Business and Supply Chain Management

Course overview

Our course combines the essential business theory and practice from Aston Business School with supply chain expertise to prepare you for an exciting career. Affiliated with the NOVUS Trust, you will receive professional mentoring, attend industry seminars, go on-site visits, and gain exclusive access to placement opportunities.

“Aston’s teaching is tailored to the needs of industry, which sets you up well for a future career. There is also bountiful support available, so there is always someone on hand to help with any issues that may arise.”

Daniel Walsh

Procurement Graduate, BT

Why Business and Supply Chain Management at Aston University?

Gold standard teaching

Aston University was awarded Gold- the highest possible rating for Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF, 2023)

Novus Scheme

Benefit from professional placements, mentoring and graduate opportunities through our Novus partnership

Excellent student experience

Building was ranked 1st in the UK for student experience 2023 Sunday Times

66th in the world

We’ve been ranked as 66th in the world for business and management studies (QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024)

Ranked 24th in the world

Aston University is ranked 24th in the world for reducing inequalities

Top 10% in the world

Aston University placed in the top 10% of all 5,663 institutions evaluated

Business and Supply Chain Management at Aston University

Teaching staff from supply chain management talk about the highlights of studying one of our courses.

Careers and Placements

Whatever your Aston University journey, we're here to help. Discover what's possible with Careers and Placements.

Course description

BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management

You will develop a thorough understanding of supply chain management and support companies to satisfy industry needs and wants. Our course combines the essential business theory and practice from Aston Business School with supply chain expertise to prepare you for an exciting career.

What we will provide
We will offer you a unique blend of business principles and specialised supply chain expertise. With close ties to the NOVUS Trust, industry connections, and world-leading facilities, you'll gain the knowledge, skills, and opportunities needed for a successful career in this dynamic field.

What you will provide
You will be encouraged to find innovative solutions for optimising supply chain operations in a dynamic industry. Through dedication, continuous learning, and practical experience, you will enhance your ability to analyse data, identify patterns, and make strategic choices.

What skills we teach
You will learn the fundamental principles of supply chain management and the intricate processes involved in meeting customer demands and preferences effectively. This will enable you to delve deeper into the responsibilities of procurement, manufacturing, and logistics, while also exploring the essential aspects of planning, organisation, and resource management required to effectively oversee a global supply chain.

Placement year
You will have the opportunity to undertake a placement year, gaining practical experience in the field. This valuable placement will enhance your understanding of business operations and supply chain management, while also strengthening your employability prospects. Students will have the opportunity to apply for membership in the Institute of Logistics and Transport, depending on their experience.

Career prospects
Our business and supply chain graduates are highly sought-after, and through our NOVUS scheme, after graduation, you could be employed with one of the 27 companies involved which includes Wincanton, Arla, Sainsbury’s, DHL or Kingfisher.

Professional accreditation
*This programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logisitics and Transport (CILT). As part of the standard process, it is currently undergoing re-accreditation, with confirmation expected before September 2025.

How you will learn

Our teaching and learning approach is diverse, with a strong emphasis on project-based learning. Industry guest lecturers regularly visit to share their real-world expertise and enrich your educational experience. You will be assessed through a variety of methods which includes coursework, presentations, and exams.

My Journey at GE Aviation Wales

Montserrat takes us on a journey at GE Aviation Wales where she completed her placement year

Find out more

Facilities

Our lecture theatres and seminar rooms are available to provide you with theoretical content, while our computer facilities offer the necessary tools for data analysis, modeling, and software projects. You will have 24/7 access to our library which will be a valuable resource for you, offering a diverse range of digital and print materials such as textbooks, reference materials, academic journals, and online databases to enhance your learning.

