Global Supply Chain Management MSc (online)
Overview
Explore contemporary global challenges and gain the skills needed to manage and modernise highly complex supply chains.
Course start dates
There are six start dates every academic year, providing maximum flexibility for our students.
January | March | May | July | September | October
Length
Two years part time, or up to four years with study breaks.
Fees
Course fee: £12,960
Cost per module: £1,080
More information on fees, scholarships and funding can be found below.
Course overview
Navigate the challenges of our changing world
By taking a contemporary approach, our Global Supply Chain Management MSc (online) will equip you with the knowledge and specialist skills you need to address emerging challenges around analytics, automation and sustainability.
You’ll explore current global issues that businesses are facing today to prepare you for managing and modernising highly complex supply chains.
Delivered 100% online, this course draws on expertise from Sussex’s double accredited (EQUIS and AMBA) Business School.
During the course, you will become a member of two professional accreditation bodies: Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)*.
This, combined with the practical skills developed on the course, will enhance your career prospects and extend your professional networks.
What our students say
Why did I choose the University of Sussex? I think because they offered a programme that was number one, part-time, and number two, online. And it was just easy to balance with my job and other commitments I have.
The faculty have been extremely accommodating given the way the course is structured on a very flexible basis. People are not necessarily flowing from one module automatically to the next.
What I’ve really felt on this online course is that the learning materials are such a high quality. They prepare, kind of, really consumable content for us on what we should be learning.
The course is flexible in the way it allows you to study. So, I have control of when I can do certain things. If, for example, at work I have lots of deadlines coming up, I could block out a module and then re-join it in the next module.
A couple of the anxieties I had before I started the course was how does it all work? But it was all very simple. Within the first week, you go on there, it’s all very easy to use and navigate. Any questions I have had, I was able to ask the Student Success team and they get back to you very promptly.
The flexibility of having an app, having a website, having all the materials you need, just makes life a lot easier.
Different methods of learning definitely helped. I found that podcasts for me were really helpful to get the information in.
I found it great if I’m watching videos and lectures to be able to fast forward them, pause them, rewind them.
The reading list has actually been something that I’ve really enjoyed because I was a bit, kind of, worried about not having access to the library, but the reading list has been carefully, like, selected and it’s so easy to get onto the books and also for me it’s been great because you can download them as PDFs.
So, people connected really well. We did lots of sharing online and actually, we feel really connected so there’s lots of people that I met on the course that I’ll now stay in touch with.
I think it’s really great that the cohort is international for the online course. So I’ve made amazing professional connections with people working in Canada, Asia, all over Europe, as well as all over the UK.
I’d like to end up working in the field. I’m going to take my time now I’ve finished the course and again make sure I end up somewhere I really want to. I think the most important thing for me would be somewhere I feel like I’m actually making a difference for the future.
Modules
Each module lasts seven weeks and is delivered via Canvas, a state-of-the-art online learning platform, which can be accessed by a computer, tablet or smartphone alike so you can truly study whenever and wherever you like. You can take control of your schedule by fitting the recommended 20 hours study time per week around your existing commitments and lifestyle.
In order to graduate the course, all of the below modules must be successfully completed.
This course is part-time and can be completed in a minimum of two years. You have the opportunity to step on and off the course, pausing your studies if your work or life commitments require, providing you complete the course within four years from enrolment.
The assessments in this course are designed to measure your understanding and progress. Examples of the types of assessments you may encounter include projects, written assignments and practical exercises. The assessment information will be shared with you at the start of each module. It’s vital to complete these within each module’s teaching period to stay on track. The final assessment is due by 10am on the Monday after teaching finishes.
This module covers agility and flexibility in the design of supply chain networks. You’ll learn how to rationalise inventory, reduce costs, and build predictable supply chains.
You’ll use public and private organisations as case studies and discuss trends in supply chain innovations. You’ll also be taught quantitative and qualitative analytical skills through problem-based activities
Module lead: Royston Morgan
Understanding basic institutional finance is essential for managing supply chains and global trade. In this module you’ll look at supply chain finance issues through business, technological and ethical perspectives.
Key topics on the module include working capital optimisation and reverse factoring. You’ll study relevant technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Blockchain, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), and Smart contracts.
The module’s focus is on financial transactions in e-commerce and potential new challenges and opportunities of cryptocurrencies and digital assets.
Module lead: Malgorzata Sulimierska
The aim of this module is to equip you with the skills required for strategic procurement roles. These skills will be relevant for procurement professionals in any sector.
You will study a wide range of key topics from procurement planning to the management of supplier relationships.
