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Operations and Supply Chain Management

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What you'll need

If you studied any part of your degree in China, you’ll need to obtain a triage service number to submit with your application. There is a charge of £25 for this service.

You'll also need to submit:

  • School or college transcripts/certificates
  • University transcripts and certified translations if applicable
  • Degree certificates
  • Personal statement outlining your learning ambitions

Our application process

  • Sign into our online portal, Apply Yourself, and start your application
  • Submit your application
  • We'll email you to let you know we're processing your application
  • Track the progress of your application using the Postgraduate Application Tracker (we'll send you a link to the tracker)
  • We'll email you when a decision has been made
  • If you've been made an offer, you can then accept or decline it using the Postgraduate Application Tracker.

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There are thirty-nine courses related to Operations and Supply Chain Management that you might be interested in.

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A Master of Science (MSc) is a master’s degree awarded for a postgraduate programme in the sciences.

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Course overview

Designed by one of the UK’s leading Operations and Supply Chain Management research groups, this programme is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT).

Introduction

The programme is aimed at graduates in management, engineering and science, practising operations professionals and non-sector professionals who wish to increase their understanding of operations and supply chain management.

You will get a theoretical and practical exposition of the factors that are necessary for effective operations and supply management in today’s global and highly competitive markets.

In addition, you will learn how successful operations performance can shape and influence the sales and profit ambition of a business. You will develop a profound understanding of the processes and techniques for developing operations strategy and managing operations and supply chain activities.

  • Learn via innovative teaching techniques including interactive games, cases and simulations
  • See real-world scenarios with industry visits
  • Supported to work towards gaining full or chartered membership of our accrediting bodies. Graduates of the programme will be exempt from the academic requirements of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS, subject to renewal) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT)
  • Apply your knowledge by undertaking a work-based project which is undertaken in conjunction with industry. Recent projects have been undertaken in collaboration with organisations including Bibby Distribution, Corus, Ford Motor Company, Hewlett Packard and Jaguar Land Rover. ‌

Accreditation

The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

The MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT).

CIPS and CILT are international organisations, based in the UK, serving the purchasing, logistics and supply professions. Student membership is available to students whilst studying for the MSc.

Accreditations in detail

Accreditations

The University of Liverpool Management School is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

The MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT).

CIPS and CILT are international organisations, based in the UK, serving the purchasing, logistics and supply professions. Student membership is available to students whilst studying for the MSc.

Course content

Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.

Studying this course part-time

International students may be able to study this course on a part-time basis but this is dependent on visa regulations. Please visit the Government website for more information about student visas.

If you're able to study part-time, you'll study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any other life commitments. You will study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.

Semester one

The programme is delivered over 12-months (or 24-months part-time) and consists of six compulsory modules and two optional modules followed by a project carried out over the summer on completion of Semester two.

Compulsory modules

SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (EBUS506)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

​This module will provide a study of the key principles, systems and techniques used to assure effective supply chain management. The module covers an extensive range of subjects including logistics, information management, inventory management, partnerships and information technology.

STRATEGIC OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (EBUS602)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module will demonstrate how operations management can influence and shape competitive strategy. Specific topics include the examination of modern business drivers and competitive performance (time compression, responsiveness, waste elimination etc.), the achievement of competitive advantage through operations management, globalisation and supply chains, agility and ECR examples and operations performance measurement. Leading-edge operational practice is analysed within each topic covered.

SERVICE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (EBUS634)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

​Services are an increasingly visible and important facet of everyday life. The UK economy is described as a service economy, and effective service operations management is of critical importance now to public, private and third sectors alike. This module will familiarise students with the concepts, principles, practices and problems typically associated with service operations. Service operations management covers the full lifecycle of service planning, building and operation and is concerned with the continued provision of service quality in the face of changing circumstances, such that customer value expectations continue to be met. The module will focus on key service operations best-practices and provide students with an overview of prevailing theoretical debates. Contemporary research in public and third sectors will be used to provide real-world perspective on key principles.

