MSc in Supply Chain Management and Logistics

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Twente

Program Overview

The MSc Business Administration – Purchasing & Supply Management specialisation at the University of Twente prepares students to become experts in strategic purchasing, supplier management, and supply chain performance improvement. The programme focuses on developing skills to create effective purchasing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and support innovation and sustainability across industrial and public-sector supply chains.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
During this one-year master’s programme, students build advanced knowledge of purchasing and supply management through specialised courses covering procurement strategies, supplier relationships, and supply chain performance. Students explore topics related to strategic sourcing, purchasing processes, and how organisations create value through effective supplier collaboration.

Students also develop research and analytical capabilities through Business Administration coursework and a Master’s Thesis. The programme allows students to investigate real-world purchasing and supply challenges by applying academic research methods, strategic management concepts, and analytical approaches to business problems.

Focus Areas:

Strategic purchasing, procurement management, supplier relationship management, supply chain performance, sustainable sourcing, industrial purchasing, public procurement, and innovation through supplier collaboration.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop the ability to design purchasing strategies, manage supplier networks, analyse supply chain challenges, improve organisational performance, and apply research-based solutions to procurement and supply management issues.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The specialisation is part of the MSc Business Administration at the University of Twente, providing students with academic and professional knowledge aligned with careers in procurement, purchasing, supply chain, and business management.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Twente is a research-focused university recognised for its combination of technology, innovation, and business education. The Purchasing & Supply Management specialisation is designed to prepare graduates for high-demand roles in purchasing and supply chain management, including positions such as purchasing manager and Chief Procurement Officer.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Business Administration – Purchasing & Supply Management specialisation at the University of Twente provides students with practical exposure to real purchasing and supply challenges faced by organisations. Students develop professional skills through company-based cases, strategic procurement projects, research activities, and interaction with industry experts, allowing them to understand how purchasing decisions influence innovation, sustainability, and supply chain performance.

The programme combines academic learning with practical applications by using real-life business examples, industry insights, and research-based assignments. Students gain experience in analysing procurement strategies, supplier relationships, digital purchasing systems, and international sourcing challenges through the following opportunities:

Industry-led learning: The course Purchasing Strategy and Systems is taught with input from industry professionals, including a Chief Purchasing Officer from a large automotive supplier, helping students understand strategic procurement practices in real organisations.
Real company case studies: Through courses such as Global Sourcing and Organisation, students work on practical purchasing challenges, including supplier management, purchasing maturity assessments, and international negotiation scenarios.
Public and healthcare procurement projects: In Strategic Procurement in the Public and Healthcare Sectors, students explore procurement strategies for government and healthcare organisations, focusing on complex projects, services, and societal impact.
Research-based learning: Students complete a Master’s Thesis where they investigate purchasing and supply management challenges using academic research methods and industry-relevant topics.
Digital procurement and IT systems: Students develop skills in using IT systems, eProcurement approaches, and process management tools to improve purchasing performance and decision-making.
International collaboration opportunities: Students can apply for the Purchasing & Supply Management Double Degree programme, where they study at partner institutions and complete a jointly supervised Master’s Thesis.
University research environment: Students benefit from the University of Twente’s research-driven approach, combining business expertise with technology and innovation-focused learning.
Campus facilities and learning resources: Students have access to University of Twente libraries, digital learning platforms, study spaces, and research facilities supporting coursework and thesis development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Business Administration – Purchasing & Supply Management specialisation at the University of Twente prepares graduates for careers in strategic procurement, supplier management, and supply chain leadership. Graduates develop expertise for roles such as Purchasing Manager, Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), Strategic Sourcing Specialist, and Supply Chain Consultant, working across industrial companies, public organisations, and global supply networks.

The programme supports career development through strong industry connections, professional guidance, and opportunities to apply purchasing knowledge in real organisational contexts:

Career Support Services: University of Twente provides career guidance through career coaching, workshops, employer events, networking opportunities, CV support, and preparation for the transition from study to employment.
Industry Connections: The specialisation includes industry involvement, with professionals such as purchasing executives contributing practical insights into strategic procurement and supplier management challenges.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for professional roles including Purchasing Manager, Chief Procurement Officer, Procurement Consultant, and Supply Chain Manager in SMEs, multinational companies, and public-sector organisations.
International Career Value: The programme’s focus on industrial and public procurement, innovation, and sustainability provides graduates with skills relevant to global procurement and supply chain markets.
Academic and Professional Recognition: The MSc degree from the University of Twente provides internationally recognised academic credentials from a research-focused university, supporting long-term career development in business and supply chain fields.
Career Advancement Opportunities: Graduates can progress into leadership positions managing procurement strategies, supplier networks, and supply chain transformation projects.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc Business Administration – Purchasing & Supply Management, students can continue into PhD research programmes in areas such as purchasing management, supply chain management, operations management, sustainability, and business innovation. Graduates may also pursue professional certifications and executive programmes in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supply chain leadership to strengthen their expertise for senior management roles