Program Overview

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About this course

Master the planning, creation and delivery of products and services on a global scale. You’ll learn the skills necessary for designing and operating supply chains, all whilst navigating changing economic conditions, emerging technologies and consumer expectations.

From supply chain sustainability to advanced operations management, this course explores topics that are critical to gaining a competitive advantage in the global business environment.

You’ll graduate with skills that are in growing demand across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, construction, retail and fast-moving consumer goods.

This MSc will provide the foundations that professionals in operations and supply chain management require for successful decision-making in the future.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• explore and develop strategic perspectives on supply chains and logistics systems
• learn how to manage buyer-supplier relationships within supply chain networks
• plan and implement sourcing strategies that are resilient in the face of pandemics or political change
• gain the support and insight of groups like CORMSIS and CentasPM, including a mentoring scheme, practitioner talks and company visits

Some students on this programme will also have the opportunity to experience an industrial placement in the context of the dissertation.

After a successful interview with a sponsor organisation, a student will undertake research around a specific problem encountered in this organisation in close collaboration with this firm and under supervision of a business school academic. Consequently, said student will write the dissertation on this research project and its outcome.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course lead

Your course leaders are Dr Soroosh Saghiri and Dr Yu (Jack) Gong.

Dr Soroosh Saghiri is an Associate Professor at the University of Southampton Business School, where he serves as an operations and supply chain management subject matter expert. He is a thought leader in procurement and supply chain management, operations strategy, and omnichannel retail logistics.

Dr Yu (Jack) Gong is an Associate Professor in Operations Management and Director of CORMSIS Business Liaison (China) at Southampton Business School. His main research interests are sustainable supply chain management and supply chain innovation.

Accreditations

• Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT)
• Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)

Entry requirements

To apply for this course you’ll need a 2:1 degree from one of the following subjects:

• engineering
• humanities
• business
• mathematics
• physical sciences
• information systems
• management
• social sciences

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

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Course structure

The programme is centered on how to make strategic decisions about the organisation of the movement, transformation, storage and flows of goods, people, data, and money – all to meet certain performance and sustainability criteria across a supply network.

Each module focuses on specific areas of required knowledge or skills related to these.

This programme is full-time with a duration of 12 months. It consists of two semesters with a range of compulsory and optional modules, giving you the opportunity to tailor your degree as you wish.

Semester 1 overview

You’ll study topics like:

• The Principles of Supply Chain Management
• Accounting and Control
• Strategic Operations Management

You’ll also have the opportunity to choose optional modules like Simulation, Quantitative Methods, or Service Innovation Management.

Semester 2 overview

You’ll study topics like:

• Strategic Purchasing and Supply Management
• Sustainable Operations
• Strategic Project Management

Optional modules in semester two include topics like integrated logistics, corporate social responsibility and digital business.

Your dissertation and related project takes place in semester two and will enable you to gain an in-depth understanding in a chosen area and hone your research and general transferable skills.

Students who do not wish to undertake their project with an industrial partner may choose to base their dissertation on their own research topic under supervision of an academic supervisor.

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:

• Accounting and Control
• Dissertation (PM and SOSCM)
• Principles of Supply Chain Management
• Strategic Operations Management
• Strategic Purchasing and Supply Management
• Sustainable Operations
• Strategic Project Management

You must also choose from the following modules:

• Digital Business and Human-Computer Interaction
• Integrated Logistics
• International Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics
• International Logistics
• Quantitative Methods
• Service Innovation Management
• Simulation
• Strategic Project Management
• Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains

Learning and assessment

Learning

The learning activities for this course include:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Assessment

Your understanding of the subject matter and your ability to utilise it will be tested through multiple methods of assessment including:

• coursework
• examinations
• a dissertation

Dissertation

Your dissertation offers you the opportunity for an industrial placement. You can arrange this yourself, in consultation with a suitable academic supervisor. Alternatively, you can bid for placements that are organised by the University.

The dissertation project will be undertaken during the summer months after completion of the taught components. The set of available projects is typically announced during the second semester, and students will provide a shortlist of their preferred projects.

Students who are unsuccessful in bidding for an industrial project offered by the University can alternatively base their dissertation on a project proposed by an academic supervisor or their own research project directed by an academic supervisor.

Academic Support

In addition to the scheduled compulsory and optional modules of the programme, you will benefit from access to industrial managers’ insight and support via the University’s Centre for Operational Research, Management Science, and Information Systems (CORMSIS) and the Centre for Applied Science in Project Management (CentasPM).

This includes attendance of practitioner talks organised at the University, and the opportunity to participate in the CORMSIS mentoring scheme in which a manager from a firm may help you towards future job application success.

CentasPM and CORMSIS also typically organise company visits or attendance to certain relevant job fairs. Details of these specific additional features of the programme vary from year on year.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

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
• Leadership
• Communication

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
• Private companies
• Royal Mail
• Third sector organisations

Careers directly related to this course:

• Business analyst
• Business development manager
• Inventory and warehouse manager
• Logistics engineer
• Logistics planner
• Operations manager
• Property manager
• Supply chain analyst
• Supply chain manager
• Supplier relationship manager

Wider career opportunities:

• Distribution network planner
• Lecturer
• Location decision support
• Warehouse management
• Healthcare logistics
• Stock and logistics administrator
• Senior procurement officer
• Supply chain planner

Example job titles of Southampton MSc Strategic Operations and Supply Chain Management graduates:

• Researcher
• Management trainee
• Business analyst
• Data analyst
• IT consultant
• Logistics manager
• Supply chain coordinator
• Supply manager
• Purchasing manager
• Management consultant

Job prospects for MSc Strategic Operations and Supply Chain Management graduates

• Average professional salary: £33k
• In a skilled profession or further study: 81%
• Graduate employment rate: 95%

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £15,800.
• EU and international students pay £32,800.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

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.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

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.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

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.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

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.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate UK Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

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.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Deans Postgraduate Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

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.

Find out more about the Southampton Business School Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

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.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

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.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We receive a high volume of applications for this course. This means you may not receive a response to your application for up to 12 weeks.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Related courses

Strategic Operations and Supply Chain Management (MSc) is a course in the Business, accounting, finance and marketing subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

• MSc Accounting and Finance
• MSc Accounting and Management
• MSc Business Analytics and Finance
• MSc Business Analytics and Management Science
• MSc Business and Heritage Management
• MSc Business Strategy and Innovation Management
• MSc Digital Business
• MSc Digital Marketing
• MSc Digital Strategy and Information Systems
• MSc Finance
• MSc Finance and Econometrics
• MSc Finance and Economics
• MSc Human Resource Management
• MSc International Accounting and Governance
• MSc International Accounting and Sustainability
• MSc International Banking and Financial Studies
• MSc International Entrepreneurship and Management
• MSc International Financial Markets
• MSc International Management
• MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Analytics
• MSc Management
• MSc Management and Artificial Intelligence
• MSc Marketing Analytics
• MSc Marketing Management
• MBA Master of Business Administration
• MSc Operational Research
• MSc Operational Research and Finance
• MSc Project Management
• MSc Risk and Finance
• MSc Risk Management
• MSc Shipping Finance
• MSc Sustainable Finance