University of Strathclyde

What you'll study

This masters develops technical and applied skills across supply chain strategy, sustainable operations and lifecycle thinking. The programme balances core modules in supply chain management with specialised modules on sustainability assessment, circular economy approaches and sustainable procurement. You will learn quantitative tools for logistics and inventory decisions, qualitative methods for stakeholder engagement and frameworks for corporate sustainability reporting.

• Core supply chain modules – demand forecasting, inventory and distribution planning, operations strategy, and supply chain analytics.
• Sustainability-focused modules – life cycle assessment (LCA), carbon accounting and mitigation strategies, circular economy and product stewardship.
• Procurement and risk – sustainable procurement practices, supplier selection and auditing, human rights and labour considerations in global sourcing.
• Data and decision support – supply chain modelling, optimisation, and the use of data for sustainable decision-making.
• Research project or dissertation – an independent piece of applied research or industry-linked consultancy project addressing a real-world sustainability challenge in a supply chain context.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, case studies, simulation and computer labs, and project work with industry partners. Assessment is typically a mix of coursework, group projects, exams and the dissertation or capstone project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a good honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject such as business, engineering, logistics, environmental science or economics. Candidates with professional experience in supply chain, procurement, operations or sustainability and with a lower academic profile may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

• Academic – a recognised undergraduate degree in a related discipline.
• Professional experience – relevant work experience in supply chains, procurement, operations or sustainability is advantageous for mature applicants.
• English language – proof of proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English, in line with the university's published requirements.
• Supporting documents – personal statement, references and a CV are normally required; some applicants may be asked to attend an interview.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to a wide range of roles that combine supply chain expertise with sustainability leadership. Typical positions include sustainable procurement manager, supply chain analyst with an ESG focus, circular economy consultant, sustainability advisor for retail and manufacturing, and logistics network planner incorporating carbon reduction strategies.

Alumni also move into roles in policy and regulation, corporate sustainability reporting, supplier development and audit, or pursue further research and doctoral study. Employers span large multinational manufacturers and retailers, logistics and consultancy firms, public sector bodies and sustainability-focused NGOs.

Why study at University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde has strong links with industry across Scotland and the UK, providing opportunities for live projects, placements and engagement with practitioners in manufacturing, logistics and energy-intensive sectors. The university emphasises applied research and collaboration with business, which supports practical, work-relevant learning on this programme.

The Glasgow location gives good access to a broad industrial and professional services base, and the university offers dedicated facilities for data analytics, simulation and project work. Teaching is delivered by academics with expertise in supply chain management and sustainability, supported by guest speakers from industry and public-sector partners.

Students benefit from a supportive postgraduate environment with careers advice, networking events and access to Strathclyde’s enterprise and consultancy links to help transition into sustainability-focused roles within global and local supply chains.