About the course
Purchasing, logistics and supply-chain management are critical to the success of manufacturing and service industries worldwide. This two-year course gives you the skills you need to be an effective professional in the field, opening up career opportunities within a range of sectors.
The course supports you to develop a sound understanding of the theories and techniques of global logistics and supply-chain management - knowledge you can apply to employment across diverse organisations. Your studies encompass procurement, production, distribution, transport and customer services, and cover a range of management styles and structures.
Course units consider global logistics and supply-chain management and may include risk and procurement; sustainable business management; and project and operations management. The Data Analytics units cover a wide range of relevant topics including big data, programming and the importance of analytics in decision making. The knowledge you gain will enable you to synthesise complex information and data to produce meaningful solutions for the organisation.
This course is accredited by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Why choose this course?
- Every taught unit is delivered in a six-week block, with six entry points through the year, allowing you to start at a time that most suits you
- Learn to make feasible plans for procurement, logistics/supply-chain operations, and project management; apply methods, tools or techniques for process and quality management; and critically evaluate their results and effectiveness
- Understand the relevant professional codes of conduct and corporate social responsibility issues
- Acquire strong technical expertise in the area of modern data and information security management systems, used to safeguard organisations and their assets
- In your final Capstone project, choose one of three options: business dissertation, live project or practice placement
- Develop the attributes and skills expected of a postgraduate, as recognised by professional industry bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
Accreditations
- The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

Units
- Business Dissertation (MAR042-6) Compulsory
- Computer Networks And Security (CIS109-6) Compulsory
- Data Modelling, Management And Governance (CIS108-6) Compulsory
- Developing Independent Research (CIS132-6) Compulsory
- Global Logistics And Supply Chain Management (BSS051-6) Compulsory
- Performance Achievement Planning (BSS072-6) Compulsory
- Personal Professional Development (BSS074-6) Compulsory
- Project And Operations Management (BSS052-6) Compulsory
- Risk And Procurement Management (BSS054-6) Compulsory
- Sustainable Business Management (BSS053-6) Compulsory
A number of different assessment methods will be used to help enhance your learning outcomes of this course. You will receive detailed briefings of the assessment and the marking criteria for each unit. In preparing your work/assignment for each assessment, your unit tutor will provide you with support and help you to enhance your learning outcome and assessment performance. Typical types of assessment for this course includes: Individual Written Report - Your knowledge and skills are developed when you undertake the task of writing an individual report and the whole process contributes to your improvement when it comes to conducting postgraduate level research and developing your enterprise. The ability to carry out literature-informed research, to review and evaluate the relevant sources, and to use an appropriate methodology in order to analyse and evaluate the relevant concepts is being assessed. Case Study Analysis - You will apply relevant theoretical concepts or models covered in the course to analyse given case studies. Oral Presentation - A number of transferable skills will be developed including the ability to present your findings in a professional, clear and concise manner. Reflective Report: Evaluating your own contribution to a team project is essential in the context of this course but in the workplace as well. Artifacts : to support applied computing and information technology units Dissertation / Professional Practice / Business Live Project: Regardless of which masters capstone experience you opt for, you will have to produce an individual, independent piece of work. The three options are equivalent in weighting however, offer three distinct approaches to explore a research problem. The distinction between the three approaches is underpinned by the design of research methodology. You will be asked to identify the research question or problem under investigation, review the relevant literature, and develop a sound methodology in order to explore the problem, proceed with the analysis, discuss your findings and make recommendations. It is the capstone of this course and builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in all Units. It will be one of the most challenging but yet enjoyable and rewarding experiences you will encounter ever! Please refer to the unit information form (UIF) of each of the three options for details. You are expected to make use of the journals, professional bodies and the media in order to keep up-to-date with information, examples, debates, discussions and events in procurement, logistics and supply chain management practices. Your enquiry skills will be developed through lectures and workshops. You will be introduced to various research methods, such as survey, interview, focus group, action research, and various quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques. Through the final capstone unit in purchasing, logistics and/or supply chain management, you will be able to apply some of these methods and techniques to carry out independent research. The notions of accountability and academic integrity will be an integral part of your course. You will be informed about what plagiarism is and how to avoid it during the delivery of each Unit. Where an individual project is required you will be asked to show the different stages of your work or to present it in its entity upon completion. Where collaborative tasks are assigned, an