Optional modules

OPERATIONS MODELLING AND SIMULATION (EBUS504)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module will give students an understanding of the role of modelling and simulation in the development and improvement of business processes in a commercial environment. Important elements include analytical techniques of systems, statistical aspects of modelling and system dynamics. Extensive use will be made of a variety of commercially available modelling and simulation tools such as Matlab and Witness.

Digital Business Technology and Management (EBUS603)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

This module will give the student a critical awareness of the management approaches and technologies used in the development and delivery of digital business solutions. This will include types of digital businesses and their innovation, management approaches, data related technologies, information retrieval technologies for digital businesses.

PROJECT AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT IN ORGANISATIONS (EBUS614)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Project management has cemented its position as a key management paradigm, enabling organisations to efficiently achieve their goals in a constantly changing business environment complicated by risks, uncertainties and competitor pressures. The global economy implies yet another level of complexity inherent to the management of large-scale geographically distributed project teams. This module introduces cutting-edge principles and best practices of project management and discusses how they relate to the competitive product development. This module provides students with the necessary tools, techniques, and analytical skills required to strategically manage new and existing projects within the current uncertain business environment. The module seeks to provide participants with a broad understanding of the key project management elements such as: project scheduling, resource budgeting, quality assurance, and risk management / mitigation, all of which provide measurement of institutional project performance. It addresses the principal techniques used to identify, assess, measure, control and manage projects and their associated risks.

Big Data Management (EBUS622)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

The module aims to provide unique exposure to current business opportunities, challenges and developments associated with running or expanding digital business enterprises. It introduces students to the key aspects of big data management and examines how big data can drive decisions and actions, both operational and strategic.

Global Maritime Logistics (EBUS632)

Credits: 15 / Semester: semester 1

Maritime logistics is resulting from the convergence of ‘maritime transport’ and ‘logistics and supply chain management’. The underlying concepts of maritime logistics are value-adding and integration. This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key issues in maritime-associated transport chains and the principles, tools and techniques to tackle these issues mainly from the quantitative/analytical perspective. This module complements EBUS609 Logistics and Physical Distribution, which mainly takes the qualitative perspective. The module will be delivered using lecture, group discussion, case study, journal article discussion, and computing practice, and will be assessed using coursework (lab report and essay).

Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.

Our curriculum

The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:

  • Digital fluency
  • Confidence
  • Global citizenship

Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:

  • Research-connected teaching
  • Active learning
  • Authentic assessment

All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.

Your experience

This programme is delivered by the triple-accredited University of Liverpool Management School.

The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.

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Supporting your learning

From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:

What students say...

This degree also gives me insight into the world of major leadership roles and how to emerge as a leader within any role that I pursue. The programme allows me to follow routines, enhance my prioritization skills and bolster my technical skills at the same time.

, MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management

Careers and employability

Operations and supply chains are essential to competitive performance. Opportunities are provided for participants of the programme to analyse and examine the most up-to-date, cross-sectoral developments in operations and supply chain practice through a series of industrial lectures and a best-practice industry visit.

Career planning

Three career coaches standing outside the Careers Studio

Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.

From education to employment

Two graduates in postgraduate robes.

We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.

Networking events

Postgraduate students hold a discussion while sat round a table in in the Liverpool Guild of Students.

You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.

Your future

You will have access to a specialist, in-house postgraduate careers team and have access to one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars, and employability initiatives.

It is expected that programme graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to reach senior managerial positions and become the operations, logistics and supply chain management strategists of the future.

Graduates of the MSc in Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Liverpool are now working for:

  • Accenture
  • Airbus UK
  • Aptuit
  • Boots
  • Caterpillar
  • Daimler Chrysler
  • Deloitte Consultants
  • Diageo
  • EWS Industrial
  • Ford Motor Company
  • GE, Glaxo Smithkline
  • Great Bear Distribution
  • ICU Medical
  • Jaguar Land Rover
  • Maersk
  • NYK Logistics
  • O2
  • Princes Foods
  • Reckitt Benckiser
  • Rolls Royce
  • TDG
  • Unilever
  • Unipart
  • United Utilities
  • Westinghouse
  • Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
  • University of Liverpool.

