MSc International Supply Chain Management
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2026 + January 2027 start |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A good degree (normally a 2:2) |
|---|---|
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Streatham Campus |
| Typical offer | A good degree (normally a 2:2) |
|---|---|
Why study MSc International Supply Chain Management at Exeter?
- This unique programme is developed to combines engineering principles, advanced digital technology utilisation, and managerial skills to make strategic decisions of sustainable and resilient supply chain operations.
- Explore the key issues of supply chain management and the approaches to modern day business, and study alongside students from all around the world.
- Taught in partnership with the University of Exeter Business School, providing you with an exceptional learning experience as well as simultaneously increasing the depth and scope of your technological knowledge and acquire the essentials of management theory and practice.
- The programme integrates a “factory-to-classroom” concept through cyber physical systems to balance between theoretical knowledge and practical-oriented learning to create a holistic experiential learning.
- Designed for those who wish to work and expand technical, as well as managerial skills and knowledge in the key areas of supply chain management, operations management, logistics, procurement, as well as smart and sustainable supply chain operations.
Fast Track (current Exeter students)
International Supply Chain Management MSc at the University of Exeter.
Top 10 in the UK for General Engineering
Specialist facilities include microscopy suite, aerodynamics and fluids laboratories, additive manufacturing workshop and vibration testing rigs
£6.5million investment in our teaching labs, workshop spaces and equipment
The MSc International Supply Chain Management and MSc International Supply Chain Management with Industrial Placement are accredited by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) as suitable for exemption from the academic requirements for Chartered Membership* (CMILT) of the CILT (UK). (*Graduates who achieve a pass mark of 50% and above will be eligible for Chartered Membership).
Accreditation is awarded for a maximum of 5 years. The dates applicable to the current accreditation of this degree programme can be viewed on the CILT website.
Students enrolled on the MSc International Supply Chain Management course will have access to a 12-month complimentary Affiliate Membership with CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply).
Graduates who successfully complete the MSc International Supply Chain Management and meet the conditions specified by CIPS may apply for full membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. Full membership is subject to the submission of a formal application directly to CIPS and evidence of three years of experience in procurement and supply management in a position of responsibility. Entrance and subscription fees apply and are payable at the time of admission to CIPS.
Entry requirements
All applicants are considered individually on merit although we usually require a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a science, engineering, management or numerate discipline.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B1.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This programme is modular and flexible, carrying 180 credits in total and offering flexibility in choice of modules studied.
MSc International Supply Chain Management consists of eight core engineering, business and management focussed modules totalling 165 credits, which includes the 60-credit Engineering MSc project, and one 15-credit optional module.
The programme begins in September each year and the taught elements are concluded by May. The Engineering MSc dissertation project, under the personal supervision of a research expert in the chosen area, continues until September.
The programme is designed for those who wish to work and expand technical and managerial skills and knowledge in the key areas of supply chain management, operations management, logistics, procurement, as well as smart and sustainable supply chain operations.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
165 credits of compulsory modules, 15 credits of optional modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Purchasing and Supply Chain Management | 15 | |
| Agile, Lean and Competitive Enterprise | 15 | |
| MSc Dissertation | 60 | |
| Supply Chain Quality Management | 15 | |
| Modelling, Simulation and Machine Learning for Operations Management | 15 | |
| Research Ethics and Methodology | 15 | |
| Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains | 15 | |
BEMM126: Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
In today's global business environment, firms compete through complex supply chains rather than as isolated entities. Purchasing & Supply Chain Management (PSCM) is crucial for cost efficiency, supplier collaboration, risk management, and sustainability. This module provides a structured approach to PSCM, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical industry applications, focusing on value creation, strategic sourcing, and supply chain resilience.
Through lectures, case studies, and interactive exercises, students will analyse procurement decisions, risk mitigation strategies, and supplier management, exploring challenges faced by companies as well as public sector complexities. The module integrates cutting-edge research on low-carbon procurement and closed-loop supply chains.
Designed for students from diverse backgrounds, it balances academic research with industry best practices and aligns with Chartered Institute for Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) standards. By the end, students will be equipped to drive sustainable and competitive supply chain strategies.
ECMM113: Agile, Lean and Competitive Enterprise
In an ever changing world, businesses can stay ahead of the game by using competitive operation and supply chain strategies. Manufacturing and service are two industries that benefit from employing a range of enterprise concepts and techniques, including lean enterprise and agile manufacturing, which have implications to both internal operations as well as supply chains.
Lean production concerns the creation of quality products, consuming less human energy and using less equipment, time and space. Agile manufacturing, on the other hand, is related to bringing new products into changing markets in a responsive way and the ability to be innovative and to thrive in a changing environment. These two operation strategies have significant implications to and are closely related to supply chain management.
The module will be run in two sub-streams - lean enterprise, and agile manufacturing and others. There will also be advanced topics looking at recent development in operational and manufacturing strategies. One of the key aims is to encourage independent learning, so, while lectures will serve as a guide to topics, you will learn mostly through directed reading, class discussions and a research dissertation.