individual reflective report or individual viva may be required to indicate your contribution to the team. All coursework assignments will require a thorough evaluation of the sources used and referencing will be done according to the Harvard Referencing System. As mentioned in an earlier section, a range of assessment methods will be used throughout the course and students will be required to undertake a variety of assessments, including individual reports, essays, case studies, oral presentations, reflective report, and a final course project - Business Dissertation, Professional Practice, or Business Live Project. The assessments are designed to test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, but also to demonstrate the range of skills identified in the section above. Students will also experience some formative assessment activities designed to support the development of their knowledge and skills. The purpose of such assessment is to enable them to monitor and improve their performance. For example, they will have the opportunity to discuss a report structure before completing the report, to present concepts/findings through presentations and receive feedback before producing a final report or presentation. In preparation for exams, they will have opportunity to attempt revision questions with guidance on how to address these, with appropriate solutions. The assessment strategy underlines the course's concern with research and independent thinking, the ability to make informed decisions and communicate these under time pressure and, finally, the all-important skills of teamwork and oral communication of ideas. Written assessments will contribute to the learning outcomes focusing on your ability to research and critically evaluate elements of the curriculum in depth. The assessments will allow you to use a variety of named sources to support their viewpoints. At the end of four blocks you will progress to the master's capstone experience stage where you will opt to complete either, a dissertation, a professional practice, an internship or a live project unit. Details of each capstone option will be given in corresponding handbook. The knowledge and concepts acquired during the four taught periods of block teaching along with a number of highly important transferable skills will be combined and evaluated during the writing of the final piece of work, the masters capstone experience unit. Whether the students opt for a traditional research dissertation or an experiential learning option (Professional Practice or Business Live Project), an appropriate research methods element will introduce the students to the idea of postgraduate and/or action-based research. This final unit will enhance your ability to produce an independent piece of work and it will provide them with an opportunity to show the creativity and independence required in the workplace by holders of postgraduate degrees.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have a good undergraduate degree at Honours level, or equivalent.
To apply for a place on a postgraduate course (MA/MSc/MBA) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good first degree and the required English language qualification
Find out more about specific entry requirements for your country
To apply for a postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA/LLM) at the University of Bedfordshire you should have a good honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate subject from a recognised university or HE institution.
We will also consider candidates with other relevant qualifications or appropriate work experience.
You also need to have the required English language qualification
Contact your country’s International Admissions Team for more information.
We consider applicants with at least a 2:2 or above from a recognised University. To apply for this course, a Business degree or an IT/IS-related degree is required. Otherwise, applicants from different subject areas will be considered on an individual basis according to their relevant professional experience or qualifications.
How will this course improve my career prospects?
As a graduate of this course, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to take up a career in business and management generally, and specifically in procurement, and the management of any aspects of logistics and supply-chain business. Your specialist skills in data analysis give you the option to focus on more IT-related roles in the field.
This course is an appropriate foundation for further academic study at either MPhil or PhD level.
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The total international fee for a 2-year taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £17,100.
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Fees and funding
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is £8,500 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2022/23 is available at www.beds.ac.uk/intfees
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
The full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £9,350 per year. You can apply for a loan from the Government to help pay for your tuition fees and living costs. Visit www.gov.uk/postgraduate-loan
Alternatively if you have any questions around fees and funding, please email admission@beds.ac.uk
The total international fee for a 2-year taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £17,100.
If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk
Extra costs
- Travel costs for participating in CILT Annual student conference
- Membership costs to join CILT student membership (Optional)
Find out more about additional costs while studying at Bedfordshire
Extra Costs
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
How to Apply
UK students applying for most postgraduate degrees at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student
International students applying for a full-time postgraduate degree at the University of Bedfordshire should apply direct using our admissions form or via our representatives in your home country. You can also apply online
Find out more about how to apply as an International student