Program Overview

Logistics and Supply Chain Analytics (MSc)

About this course

Gain the expertise to manage the movement of goods, people, data or money across a supply chain on this master’s degree course at the University of Southampton. You’ll develop advanced management and analytical skills, and have the chance to work on a real business project during a 3-month industry placement. You’ll be taught by academics from one of the country’s leading analytics research groups, and graduate with the skills and knowledge for a successful career in logistics.

Entry requirements

• You’ll need a 2:1 degree in a subject which includes quantitative study such as:
  • finance
  • sciences
  • maths
  • engineering
  • computer science
  • economics
  • quantitative business or management
• We might consider other subjects if you can show evidence of quantitative study.
• Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
• We do not accept the following subjects:
  • Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
  • Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.

English language requirements

• If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
  • overall score: 6.5
  • reading: 6.0
  • writing: 6.0
  • speaking: 6.0
  • listening: 6.0

Course structure

• This is full-time master’s course. Your studies will last a full 12 months.
• For the first 8 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll focus on the taught part of your course.
• Each semester is made up of a combination of modules that everyone on the course takes, and modules that we’ll ask you to choose from a list of options.
• For the remainder of the course, you’ll work independently on your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Modules

• The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. 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. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
• For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026:
  • Year 1 modules:
    • You must study the following modules:
      • Computational Methods for Logistics
      • Integrated Logistics
      • Principles of Supply Chain Management
      • Simulation
      • Strategic Purchasing and Supply Management
    • You must also choose from the following modules:
      • Behavioural Operations
      • Credit Risk & Data Analytics
      • Dissertation (Analytics)
      • Forecasting
      • International Logistics
      • Introduction to Python
      • Optimisation and Decision Modelling
      • Project Risk Management
      • Risk Taking and Decision Making
      • Summer Project
      • Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains

Learning and assessment

• The learning activities for this course include the following:
  • lectures
  • classes and tutorials
  • coursework
  • individual and group projects
  • independent learning (studying on your own)
• We’ll assess you through:
  • coursework
  • essays
  • group assignments
  • written exams
  • a dissertation
• Dissertation:
  • You’ll carry out a research project resulting in a 15,000-word dissertation, on a subject of your choice (to be agreed with your supervisor).
  • The project is a chance for you to develop your research skills and show in-depth knowledge of your chosen subject.
  • You might have the chance to complete your project as a 3-month summer placement with an external organisation. We place more than 50 students in external projects every year.

Careers and employability

• This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
• The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
  • Research
  • Critical thinking
  • Commercial awareness
  • Self-management
  • Communication
  • Creativity
  • Adaptability
  • Problem solving
• The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
• Career pathways:
  • Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
    • Airlines
    • Department of Transport
    • Education
    • Government Organisations
    • National Air Traffic Services
    • NHS
    • Royal Mail
    • Private companies
    • Third sector organisations
  • Careers directly related to this course:
    • Inventory and warehouse manager
    • Logistics engineer
    • Logistics planner
    • Supply chain analyst
    • Supply chain manager
    • Supplier relationship manager
    • Vehicle fleet manager
    • Vehicle route planner
  • Wider career opportunities:
    • Distribution network planner
    • Lecturer
    • Location decision support executive
    • Warehouse management
    • Healthcare logistics manager
    • Stock and logistics administrator
    • Senior procurement officer
    • Supply chain planner
• Example job titles of Southampton MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Analytics graduates:
  • Researcher
  • Management trainee
  • Business analyst
  • Data analyst
  • IT consultant
  • Logistics manager
  • Supply chain coordinator
  • Supply manager
  • Purchasing manager
  • Management consultant

Fees, costs and funding

• Tuition fees:
  • Fees for a year's study:
    • UK students pay £15,800.
    • EU and international students pay £32,800.
• Deposit:
  • If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
• What your fees pay for:
  • Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.
• Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
• 10% alumni discount:
  • If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
• Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only):
  • This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
• Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship:
  • A scholarship is available to home fee paying students studying an eligible postgraduate master's at Southampton Business School.
• Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship:
  • A scholarship of £9,000 is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at Southampton Business School.
• Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship:
  • A scholarship is available to international students studying for an eligible postgraduate master’s at the Southampton Business School.

How to apply

• Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
• Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
• Search for the course you want to apply for.
• Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
• Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
• Submit your application.
• Application deadlines:
  • UK students: The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.
  • International students: The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.
• Application assessment fee:
  • We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.
  • This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
• Supporting information:
  • When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
  • You’ll need to include information about:
    • your knowledge of the subject area
    • why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
    • how you intend to use your qualification
  • References are not required for this programme.
  • Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.