Designed by one of the UK’s leading Operations and Supply Chain Management research groups, this programme is also accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT).
Introduction
The programme is aimed at graduates in management, engineering and science, practising operations professionals and non-sector professionals who wish to increase their understanding of operations and supply chain management.
You will get a theoretical and practical exposition of the factors that are necessary for effective operations and supply management in today’s global and highly competitive markets.
In addition, you will learn how successful operations performance can shape and influence the sales and profit ambition of a business. You will develop a profound understanding of the processes and techniques for developing operations strategy and managing operations and supply chain activities.
Learn via innovative teaching techniques including interactive games, cases and simulations
See real-world scenarios with industry visits
Supported to work towards gaining full or chartered membership of our accrediting bodies. Graduates of the programme will be exempt from the academic requirements of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS, subject to renewal) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT)
Apply your knowledge by undertaking a work-based project which is undertaken in conjunction with industry. Recent projects have been undertaken in collaboration with organisations including Bibby Distribution, Corus, Ford Motor Company, Hewlett Packard and Jaguar Land Rover.
Accreditation
The University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) is one of an elite group of institutions worldwide to hold the gold standard ‘triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.
CIPS and CILT are international organisations, based in the UK, serving the purchasing, logistics and supply professions. Student membership is available to students whilst studying for the MSc.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
The programme is delivered over 12-months (or 24-months part-time) and consists of six compulsory modules and two optional modules followed by a project carried out over the summer on completion of Semester two.
Compulsory modules
SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (EBUS506)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module will provide a study of the key principles, systems and techniques used to assure effective supply chain management. The module covers an extensive range of subjects including logistics, information management, inventory management, partnerships and information technology.
STRATEGIC OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (EBUS602)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module will demonstrate how operations management can influence and shape competitive strategy. Specific topics include the examination of modern business drivers and competitive performance (time compression, responsiveness, waste elimination etc.), the achievement of competitive advantage through operations management, globalisation and supply chains, agility and ECR examples and operations performance measurement. Leading-edge operational practice is analysed within each topic covered.
SERVICE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT (EBUS634)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Services are an increasingly visible and important facet of everyday life. The UK economy is described as a service economy, and effective service operations management is of critical importance now to public, private and third sectors alike. This module will familiarise students with the concepts, principles, practices and problems typically associated with service operations. Service operations management covers the full lifecycle of service planning, building and operation and is concerned with the continued provision of service quality in the face of changing circumstances, such that customer value expectations continue to be met. The module will focus on key service operations best-practices and provide students with an overview of prevailing theoretical debates. Contemporary research in public and third sectors will be used to provide real-world perspective on key principles.
Optional modules
OPERATIONS MODELLING AND SIMULATION (EBUS504)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module will give students an understanding of the role of modelling and simulation in the development and improvement of business processes in a commercial environment. Important elements include analytical techniques of systems, statistical aspects of modelling and system dynamics. Extensive use will be made of a variety of commercially available modelling and simulation tools such as Matlab and Witness.
Digital Business Technology and Management (EBUS603)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module will give the student a critical awareness of the management approaches and technologies used in the development and delivery of digital business and AI solutions. This will include types of digital businesses and their innovation, management approaches, data related technologies, emerging AI and machine learning technologies for digital businesses.
PROJECT AND PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT IN ORGANISATIONS (EBUS614)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Project management has cemented its position as a key management paradigm, enabling organisations to efficiently achieve their goals in a constantly changing business environment complicated by risks, uncertainties and competitor pressures. The global economy implies yet another level of complexity inherent to the management of large-scale geographically distributed project teams. This module introduces cutting-edge principles and best practices of project management and discusses how they relate to the competitive product development. This module provides students with the necessary tools, techniques, and analytical skills required to strategically manage new and existing projects within the current uncertain business environment. The module seeks to provide participants with a broad understanding of the key project management elements such as: project scheduling, resource budgeting, quality assurance, and risk management / mitigation, all of which provide measurement of institutional project performance. It addresses the principal techniques used to identify, assess, measure, control and manage projects and their associated risks.
Big Data Management (EBUS622)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module aims to provide unique exposure to current business opportunities, challenges and developments associated with running or expanding digital business enterprises. It introduces students to the key aspects of big data management and examines how big data can drive decisions and actions, both operational and strategic.
Global Maritime Logistics (EBUS632)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
Maritime logistics is resulting from the convergence of ‘maritime transport’ and ‘logistics and supply chain management’. The underlying concepts of maritime logistics are value-adding and integration. This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the key issues in maritime-associated transport chains and the principles, tools and techniques to tackle these issues mainly from the quantitative/analytical perspective. This module complements EBUS609 Logistics and Physical Distribution, which mainly takes the qualitative perspective. The module will be delivered using lecture, group discussion, case study, journal article discussion, and computing practice, and will be assessed using coursework (lab report and essay).
