Masters in Supply Chain Management why do you need one? By definition, Supply Chain Management focuses on how to economically and efficiently manage the supply-chain systems in place for the smooth movement of the product or service from the supplier to their client thus increasing a business’ competitive advantage.
It sounds simple enough! However, in today’s international market, the client is continually sourcing their suppliers globally to ensure that their product or service meets their customer’s demands at the lowest cost yet highest profit margin so as to stay competitive and relevant in their field. This makes the modern day supply-chain process a very complex set of systems involving supply-chain management, operations management as well as logistics.
Motivation
In my case my brother asked me how I can possibly think of applying for Masters studies when I was working in good international organization in good position. I have a simple answer, ‘ambition’. For me studies have never been a burden, in fact a challenge that I have taken head on. I consider Masters as the inevitable step forward if not now, then tomorrow. But why wait? Why destroy this tempo?
I believe the essence of a Masters or the aspect that distinguishes Masters study from other academic work, can be summarized in a single word: “excellence”. To extend knowledge, one must explore, investigate, and contemplate. For me the Masters is all about Creativity, Intense curiosity & Self-motivation. Masters someone could be extra commitment, for some people it is better to go and get work experience and then do Masters in subject of interest to gain further academic backing.
For me the basic objective of a Masters in Supply Chain Management degree is to strengthen my ‘theoretical know-how’. I believed that the Masters in Supply Chain Management would be invaluable in helping me achieve these objectives. It would enable me to channel my quantitative and conceptual skills in analyzing technology issues and would open up new avenues in further research and its application in real world!
Masters in Supply Chain Management
A Masters in Supply Chain Management is a multi-discipline degree course developing and equipping you with all the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to have a successful and potentially international career in the field Supply Chain Management, Operations Management and Logistics.
Here, we look at my top 6 Universities in the U.K. and what they offer in a snapshot:
1. Cranfield University, Bedford
Degree Title: MSc Logistics and Supply-Chain Management
Length: Full-Time 1 year Part-Time: N/A
Fees 2016/2017: Home & EU Students: 12,500GBP
International Students: 20,000GBP
Scholarships / Funding: Limited number – Maximum of 4,000GBP for UK and other EU applications
Entry Requirements: Bachelors 1st or 2nd Class Honours degree or equivalent or a professional qualification with logistics related work experience.
You may also need: GMAT – minimum score 600
GRE – 75th percentile in both verbal and quantitative reasoning
Where English is not the 1st Language you need the following:
TOEFL – minimum score 92 or
IELTS – band 6.5 with 6.5 in writing
ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) have either:
Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) grade A – C
Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) Grade C or above
Pearson Test of English (Academic): overall score of 65
Accreditation: The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport AACSB Accredited Business School
Other Info: ‘Cranfield has been named as employers’ number one university outside the US for Supply Chain excellence’
2. Lancaster University
Degree Title: MSc Logistics and Supply-Chain Management
Length: Full-Time: 1 year Part-Time: N/A
Fees 2016/2017: Home & EU Students: 10,500GBP
International Students: 17,000GBP
Scholarships / Funding: Some available see
Entry Requirements: At least a Bachelors 2:1 honours degree or equivalent
Where English is not the 1st Language you need the following: IELTS 7.0.
Accreditation: The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
AACSB Accredited Business School
3. Warwick University
Degree Title: MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Length: Full-Time: 1 year Part-Time: N/A
Fees 2016/2017: Home & EU Students: 12,500 GBP
International Students: 22,340GBP
Scholarships / Funding: Available for MSc students
Entry Requirements: Bachelors 2:2 honours degree or equivalent
Where English is not the 1st Language you need the following: IELTS 6.5 (or 6.0 + pre-sessional)
Accreditation: The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
AACSB Accredited Business School
4. Birmingham University
Degree Title: MBA Strategy and Procurement Management
Length: Full-Time: 12-15 months
Part-Time: 2.5-4.5 years modular
Fees 2016/2017: Home, EU and International Students: 22,590GBP
Scholarships / Funding: Scholarships may be available – International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. See MBS Scholarships page here for more information:
Entry Requirements: Bachelors 2:1 honours degree or a GPA of 3.0 on a 4-point scale or an equivalent qualification (e.g. CIPS Graduate Diploma) and 3 years relevant experience in purchasing and supply management.