ECMM164: MSc Dissertation
This dissertation will give you the chance to demonstrate your knowledge, to exercise your initiative and personal responsibility, and to use the research techniques and skills you have developed throughout your degree.
You will be required to solve a research or industrially-related practical problem based on the topics learned within, but not exclusive to, the MSc programme you are registered for. The project work will lead to a major piece of work (dissertation) of approximately 15,000 words (max. 80 pages, including references and appendices) that involves project planning, analytical, experimental or empirical results and their interpretation, showing how the goals of the project have been met. You will receive a list of potential projects and will be required to express your two preferences. Alternatively, you can discuss your own dissertation ideas with the module leader / potential supervisor (academic staff) with a view to explore if they offer required technical rigour and research challenge. You will be encouraged to discuss your preferences with relevant academic staff before we allocate projects. As part of the research project, you are expected to undertake a considerable amount of self-study. There is no formal taught component in the module, apart from the writing support lectures and the suggested regular meetings with your supervisor.
ENGM033: Supply Chain Quality Management
The total quality management philosophies is as an integral part within operations and supply chain management. It emphasises on continually improving operations within a supply chain framework by integrating total quality concepts and improvement techniques (i.e., selecting a supplier or locating a facility by taking into account quality/ risk criteria or designing logistics/ supplier chain service by applying Quality Function Deployment methodology). You will also learn the role of service quality in a supply chain network to deliver customer-driven excellence within an organisation as well as new challenges and the future of managing quality in a supply chain network. This module encompasses supplier selection and facility location selection in a supply chain network, incorporating JIT quality philosophy to contiously improve logistics chain service, the importance of digital technologies (software-based approaches) to measure customer satisfaction, total quality management applications for a resilient supply chain, among others.
ENGM039: Modelling, Simulation and Machine Learning for Operations Management
The knowledge you gain within this module will enhance your ability of the use of mathematical modelling techniques, computer simulation, and machine learning to tackle modern operations and supply chain management problems, as well as, to make informed strategic decisions.
This module aims to deliver an in-depth understanding of operations research, computer simulation, and machine learning to analyse and solve important managerial problems in engineering by using operational research methods, simulation modelling, and machine learning techniques. The knowledge you gain on this module will help you to appreciate a range of associated courses, especially in manufacturing and service system modelling and simulation, operations and supply chain analysis, Industry 4.0 technologies such as IoT and digital twins of manufacturing and supply chain processes.
The module will train you to use specific software tools in linear programming and discrete event simulation . This module will also aim to provide you with hands-on experience within the Exeter Digital Enterprise System (ExDES) laboratory using the Industry 4.0 demonstrator, IoT gateway and its associated software.
ENGM040: Research Ethics and Methodology
This module aims to introduce you to the main principles governing engineering profession and research, to the ethical issues informed by the professional code of conduct, and to the importance of adopting an inclusive approach and of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion.
You will get an introduction to the main methods used in scientific and engineering research, including the use of AI tools, finding research articles, critical engagement, literature synthesis, and communication of the results to a wide audience.
You will be introduced to ethics, engineering profession, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in engineering practice. The discussion on EDI will cover diversity in Engineering profession and ethics, inclusive cultures in engineering. These topics will be carried out via lecture, class discussions, and a case study.
You will learn project management and risk management, including the techniques required to apply efficiently project and risk management principles to a wide range of projects, including industrial and research projects. The project management topic will also include but not limited to intellectual Property Rights, types of intellectual property, management of intellectual property rights, and understanding Intellectual Property for Engineers. These topics will be delivered in a lecture with some discussions using several case studies.
The module is suitable for non-specialist students.
ENSM013: Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains
As firms integrate more closely within global supply chains, managing upstream and downstream risks and opportunities becomes crucial. Success depends on addressing the triple bottom line (i.e., economic, environmental, and social dimensions) of supply chains. This module equips you to tackle these challenges, consolidating concepts and methods essential for achieving sustainable development goals in supply chains. The module will also introduce case studies to further understand sustainable operations and supply chains, providing valuable insights grounded in the latest industry practices and academic research. This preparation will enable you to develop and manage sustainable supply chains effectively. This module is vital for those aiming to lead in sustainable business practices.
This module is suitable for non-specialist students. This module is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Marketing and New Product Innovation | 15 | |
| Service Design and Innovation | 15 | |
BEMM069: Marketing and New Product Innovation
Marketing is the term given to those activities that occur where an organisation and its customers come into contact and result in a mutually beneficial and satisfying exchange relationship. It is the driving force behind modern business and is concerned with ensuring the closest possible fit between what an organisation does and what its customers need and want. This involves offering the 'right' marketing mix.
However, marketing also depends on the constant updating of ideas and development of new products and services. Consumers can be fickle and change their needs and wants, competitors alter their strategies, and forces within the marketplace regularly change. These factors require organisations to implement New Product Development (NPD) programmes, with a view to integrate and coordinate their marketing efforts through strategic decision-making, reflected in the production of marketing plans.
