Course Overview
Course summary
The Logistics and Supply Chain Management Postgraduate Diploma is designed to prepare students for the increasingly global logistics sector. Whether you are looking to enter the industry or build on existing experience, the course offers a comprehensive understanding of supply chain strategy, operations and sustainability within a complex international environment.
You'll develop in-depth knowledge of logistics principles and practices, including the trade-offs involved in logistics activities and their integration with wider business operations. The course content is grounded in real-world applications and encourages critical thinking, enabling you to analyse supply chain challenges using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
The global scope of logistics is a central theme, and you'll examine the roles of freight transport companies, logistics service providers, manufacturers, and retailers. You’ll explore how external influences such as political, economic, technological, and environmental factors impact supply chain performance and relationships between partners and stakeholders.
You’ll assess the environmental, social, ethical and economic dimensions of supply chain sustainability and the ways in which the impacts and benefits of improved supply chain activities can be measured and reported.
In addition to core academic knowledge, you’ll develop essential professional skills such as communication and workload management. You’ll also have opportunities to specialise in areas of personal or professional interest through option modules.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management can also be studied as a Postgraduate Certificate or as an MSc.
Graduates from the MSc have gone on to work for a wide range of organisations including logistics service providers, manufacturers, retailers and the public sector, in roles such as logistics coordinator, management trainee and planning coordinator.
Top reasons to study with us
- Industry-Relevant Curriculum - Gain up-to-date knowledge of global logistics and supply chain management, aligned with current industry practices and emerging trends. The course is designed to reflect real-world challenges and opportunities in the field
- Expert Teaching - Learn from academic staff with strong research expertise and industry experience across logistics, transportation, and international supply chain operations
- Professional insights - Benefit from insights shared by industry guest speakers and gain access to professional networks through student membership with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT). Upon meeting eligibility requirements, you can progress to full membership and access sector-specific forums, seminars, a professional journal, and an extensive industry library
- Strong Career Prospects - The logistics and supply chain sector has seen significant growth in recent years, accelerated by global events such as Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic. These changes have highlighted the critical importance of supply chain professionals.
Course climate action statement
Climate change mitigation is one of the main teaching areas of this course. Students learn about the theory and practice of climate change mitigation options. They are trained as future logistics and supply chain decision makers and to develop professional knowledge and skills.
Course structure
The Postgraduate Diploma usually takes one year to complete full-time. You’ll study five core modules and one option module, delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, case studies, group workshops, and site visits (subject to external factors).
Upon completing the Postgraduate Diploma, you’ll have the option to progress to the MSc by taking additional modules.
Please note that option module availability can be limited due to factors like timetabling and space constraints, so your first choice is not always guaranteed.
Core modules
This module examines the changing market for freight transport and logistics services in a European and increasingly global context. The key modes of transport are evaluated in terms of their costs, operational capabilities and performance. Changing demands for new services are assessed. Strategic options for service providers are explored within the broader policy and planning framework.
20 credits
This module is designed to make students aware of the external influences that companies must take into account in the design and operation of their logistics systems. Supply chains do not exist in a vacuum, and there are many issues that companies need to consider to ensure that they operate legally and responsibly in addition to meeting their own internal company objectives.
20 credits
The module purpose is for students to gain knowledge of the topic, including the purchasing management process, negotiation techniques, supplier appraisal and the buyer's role, purchasing in the supply chain, technology in e-procurement and collaborative relationships in the international supply system. The emphasis will be on the supply chain, both internationally and in e-business.
20 credits
This module provides the foundation for studying logistics and supply chain management. A particular focus is on the retail sector, which is at the forefront of logistics and supply chain developments. The module ensures that students are aware of the components of the logistics system and how they interact with each other to influence the design and operation of retail supply chains. It focuses on the aspects of logistics operations that tend to be directly within the control of companies. New patterns of retailing and the implication for logistics are assessed. International comparisons are made.
20 credits
This module is focused on the study of sustainability and green logistics, with a particular emphasis on freight transport. The first part of the module provides the context for sustainable supply chains, examining the business and public policy reasons for attempting to address sustainability issues, and examining how sustainability impacts are measured, monitored and reported. The second part of the module focuses on the freight transport element of supply chain management, looking at the strategic, operational and public policy perspectives.
