- Operations and Supply Chain Management
MSc — 2027 entry Operations and Supply Chain Management
Responding to the global demand for professionals who can turn operational excellence into strategic advantage, our new MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management equips you with the expertise to design, analyse, and improve complex operational systems. Combining cutting-edge theory with real-world case studies and data-driven, problem-based learning, you’ll develop the skills needed to build resilient supply chains and deliver sustainable, long-term value for organisations.
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Why choose
this course?
- Develop in-demand expertise across a wide range of industries – build the knowledge and skills in the end-to-end supply chain, from sourcing and production to distribution and customer delivery, preparing you for careers in sectors including manufacturing, construction, retail and fast-moving consumer goods.
- Prepare to manage complex global supply chains – supply chains that are resilient, sustainable, and ethical require skilled managers who can identify, assess, and manage risk effectively.
- Learn from academics with established supply chain industry expertise – benefit from a masters shaped to reflect what today’s operations and supply chain sector needs.
- Build the skills for a fast‑changing business environment – learn how to to design and run supply chains in response to economic change, new technologies, and consumer expectations.
- Benefit from experiential learning and innovative assessments that reflect professional practice and supply chain management challenges – such as case-based analysis, data-driven decision tasks, and project-based work. All great experience to add to your CV.
Statistics
14th in the UK
And 100th in the world for business and economics in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Top 75 in the world
For management and top 100 for business administration in the ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2026
Double accredited
Accreditation from AACSB and AMBA
What you will study
On our new MSc Operations and Supply Chain Management programme, you’ll learn to plan, manage, and deliver supply chains that are efficient and built for a sustainable future. Building on the expertise and industry connections within Surrey Business School, the programme has a strong focus on industry-relevant knowledge, analytical skills, and practical application.
You’ll explore how effective operational performance drive business growth and profitability; develop your ability to use analytical tools, quantitative methods, and data-driven decision-making; and examine international trade, risk, disruption and cross-cultural operational contexts.
You'll turn complex information into insight, address challenges and apply effective solutions to achieve operational excellence, while maintaining strong ethical standards in logistics and operations.
Throughout the programme, you can specialise according to your interests and career ambitions with optional modules in: Hotel Operations Analysis, Operating Systems and Sustainability, Management of Human Resources, Marketing, Digital Innovation Management, Leadership and Management, International Retailing, Accounting and Finance for Business, Perspectives on Consumer Behaviour or People Analytics.
By applying your learning through case studies, problem-solving tasks and project work based on real-world business challenges, and completing an independent research project or dissertation on a current operations or supply chain issue, you’ll graduate from Surrey with the confidence and skills needed to launch a career in supply chain management, consultancy, policy, or further academic research.
Practical experience
To support your career development, you'll have access to networking opportunities, employer engagement activities, careers events and workshops, alongside dedicated support with CVs, applications, interview preparation and professional development.
Whether you are looking to advance your current career or move into a specialist role, this programme will equip you with the skills, knowledge and professional insight to make a positive impact in organisations around the world.
All modules establish theoretical foundations and introduce analytical tools that allow you to apply your knowledge through case studies, data-driven analysis, and collaborative problem-solving. The programme includes in an independent research project or dissertation.
The structure of our programmes follows clear educational aims that are tailored to each programme. These are all outlined in the programme specifications which include further details such as the learning outcomes:
Teaching and learning
We offer an inclusive, student-centred approach to learning and teaching that recognises the diversity of learners’ backgrounds, experiences, and learning preferences.
Learning methods
- Group work
- Independent study
- Lectures
- Online learning
- Seminars
- Simulation learning
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment
Assessment is embedded within the learning process to promote continuous development and academic achievement.
Clear marking criteria and written feedback support transparency, reflection, and improvement, ensuring that assessment strengthens critical thinking, analytical capability, and professional readiness at postgraduate level.
General course information
Contact hours
Contact hours can vary across our modules. Full details of the contact hours for each module are available from the University of Surrey's module catalogue. See the modules section for more information.
Timetable
New students will receive their personalised timetable during Welcome Week. In later semesters, at least one week before the start of the semester.
Scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week (Monday – Friday), with part-time classes normally scheduled for one or two days. Wednesday afternoons tend to be for sports and cultural activities.
View our code of practice for the scheduling of teaching and assessment (PDF) for more information.
Location
This course is based at Stag Hill campus. Stag Hill is the University's main campus and where the majority of our courses are taught.
We offer careers information, advice and guidance to all students whilst studying with us, which is extended to our alumni for three years after leaving the University.
Built around real employer insight, this masters develops your expertise, enhances your employability, and positions you competitively for roles in operations, logistics, consulting, and supply chain management.
The types of roles you can advance to with this masters are:
- Business analyst
- Business development manager
- Contracts and negotiations specialist
- Distribution network planner
- Inventory and warehouse manager
- Logistics planner
- Operations manager
- Procurement manager
- Supply chain manager
- Supplier relationship manager.
UK qualifications
A minimum of a 2:2 UK honours degree, or a recognised equivalent international qualification.
We may be able to take relevant work experience into consideration if you don't meet these requirements. Please provide full details of your role and responsibilities in your personal statement and CV when you submit your application.
English language requirements
IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall including 6.0 in each category.
These are the English language qualifications and levels that we can accept.
If you do not currently meet the level required for your programme, we offer intensive pre-sessional English language courses, designed to take you to the level of English ability and skill required for your studies here.
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
We recognise that many students enter their course with valuable knowledge and skills developed through a range of ways.
If this applies to you, the recognition of prior learning process may mean you can join a course without the formal entry requirements, or at a point appropriate to your previous learning and experience.
There are restrictions on some courses, and fees may be payable for certain claims. Please contact the Admissions team with any queries.
Scholarships and bursaries
Discover what scholarships and bursaries are available to support your studies.
Fees per year
Explore UKCISA’s website for more information if you are unsure whether you are a UK or overseas student. View the list of fees for all postgraduate courses.
- Fees for part-time routes are applicable in each year of the course
- These fees apply to the academic year 2027-28 only. Fees are reviewed annually, and tuition fees may increase for courses running over more than one year.
Read our tuition fees guidance to find out more about payment schedules and how to pay.
Additional costs
Find out more about additional costs that may be incurred during your time at Surrey.
Funding
You may be able to borrow money to help pay your tuition fees and support you with your living costs. Find out more about postgraduate student finance.
Apply online
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UK applications
Applications are not yet open. If you would like us to email you when they open, then please register your interest.
Register your interestOverseas applications
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Register your interestAdmissions information
Once you apply, you can expect to hear back from us within 14 days. This might be with a decision on your application or with a request for further information.
Our code of practice for postgraduate taught admissions explains how the Admissions team considers applications and admits students. Read our postgraduate applicant guidance for more information on applying.
About the University of Surrey
Need more information?
Contact our Admissions team or talk to a current University of Surrey student online.
Terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Surrey, you will be agreeing to follow our policies and procedures, student regulations, and terms and conditions.
We provide these terms and conditions at the offer stage. You will be asked to accept these when you accept the offer made to you. You will be provided with these terms and conditions again at registration by way of reminder.
Disclaimer
This online prospectus has been published in advance of the academic year to which it applies.
Whilst we have done everything possible to ensure this information is accurate; some changes may happen between publishing and the start of the course.
Subject to validation
This programme is subject to approval. This means that it has received initial agreement from the University and is currently undergoing a detailed final approval exercise, through the University’s quality assurance processes.
These processes are a requirement for all Higher Education Institutions within the UK, to ensure that programmes are of the highest standard. Occasionally, there may be instances where the University may delay or not approve the introduction of the programme.