A variety of case studies, benchmarks and simulations will be used to illustrate digitised procurement.
Module lead: Constantin Blome
This module has been developed with input from industry professionals to teach you to lead transformational change in supply chain careers.
You’ll study the theories and practices of professional performance and learn to create professional development plans.
Key topics include developing skills, setting goals, organisational culture, change management, performance measurement and relationship management.
Module lead: Claire Tingsager
In this module you will cover the circular economy and sustainable supply chain management principles and practices. You’ll look at the construction, packaging, plastics, electronics and textiles sectors.
You’ll learn to meet the challenges of environmental and social impacts and address the risks of greenwashing.
Key topics on this module include:
- sustainable logistics
- circular business models
- closed loop supply chains
- remanufacturing
- human aspects of logistics
- transport regulatory and legislative aspects
Module lead: Anthony Alexander
This module focuses on sustainability while investigating the regulation of supply chains in agriculture, manufacturing, extractive industries, retailing and services.
You’ll analyse supply chain governance in both international and domestic corporate law, with a focus on environmental, social and human rights (ESHR).
You will assess how firms compete in the 21st century. Students look at the role of regulation, including industry standards, for more sustainable global supply chains.
Module lead: Kamal Dawar / Femi Amao
The aim of this module is to showcase digital supply chains as fully connected, end-to-end, full-product lifecycle networks. You will consider their impact on supply chain management and on the core processes of organisations.
You’ll learn about fully connected smart supply chains and 3-D printing, and their role in delivering flexible, agile, efficient and resilient modern supply chains. You’ll assess the effects of smart contracts and blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, smart mobility, modularity, and big data.
Module lead: Aniekan Essien
The aim of this module is to showcase digital supply chains as fully connected, end-to-end, full-product lifecycle networks. You will consider their impact on supply chain management and on the core processes of organisations.
You’ll learn about fully connected smart supply chains and 3-D printing, and their role in delivering flexible, agile, efficient and resilient modern supply chains. You’ll assess the effects of smart contracts and blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, smart mobility, modularity, and big data.
Module lead: Aniekan Essien
This module covers two emerging themes:
- managing the logistics of providing humanitarian relief during disasters or emergency situations
- ethical treatment of employees, the environment and other effected stakeholders.
You’ll explore the complexities in decision-making, coordinating resources, and using technology when it comes to humanitarian supply chains and ethical decisions.
In this module you’ll also be exposed to ethical production issues around modern slavery and child labour, fair pay and working hours, health and safety issues and corruption.
Module lead: Nachiappan Subramanian / Martin Schelper
The aim of this module is to provide you with potential capabilities and practical solutions to build more resilient supply chains across various industries and sectors. You’ll study the different risks and vulnerabilities in modern global supply chains, and investigate how digitisation and sustainability could help rebalance the supply network to build adequate capacity and transparency in the value chain.
Module lead: Samuel Roscoe
In this module you’ll uncover the role of smart technologies in production, warehousing, distribution, and retail operations.
You will focus on the technology usage, including automated storage and retrieval systems, the employment of autonomous drones and trucks and other solutions for last mile delivery. In addition, you’ll discuss augmented and virtual reality technologies from a services and retail perspective.
Module lead: Nachiappan Subramanian
The aim of this module is to enable you to apply the skills and knowledge you have obtained from this course to a real-life case study. You will be able to shape your project according to your interests by selecting a case study that is relevant to your current workplace, or future career goals. The final project is supposed to be a practice-infused question, which ideally you should develop together with a professional expert.
Module lead: Nachiappan Subramanian / Martin Schelper
Entry requirements
English language requirements
Fees and funding
Course fee: £12,960
Cost per module: £1,080
Flexibility is at the heart of our online courses: fees can be paid on a module-by-module basis, or as a single fee at the start of the course. You are required to pay the first module fee of £1,080 to secure your place on the course. You may also consider corporate sponsorship and employer funding. Our Admissions Team will be able to assist you with next steps.
Course fees will remain fixed for 24 months from your initial course start date. Thereafter, the course fee will rise at a rate of 2.5% per calendar year (subject to rounding for administration purposes).
20% alumni discount
If you have previously graduated from an undergraduate, postgraduate or PhD course with the University of Sussex you will be eligible* for a 20% discount on this online course.
*T&Cs apply.