International Students:
Where English is not the 1st Language you need the following:
Full-Time Students: IELTS 7.0 (no less than 6.5 in any band)
TOEFL IBT 95 (no less than 22 in any band)
Pearson Academic Test of English 67 (in all 4 skills)
Part- Time Students: IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any band)
TOEFL IBT 80 (21 in Reading, 20 in Listening, 22 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
Pearson Academic Test of English 59 (in all 4 skills)
International Entry Requirements:
Accreditation: The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS Students who fulfill the relevant work experience requirements of CIPS can apply for full membership of the Institute (MIPS)
AACSB Accredited Business School
5. Aston University
Degree Title: MSc Supply-Chain Management
Length: Full-Time: 1 year Part-Time: N/A
Fees 2016/2017: Home & EU Students: 8,350 GBP
International Students: 17,350 GBP
Scholarships: Limited availability subject to academic and other eligibility criteria
Entry Requirements: A First or good Second Class Honours degree or equivalent from a UK Academic organisation or equivalent overseas degree recognized by Aston University
Plus Two professional references –at least one must be an academic referee & a completed application form
International Students: An official academic transcript, with English translation of grades and date
Where English is not the first language – provide evidence of English Language qualification
Accreditation: The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
AACSB Accredited Business School
6. Cardiff University
Degree Title: MSc Logistics and Operations Management
Length: Full-Time 1 year Part-Time: N/A
Fees 2016/2017: Home & EU Students: 6,750 GBP
International Students: 18,250 GBP
Scholarships / Funding: 3,000 GBP of tuition fee scholarships available to UK and other EU applications
Entry Requirements: At least a 2:1 honours Bachelors degree or equivalent in Business, logistics and/or Operations Management, or have significant professional experience in a relevant occupation.
Non-graduates with approved professional qualifications or work experience may be considered under certain circumstances:
Where English is not the 1st Language you need the following: IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each category.
Accreditation: Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation
AACSB Accredited Business School
Off course there are other Universities who offer Masters in Supply Chain Management in the UK but I have picked those because I have worked with graduate from these Universities and I found Alumni of these universities a very well rounded Supply Chain professional in terms of basic supply chain competencies and know how.
Hope you find this information useful and let me know if there are other Masters in Supply Chain Management, which should be included.
Quora
What are the best B-School for supply chain management in the world?
Not sure about the world here are UK http://muddassirism.com/2016/01/masters-in-supply-chain-management-top-6-universities-in-the-u-k/
Alexius Kiob
I am working in a logistic company as a manager. I would like to further my knowledge in logistics while working. Please let me know whether or not there are university offering the course by distance learning. I was was a law graduate from the University of Warwick.
muddassirism
Hi Yakiob, I am not sure about distance learning. But you can try cips.org and Open University for Distance Learning.
Dave Food
There are a number of Moocs from different Universities, also you can do an on line course, however the better qualifications require attendance.
advogado lisboa
keep up the wonderful work , I read few posts on this web site and I conceive that your web blog is really interesting and contains circles of excellent information.
Chocks
Hi
Is it good to pursue MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics from University of Southampton without external accreditation?
muddassirism
I always recommend to do Masters with external accreditation if possible please.
Chocks
Thank You for your reply.
Dave Food
A Masters Degree has value, accreditation from CIPS of CILT just adds a little further icing on the cake. Not sure that it adds value from an employment point of view.
Ahmed
Thank you for the list, How do you rate University of Salford ?
muddassirism
Ahmed, I have not come across any graduate of Salford or seen them in any ranking, so I am not in position to give any comments.
Kenny Nwamana
Hello,
Salford SCM Msc graduate are everywhere and in the right places..i can say that because am one of them..
Love you post but this ranting, some school need to be in higher position than other..
All the same nice informative post though
Kenny
Which Masters Program to Choose and How? | Art of Supply Chain
[…] Masters in Supply Chain Management – Top 6 Universities in the U.K. by Dr. Muddassir Ahmed […]
Art of Supply Chain
This is very useful post for students and Supply chain professionals who seek for more academic knowledge.
I had a blog post in this similar subject and I have added your post’s link at the bottom so people from UK can check your blog post, which I have found very useful.
Thanks again.
Art of Supply Chain
This is very useful post for students and Supply chain professionals who seek for more academic knowledge.
I had a blog post in this similar subject and I have added your post’s link at the bottom so people from UK can check your blog post, which I have found very useful.
Thanks again.
muddassirism
Thanks Art of Supply Chain for adding my article, appreciated.
Quora
Which is the best university to do an MBA/MSc in logistics and supply chain management, either in India or abroad?