In roles such as:

  • Project Consultant
  • Operations Manager
  • Account Strategist
  • Assistant Buyer
  • Supply Planner
  • Supply Chain Analyst

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £13,250
Part-time place, per year £6,625
International fees
Full-time place, per year £27,000
Part-time place, per year £13,500
Fees stated are for the 2024-25 academic year.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.

If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies..

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.

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Postgraduate Global Advancement Scholarship

  • International students

If you’re a new international student starting this course with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a discount of up to £5,000 off your tuition fees.

This includes £2,500 if you have a first-class degree, or equivalent qualification, and £2,500 if you’re from a Commonwealth country.

Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students and alumni only

Completed your undergraduate degree, or studied as an undergraduate exchange student, at the University of Liverpool?

You could get a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off the tuition fees for this course from September 2024 entry.

  • £1,500 tuition fee discount for eligible UK University of Liverpool graduates
  • £2,500 tuition fee discount for eligible international University of Liverpool graduates.

ULMS Excellence Scholarship

  • Home and international students

The ULMS Excellence Scholarship will be awarded to eligible UK, Republic of Ireland and international applicants joining one of the Management School’s MSc programmes in academic year 2024/25 and studying on campus.

You’ll be considered for this award based on your academic excellence, CV and personal statement.

You’ll need to have, or be on track to obtain, a first class degree, or equivalent, with no marks below a 2:1 (60%) or equivalent in modules relevant to your chosen postgraduate programme.

Relevant work experience (paid, internship, shadowing or voluntary positions) would be advantageous, as would previously studying at a highly-ranked university.

ULMS Attainment Award

  • Home students

The ULMS Attainment Award is available to eligible UK and Republic of Ireland applicants joining one of the Management School’s MSc programmes in academic year 2024/25 and studying on campus.

You’ll need to have a first class degree, or equivalent.

Please note, this award can be combined with any Management School award or central University of Liverpool funding that you’re eligible to receive, up to a maximum of a 50% fee discount.

ULMS Progress to Postgraduate Award

  • Home and international students
  • University of Liverpool current students only

The ULMS Progress to Postgraduate Award is available to all current University of Liverpool undergraduate students, from any discipline, who want to progress onto one of the Management School’s MSc programmes beginning in September 2024.

UK, Republic of Ireland and international students are eligible. You can be intending to study full-time or part-time.

Please note, this award can be combined with any Management School award or central University of Liverpool funding that you’re eligible to receive. This includes the Graduate Loyalty Advancement Scholarship, up to a maximum tuition fee discount of 50%.

ANID Chile Scholarship

  • International students
  • Chile

Postgraduate taught and research students from Chile are eligible for this scholarship.

Chevening Scholarships

  • International students

The University, in partnership with Chevening, is delighted to offer this generous scholarship to students who are studying a master’s programme and who have future leadership potential. Please note that there is a fee cap applied to MBA programmes that requires applicants to cover any additional tuition costs over £18,000. You will still receive all additional allowances.

CONACYT Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

The University of Liverpool has an agreement with CONACYT to support postgraduate taught and research students from Mexico.

FIDERH Award

  • International students
  • Mexico

20% reduction in tuition fees for postgraduate taught and research programmes. Must be Mexico national.

Fulbright Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US and another is available for a postgraduate research student to undertake a three to six month research stay from the US

FUNED Awards

  • International students
  • Mexico

Up to ten awards are available for Masters or Research students from Mexico in receipt of FUNED loans. The award gives students a 20% reduction in fees for all applications received.

Graduate Association Hong Kong & Tung Postgraduate Scholarships

  • International students
  • China
  • Hong Kong

The University is able to offer competitive scholarships for both postgraduate taught master’s and research programmes.

HRM Princess Sirindhorn University of Liverpool Scholarship (Thailand)

  • International students
  • Thailand

The University is able to offer one award to a new postgraduate taught master’s student from Thailand.

