Global Logistics, Operations and Supply Chain Management MSc
2 Years Full-Time | September Start

In terms of discipline input, you will develop a critical understanding of strategic partnerships and relationship management, within the context of logistics and supply chain management and its role in contributing to organisational strategy.

You will gain an appreciation of the management of operations and supply chains and how these are reliant on the improvement and integration of numerous functions within an organisation, which must work together.

The improvement in operations and supply chains is considered in local, national and international contexts, with particular attention to the contexts of quality and efficiency and their tools and techniques. On the programme, you will gain an appreciation of the synergy between strategic procurement and logistics management.

Focus is given to processes that add value through the production and delivery of services and products in the supply chain, and the tools needed for effective process management. You will also gain exposure to the fundamental principles of contemporary Supply Chain Risk Management and Sustainable Supply Chain Management within a business context.

This course also includes a residential day for the leadership and team-building event, which is aimed at strengthening skills in team working, emotional and cultural intelligence, self-reflection, independent learning and critical thinking

You will identify how these principles contribute to optimisation of operational efficiency, organisational excellence, and by minimising organisational and environmental risk, help organisations achieve sustainable competitive advantage as part of their movement towards realising 'triple bottom line' (TBL) benefits.

Your tutors will use a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars and workshops. As this is a master’s course there is a major element of independent learning and self-motivated reflection.

Teaching is backed up by a well-designed support system that helps ensure a successful learning journey. We make sure that extensive feedback, from both tutors and peers, is built into the course.

During the second year you will have the chance to undertake a consultancy project for a whole semester. You will follow this up with an Applied Management Work Investigation Report that will critically analyse an issue related to your practical experience.

Our assessment strategy is based on our understanding that everyone has different needs, strengths and enthusiasms. Assessment methods include assignments, presentations, exams, and the master’s dissertation or consultancy project.

Who teaches this course?

Newcastle Business School has a global reputation for delivering some of the UK’s best business education. We’re part of an elite group of business schools worldwide with double accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in business and accounting.

Modules will be delivered by a team of academic staff who possess a combination of academic qualifications and relevant professional practice. Our staff are engaged in various research, consultancy, and practice-based activities, which will impact your learning and be embedded into the teaching.

Key areas of research from the teaching staff include operations improvement, efficiency and optimisation, supply chain risk management, sustainability and resilience, and operations and supply chain innovation. 

How will I be supported during my time at Northumbria?

Academic staff will support you through taught sessions, as well as planning activities for you to engage with during independent study time. Our academics will be available for further support outside of formal scheduled teaching, such as through student-drop-in sessions. You will also be allocated a Personal Tutor, who has responsibility for your personal wellbeing.

You will have access to a range of university learning support services. These consist of sessions conducted by library staff on core academic skills such as referencing and academic writing. If you are an international student, there are specialist academic skills sessions built into your studies, which will help with the academic language in your modules of study.

In addition, you will also have access to the central Student Support and Wellbeing service, who offer a range of services including support with welfare and health, finances, international student support, disability and dyslexia, counselling and mental health, and chaplaincy and faith advice.

View all staff profiles.

Newcastle Business School provides first-class teaching in a world-class environment. From social spaces and hub areas to lecture theatres and exhibition spaces, our facilities are exceptional. The 24/7 University Library achieves some of the highest levels of student satisfaction in the UK and has held the Cabinet Office accreditation for Customer Service Excellence since 2010.

The University has also invested heavily in IT labs and facilities. Business software includes various statistical, analytics and decision-making applications.

Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is embedded throughout the course with tools such as the ‘Blackboard’ eLearning Portal and electronic reading lists that will guide your preparation for seminars and independent research. Our use of lecture capture software will help you revise challenging material.

At Northumbria it’s easy to put your learning into practice. In addition to the Advanced Practice element of the course, further opportunities for experiential learning are available through our Student Engagement Centre which promotes volunteering and placements. The Business Clinic enables our students to participate in a ‘consultancy firm’ to provide advice for our region’s businesses on issues that include operations, logistics and supply chain management.

As a master’s student you will develop your research skills to a new and higher level. Your research supervisor will help you submit a proposal for your master’s dissertation or consultancy project which will be specific to the disciplines of logistics and supply chain management. You will then discuss its development with your supervisor through to completion in the final semester.

If you decide on a master’s consultancy project, rather than a dissertation then you will still undertake primary and desk research. Through your reading, reflection and research, you will be expected to show a deep understanding of the issues that are involved in the client brief.

Throughout your Global Logistics Operations Masters you will be an active participant in the on-going research agenda that’s at the heart of Newcastle Business School. With conferences and research events regularly taking place, and with staff discussing their own research as it relates to the topics you’ll study, there’s a strong emphasis on engaging in up-to-date enquiry-based learning.

The course has the credibility of being accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) (CILT). Such accreditation facilitates the process of gaining chartered status, which is associated with higher salaries and promotions.

The course includes a focus on developing leadership and management competencies. Topics studied include emotional intelligence, intellectual competence, cultural awareness and the ability to work in diverse groups and teams. There is a specific focus on self-development, including formal sessions with our Careers and Employment Service which offers a range of workshops, one-to-one advice, and networking opportunities.

In the second year of the course you will be putting your new learning into practice. You will develop a track record of achievement that will help you stand out from other job applicants. We will help you find a project that matches your interests and career aspirations.

A Business Logistics Masters course that takes two years, instead of just one, will carry particular weight with employers. They’ll understand that you’ll have a deeper understanding of topics as well as more hands-on practical experience.

Our graduates typically go into graduate positions in areas such as operations management, materials management, purchasing and quality management. Roles of recent graduates include supplier quality manager, transport consultant, distribution services manager, e-commerce operations manager, freight account manager and logistics project manager.

If you decide to start up your own business, it’s good to know that the combined turnover of our graduates’ start-up companies is higher than that of any other UK university.

The course could also lead you to a postgraduate research degree such as an MPhil, PhD and Professional Doctorate.

Whatever you decide to do, you will have the transferable skills that employers expect from a master’s graduate from Northumbria University. These include the ability to tackle complex issues through conceptualisation and undertaking research, the ability to contribute to new processes and knowledge, and the ability to formulate balanced judgements when considering incomplete or ambiguous data.Newcastle Business School provides first-class teaching in a world-class environment. From social spaces and hub areas to lecture theatres and exhibition spaces, our facilities are exceptional. The 24/7 University Library achieves some of the highest levels of student satisfaction in the UK and has held the Cabinet Office accreditation for Customer Service Excellence since 2010.