Hi Mate, I have written a blog about Top 6 Mastere degree in Uk in supply chain domain. Hope you find it useful. http://muddassirism.com/2016/01/masters-in-supply-chain-management-top-6-universities-in-the-u-k/
Quora
Which is more advantageous on the long run: a MBA with SCM specialisation or a Masters in SCM?
I would say both. You can read my blog about Top 6 Master programme in UK in supply chain and make your own mind. http://muddassirism.com/2016/01/masters-in-supply-chain-management-top-6-universities-in-the-u-k/
Quora
How can I prepare myself for a degree in Supply Chain Management?
Good Questions. The best way to prepare is find a job which is relevant and give you a feel of the field. So you can decide will you really want to spend Monday in Supply Chain Degree and Time as well. Once you do, you might find my blog http://muddass…
Mira
Dear Dr. Muddassir,
do you think it makes sense a Bachelor degree in “Logistics and Supply Chain Management” to be topped with a Master degree in “Supply Chain Management”?
My question stems from your statement that alumni of these universities have “BASIC supply chain competencies and know how”. I am looking for advanced specialization given that 3 years of study provide one with the basics.
Thank you very much in advance! Your response is highly appreciated!
With kind regards,
Mira
muddassirism
Hi Mira, I think you will benefit to diversify with advance degree in General Management such as MBA as you have basic degree in Supply Chain. That would be my suggestion.
Nick
Dear Dr. Muddassirism,
what is your opinion about the MSc Programmes in Logistics and Supply Chain Management of Heriot-Watt University?
There are 6 programmes:
Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc
Logistics and Supply Chain Management with Business Performance MSc
Logistics and Supply Chain Management with Lean Six Sigma MSc
Logistics and Supply Chain Management with Marketing MSc
Logistics and Supply Chain Management with Shipping and Port Operations MSc
Logistics with Green and Sustainable Supply Chain Management MSc
I am really interested in Shipping and Port Operations, as I am seeking a career in shipping. Unfortunatelly this MSc is not accredited by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. However, all programmes are certified by bodies such as Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (UK) (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).
(https://www.hw.ac.uk/postgraduate/subject/logistics-and-supply-chain-management.htm)
Kind regards,
Nick
muddassirism
Nick, in general I would support any degree in supply chain. And if you are getting accreditation that is the bonus.
Muddassir Ahmed
Hi Nick, they are all good Masters. I would think Shipping and Port Operations, is in demand.
Dave Food
There are a number of Moocs from different Universities, also you can do an on line course, however the better qualifications require attendance.
Waail Abusin
Dr. Muddassir,
Am really inspired by you and am also happy that I’ve found your blog and for sure you will find me spending a lot of time here, am working as a S&OP manager in a manufacturing company, i got my CPIM recently and i was thinking about my next step either to go for CSCP or to seek for master studies. after reading your blog i think am going to take the masters option, its going to be an enjoyable challenge since supply chain is my passion.
again thank you for this
Best,
Waail
muddassirism
Waail, I am pleased to know you find this blog useful!
Mansoor Ahmad, CSCP
Dear Dr. Muddassirism,
I have recently achieved CSCP and doing job in supply chain and want further groom my skills to move ahead. What would you suggest, what to do and from where using distance learning?.
Kamal Kishore
Dear Dr. Muddassir Ahmed,
I have developed an interest in Supply chain & Logistics. I want to pursue Masters in this field.
I wanted to ask that In terms of future job perspective How good it is to choose universities in Europe ? Will the local language be a big barrier for getting a Job in this field ?
If not can you please suggest me good universities in Europe.
Dave Food
I would recommend you get a bit more specific about what you want before asking for a good University. There are many University Masters Courses in the UK, they all have different strengths.
For example
Huddersfield good for Logistics and Transport
Plymouth good for Shipping and Maritime
Cardiff good for Lean Supply Chain
Heriott Watt for Retail Supply Chain
Warwick good on all Fronts for Supply Chain
Hope that helps
Andy Reichhardt
There are a lot of more or less trustworthy rankings that are based on surveys of practitioners (SCM World), research output (FT) or other types of data (Eduniversal). I cannot see any methodology behind your ranking? What is the methodological foundation your ranking is based upon? Or is this just your opinion? If so, you should indicate this already in the headline of your article. Otherwise this list is just misleading. You should understand that you take a lot of responsibility by publishing a ranking that might later be used to make decisions, e.g. by future students. Therefore, it should be based on sound data and a rigorous methodology.
Nakul Maan
Hello Sir,
I have offer from following university for MSc Supply Chain & Logistics-
1-University of Warwick
2- University of Southampton
3- Lancaster University
University of Southampton among these gives an option for Practical industrial project rather than traditional thesis which I find quite good, also I have got scholarship from Southampton.
