MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management (with Placement)

Program Overview

The MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management (with 12 Month Placement) at the University of Worcester is a postgraduate taught program typically completed over two years full-time. The first year comprises intensive academic study, covering core logistics and supply chain management modules. The second year is dedicated to a full-time, 12-month professional placement within a UK-based or potentially international organization, providing students with practical experience and the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world logistics and supply chain setting. This integrated placement is a key differentiator, offering significant benefits for career development and global employability within the sector. The program is designed for graduates seeking to embark on or accelerate their careers in logistics and supply chain management and provides a strong foundation for professional development in this critical field.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management (without placement) is structured to provide a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the field. Core modules typically cover supply chain strategy and design, procurement and sourcing, warehousing and inventory management, transportation and distribution management, logistics and supply chain technology, global logistics and supply chain management, operations management, and research methods in logistics and supply chain management. For the MSc with the 12-month placement, the first year mirrors this curriculum, providing the necessary theoretical framework. The second year focuses entirely on the practical application of these principles during the placement. Students are supported throughout their placement with guidance from the university and their host organization. Assessment methods include essays, case studies, presentations, and a final dissertation or project, often drawing upon their placement experience.

Research Focus: The research focus within the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management is aligned with contemporary challenges and emerging trends in the global logistics and supply chain environment. Faculty expertise may encompass areas such as sustainable supply chain management, the impact of e-commerce on logistics, risk management in global supply chains, the application of big data and analytics in logistics, and the role of technology in optimizing supply chain operations. During their studies and particularly within their dissertation, students are encouraged to explore research questions relevant to the modern logistics and supply chain landscape, often drawing upon their experiences and observations during their professional placement. This applied research focus ensures that graduates are equipped with the analytical skills to address real-world logistics and supply chain issues.

Industry Engagement: The inclusion of the 12-month professional placement is a significant aspect of industry engagement for this program. The University of Worcester actively works with a range of organizations across various sectors in the UK and potentially internationally to secure placement opportunities for students in logistics and supply chain roles. This provides invaluable real-world experience, networking opportunities within the logistics and supply chain community, and enhances students' understanding of organizational cultures and practical logistics operations. The program also benefits from guest lectures delivered by logistics and supply chain professionals, providing insights into current industry trends and challenges.

Global Perspective: The MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management program inherently embraces a strong global perspective. The curriculum focuses extensively on international logistics, global supply chain design, cross-border transportation, and the challenges of managing complex international supply networks. Case studies and discussions often explore logistics and supply chain issues in various economic, political, and cultural contexts. The program may attract students from diverse international backgrounds, enriching the learning environment and providing opportunities for cross-cultural exchange and understanding of global logistics and supply chain challenges and solutions. The 12-month placement further enhances this global perspective by providing practical experience within an international or globally-oriented organization in the logistics and supply chain sector. This comprehensive global outlook prepares graduates to excel in the international logistics and supply chain arena.