Logistics and Supply Chain Management - MSc/PGDip

MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management is the fully-accredited flagship masters degree from Heriot-Watt’s Logistics and Supply Chain Management department - a recognised centre for excellence in the subject across both research and teaching.

Overview

Heriot-Watt University's masters degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management calls upon established industry links and sector-leading research to equip students with cutting-edge expertise in the subject. 

This MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and has built a reputation for producing graduates of the highest calibre over the past 25 years. It will give you access to the knowledge of world-leading researchers and practitioners, and allow you to gain professional insights direct from industry.

Our dynamic mix of research-led, industry-focussed learning offers the ideal preparation for those who aspire to build successful careers in the ever-advancing discipline of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

If you study this programme you will develop expertise across key areas of the subject, including:

• Big data business analytics
• Demand planning and forecasting
• Freight transport
• Inventory and material management
• Maritime economics and logistics
• Procurement
• Quality management
• Risk and resilience management
• Sales and operations planning
• Supply chain and logistics strategy
• Supplier Management
• Sustainability

Transferrable skills for industry

On top of expertise you will gain in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, this programme will equip you with the ability to think critically, identify problems, evaluate options and communicate solutions. These crucial, transferable skills will allow you to effectively implement your specialist knowledge and adapt to any logistical problem you may face in your career.

Being equipped with the mind-set, knowledge and expertise to manage any organisation’s logistical processes should mark you out as an excellent candidate for the following roles in an incresing number of industries:

• Supply Chain Consultant
• Supply Chain Manager
• Logistics Manager
• Procurement Specialist
• Distribution Manager 

Recent graduates from our MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management programmes have gone on to work for organisations such as DHL, Diageo, BP Chemicals, IKEA, Coca-Cola, Tesco, Argos, Amazon, Scotland Excel, Heineken, Proctor and Gamble, Unilever, Maersk, Gist, Sky, Rolls Royce and BAE Systems.

A programme grounded in world-changing research

Our teaching in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is grounded in the research of our Logistics Department which directly impacts the UK Government’s carbon policy and the logistics operations of organisations such as:

• Tesco
• Coca-Cola
• John Lewis
• DHL
• Sainsbury’s

Heriot-Watt University stands at the forefront of logistics research and specialises in the study of management, integration, reform, impact and modelling of logistics activity, particularly from an environmental and sustainability perspective.

Our work provides government, industry, commercial and other sectors with insight into logistical trends, transport benchmarking and road use throughout the UK and Europe. Much of our research output is transformed into practical management guides, tools and techniques.

Sustainable Road Freight: collaboration with Cambridge University

Heriot-Watt University has teamed up with engineers from the University of Cambridge to form the Centre for Sustainable Road Freight, a collaboration with a major 5-year funding grant whose purpose is to research engineering and organizational solutions to make road freight economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.

The Centre for SRF will look to develop innovative technical and operational solutions to road freight transport challenges in order to meet Government emissions reduction targets for the road freight sector, mapping out ways to provide an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions due to road freight transport by 2050.

Networking opportunities

When you study on our MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management you will find yourself in the enviable position of gaining networking opportunities with global leaders in the field at a number of events throughout the year.

As they are organised by the Heriot-Watt University Logistics Research Centre, you will be invited to attend some of Europe’s leading logistics conferences such as the International Symposium on Logistics Conference, the Logistics Research Network Conference and the European Operations Management Association Conference.

Through our connection with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, you will also have the opportunity to attend their Young Professionals Forum which is held in Edinburgh every year to provide opportunities for professional development and networking.

Accreditation

Industry continues to look to individuals who can demonstrate their continued commitment to acquiring industry specific knowledge. Membership of internationally recognised professional bodies is therefore an important consideration in building a successful career.

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 from the above degrees will receive an exemption from the academic requirements for membership at either 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 becoming an Affiliate Member and then Member (MCIPS).

Find out more about CIPS accreditation and membership.

Visit the Logistics and Supply Chain Management - MSc/PGDip page on the Heriot-Watt University website for more details!