But now Warwick has better ranking whereas its expensive and also no practical approach.
In which order would you recommend me to consider the universities , seeing my situation. I am more inclined towards Southampton, would that be a good option?
Thanks
muddassirism
I would recommended in the mentioned in the blog.
Juan
With Master in SCM supersede certification like CSCP? How do I subscribe to your blog
Juan
When you obtain master degree is there a need for certification like CSCP ?
muddassirism
If you degree in Business, probably you don’t.
Dave Food
Not necessarily – but if you have a Masters it does help
Gio
Which degree route is better MBA concentration in logistics and shipping or MSc SCM? Any certification I should to to compliment my degree ?
Muddassir Ahmed
I would say if you can do MBA with concentration to logistics is better than Msc or any certification.
Ananth
Hello Mr. Mudd assured,
I finished my masters in Industrial Engineering from University of Texas at Arlington and have worked with a contract manufacturing company till now. I want to be part of the senior management of any Supply Chain. Since I already have masters and several years of work experience, would you recommend doing an MBA or should I focus on getting certified by APICS or any other certification that will suit my requirements to climb up the ladder
Thank you
Ananth
Hello Mr. Muddassir,
I finished my masters in Industrial Engineering from University of Texas at Arlington and have worked with a contract manufacturing company till now. I want to be part of the senior management of any Supply Chain. Since I already have masters and several years of work experience, would you recommend doing an MBA or should I focus on getting certified by APICS or any other certification that will suit my requirements to climb up the ladder
Thank you
Muddassir Ahmed
If you already have Masters, I would say do APICS certification.
sachin
Could please suggest names of colleges and university , Msc in logistic and supply chain from USA university .Duration of the same with weightage as compared to UK university
Muddassir Ahmed
Sorry Sachin, I won’t be able to suggestion for USA university similar to UK at this moment in time.
Arslan
HI Doctor,
Can you please recommend any university for PHD or DBA in Supply Chain Management with reasonable fees? Thank you!
Muddassir Ahmed
Arsalan,
I don’t know what is reasonable fees is, as it is different for different people. As far as finding PhD is concern, you can use findaphd.com. I have just shared a link after Google search for you.
https://www.findaphd.com/search/phd.aspx?CID=GB&Keywords=supply+chain+management
Hope this help.
Muddassir
Top 23 Supply Chain Interview Questions and Answers Guide
[…] Masters in Supply Chain Management – Top 6 Universities in the U.K. […]
Anant Sinha
I am considering Kinsgton University for master in supply chain. Request your opinion on this decision.
Muddassir Ahmed
No idea about Kinsgton.
Rajat
Hi sir,
I am planning to do msc in supply chain and logistics management in UK. I have got few universities offer letter like Warwick university, university of bath, Lancaster university, Cranfield university, Alliance Manchester business school, university of Leeds, university of hertfordshire(including sandwich placement), Nottingham Trent university(with 1 yr internship). I am totally confused in making a final decision as it is somehow difficult to get a job in UK as compare to other countries. Will a sandwich placement offered by few universities will be worth it taking? but those universities are not high in ranking. Please suggest me universities out of these according to job prospect.
Muddassir Ahmed
Rajat,
None of UK Universities offer any job prospects in UK. From global perspective, I would recomend Warwick, Cranfield and Lancaster.
Regards,
Muddassir
Top 23 European Masters in Supply Chain Management
[…] Note 2: UK Universities are not included due to obvious BREXIT reasons, but you can find my UK Top 6 here! […]
Aniket
Is uclan good for Ms in supply chain management ?
Muddassir Ahmed
Yes.
Aniket
Thank you sir
peter koskei
i have degree in purchasing and supplies mgt and would like to pursue msc logistics and supply chain mgt in cranfield university bedford..how can i apply?
Muddassir Ahmed
You can apply at Cranfield University website!
peter koskei
I applied msc logistics and supply chain management at cranfield university but didn’t secure a place.can you please help me with another university in uk that offers msc purchasing and supplies management?
peter koskei
thanks you sir.
PAULA DA CUNHA
Would like to know if the MSc in Supply Chain for University of Salford for online learning is good.
Muddassir Ahmed
Any education from UK university is a good option.
Nilesh
Which would be better to choose between Warwick, Aston and Lancaster considering the current year trend and jobs prospects post graduation from either of the one?
Muddassir Ahmed
I would suggest it. 1) Warwick, 2) Lancaster, 3) Aston- in that order