20 credits
Optional modules
The module explores the nature of demand for air travel and prospects for the future. It considers the role of economic regulation and the impact of deregulation. Governance, economic and commercial characteristics of both the airline and airport industries are investigated and different airline models such as low-cost airlines, charter carriers and airline alliances are examined. The airline-airport relationship together with the role of marketing is evaluated. The scope for airports in developing commercial (non-aeronautical) sources of revenues, including those related to events and conferences, is also assessed. In addition, the broader impacts of air travel on the economy and the environment are explored.
20 credits
This module considers the role of information and process integration within organisations, focusing on enterprise-wide software and business process integration. It evaluates the impact that enterprise-wide systems can have, and the crucial role they play in organisational communication. The role of information in enabling process integration and how this underpins organisational knowledge and strategy provides the theoretical framework for the module. The module incorporates extensive practical work using the University’s SAP system for students enabling enhanced conceptual understanding of process integration issues.
20 credits
This module outlines the key land use and transport issues in contemporary Britain. You will look at transport in evolving urban land use systems, modelling and forecasting land use and transport relationships, transport demands and retail development, light rail and land use, and sustainable residential and workplace development.
20 credits
This module will provide a compelling insight into the state of the art of modifying behaviour in transport, from well-established interventions (such as speed limits) to relatively new ones (such as personal travel planning).
20 credits
The first half of the course introduces a range of theoretical concepts relating to traffic and travel behaviour in urban areas. It also familiarises you with key strategic policy issues affecting both the movement and management of urban traffic.
In the second part, you will explore practical design feasibility and management issues associated with the implementation of policy measures at the street level.
20 credits
Programme partnership
Students are offered an opportunity to obtain a free, industry-recognised accreditation by CargoWise. The organisation provides students with applied learning opportunities to better equip them for a career in logistics.
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
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Careers
The course fosters a strong blend of analytical, strategic, and practical capabilities, preparing you for a successful career in logistics and supply chain management
Graduates can pursue roles in logistics coordination, planning, supply chain analysis, and more across a wide range of employers including logistics providers, manufacturers, retailers, and public sector organisations.
Learn from experts
The course is taught by academic staff with strong research expertise and industry experience across logistics, transportation, and international supply chain operations.
Excellent employment prospects
Graduates from this course enjoy strong employment opportunities, driven by increasing demand for skilled professionals in response to recent global challenges impacting the logistics and supply chain sector.
Employers around the world
The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Logistics coordinator
- Management trainee
- Planning coordinator
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- DHL
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Honda
- IKEA
- Kuehne + Nagel
- L’Oréal
- Maersk Logistics
- Nexus Alpha
- Procter & Gamble
- SCS Railways
- TELS UK
- Volvo Logistics
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
Course Leader
Marzena Piotrowska
Senior Lecturer
Marzena Piotrowska is a Research Fellow and a Lecturer in Logistics and Freight Transport. She has been the Course Leader of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc course since 2017.
Marzena’s primary research interests are focused on city logistics, urban freight consolidation and transport policy. She has been involved in a number of research projects looking at various aspects of freight transport and logistics operations, including urban goods distribution, rail freight and modal shift.
The majority of Marzena’s current research work centres on the role of urban freight consolidation in supporting sustainable urban logistics.
My main research interests include city logistics, urban freight consolidation and transport policy.
Course Team
Why study this course?
Study in Central London
Based at our Marylebone Campus, you'll be perfectly placed to access work experience and networking opportunities in the heart of central London.