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
The programme is delivered over 12-months (or 24-months part-time) and consists of six compulsory modules and two optional modules followed by a project carried out over the summer on completion of Semester two.
Compulsory modules
STRATEGIC PURCHASING MANAGEMENT (EBUS535)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Purchasing has a critical role as a boundary-spanning function, through which it contributes to an organisation’s strategic success. This module will provide students with an integrative understanding of the role and objectives of the purchasing function and its complex inter- and intra-organisational relationships that contribute to sustained commercial success and maximisation of competitive advantage. Specific topics include the critical evaluation of purchasing strategies, tools and constraints including sourcing, supplier development and supplier-client relationships. The module also explores issues relating to contracts, including tendering, bidding and order management processes, as well as the legal, commercial and socio-economic implications of purchasing strategies.
LEAN THINKING (EBUS507)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will provide students with an understanding of the components of a contemporary lean operations strategy and the benefits and challenges of applying lean principles within business operations. Students will be introduced to the philosophies/principles of lean thinking and will gain a working knowledge of the supporting tools and techniques used. The module provides students with opportunities to address lean principles, and apply and evaluate lean tools and techniques.
LOGISTICS AND PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION (EBUS609)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will provide students with a thorough grounding in contemporary logistics operations and business management. Specific topics include intermodal operations, transportation selection, warehousing and distribution management, 3PLs, tendering for contracts, reverse and green logistics services, port centric maritime logistics, the concept of adding value in logistics and optimising logistics operations.
Optional modules
ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS WITH SAP (EBUS612)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will focus on introducing strategies, approaches and technologies of enterprise systems, e.g. ERP systems, and the actual ERP system implementation with use of SAP S4/HANA.
The module provides students with knowledge of enterprise system architecture and technologies in general, and roles and functions of enterprise systems and business information management for digital business and supply chain management in particular. The module will introduce the development history, functional characteristics and real cases of enterprise information systems in a digital business and supply chain environment, e.g. applications based on SAP, Oracle, etc.
The module also helps students to understand how enterprise systems and business information management functions are integrated into real-time supply chain management and business networks from the experience of SAP S4/HANA implementation. Through this learning, students will get the chance to understand how data is managed on SAP S4/HANA, understand how business process is integrated, automated and optimised on this system, and how machine learning and AI-based tools are embedded in ERP systems.
Big Data Analytics for Business (EBUS633)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module will introduce students to techniques for big data analytics and their applications for very large datasets in different organisations and settings. In particular, it will familiarise students with existing platforms and software tools used for big data analytics and develops core skills and expertise needed by data scientists for processing and visualising big data. The module will also establish the importance of big data science for business intelligence and describes major opportunities and limitations for running or expanding digital business enterprises.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management (EBUS636)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module provides a critical understanding of the role of sustainability in supply chain management. The module develops a strategic perspective of supply chain management and illustrates how sustainable practices need to be imbedded within the strategic sourcing process. Using a concept known at the ‘supply wheel’ the module explores every aspect of strategic supply management, taking students through a logical thinking process to enable them to analyse, decide on strategic direction and understand the problems and issues around implementation.
On completion of the module, students will be equipped with a toolkit of methods to enable them to understand and evaluate the impact of sustainability issues on supply chain management across the manufacturing and service sectors.
This module is delivered in twelve three-hour lectures which are predominantly case based. The lectures will be highly interactive, students will be expected to work on case studies during the lecture and to contribute to class discussions. This will enhance their understanding of the materials and build confidence and presentation skills. In addition, there will be support from electronic materials, such as podcasts and video summaries of lectures. The module will use a core text book and supplement this material with current academic and practitioner based thinking on the various subject areas discussed.
Digital Strategy (EBUS605)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The aim of this module is to give the student a comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in developing a digital business strategy, leveraging the transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. Important elements include an examination of the approaches to strategy formulation, an evaluation of the emergent digital business models, business process re-design for digital business, digital business applications and technologies, and managing and planning for digital business with a particular emphasis on harnessing AI technologies to optimise operational efficiency and drive strategic agility. Extensive use will be made of case study material to illustrate real-world applications of digital strategies enhanced by AI.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
During the summer semester, students will take either Business Simulation and Analysis or MSc Project.
