Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Taught)

The MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management provides you with a detailed understanding and cutting-edge expertise in the discipline, to enable you to proceed to professional and managerial careers in business and the public sector. The programme has been specifically designed for those with no prior knowledge of logistics and supply chain management, as the one-year master’s degree will blend contemporary academic thinking with best practices from industry, to allow you to advance to Logistics and Supply Chain management roles with a highly developed skillset.

During the master’s programme, you’ll develop knowledge that covers and integrates the main areas of logistics and supply chain management. You’ll gain a critical understanding of a range of specialised theories, principles, and concepts and develop extensive, detailed, and critical knowledge of a variety of specialisms, informed by research-teaching linkages. You’ll gain knowledge of how Logistics and Supply Chain Management is developed, by exploring the implementation of emerging techniques of research and scholarly enquiry. You’ll use case studies to interpret data and relate real-life scenarios to the frameworks identified in the academic literature and use appropriate tools to support and enhance academic and professional activities.

Beyond the taught skills and knowledge, you’ll gain key transferrable skills which will set you up for life after graduation. You’ll learn key qualitative and quantitative forms of analysis, learn to work to strict timescales both independently and in self-managed groups, learn to apply academic and business techniques to a variety of business cases, develop your justification and application skills, and develop your general data interpretation and advanced communication skills. You’ll be equipped with the ability to think critically, identify problems, evaluate options, and communicate solutions which will enable you to effectively implement your specialist knowledge to any logistical problem you may face in your career.

Your learning environment

The MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management programme is taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and group work allowing you to get to know and build relationships with your peers and academics.

Outside of the classroom, you can join Heriot-Watt’s Business Society which holds regular social events and provides networking opportunities and insights into relevant career prospects.

Customise your learning

Whilst studying at Heriot-Watt, you’ll learn from the core courses, with the choice of optional courses to explore the area of logistics and supply chain management that interests you the most. This gives you the opportunity to customise your degree to match your specific interests or career pathway by selecting a specialist course option.

In semester three, you’ll explore in-depth your chosen area of Logistics and Supply Chain Management through your dissertation. You will be required to demonstrate your mastery of the subject area by developing new insight from analysis of valuable original research.

Accreditation

Two important industry bodies, the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (UK) (CILT), and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) have accredited our MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management programme.

CILT accreditation

Students who successfully graduate with the above degrees will receive an exemption from the academic requirements for membership at either the Chartered Member or Member level of the CILT. There may also be a reduction in the length of experience that they would require.

Find out more about CILT accreditation and membership.

CIPS accreditation

Whilst you are studying you can join as a Student Member become an Affiliate Member and then Member (MCIPS).

Find out more about CIPS accreditation and membership.