Purchasing and Supply Chain Management MSc

Our range of core and option modules on this course equips you with the specialist knowledge to identify problems and develop solutions within both purchasing and the wider supply chain. Our lecturers combine traditional lectures with games to illustrate logistics and supply chain and talks by external speakers from the industry.
A highlight for many students are the field trips and social events organised throughout the course which provide an opportunity for networking and extending your learning in new environments. Read about a recent field trip to the Siemens Urban Sustainability Centre on our blog.
As part of this course, you have the opportunity to obtain a PRINCE2 Foundation certification in project management. You will also be eligible for a Professional SAP Certification discount and benefit from free access to part of the material on the course reading list.
Modules
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course. For more details on course structure and modules, and how you will be taught and assessed, see the full course document.
Core modules
Business Process Integration with SAP
You will consider the role of information and process integration within organisations, focusing on enterprise-wide software and business process integration. Opportunities to study for SAP-accredited courses are offered in association with this module.
Financial Analysis for Managers
This module aims to develop your analytical skills and understanding of corporate financial reports.
Logistics and the External Environment
With this module you will increase your awareness of the external influences that companies must take into account in the design and operation of their logistics systems.
Purchasing Management
You will develop a range of knowledge about purchasing management, including the purchasing management process, negotiation techniques, supplier appraisal and the buyer’s role.
Research Methods and Project Preparation
These modules will increase your knowledge and competence of the research process and the application of research methods.
Retail Supply Chain Management
By examining retail markets (by country and sector), this module investigates developments in the control of the supply chain between retailers and manufacturers.
Sustainable Supply and Procurement
You will examine topics related to green logistics, procurement and supply chain management.
Option modules
International Aspects of Business Law
You will gain a greater understanding of different aspects of international law, and be able to apply them to business.
Project Management
You will examine the importance of projects in modern organisations, with particular reference to managing projects.
Accredited internship
All students on our full-time business Masters courses can apply to undertake the PG/MBA Internship Programme Reflective Practitioner Module. This is an 8 week unpaid accredited internship, which can be taken in addition to option modules and will help students to gain invaluable work experience. The internships, which are with London-based organisations, take place during the summer period. To apply, students must submit a completed application form and a copy of their updated CV to the Business Experience Team; the team then shortlist from the applications and conduct group meetings with the applicants.
Ultimately it is up to our internship employers to decide whether they would like to interview the candidate(s) and offer him/her an internship. We have received very positive feedback from both postgraduate students and employers and expect that the internship programme will continue to remain popular amongst our students.
Course team
Rachel Lander, Course Leader
Associated careers
Past students of the course have developed successful careers in both supply chain management and procurement. Course graduates work in both large and small to medium companies all over the world. Examples include Unilever, Puma, and Sony. In today's complex and demanding environment where sound judgement, personal responsibility and initiative are sought, this course will help you acquire the qualities to either advance in your current role, or gain new employment. Areas of work you could consider include purchasing and contract management, supply chain management, operations/logistics management and supply chain planning and development. Alternatively, you might want to continue onto research or further study. On successful completion of the course, if you have three years' relevant work experience you may be awarded Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) status. Alternatively, you can apply to CIPS for MCIPS status at a later date, once you have acquired the necessary work experience.
Length of course
One year full-time or two years part-time, starting in September or January
Location
Central London (Marylebone)
Related course
Logistic and Supply Chain Management MSc
Additional costs information