The scholarship is open to all subjects offered as a one-year taught master’s programme.  However, priority will be given to those students who wish to study in a subject area associated with HRH Princess Sirindhorn such as science, IT, medicine, the arts, geography, history and languages.

JuventudEsGto Scholarship

  • International students
  • Mexico

Residents of State of Guanajuato, Mexico, wishing to study at postgraduate taught and research levels are eligible for this scholarship.

Marshall Scholarship

  • International students
  • University of Liverpool alumni only
  • United States

One scholarship is available for a master’s student from the US to cover the cost of tuition fees. Another, to the value of £20,000, is available for Doctoral study visit: https://www.marshallscholarship.org/

Turkish Ministry of Education Scholarship

  • International students
  • Turkey

Postgraduate taught and research students from Turkey are eligible for this scholarship, see the Turkish Ministry of Education website https://meb.gov.tr/ for more information.

University of Liverpool Humanitarian Scholarships for Master’s Programmes

  • International students

The three awards available cover full tuition fees, visas and support for accommodation and living expenses.

This scholarship is open to support people who have recognised status as either refugees or are under humanitarian protection under the 1951 Refugee Convention. This status must be held outside of the UK.

The scholarship is open for all postgraduate-taught programmes, excluding medicine, dentistry, veterinary and nursing.

University of Liverpool International College Excellence Scholarship

  • International students

The University of Liverpool will award five University of Liverpool International College students, who achieve the highest academic excellence (minimum 75%) in their UoLIC Pre-Master’s programme, the prestigious UoLIC Excellence scholarship.

University of Liverpool International College Impact Progression Scholarships

  • International students

University of Liverpool International College recipients of the Kaplan awards will receive the £3,000 Progression Impact Scholarship, deducted from first-year tuition fees, on successful progression to their UoL degree programme.

To be eligible for our Impact Progression Scholarships, students must apply for one of the Kaplan Impact Scholarships demonstrating their commitment to making an impact across issues of importance to the University and Kaplan. Themes include:

Sustainability
Women in STEM
Community
Career Focus (Employability)

Vice-Chancellor’s International Attainment Scholarship for China

  • International students
  • China

Details are:
1 (one) Full scholarship
2 (two) £10,000 scholarships
5 (five) £5,000 scholarships
10 (ten) £1,000 scholarships
All scholarships will be awarded after the formal registration at the University and will take the form of a fee waiver.

Please note: This scholarship cannot be combined with any other scholarships or bursaries provided by the University.

Entry requirements

The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.

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Your qualification Requirements

About our typical entry requirements

Postgraduate entry requirements

A 2:1 Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in Management, Engineering, Mathematics, Science or related disciplines. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered.

International qualifications

If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.

English language requirements

You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.

We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.

International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.

English language qualification Requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20
Duolingo English Test 120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic 61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic 70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC C6 or above

PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH

Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?

The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.

Find out the length of Pre-Sessional English course you may require for this degree.

Pre-sessional English

If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-Sessional English course you require.

Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.

Your most recent IELTS score Pre-Sessional English course length On campus or online
6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 6 weeks On campus
6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 10 weeks On campus and online options available
6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 12 weeks On campus and online options available
5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 20 weeks On campus
5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 30 weeks On campus
4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 40 weeks On campus

If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-Sessional English course length you require.

Please see our guide to Pre-Sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5, with no component below 6.0, for further details.

About our entry requirements

Our entry requirements may change from time to time both according to national application trends and the availability of places at Liverpool for particular courses. We review our requirements before the start of the new application cycle each year and publish any changes on our website so that applicants are aware of our typical entry requirements before they submit their application.

We believe in treating applicants as individuals, and in making offers that are appropriate to their personal circumstances and background. Therefore the offer any individual applicant receives may differ slightly from the typical offer quoted on the website.

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Why Liverpool?

Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.

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Accommodation

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Fees and Finance

Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.

Changes to Operations and Supply Chain Management MSc

See what updates we've made to this course since it was published. We document changes to information such as course content, entry requirements and how you'll be taught.

23 March 2023: New postgraduate taught course pages

New course pages launched.