Course Level:Postgraduate
Next Start Date: June 2023
Duration: 1 Year
Campus Location: University Square Campus, Luton
Attendance: Full-time | Block delivery

About the course

Sustainable 21st-century strategies for purchasing, logistics and supply chains are critical to the success of any modern, global commercial organisation. This course prepares you to be an effective professional in this field, opening up career opportunities in various industry sectors.

On this Master’s, you explore how the latest theories and practices in logistics and supply-chain management can increase operational effectiveness, while developing the critical skills to analyse problems and reach feasible, workable solutions. You also learn to optimise management decisions at operational, tactical and strategic levels.

With our practice-based approach to learning, you develop your understanding of financial analysis; contract and procurement management; digital business management; and research methods. Units may include global logistics and supply-chain management; sustainable business management; and project and operations management.

This course is accredited by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.

Why choose this course?

  • Start when it most suits you, with six entry points through the year; every taught unit is delivered in a six-week block
  • Enhance your management skills through critical insight into the best practices of dynamic modern businesses, both nationally and across international boundaries
  • Evaluate and review this subject area through the lens of risk and procurement management set against the need for sustainable business management
  • Explore the legal, social and environmental issues faced by modern businesses
  • Gain knowledge of important methodologies, tools and techniques such as JIT, TQM, Six-Sigma and Lean
  • Benefit from interacting with guest speakers from major multinational organisations; making site visits to key logistics centres; and having the opportunity to take PRINCE2 professional exams
  • Study with staff from our Operations and Knowledge Management Research Group, enjoying collaborative learning opportunities with students from around the world

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

Accreditations

  • The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
The campus where this course is taught

Units

  • Business Dissertation (MAR042-6) Compulsory
  • Global Logistics And Supply Chain Management (BSS051-6) Compulsory
  • Performance Achievement Planning (BSS072-6) 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. 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.

 

Clicking this card will take you to /international/countries/

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.

 

Consideration will be given to mature applicants with lower level qualifications, but with substantial relevant work experience.

How will this course improve my career prospects?

The successful completion of your MSc provides a strong foundation to seek career opportunities in a variety of positions and can open up the potential for fast-track career progression.

You will have the skills to work in logistics and distribution; supply-chain management; purchasing; forecasting and planning; or warehousing.

You will also be well prepared for further research study and many students continue to work towards the MPhil or PhD.

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 full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £14,600

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 full-time standard fee for a taught Master's degree for the Academic Year 2023/24 is £14,600

If you have any questions around fees and funding, please email international@beds.ac.uk

Extra Costs

Find out more about additional costs while studying at Bedfordshire. Click here.

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