of study, and reflect critically on your own professional skills development within the workplace.
You will be responsible for finding and securing your own placement. The University, however, will draw on its extensive network of local, regional and national employers to support you in finding a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will also benefit from support sessions delivered by Careers+ as well as advice and guidance from your School.
Placements will only be confirmed following a competitive, employer-led selection process, therefore the University will not be able to guarantee placements for students who have registered for the ‘with Professional Placement’ course. All students who do not find a suitable placement or do not pass the competitive selection process will be automatically transferred back to the standard, non-placement version of the course.
This course is accredited by the following organisation:

CILT
This degree course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
Graduates with the knowledge and practical skills that are taught on this course are in high demand.
This is because the logistics sector has identified a growing need for managers who can competently identify and provide solutions to a wide range of logistical and supply chain problems.
It means when you graduate from this course, you will stand out as a candidate who can operate at a senior level in this field. Typical roles that are suited for graduates of the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management include supply chain managers, distribution managers, logistics managers, logistics analysts, and procurement managers.
Our graduates have gone on to forge very successful careers with world-leading organisations including WEG Electric Motors (UK) Ltd, Ishida Europe, DHL Manufacturing Logistics Services, Palletways UK, APL Logistics, BAE Systems, and Staffordshire Perkins UK.
International
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 & Staff




Our Facilities
We are currently undertaking a £340 million investment programme in our facilities, including a major expansion of our City Centre Campus. As part of this, our facilities in Millennium Point have undergone a £6.5 million investment to include a new maker area, engineering labs and equipment.
We have invested in industry-standard facilities to support the practice-based elements of our Engineering courses and give students as much practical learning as possible, to prepare for industry placements and job opportunities after graduation. Students have access to our facilities during classes, and can book out of class sessions with our specialist technicians.
We are a partner of the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) and have secured £1.1 million of government funding for investment in brand-new Engineering equipment and facilities. Funding of £808,000 from the Department for Education has supported our development of an Electric Vehicle (EV) Test Rig, an Additive Manufacturing Machine (3D printer) and a material testing-split zone furnace.
The GBSIoT has enabled procurement of new technologies for material testing, electronics prototyping and production and 3D scanning to compliment computer aided design for manufacture.
Our staff
Omer Ozturkoglu
Senior Lecturer of Supply Chain and Logistics
After earning a BSc and MSc degrees in Industrial Engineering in Turkey, Omer started his doctoral studies in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Auburn University (Alabama, USA) in 2006. He earned a Master’s in Industrial and Systems Engineering degree in 2010. He completed Ph.D. studies with a dissertation entitled “New...
More about OmerJahangir 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...
More about JahangirDr Reza Kia
Lecturer
Reza Kia received his Ph.D. degree in Industrial Engineering from Mazandaran University of Science and Technology in 2014, IRAN. By starting his PhD in 2008, he joined Islamic Azad University (IAU) in Iran as a lecturer and continued teaching along with working on his PhD. By finishing his PhD in 2014, he promoted to an assistant professor position...
More about RezaDr Volkan Cakir
Senior Lecturer of Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Dr. Volkan Cakir received his B.E. in 1992 from the Turkish Air Force Academy. He started serving as a lieutenant at the 5th Air Base, Merzifon after completing the Logistics Branch School in Izmir, in 1993.
More about Volkan