Course description

• Become a student member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and gain exemptions from the academic requirements for Chartered Membership (CMILT) of the CILT (UK)
• Build high-level strategic awareness of the entire supply chain
• Undertake practical problem-solving to boost your company’s efficiency, performance and profitability
• Specialise in areas such as global operations, purchasing and supply, warehousing, transport and logistics
• Be inspired by our industry-experienced academic team and our influential business contacts - in a city at the heart of a major logistics network
• Learn how latest technology - from RFID to enterprise management systems can be harnessed for the benefit of your organisation
• Enhance your career progression prospects and professional standing in a fast-growing global industry.

The hallmark of our MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management is its emphasis on helping organisations to improve their efficiency and performance, within a global context. We will equip you with the skills, knowledge and insights to deliver such improvements through more effective global operations, supply chain design and management.

Keeping the wheels of business turning

Smooth movement of the supply chain is pivotal to business efficiency. On this dynamic applied programme, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of the systems, processes and modelling techniques which drive innovation and competitiveness.

Drawing on supply chain and logistics scenarios from your own and other organisations, you'll build the skills to pinpoint inefficiencies, plot strategies for improvement and ensure optimum supply chain performance. You'll be challenged intellectually but will also experience the practicalities of the business, applying the latest theory to real-world problems. The course also gives you the chance to focus on a particular area - such as procurement or warehousing and distribution - to match your personal interests and career ambitions.

Vital industry insights

Case studies, business consultancy projects, guest speakers and company visits to employers such as CEVA and Boots will help you learn more about supply chain operations in close up. Our teaching team has significant industry experience and an excellent network of contacts, so you'll be introduced to some of the key players in the field.

We host many events to connect you with the regional, national and international business community. One highlight of the calendar is our Logistics Week, which brings together some of the giants from the sector and professional bodies to showcase latest developments and technologies.

The event attracts representatives from industry leaders such as DHL, Boots, Toyota, Norbert Dentressangle, Thorntons, CEVA Logistics and Kuehne + Nagel. Our 2016 Logistics Week featured a guest lecture by Dr Pete Waterman, famed not only for his role as a producer-songwriter but also for his work to champion the rail industry.

Professional credibility

We're committed to helping you meet the highest standards. We draw on best practice by working with prominent professional bodies to keep your learning relevant, meaningful and up to date. Our MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK (CILT UK), meaning if you become a student member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), you'll gain exemptions from the academic requirements for Chartered Membership (CMILT) of the CILT (UK), adding further credibility to your CV.

Our close links with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) also enable you to place supply chain challenges within wider business and sector contexts.

At the heart of a logistics network

Derby has long been a major hub for road, rail and air logistics, so we are ideally placed to keep you in touch with what's new in the industry. We're on the doorstep of a massive supply chain network and connected into a business community which includes high-profile names like Rolls-Royce and Toyota.

With transport advances such as the HS2 rail network and new freight corridors on the horizon, you'll gain insights into the important debates which are shaping the future of supply chain management.

An international outlook

It goes without saying that the successful logistics professional needs to think globally. Our MSc delivers international perspectives every step of the way, with specialist modules which extend your thinking and broaden your career scope. You will study alongside students and be inspired by tutors from countries as far afield as India, Malaysia and Iran - a vibrant learning community where you can share experiences and make truly international connections.

Research that pushes boundaries

Derby Business School has a long-standing record as a Centre of Excellence in supply chain and logistics. Our Centre for Supply Chain Improvement is charting new territory in everything from artificial intelligence to radio-frequency identification (RFID). The centre's work feeds into our MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management - keeping you up to date with latest thinking and innovative ideas

How you will learn

Our focus is on developing your analytical skills so that you can evaluate an organisation's supply chain practices. You will apply the methods and techniques you learn to specific tasks within an organisation.

MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management is underpinned by our teaching team's significant sector and subject experience, supported by contributions from current practitioners in senior supply chain roles.

How you are assessed

Assessment methods vary according to the module. Coursework assessment may include essays, management reports, exams, presentations and group work. As this is an applied programme and our focus is on preparing you for career success, assessment by examination is very much the exception.