Graduates of the MSc programme in Operations and Supply Chain Management can become members of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics & Transport (CILT) by successfully applying to those organisations and paying an annual membership fee. To be eligible for membership of CIPS, students must complete the EBUS621 (Project) module in the summer term.
Compulsory modules
BUSINESS SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS (EBUS635)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
This module will support students to develop complementary sets of skills for strategic analysis and assessment of businesses through both teamwork and individual action, conducting independent theoretical and practical research to address set questions in areas related to operations, technology, supply chain and project management within an academic framework, and for developing a strong conviction of contemporary management challenges in business networks. The module will offer students the opportunity to engage with a range of key topics and activities related to strategic thinking, business analysis, benchmarking and teamwork, where they will handle an engaging business project in a simulated environment as well as process data from real world cases. The module will provide learning of the process of analysis and assessment of businesses from both theoretical and practical aspects, and gives the student the opportunity to exercise efficient project management.
MSC PROJECT (EBUS621)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
Comprising two elements: research methods introduces students to the principles and practices of researching and writing dissertations and results in an agreed outline plan of work for the dissertation and a completed literature review. The dissertation, itself, will be undertaken over the summer period and will involve the implementation of the research work plan and the completion of a 15,000 word dissertation.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
Modules are taught using the latest active learning techniques including business simulations, real-world case studies, interactive participation software, and lecture capture.
The principal forms of teaching are lectures and seminars, with most taught sessions normally being supported by additional resources such as hand-outs and online materials accessible via the virtual learning environment (Canvas). Seminars give the opportunity for detailed discussion of a topic under the direction of a tutor. You are normally expected to prepare work in advance of the taught sessions and you may also be expected to present work or give presentations.
Following semester two you will complete either a project or a business simulation in the area of operations and/or supply chain management, with the support of an academic supervisor. This will require evidence of in-depth mastery of research techniques, the ability to assemble and analyse data and the evaluation of outcomes and results. All projects/business simulations will investigate specific problems in the field of operations and supply chain management, and propose solutions to these contemporary issues
Teaching time will account for an average of 10 hours per week and you should anticipate an additional 12 hours of self-directed study.
How you're assessed
In semesters one and two, you will take modules totalling 120 credits. The business simulation or project completed during the summer period is worth 60 credits and students will be supported by their academic supervisor.
Students are required to complete 180 credits to achieve a full MSc.
Subject to meeting specific criteria outlined by the University, students will graduate with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Assessment tasks are varied and some may be designed specifically to meet the learning outcomes of a particular programme of study, but students can expect to be assessed via coursework, essay, group work, presentations, case studies, negotiation exercises, reports and examinations. The weighting of individual components will vary from one module to another. All assessment information is included within the module specification.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The School has a thriving international master’s community with a comprehensive, interdisciplinary programme of social and extra-curricular events and dedicated careers and employability support.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
What students say...
This degree also gives me insight into the world of major leadership roles and how to emerge as a leader within any role that I pursue. The programme allows me to follow routines, enhance my prioritization skills and bolster my technical skills at the same time.
Operations and supply chains are essential to competitive performance. Opportunities are provided for participants of the programme to analyse and examine the most up-to-date, cross-sectoral developments in operations and supply chain practice through a series of industrial lectures and a best-practice industry visit.
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
You will have access to a specialist, in-house postgraduate careers team and have access to one-to-one careers guidance, workshops, seminars, and employability initiatives.
It is expected that programme graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to reach senior managerial positions and become the operations, logistics and supply chain management strategists of the future.
Graduates of the MSc in Operations and Supply Chain Management at the University of Liverpool are now working for:
Accenture
Airbus UK
Aptuit
Boots
Caterpillar
Daimler Chrysler
Deloitte Consultants
Diageo
EWS Industrial
Ford Motor Company
GE, Glaxo Smithkline
Great Bear Distribution
ICU Medical
Jaguar Land Rover
Maersk
NYK Logistics
O2
Princes Foods
Reckitt Benckiser
Rolls Royce
TDG
Unilever
Unipart
United Utilities
Westinghouse
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals
University of Liverpool.
In roles such as:
Project Consultant
Operations Manager
Account Strategist
Assistant Buyer
Supply Planner
Supply Chain Analyst
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£14,000
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£30,000
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
A 2:1 Honours degree (or overseas equivalent) in Management, Engineering, Mathematics, Science or related disciplines.
We are able to offer a level of flexibility for applicants. Those with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered on an individual basis.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, a Pre-Master’s can help you gain a place. This specialist preparation course for postgraduate study is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. Although there’s no direct Pre-Master’s route to this MSc, completing a Pre-Master’s pathway can guarantee you a place on many other postgraduate courses at The University of Liverpool.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
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