The hallmark of our MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management is its emphasis on helping organisations to improve their efficiency and performance, within a global context. We will equip you with the skills, knowledge and insights to deliver such improvements through more effective global operations, supply chain design and management.
Keeping the wheels of business turning
Smooth movement of the supply chain is pivotal to business efficiency. On this dynamic applied programme, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the systems, processes and modelling techniques which drive innovation and competitiveness.
Drawing on supply chain and logistics scenarios from your own and other organisations, you'll build the skills to pinpoint inefficiencies, plot strategies for improvement and ensure optimum supply chain performance. You'll be challenged intellectually but will also experience the practicalities of the business, applying the latest theory to real-world problems. The course also gives you the chance to focus on a particular area - such as procurement or warehousing and distribution - to match your personal interests and career ambitions.
Vital industry insights
Case studies, business consultancy projects, guest speakers and company visits to employers such as CEVA and Boots will help you learn more about supply chain operations in close up. Our teaching team has significant industry experience and an excellent network of contacts, so you'll be introduced to some of the key players in the field.
We host many events to connect you with the regional, national and international business community. One highlight of the calendar is our Logistics Week, which brings together some of the giants from the sector and professional bodies to showcase latest developments and technologies.
The event attracts representatives from industry leaders such as DHL, Boots, Toyota, Norbert Dentressangle, Thorntons, CEVA Logistics and Kuehne + Nagel. Our 2016 Logistics Week featured a guest lecture by Dr Pete Waterman, famed not only for his role as a producer-songwriter but also for his work to champion the rail industry.
Professional credibility
We're committed to helping you meet the highest standards. We draw on best practice by working with prominent professional bodies to keep your learning relevant, meaningful and up to date. Our MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT UK), meaning if you become a student member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), you'll gain exemptions from the academic requirements for Chartered Membership (CMILT) of the CILT (UK), adding further credibility to your CV.
Our close links with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) also enable you to place supply chain challenges within wider business and sector contexts.
At the heart of a logistics network
Derby has long been a major hub for road, rail and air logistics, so we are ideally placed to keep you in touch with what's new in the industry. We're on the doorstep of a massive supply chain network and connected into a business community which includes high-profile names like Rolls-Royce and Toyota.
With transport advances such as the HS2 rail network and new freight corridors on the horizon, you'll gain insights into the important debates which are shaping the future of supply chain management.
An international outlook
It goes without saying that the successful logistics professional needs to think globally. Our MSc delivers international perspectives every step of the way, with specialist modules which extend your thinking and broaden your career scope. You will study alongside students and be inspired by tutors from countries as far afield as India, Malaysia and Iran - a vibrant learning community where you can share experiences and make truly international connections.
Research that pushes boundaries
Derby Business School has a long-standing record as a Centre of Excellence in supply chain and logistics. Our Centre for Supply Chain Improvement is charting new territory in everything from artificial intelligence to radio-frequency identification (RFID). The centre's work feeds into our MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management - keeping you up to date with latest thinking and innovative ideas.
The course is made up of three stages - Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc.
To complete the MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management, you'll study modules such as:
Postgraduate Certificate
- Global Strategic Supply Chain Management
- Improving Supply Chain and Logistics Operations
- Storage and Warehousing
- International Purchasing Contexts in a Digital Age
Postgraduate Diploma
- Enterprise Systems Management and Digitalisation
- Supply Chain Analytics and Systems Modelling
- Sustainable Transportation and Freight Logistics
- International Procurement and Inventory Management
MSc
Independent Study: Research Methods (20 credits)
Independent Study: Dissertation (40 credits)
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Our focus is on developing your analytical skills so that you can evaluate an organisation's supply chain practices. You will apply the methods and techniques you learn to specific tasks within an organisation.
MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management is underpinned by our teaching team's significant sector and subject experience, supported by contributions from current practitioners in senior supply chain roles.
How you are assessed
Assessment methods vary according to the module. Coursework assessment may include essays, management reports, exams, presentations and group work. As this is an applied programme and our focus is on preparing you for career success, assessment by examination is very much the exception.
You will normally hold:
- a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline at 2:2 level or above, or
- an international or professional programme equivalent (eg CIPS or CILT level 6) qualification
- If English is not your first language, you will also need IELTS 6.5 with 5.5 in each skills area.
Applicants with a lower classification qualification may still be considered for entry to the programme if you can demonstrate a relevant level of work experience and/or knowledge to work at the required level.
2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £9,450 for the full course* | £1,050 per 20 credits |
| International | £14,900 for the full course | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £9,720 for the full course* | £1,080 per 20 credits |
| International | £16,900 for the full course | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
About postgraduate awards
Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
| Award | Credits |
|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits |
| MA or MSc | 180 Credits |
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies
Alumni discount for Derby graduates
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.
Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount
How to apply
Please look at our before you apply.
The supply chain sector is poised for rapid growth and provides exciting openings for well qualified managers locally, nationally and worldwide.
Graduates of our MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management can advance their careers in many areas of supply chain management, taking up roles in operational management, business analysis and consultancy or specialising in areas such as distribution and logistics or procurement.
Students already working within the sector will find this MSc strengthens their CV and accelerates their career progression to senior management roles in supply chain operations, project management and strategic operations.
Ongoing careers support
Throughout your studies, you will benefit from our Personal Development Planning (PDP) scheme which enables you to reflect on your learning and refine your career ambitions.
Our support continues once you've completed your course too: you are entitled to further help and guidance from the Careers and Employment Service for up to three years after leaving the University.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
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Download programme specification
Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
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