Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc/Diploma/Certificate

  • Delivery: Full Time, Part Time
  • Programme type: Taught Programme
  • Study location:
  • Edinburgh
  • Entry date:
  • September

Overview

Logistics is the term widely used in business for the range of activities associated with the movement, storage and handling of materials. The management of logistics has been revolutionised over the past 30 years and has come to be regarded as a key determinant of business competitiveness. Companies have substantially improved their performance not only by overhauling their internal logistics, but also by managing more effectively their external links with suppliers. This has become known as supply chain management. These developments have created a healthy demand for well-qualified logistics and supply chain managers in most sectors of the economy.

Our MSc Logistics programme examines current practices, trends and issues in logistics and supply chain management and we have a full programme of courses, site visits and guest speakers that provides a rich and fulfilling experience for you over the academic year.  

Programme duration

  • MSc - 12 months full-time / PGDip - 9 months full-time

Professional recognition

The MSc Logistics is accredited by both the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK), the main professional body for managers working the fields of logistics and transport, and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) which is an international organisation serving the purchasing and supply profession and dedicated to promoting best practice.

Industry links

Many of the guest speakers on the programme are senior executives with wide experience of logistics and give an insight into current approaches, practices and techniques being applied in the logistics sector.

In addition there is a series of site visits, mainly to distribution centres, which give students the opportunity to see best practice in action and to have useful discussions with professional logistics practitioners.

Graduate opportunities

Students graduating in previous years have taken up logistics management posts with an impressive list of companies including DHL, Diageo, BP Chemicals, IKEA, Coca-Cola, Proctor and Gamble, Unilever, Maersk, Tesco and Rolls Royce.

Overview

Logistics is the term widely used in business for the range of activities associated with the movement, storage and handling of materials. The management of logistics has been revolutionised over the past 30 years and has come to be regarded as a key determinant of business competitiveness. Companies have substantially improved their performance not only by overhauling their internal logistics, but also by managing more effectively their external links with suppliers. This has become known as supply chain management. These developments have created a healthy demand for well-qualified logistics and supply chain managers in most sectors of the economy.

Our MSc Logistics programme examines current practices, trends and issues in logistics and supply chain management and we have a full programme of courses, site visits and guest speakers that provides a rich and fulfilling experience for you over the academic year.  

Programme duration

  • MSc - 12 months full-time / PGDip - 9 months full-time

Professional recognition

The MSc Logistics is accredited by both the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK), the main professional body for managers working the fields of logistics and transport, and the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) which is an international organisation serving the purchasing and supply profession and dedicated to promoting best practice.

Industry links

Many of the guest speakers on the programme are senior executives with wide experience of logistics and give an insight into current approaches, practices and techniques being applied in the logistics sector.

In addition there is a series of site visits, mainly to distribution centres, which give students the opportunity to see best practice in action and to have useful discussions with professional logistics practitioners.

Graduate opportunities

Students graduating in previous years have taken up logistics management posts with an impressive list of companies including DHL, Diageo, BP Chemicals, IKEA, Coca-Cola, Proctor and Gamble, Unilever, Maersk, Tesco and Rolls Royce.

Programme content

Semester 1 (Sep - Dec)Semester 2 (Jan - April)
Strategy for Supply Chains Design of Logistical Systems
Management of Logistical Systems

Choose 3 from:

  • Supply Chain Analytics
  • Operations Management
  • Humanitarian Logistics
  • Green Logistics
  • Maritime Business & Economics
  • Maritime Logistics
Global Purchasing & Supply  
Supply Chain Planning  

A dissertation is then completed between May and August.

Strategy for Supply Chains

Semester 1 (mandatory)

This course sets out the evolution of supply chain thinking and identifies the challenges faced by organisations. The nature and means of formulating business strategy is first identified before looking at the scope of supply chain strategic planning and the different perspectives of producers, retailers and logistics service providers.

Management of Logistical Systems

Semester 1 (mandatory)

Warehousing and freight transportation are both fundamental elements of Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This course explores the role of the warehouse in global supply chains, warehousing activities as well as modern storage and handling equipment options.  Students also study freight and multi-modal transportation including air, sea, road and rail freight. Freight routing is supported by technology; these advances are reviewed. 

Global Purchasing & Supply

Semester 1 (mandatory)

Purchasing processes and activities; theory and the make or buy decision; category management and supplier sourcing; supplier performance and relationship management; supplier development and the role that purchasing plays in New Product Development (NPD); procuring complex performance; partnership; ethics and social responsibility.

Supply Chain Planning

Semester 1 (mandatory)

Improving the match between supply and demand is a key competitive issue. This course will explain different planning strategies, policies and techniques that companies use to improve inventory performance and customer service including demand forecasting methods and inventory planning policies.

Design of Logistical Systems

Semester 2 (mandatory)

When designing supply networks, decision makers must consider many different factors, costs and often conflicting objectives.  This course outlines the main principles and methods of physical network design and warehouse design and reviews factors influencing design decisions, as well as techniques used to optimise network configuration and logistical choices.  

Dissertation

A dissertation on a related topic is then completed over the summer months.

Anastasios Kolymvanos

Degree MSc Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Present job Supply Chain Analyst, Zensar Technologies UK / Marks and Spencer PLC

My logistics journey started in 1993 in Greece, when I joined my family’s furniture business ‘George Kolymvanos-Furniture Co’. Spending nine years in multi task roles such as Designer, Manufacturer and Assistant Manager in this business, I came across many logistical and supply chain issues. In 2002 I left the business to study mechanical engineering at university in Greece. I found the logistics and supply chain management part of my degree really interesting and decided to specialise in this area by studying at postgraduate level.

Heriot Watt University was my first choice because it offers one of the best postgraduate logistics and supply chain management courses in Europe. The academic year in the beautiful city of Edinburgh was tough but very educational.

After graduation I was employed by Zensar Technologies UK and Marks and Spencer PLC as a Supply Chai Analyst in Marks and Spencer Head Office. Zensar provides outsourced supply chain management services to Marks and Spencer that add value to their retail supply chain. My key responsibilities include:

  • supporting the Commercial Supply Chain Manager in the production of volume forecast, stock issues and supply chain reporting
  • being point of contact between Global Suppliers, Freight Forwarders, Regional Offices Administrators and Business Unit Merchandisers
  • prioritisation of Purchase Orders (PO’s) in conjunction with Furniture Department Merchandisers
  • planning and scheduling of PO’s deliveries in the UK warehouse
  • informing Merchandisers via exceptions when there is a commercial impact that will affect their availability to stores and advising on the various freight options that are available
  • highlight any quality issues that arise within the warehouse on a daily basis; actioning penalties for late deliveries after agreement from the Furniture Department

Entry requirements

A good Honours degree (first or second class), or its non-UK equivalent, in a relevant subject from a recognised British or overseas university.

Work or project experience in a logistics-related field will be of further advantage.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we’ll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme:

  • 2 semesters English (for IELTS of 4.5 with minimum of 4.0 in all skills)
  • 12 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum of 5.0 in all skills)
  • 6 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with minimum 5.5 reading & writing and 5.0 listening & speaking)

Tuition fees

Fees for this programme can be found on our Tuition fees page.

Scholarships & bursaries