MSc International Logistics and Supply Chain Management

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

This MSc is designed for graduates and professionals who want to advance into senior roles in logistics, shipping, procurement, and supply chain management. It suits those seeking a truly international perspective, combining research-informed teaching with industry engagement, and offering options such as dual award titles, study abroad, and membership in Plymouth’s maritime alumni network (PYNDA).

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Core Foundations

You’ll begin with MAR7001 Finance and Economics for International Supply Chains, which develops your understanding of supply chain economics, forecasting, and financial risk management in the maritime sector. Alongside this, you’ll explore Sustainable Supply Chains, gaining a toolkit to manage supply chains responsibly and ethically, with a focus on global sustainability drivers.

Year 1 – Specialist Modules

You’ll then study MAR7006 International Logistics and Supply Chain Management, which provides insight into the critical success factors of international logistics operations. This module links theory with practice, preparing you to manage complex supply chains across borders.

Year 1 – Capstone Project

The program culminates in a Capstone Project, where you synthesise your learning in a project of your choice. Options include consultancy, business analysis, business development, or academic research, giving you flexibility to tailor your experience to your career goals.

Focus Areas

International logistics, maritime economics, sustainable supply chains, procurement, risk management, consultancy projects, global operations.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to design and manage international supply chains, apply financial and economic analysis, integrate sustainability into logistics operations, and deliver consultancy-level solutions to global business challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
Recognised by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.
Plymouth Business School is accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Plymouth is internationally recognised for its maritime and logistics expertise, with strong alumni networks through PYNDA (Plymouth Nautical Degree Association), connecting graduates to over 400 professionals worldwide.
The program integrates visiting industry speakers, company-based projects, and simulation-based technology, ensuring graduates are highly employable.
Alumni work globally as procurement managers, consultants, sourcing analysts, and supplier managers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

One of the most exciting aspects of this MSc is how it blends academic study with real-world practice. At Plymouth Business School, you’ll gain practical skills through industry-informed modules, visiting speaker programmes, and technology-enhanced learning. The program is designed to ensure you graduate with hands-on experience, confidence, and direct exposure to employer expectations, supported by Plymouth’s maritime heritage and global alumni network.

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

Capstone Project Options: You’ll complete a consultancy, business analysis, or business development project, or choose an academic research dissertation. This flexibility allows you to tailor your experience to career goals.
Visiting Speakers Programme: The course integrates talks from industry professionals in shipping, logistics, and supply chain management, giving you direct insight into current challenges and practices.
Technology-Enhanced Curriculum: Modules such as Finance and Economics for International Supply Chains and International Logistics and Supply Chain Management use simulation-based technology and digital modelling tools, ensuring you graduate with practical analytical expertise.
Group Projects: Collaborative assignments in modules like Sustainable Supply Chains and International Logistics encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
Study Abroad & Dual Award Options: You can enhance your experience by studying abroad or pursuing a dual award title, adding international exposure to your CV.
Industry Networks: Membership of PYNDA (Plymouth Nautical Degree Association) connects you with over 400 alumni working globally in maritime and logistics industries.
Library & Research Facilities: Access to Plymouth’s Charles Seale-Hayne Library, with extensive logistics, shipping, and management resources, alongside digital databases to support applied research.
Business School Facilities: As part of Plymouth Business School, you’ll benefit from modern computing labs, collaborative learning spaces, and accredited teaching environments.

This combination of consultancy projects, industry engagement, and digital tools ensures you graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with practical, career-ready expertise.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Plymouth’s MSc International Logistics and Supply Chain Management are prepared for senior roles in global logistics, shipping, procurement, and supply chain operations. Typical career paths include Supply Chain Manager, Procurement Analyst, Logistics Consultant, and Shipping Operations Manager. With Plymouth’s strong maritime heritage and industry connections, you’ll be positioned to thrive in international organisations and consultancy firms.

Here’s how the University of Plymouth supports your career progression:

University Services: Plymouth Business School integrates employability into the curriculum through its visiting speakers programme, company-based projects, and access to the Plymouth Nautical Degree Association (PYNDA), a global alumni network of over 400 professionals in maritime and logistics.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: The program is designed to “greatly enhance your employability in areas of international logistics and supply chain management,” with graduates progressing into roles across Europe and worldwide.
University–Industry Partnerships: You’ll benefit from industry-informed modules, consultancy-style projects, and opportunities to engage with professionals from shipping, logistics, and supply chain sectors.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and recognised by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, alongside Plymouth Business School’s accreditation by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to careers as procurement managers, consultants, sourcing analysts, and supplier managers, applying their skills in global contexts.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this MSc, you could continue your academic journey by pursuing a PhD in Logistics, Operations, or Supply Chain Management at Plymouth, where research focuses on sustainability, maritime economics, and global operations. Alternatively, you may choose advanced professional qualifications through CILT or the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, further strengthening your expertise and professional standing in the logistics and maritime sectors.