Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc
MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Overview
Integrate your business skills with mathematical analysis for a modern operational career with this MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree course. You'll explore the flow of information between suppliers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers, and find ways to streamline your company's activity for improved effectiveness and efficiency.
You'll be working with quantitative data and analytical techniques, applying developments in logistics technology, and learning from professional research into the current issues in operations and supply chain management. You'll have access to industry-standard software such as Simul8, and to site visits and case studies drawn from live problems in the profession. You'll plan and produce a personal research-driven project, perhaps with an industrial partner organisation, and will study with lecturers who contribute to both the academic and industrial streams of this sector.
You'll graduate with all the tools required for a career in logistics and operations management, either in the UK or further afield.
You can start this course in September or January.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.
Course highlights
- Apply highly data-driven mathematical models to decision-making in the supply chain, so you can bring quantitative methods into your career in logistics
- Study key topics in the field, including Logistics Modelling, Supply Chain Management and Strategic Logistics, as you develop your career skills in problem-solving and interpersonal communication
- Use professional-standard simulation software and statistical packages in our computer labs
- Work on real-life case studies, large-scale logistics problems, or active research projects in companies that collaborate with your lecturers
Accredited by
What you'll study on this MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management degree course
All modules on this MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management are core.
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Distinguish between problems of logistics and supply chain management and find an appropriate solution method
- Formulate and solve simulation models arising in supply chain management
- Formulate and solve logistics models using heuristics and meta-heuristic methods
- Present the results of logistics and supply chain management models and solutions in form of written reports
- Demonstrate an understanding of using computer software packages to solve logistics and supply chain management problems
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Formulate and implement a variety of operations management problems using Excel Solver
- Present the results of planning and scheduling models and solutions in the form of written reports
- Understand the product and service design, control and improvement strategies and grasp the analytical skills to help with the aggregate planning and Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
- Formulate and solve a variety of planning and scheduling models
- Understand operation management problems and find improvement strategies
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically evaluate strategic logistics problems and recommend a technique for modelling and decision support
- Model and provide decision support to logistics problems by using multi-criteria decision making and techniques
- Model and solve logistics problems by using data envelopment analysis and queuing theory techniques
- Critically evaluate complex logistics problems in order to recommend solutions that take into account a wide range of strategic objectives including environmental and sustainability considerations
- Effectively work in a group and orally present solutions to a real world logistics problem
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Critically review the strategic issues relating to supply chain management
- Compile and construct a supply chain management case study of a leading global company
- Formulate and solve inventory management models
- Formulate and apply a variety of forecasting methods
The learning outcomes of this module are:
- Complete a major programme of work requiring sustained intellectual and creative effort with the objective of developing critical abilities in analysis, synthesis and evaluation
- Generate recommendations based upon review and analysis of the work accomplished
- Present both in written form and verbally, project outcomes based on coherent arguments for the assessment of needs, influences, consequences and achievements
- Provide reflection upon what they have learnt during the process of conducting their research
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
"I gained an impressive level of satisfaction from doing my MSc at Portsmouth and chose to stay for my PhD thanks to the academic and professional departments that were always there to help support me when I needed them during my MSc and the PhD admission period. My current supervisors were my MSc lecturers and role models that I continue to look up to."
Read Hasan's storyCareers and opportunities
It's always been critical to most organisations, but the increasingly data-driven nature of logistics and supply chain management, or Logistics 4.0, demands a new kind of graduate who can apply mathematical principles and analysis to the industry.
This degree's focus on mathematical problem solving and decision making will qualify you for a career in the traditional areas of manufacturing logistics, distribution and supply chain management on graduation. But you'll also have the skills and knowledge to work in industries such as quality control, facilities planning, postal and express delivery, the emergency services, the military and defence industry.
Graduates of this course have gone onto roles such as:
- Logistics specialist
- Supply chain buyer
- Transport line manager
- Quality inspector
Career outcomes shown are sourced from the latest available graduate outcome surveys. The data shows career outcomes at 15 months after graduation.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert careers advice from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Student Placements and Employability Centre. You can access support from our Careers and Employability Centre for up to 5 years after you graduate.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
It is our expectation that all international students will join us here on campus in Portsmouth.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 12 months (full-time study, September start)
- 17 months (full-time study, January start)
You can expect:
- 10 hours of teaching time every week. You'll receive your timetable near the start of teaching.
- 20 hours of independent study each week
In the last 3 months of the course you'll be focusing on your research project.
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- practical computer-based sessions
- laboratory and project work
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- examinations
- coursework
- laboratory assignments
- dissertation
You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on practice and formal assessments so you can improve in future.
Term dates
September start:
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be writing your project / dissertation.
January / February start:
The academic year for this course runs from January to May in the following year. There are breaks in the summer, at Christmas, and at Easter.
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Facilities
Specialist mathematics software
Use advanced mathematical and statistical software such as Mathematica and MATLAB for high-level simulations of complex dynamical processes. You'll also get exclusive access to industry-standard statistical and operational research software (R and SPSS), IBM and Microsoft software (Azure Dev Tools for Teaching) and VMware.
Maths Café
No problem is too small or too tough for our Maths Café tutors, who are on hand every day during term-time to help you if you get stuck or need something explained.
Supporting your learning
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your Master's.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study in one-on-one and group sessions.
They can help you:
- master the mathematics skills you need to excel on your course
- understand engineering principles and how to apply them in any engineering discipline
- solve computing problems relevant to your course
- develop your knowledge of computer programming concepts and methods relevant to your course
- understand and use assignment feedback
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to:
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
September 2022 / January 2023 start
- Full time: £8,100
- Full time: £18,300
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
If you're a UK student who achieved a first in your undergraduate degree you may be eligible for a £3,000 University of Portsmouth scholarship.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Entry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.
September 2022 / January 2023 start
- A second-class honours degree in a relevant subject, or equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, view the equivalent entry requirements we accept for your country.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 (or equivalent) with no component score below 5.5.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
How to apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Standard applications
Start this course in September 2022
Start this course in January 2023
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2021, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.
- Subject area
- Mathematics and Physics
