Plymouth Business School

MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management

Duration

1 year
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth
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Build the skills and competencies to help businesses manage the planning, production and delivery of their products and services. Learn how advanced operations management, modern and sustainable supply chains, and the flow of information therein have become the bedrock of competitive advantage in an ever-changing global business environment. Make a decisive step towards securing a very exciting career.

  • H

    Start this programme in January or September.

Careers with this subject
Careers include opportunities in supply chain coordination in Europe as well as worldwide. Our postgraduates start on a salary that is significantly higher than that of undergraduates. Likely employers include Amazon, Procter & Gamble (P&G) and Unilever.

Careers service

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated careers service supporting you from the moment you start your degree, to three years after graduation.
Careers advice is embedded into your academic programme through workshops, events, placements, networks - working with the academic staff teaching on your course. We also offer materials, networks and resources online through our 24/7 portal, and a wide-range of activities, opportunities and support centrally in the Careers Service space within the Student Hub.
We are here to help you to explore, connect and succeed.

Key features
  • Bridge the gap from your previous studies or work experience and acquire the specialist knowledge needed to join this rapidly growing industry. This programme welcomes applicants from a broad range of undergraduate disciplines. 
  • Lead the way by learning to view the supply chain and logistics sector with a distinctly contemporary eye – sustainability and environmental issues are embedded in all our modules, increasing your employability and better preparing you for the challenges that climate change presents to the industry.
  • Examine the latest regulations and governance in supply chains, placing your knowledge and skills at the leading edge of the sector.
  • Take advantage of our programme of visiting speakers and gain insider knowledge and important networking contacts to ensure you’re ready to enter the workplace immediately upon graduation.
  • Benefit from the option of choosing a joint programme with Fontys University of Applied Sciences, School of Business Engineering and Logistics, at Venlo, the Netherlands.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • In a highly competitive and increasingly globalised world, a business's competitive advantage lies in its ability to manage its supply chain efficiently. The MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management programme prepares you for a career in managing such a supply chain.This programme is an excellent preparation for both an academic career, for example a PhD in Operations and Supply Chain Management, as well as a managerial career. This programme is based entirely on coursework.
    The design of our postgraduate programmes focuses on four taught modules and a capstone project. We believe that simplicity in programme design provides you with a better learning experience. The dynamic and challenging nature of contemporary business does not isolate concepts into small packages – and neither do our programmes. This approach links concepts together as they are in the real world, and enables you to focus in on what really matters.

    Core modules

    • Finance and Economics for International Supply Chains (MAR7001)

      This module develops an understanding of supply chain economics and financial risk management with a focus on the maritime sector.

    • International Trade and Data Management (MAR7002)

      This module provides key information to international procurement logistical planning and forecasting.

    • Sustainable Supply Chain Management (MAR7003)

      Sustainable development and social responsibility are fundamental drivers of supply chain practises around the world. This module provides students with an in-depth examination of such issues across the supply chain, taking into account differing perspectives and underlying drivers. The module provides students with a toolkit to effectively manage sustainable supply chains.

    • Capstone Project (PBS7000)

      In this capstone project, you will synthesise and apply learning from the taught element of the programme to a project of your choosing. There is scope for you to undertake a broad range of project types, including consultancy, business analysis, business development or academic study.

    • Operations Management for Competitive Advantage (STO7008)

      This module considers how to use business operations to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Operations strategy will be highlighted, showing how it needs to inform and underpin the design and improvement of all operational processes to ensure increased cost efficiency and maximise operational effectiveness.

Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:

MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management programme specification_6788

The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Entry requirements
A good honours degree, first or second class, or equivalent, in any discipline.
If English is not your mother tongue 6.5 IELTS with a minimum of 5.5 in any element in a secure English language test. English language requirements. 
The University of Plymouth offers pre-sessional English language courses if you do not have this.
We welcome students from a broad range of disciplines who are keen to place their undergraduate discipline knowledge into the context of operations and supply chain management.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary. 

