Logistics and Supply Chain Management (MSc)

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

This fully accredited Logistics and Supply Chain Management masters degree calls upon our sector-leading research and direct links to industry to equip students with cutting-edge expertise across all areas of this increasingly crucial discipline.

Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, this Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc produces graduates of the highest calibre.

This programme will give you direct access to the expertise of world-leading researchers and practitioners and allow you to gain professional insights from industry leading organisations.

A dynamic mix of research-led, industry-focussed learning offer the ideal preparation to build a successful career in the ever-advancing world of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

You will develop expertise across key areas of this discipline which is becoming more and more crucial to modern organisations, including:

• Procurement
• Supplier Management
• Inventory and material management
• Forecasting
• Freight transport
• Maritime economics and logistics
• Risk and resilience management
• Sustainability
• Quality management

Transferrable skills for industry

In addition to offering specialist academic excellence 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 future career.

With this unique mind-set, knowledge and expertise at your disposal, you will be equipped to manage any organisation's logistical processes and be an excellent candidate for roles such as Supply Chain Consultant, Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, Procurement Specialist, and Distribution Manager across an ever-growing number of industries.

Graduates from our MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management 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 cutting-edge, world-changing research of our Logistics Research Centre (LRC) 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

The Logistics Research Centre at 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.

The work of the LRC 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

The Logistics Research Centre at 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.

Programme duration

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.