Accredited course
This course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
A global outlook
This course has been designed to develop your ability to initiate and carry out advanced analysis and research in the field of logistics and supply chain management within a global context.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Relevant degree disciplines include economics, business studies, management, geography and operations research. However, students with qualifications in other disciplines such as languages and the humanities, engineering, and environmental sciences are also encouraged to apply. Alternative qualifications with relevant professional experience will also be considered.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit a Personal Statement (maximum 750 words), which should include a clear explanation of their motivations for studying logistics and supply chain management, and identify the key challenges which, in their view, are facing supply chains in the next 10 years.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Relevant degree disciplines include economics, business studies, management, geography and operations research. However, students with qualifications in other disciplines such as languages and the humanities, engineering, and environmental sciences are also encouraged to apply. Alternative qualifications with relevant professional experience will also be considered.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit a Personal Statement (maximum 750 words), which should include a clear explanation of their motivations for studying logistics and supply chain management, and identify the key challenges which, in their view, are facing supply chains in the next 10 years.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Relevant degree disciplines include economics, business studies, management, geography and operations research. However, students with qualifications in other disciplines such as languages and the humanities, engineering, and environmental sciences are also encouraged to apply. Alternative qualifications with relevant professional experience will also be considered.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit a Personal Statement (maximum 750 words), which should include a clear explanation of their motivations for studying logistics and supply chain management, and identify the key challenges which, in their view, are facing supply chains in the next 10 years.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Relevant degree disciplines include economics, business studies, management, geography and operations research. However, students with qualifications in other disciplines such as languages and the humanities, engineering, and environmental sciences are also encouraged to apply. Alternative qualifications with relevant professional experience will also be considered.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit a Personal Statement (maximum 750 words), which should include a clear explanation of their motivations for studying logistics and supply chain management, and identify the key challenges which, in their view, are facing supply chains in the next 10 years.
Applicants are required to submit one academic reference.
Recognition of prior learning and experience
If you have previously studied at university level, or have equivalent work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your course at Westminster. For more information, visit our Recognition of Prior Learning page.
Application process
Visit our How to apply page for more information on:
- the application process
- what you need to apply
- deadlines for applications
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Learn new skills
Volunteer and gain new skills
Learn new skills, create connections and make a difference in the community through our volunteering opportunities.
Gain entrepreneurial expertise
Access industry networking events, workshops, one-to-one business advice and start-up support through our award-winning WeNetwork.
Get extra qualifications
Free access to online courses in Adobe and Microsoft Office, and specialist training on LinkedIn Learning.
MORE 2024 Degree Show
MORE is an annual exhibition of our postgraduate students' thesis projects. It showcases students’ talent, creativity, and strategic work. You can see the latest online collection at MORE 2024.
Image: Oreinab Khoshbakht, Architecture MA (2024) – Roots & Roofs: Reimagining multi-generational co-living
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £7,350 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £11,910 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
UK tuition fee: £7,350 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £11,910 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Teaching and Assessment
Below you will find how learning time and assessment types are distributed on this course. The graphs below give an indication of what you can expect through approximate percentages, taken either from the experience of previous cohorts, or based on the standard module diet where historic course data is unavailable. Changes to the division of learning time and assessment may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions.
How you’ll be taught
Teaching methods across all our postgraduate courses focus on active student learning through lectures, seminars, workshops, problem-based and blended learning, and where appropriate practical application. Learning typically falls into two broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, dissertation/final project research, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
Our postgraduate courses include a variety of assessments, which typically fall into two broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Data from the academic year 2024/25
Research groups
Our research achieves real-world impact and we are proud to claim a rich and diverse profile of high-quality research and knowledge exchange in a wide range of disciplines.
Find out more about the research group related to this course:
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support – workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors – support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team – provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities – volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course location
In the heart of London, our Marylebone Campus is home to the Westminster Business School and our Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. Specialist workshops, dedicated digital and architecture studios, and our extensive Marylebone Library offer students everything they need for academic success.
Marylebone Campus is opposite Baker Street tube station and within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.
This course is based at Marylebone Campus, though some teaching may take place at our other central London campuses.
For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Other Logistics and Supply Chain Management courses
Logistics and Supply Chain Management can also be studied as a Postgraduate Certificate or as an MSc.
The award of Postgraduate Diploma is available after successful completion of 120 credits. As part of the Postgraduate Diploma, you will study five core modules and one of the available option modules. The Postgraduate Diploma usually takes one year to complete full-time. If you wish to apply for the Postgraduate Diploma you should apply via the Westminster online application form.
The award of Postgraduate Certificate is available after successful completion of 60 credits. As part of the Postgraduate Certificate, you will study one core module and two option modules. The Postgraduate Certificate usually takes one year to complete part-time. If you wish to apply for the Postgraduate Certificate you should apply via the Westminster online application form.
Full-time and Part-time MSc students will amass 180 credits over one year (full-time study option), or two years (part-time study option). As part of the MSc programme, students will study seven core modules and one of the available option modules. If you wish to apply for the Postgraduate Certificate you should apply via the Westminster online application form.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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