Program Overview

Supply Chain Management (Lean SCM Black Belt)

Course Fact File

• Code: PDSCM
• Duration: 18 months Part-time for PG Dip; 24 months Part-time for MSc (subject to meeting entry requirements)
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: PG Dip
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Start Date: Not on offer

Course Outline

The Postgraduate Diploma/Master of Supply Chain Management (Lean SCM Black Belt) is a part-time course designed to teach students how to improve supply chain processes, while also providing cost reductions and added value for themselves and their organisations.

Course Practicalities

• Adopting a Blended Learning Approach, online resources will be provided prior to workshops, with further online resources provided after workshops.
• Each module will be supported by a 3-day workshop.
• Assessment:
  • Examined wholly by continuous assessment.
  • No written examinations.
  • In each module, students will have to complete an applied written project.
  • A 10-credit module will consist of approximately 4,500 words.
  • A 5-credit module will consist of approximately 3,000 words.
  • A Lean SCM Black Belt project has to be implemented at the end of the Postgraduate Diploma.
  • The Capstone Module will allow students to present their findings through oral presentations, a poster session, and a written report.
  • If students progress to the master’s stage of the course, they will be required to complete a dissertation (13,000-15,000 words).

Why Choose This Course

This Postgraduate Diploma/Masters in Supply Chain Management will allow students to progress their education while also furthering their career. At the same time, it will provide benefits and opportunities for the organisation where they work.

Skills and Careers Information

• Leadership and analytical skills to drive organisational change.
• Focuses on hard/technical skills associated with Lean implementation.
• Develops soft skills to support and use organisational systems/processes across a range of industries with transferable skills, including:
  • Communication skills
  • Research skills
  • Conceptual skills
  • Organisational/management skills.

Requirements

• Minimum Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a relevant area and at least 4 years relevant industrial experience (including cross-functional team lead and Lean experience).
• A portfolio of professional experience, deemed appropriate by the Academic Programme Director under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), containing the following:
  • At least 6 years of relevant management experience, including responsibility for teams and cross-functional/supply chain teams.
  • Recognized professional qualification in a relevant area and/or applied Lean SCM experience (equivalent to a Green Belt level).
  • Application of learning or competence such as involvement in cross-functional projects, reports, reflective papers or journals.
• Testimonials of learning or competence through sign-off by an appropriate signatory within the candidate's organisation. Applicants must be in a position to affect organisational change.

Fees and Costs

• Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026: See the Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.
• Deposits: If the course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from the second-semester fee payment in January.
• Fee payment: Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How To Apply

1. Check dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the yellow fact file boxes at the top of this webpage.
2. Gather documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:
   • Original qualification documents listed on the application, including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC.
   • Any supplementary items requested for the course, if required.
3. Apply online: Apply online by clicking the red 'Apply Now' button below. Note most of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

Deferrals

• Deferrals are not permitted on this course.