PG Cert and PG Dip
PG Cert
The Foundations of Contemporary Supply Chain Management PG Cert (online) is made up of the first four modules of the Masters course:
- Agile Operations Planning and Innovative Supply Chains
- Supply Chain Finance
- Digitised and Responsible Procurement
- Transformational Supply Chain and Leadership Skills
If PG Cert students want to progress onto a full Masters, they will be accepted on the course following successful completion of all four modules*.
Course fees
PG Cert cost: £4,320
PG Cert module cost: £1,080
Fees can be paid on a module-by-module basis, or as a single fee at the start of the course.
Course duration
The PG Cert can be completed in a minimum of 8 months or a maximum of 20 months if you choose to take a break from study.
*Providing the University is offering the Masters at the time of transfer
PG Dip
The Advanced Topics in Digital and Sustainable Supply Chain Management PG Dip (online) is made up of the first eight modules of the Masters course:
- Agile Operations Planning and Innovative Supply Chains
- Supply Chain Finance
- Digitised and Responsible Procurement
- Transformational Supply Chain and Leadership Skills
- Circular and Sustainable Logistics
- Supply Chain Governance for Sustainability
- Supply Chain Digitisation
- Supply Chain Analytics
If PG Dip students want to progress onto a full Masters, they will be accepted on the course following successful completion of all eight modules*.
Course fees
PG Dip cost: £8,640
PG Dip module cost: £1,080
Fees can be paid on a module-by-module basis, or as a single fee at the start of the course.
Course duration
The PG Dip can be completed in a minimum of 1 year and 4 months or a maximum of 2 years and 4 months if you choose to take a break from study.
*Providing the University is offering the Masters at the time of transfer
Careers
Equip yourself with the skills, knowledge and qualification needed for career progression
This course is designed for busy professionals looking to launch or progress their career in supply chain management without compromising on existing professional or personal commitments. Delivered 100% online, you will have the opportunity learn from research-active academics and peers around the world, and expand your global network.
Studying a Masters in Global Supply Chain Management will prepare you for careers in a range of different companies, sectors and positions. Roles available to graduates of this course include: supply chain consultant, business sustainability consultant, logistics officer, operations manager, procurement officer, supply chain analyst, procurement and investment manager, demand planner and supply chain operations manager.
Why choose this course?
The world around us is rapidly changing, and the management of global supply chains must keep up. By choosing this course, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills the sector needs. You will:
- develop supply chain knowledge and skills to address contemporary challenges such as sustainability, blockchain, AI, and ethical supply
- explore current global challenges that businesses are facing today to equip you with the knowledge to manage and modernise highly complex supply chains
- learn practical skills such as such as building supply chain resilience and transformational leadership, which can be translated to current and future job roles
- develop theoretical knowledge in digitalisation, supply chain analytics and supply chain governance and learn how to apply these theories to practical case study examples
- become a member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)*.
*Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) for the purpose of exemptions from some professional examinations.
Academics
Professor Nachiappan Subramanian
Professor of Operations & Logistics Management and Supply Chains
University of Sussex Business School
Dr Malgorzata Sulimierska
Senior Lecturer in Banking and FinTech (Accounting and Finance)
University of Sussex Business School
Dr Biao Yang
Senior Lecturer in Operations Management (Management)
University of Sussex Business School
About Sussex
Delivered by the double accredited (EQUIS and AMBA) University of Sussex Business School
The University of Sussex is ranked in the top 15 in the UK for Business and Economics (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2023), and top 10 in the UK and top 50 globally for Supply Chain Management (QS Masters in Supply Chain Management Ranking 2022).
This course is delivered by the University of Sussex Business School where our vision is to be a leading provider that collaborates across disciplines to shape global issues in business, management and society, making an impact on policy, practice and people. Our mission is to:
- carry out high-quality research that addresses real-world issues, pressing global policy agendas and business practices
- develop current and aspiring leaders who will champion critical and original thinking
- work internationally with businesses, governments, and others to deliver innovative approaches to management.
This draws on Sussex’s tradition of interdisciplinary research and exploring subject areas within a wider global, social and political context. We understand that no business or sector works in isolation; we give our students the skills and knowledge to look beyond their ‘local’ environment and understand how and why external factors affect and influence.
All our courses have a distinct socially responsible thread running through them, looking at the world and seeing where we can make a difference. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and awareness to become a leader for tomorrow, gaining the necessary skills to innovate and improve business practice throughout your career. At Sussex, we collaborate with and advise governments and organisations to improve policy and practice in this area.
The Business School is a member of the United Nations Global Compact, a network of companies across the world who work towards the Global Compact’s vision of creating a sustainable and inclusive global economy that delivers lasting benefits to people, communities and markets.
