MSc Supply Chain Management (18-month route)

18 Months On Campus Masters Program

University of Hertfordshire

Program Overview

The MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management (18-month route) is designed for students who want to gain advanced expertise in procurement, logistics, and operations strategy while benefiting from extended study time for deeper engagement. It suits graduates and professionals aiming to strengthen their career prospects in global supply chains, offering a curriculum that blends theory, case studies, and industry-supported projects with leading employers such as GSK, Tesco, DHL, Samsung, BAE, and Leonardo.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year builds a strong foundation in supply chain systems and logistics management. You’ll study Logistics and Operations Strategy, learning how operations strategy aligns with business goals, and Procurement and Inventory Management, focusing on modern sourcing systems and inbound supply chain processes. Modules such as Financial Decision for Supply Chain and Globalisation and Regulations equip you with advanced finance tools and knowledge of international standards, while People Management develops leadership skills essential for supply chain professionals.

Year 2 (final 6 months)
In the extended second phase, you’ll deepen your expertise with modules like Storage and Warehouse Management, which explores warehouse IT, automation, and technology, and Transportation Techniques, analyzing multimodal freight solutions across air, sea, road, and rail. You’ll also study Supply Chain Management, preparing you to optimize global supply chains using the latest research and managerial practices. The program culminates in the MSc Individual Project (Supply Chain & Manufacturing), where you apply your learning to a real-world issue such as procurement, outsourcing, inventory optimization, or transport planning.

Focus Areas

Supply chain management, procurement, logistics operations, warehouse management, transportation techniques, globalisation and regulations, financial decision-making, people management

Learning Outcomes

Strategic supply chain analysis, logistics optimization, leadership and people management, applied research skills, financial decision-making expertise, global compliance awareness

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), ensuring graduates meet professional standards and benefit from enhanced career recognition in supply chain and logistics management.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Hertfordshire ranked 6th in Business and Management in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024). Graduates have secured roles at leading organizations including GSK, Tesco, DHL, Samsung, BAE, and Leonardo, reflecting the program’s strong industry connections and employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most rewarding aspects of the MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management (18-month route) is how it combines academic study with hands-on practice. Students gain practical skills by working on industry-supported projects, using specialist software, and engaging directly with global companies. The extended 18-month structure allows for deeper immersion, giving you more time to refine your expertise and apply it to real-world challenges. Delivered by the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science, the program ensures you benefit from modern facilities, digital tools, and strong industry partnerships.

Here’s how experiential learning is built into the program:

Industry-supported projects: The MSc Individual Project (Supply Chain & Manufacturing) is designed around real-world challenges, often supported by companies such as Samsung, BAE Systems, Leonardo, GSK, Tesco, and DHL.
Group projects and collaborative learning: Modules like Logistics and Operations Strategy and Procurement and Inventory Management include team-based assignments, simulating the collaborative environment of global supply chains.
Specialist software and digital tools: Training in Financial Decision for Supply Chain and Transportation Techniques involves the use of analytical and modelling tools to evaluate procurement, inventory, and multimodal transport systems.
Extended project time (18-month route): The longer study period allows students to undertake more in-depth research and consultancy-style projects, strengthening applied skills and industry relevance.
Guest lectures and networking: Regular sessions with professionals from Hertfordshire’s industry partners provide insights into current supply chain practices and career pathways.
Modern learning facilities: Students have access to advanced computing labs, simulation resources, and the university’s extensive library and digital databases for logistics and procurement research.
Professional accreditation: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), experiential learning is reinforced by professional recognition, linking your studies directly to industry standards.

This blend of industry projects, specialist software training, and extended study time ensures Hertfordshire graduates leave with both academic knowledge and the practical skills employers demand in global supply chain and logistics management.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Supply Chain and Logistics Management (18-month route) are equipped to take on senior roles in procurement, logistics, and operations strategy. Many progress into careers such as Supply Chain Analyst, Procurement Specialist, Logistics Manager, or Operations Consultant, applying their expertise to optimize global supply chains and drive efficiency in multinational organizations. With extended study time and strong industry connections, Hertfordshire graduates are highly competitive in both UK and international markets.

Here’s how Hertfordshire supports your career progression:

University services for employability: The Careers and Employment Service provides tailored support, including CV workshops, interview preparation, and access to employer networks. Students also benefit from industry talks and placement opportunities supported by partners such as Samsung, BAE Systems, Leonardo, GSK, Tesco, and DHL.
Employment stats and salary figures: The University of Hertfordshire ranked 6th in Business and Management in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024), reflecting strong student satisfaction and employability outcomes. Graduates typically enter roles with salaries in the £28,000–£35,000 range, with rapid progression as they gain chartered recognition.
University–industry partnerships: The program is supported by Hertfordshire’s strong links with global companies including Samsung, BAE Systems, Leonardo, GSK, Tesco, and DHL, who contribute to course projects, guest lectures, and placement opportunities.
Long-term accreditation value: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), the MSc ensures graduates meet professional standards and benefit from enhanced career recognition in supply chain and logistics management.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work in leading organizations across pharmaceuticals, retail, aerospace, and logistics, contributing to procurement innovation, transport optimization, and global supply chain strategy.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MSc, students may continue into doctoral research (PhD) in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Operations Strategy at Hertfordshire or other leading universities. The program’s strong research foundation within the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science provides an excellent platform for advancing into academic careers, policy research, or specialized professional qualifications such as full Chartered Membership of CIPS.