Fees, costs and funding
Student 2024-2025 2025-2026
Home £10,900 £11,350
International £18,400 £18,950
Part time (Home) £610 £630
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

How to apply

Applications for September 2025 onwards

Please contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk or telephone +44 (0)1752 585858 to register your interest in applying for this programme. 
Please include your name, contact details, email and telephone number, the course that you are interested in and the year you wish to start your studies. 
You will be sent further details on how to apply as soon as possible. 
 

When to apply

Most of our taught programmes begin in September. Applications can usually be made throughout the year, and are considered until programmes are full.

Before you apply

Familiarise yourself with the information required to complete your application form. You will usually be required to supply:
  • evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
  • evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
  • a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
  • your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
  • proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
If you require further information take a look at our application guidance. 

Disability Inclusion Services

If you have an impairment, health condition or disability, learn about the additional support the University provides.

International students

Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office. Take a look at our how to apply information or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Submitting an application

Once you are happy that you have all of the information required you can apply using our online postgraduate application form (the blue 'Apply now' icon on this page). 

What happens after I apply?

You will normally receive a decision on your application within four weeks of us receiving your application. You may be asked to provide additional information; two academic/professional references, confirming your suitability for the course; or to take part in an interview (which in the case of overseas students may be by telephone or video conference) and you will be sent a decision by letter or email.
We aim to make the application procedure as simple and efficient as possible. Our Admissions and Course Enquiries team is on hand to offer help and can put you in touch with the appropriate faculty if you wish to discuss any programme in detail. 
If you would like any further information please contact the Admissions and Course Enquiries team:
Telephone: +44 (0)1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk 

Admissions policy

More information and advice for applicants can be referenced in our admissions policy which can be found on the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.

Progression routes

International progression routes

The University of Plymouth International College (UPIC) offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk

Supply chain management degrees

The MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management programme is part of a suite of supply chain management programmes offered by Plymouth Business School. These programmes cover a broad range of topics including international shipping, procurement, logistics and operations management. With a shared first semester you will have the opportunity to learn about the variety of disciplines before specialising in your chosen subject.
Programmes in this suite include:
Business Economics

On this course you will

Analytics
Gain a competitive edge in today's market
Advance your analytical skills to enhance your employability and prepare for a successful and proactive career.
Senior manager
Hone your skills in leadership
Realise your ambitions and develop your potential as a manager and leader of the future.
Global enterprise: freighter
Learn to manage on an international scale
Gain key knowledge in managing international business and global supply chains.

Meet our experts

  • Lecturer in Business Strategy and Operations
    Programme Leader
  • Deputy Head of School
    Extensive industry experience in seagoing logistics
  • Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management
    Research interests include humanitarian logistics and disaster operations
  • Lecturer in Service Operations Management and Business Strategy (Education)
    Expert in services and operations management
  • Associate Professor in Business Management & Operations
    Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institution of Engineering
  • Lecturer in International Procurement and Supply Chain Management
    Research interests include forecasting port container throughput
  • Lecturer in Operations & Supply Chain Management
    Over 20 years experience in international trade across the world
  • Lecturer in Maritime Economics
    Extensive experience in industry and professional organisations
  • Lecturer in Operations, Logistics and Strategic Management
  • Lecturer in International Logistics
  • Lecturer in Maritime Business
  • Lecturer in International Shipping and Port Management
  • Lecturer in International Supply Chain Management (Education)
    Executive Member at Logistics Research Network Committee

Plymouth Business School

  • ?Accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)

  • ?Committed to social, economic and environmental responsibility

  • ?Supporting the internationally recognised focus on sustainability and social purpose of the University

  • ?Leading business ready graduates onto a successful career and happy life

  • ?Supporting graduates to make informed choices based on current economic and market trends

  • ?Building students resilience and confidence

  • ?Promoting practical skills development

Fitzroy Building

The University of Plymouth is creating an exciting new space for the Plymouth Business School in which current and future students can foster the knowledge and enthusiasm that they will need to achieve their ambitions. Work is underway at the heart of our city centre campus. 
Watch our video visualising what the new building will look like.