The module will provide students with the relevant skills and techniques necessary for implementing marketing strategy and planning around the framework of developing a new product/service development programme. Working in project teams, students will develop their project management, communication and team-working skills during the development of a formal presentation of their marketing plan. Students will be asked to reflect on the reasons for new product/service development and how businesses develop a product into a commercial idea.
BEMM786: Service Design and Innovation
This module offers an interdisciplinary and applied introduction to service innovation, with a strong focus on how organisations can design, analyse, and improve services to enhance customer experience and remain competitive. It is particularly relevant if you are interested in the practical challenges of creating value in today’s service economy and in using digital techniques and technologies to inform service innovation.
Building on core ideas from operations management and marketing, the module introduces you to the concept of the service delivery system and explores how customer experience shapes service design, delivery, and evaluation. You will develop technical and consultancy skills that will equip you for the workplace, using real-world data and service improvement examples throughout the module.
The module is research-led and draws on insights from the VISTA AR project, a €7.8m ERDF-funded project focused on digital innovation in cultural heritage sites. This gives you the opportunity to engage with contemporary service challenges and examples of innovation in practice.
There is a strong applied focus throughout, with lectures and practical workshops introducing tools for customer experience analysis and advanced approaches such as eye-tracking and natural language processing. As part of the assessment, you will analyse real-world service examples and make recommendations for improvement and innovation.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
120 credits of compulsory modules
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| MSc Dissertation | 60 | |
| MSc Industrial Placement | 60 | |
ENGM028: MSc Industrial Placement
This module aims to provide students with experience beyond the theoretical and taught environment of the university by placing them in a real-world industrial setting directly relevant to their development as an experienced professional.
Students will experience every part of an industry career from the searching for and securing a suitable placement, to integrating and assimilating themselves into a team industrial environment and working in that setting for an extended period between 9 and 12 months. This will allow students to develop individual skills not necessarily or explicitly taught but gained from exposure to a real working environment. During this time the module aims to build resilience, reflectivity and self-assurance in students.
You will get the chance to apply the knowledge and skills you have acquired from taught modules to authentic problem solving in the work place. Collaborating with your work placement employer, you will identify an engineering-based project that will constitute your MSc dissertation. Ideally, the dissertation should be based on the work that you will undertake during the placement, but this is not compulsory.
The placement will involve a substantial technical role in the host organisation. Individual placements are subject to availability and approval by the programme coordinator.
Course variants
MSc International Supply Chain Management with Industrial Placement
- Combine your Masters in International Supply Chain Management with work experience in the UK, putting your learning into practice while studying
- Studied over two years, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience by completing a 9-12 month work placement in a role relevant to your degree
- Become a sought-after engineering professional with strong technical expertise, as well as excellent management abilities, allowing you to move into high-level management roles
- Career opportunities include product development, project management, customer services, human resources, and a wide variety of other areas, particularly related to the engineering industry.
Fees
2026/27 entry (including January 2027 entry)
UK fees per year:
- £15,900 full-time
- With industrial placement (second year): £3,180 full-time (not available for January 2027 entry)
International fees per year:
- £32,500 full-time
- With industrial placement (second year): £6,500 full-time (not available for January 2027 entry)
Fee information
Fees can normally be paid by two termly instalments and may be paid online. You will also be required to pay a tuition fee deposit to secure your offer of a place, unless you qualify for exemption. For further information about paying fees see our Student Fees pages.
UK government postgraduate loan scheme
Postgraduate loans are now available for Masters degrees. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Scholarships for January Start
Our Exeter Excellence Scholarships are also available for applicants looking to study with us in January 2027 and applications for these scholarships will open in September.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Teaching and research
Teaching and assessment
The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, industrial presentations, case studies, industry visits, computer simulations, project work and a dissertation project.
You will develop transferable skills such as management and communication skills, computational techniques, data handling and analysis, problem solving, decision making and research methodology. Many of these will be addressed within an industrial and commercial context.
Personal Tutor
You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies, along with support and mentoring from graduates who are now in industry. There is also a Postgraduate Tutor available to help with further guidance and advice.
A research and practice-led culture
We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field. Plus, you’ll become actively involved in a research project yourself.
All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners.
Careers
Employer-valued skills
There is considerable demand in the workplace for graduates with knowledge in both a specialist technology area and in management, particularly in the modern tools and techniques to support the management of a dynamically changing engineering business.
We have an established reputation of training tomorrow's great minds, so when it comes to life after graduation you can be confident that you are starting your next professional adventure in a prime, leading position.
Dedicated careers support
You will receive support from our dedicated Career Zone team, who provide excellent career guidance at all stages of career planning. The Career Zone provides one-on-one support and is home to a wealth of business and industry contacts. Additionally, they host useful training events, workshops and lectures which are designed to further support you in developing your enterprise acumen. Please visit the Career Zone for additional information on their services.