Course objectives

Provides you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through appropriately conceived learning experiences.
Provides you with an understanding of the physical and managerial processes involved with logistics generally, with specific reference to the integrated management of the end-to-end supply chain.
Provides you with appropriately structured curricula, combining teaching in theoretical and knowledge-based principles with practical training skills.
Ensures that development and modification of the programme prepare you to able to respond appropriately to the rapidly changing industrial environment.
Prepares you with the specific academic and professional skills which are in demand by employers in UK and international business.
Prepares you with the generic transferable skills to enable you to make a valuable contribution to business and society.
Offers you the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience by providing the option of a sandwich year.
Introduce you to the principles of the research process and their relevance to modern methods of management within the contexts of transport and the supply chain.
Helps you create an awareness of self-development as a component of education and to develop the skills and attributes of lifelong learning.

Modules

Modules and learning outcomes

Year 1 modules

In your first year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Study and Research Skills	15
Building Professional Relationships	15
Introduction To Supply Chain Management	15
Introductory Programming for Engineering and Physical Sciences	15
Interdisciplinary Design Project	15
Power Skills	15
Total	90

You will choose two of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Introduction to Marketing Management	15
Transport and Eng. Economics	15
Introduction to Organisational Behaviour	15

Year 1 outcomes

On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:

Use knowledge and basic principles of science, programming, and mathematics required for logistics and supply chain management.
Use the fundamental concepts, technology and principles of logistics and supply chain management.
Use basic business, management and legal principles to an organisation and its operating environment.
Create a solution as part of (interdisciplinary) teams to a design problem subject to identified constraints, evaluate the design and make improvements, using appropriate design tools and techniques
Evaluate and interpret data using industry-standard methods and communicate information effectively to ensure data-driven approaches to decision-making in solving complex problems
Use sustainable development strategies that reflect a deep understanding of the Circular Economy, Net-Zero strategies, Design and Systems Thinking, and Global Social Responsibility and lead to solutions that are ethically sound and globally relevant.

Year 2 modules

In your second year you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Supply Chain Analytics and Optimisation	15
Supply Chain Simulation Modelling	15
Purchasing Principles for International Supply Chains	15
Relationships and Collaboration in the Supply Chain	15
Land Transport	15
Air and Maritime Transport	15
Total	90

You will choose two of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Facilities and Systems	15
Employee Resourcing	15
Business Operations Excellence	15
Enterprise Systems	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Year 2 outcomes

On successful completion of the second year, you will be able to:

Source, organise and analyse relevant data to understand the current situation, predict how systems might change and recommend appropriate responses for the logistics and supply chain sector.
Analyse a problem and to select appropriate analytical process(es), tools and techniques for problem solving and decision making.
Describe the political, social, environmental, economic and business environment within which the logistics and supply chain industry operates, evaluate and make appropriate decisions.
Apply core theories of resource management to given scenarios, decide upon actions and evaluate the effectiveness of those actions.

Placement year modules

You will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.

Placement Year

Module Title	Credits
EPS Placement Year	120

Placement year outcomes

On successful completion of the placement year, you will be able to:

Develop an understanding of business and the relevant commercial environment and/or intercultural study and their role within it
Gain knowledge of key aspects of good practice relevant to industry and/or intercultural study context
Develop new knowledge and understanding appropriate to the industrial, business, study or research sector related to degree programme
Communicate effectively in a variety of ways in a professional and industrial environment and/or in an intercultural study context.

Final year modules

In your final year, you will study the following core modules:

Module Title	Credits
Final Year Project	30
Supply Chain and Procurement Strategy	15
Game-Based Simulation	15
Sustainable Supply Chains	15
Contemporary Developments in Supply Chain	15
Total	90

You will choose two of the following optional modules:*

Module Title	Credits
Theories and Practice of Leadership	15
Strategic Management and Finance in the Supply Chain	15
Technology and Practice of eCommerce	15
Global Marketing	15
Innovation Retail Management	15

*Availability of any optional modules will be subject to staff availability and a minimum number of students who express an interest in studying the optional modules.

Final year outcomes

On successful completion of the final year, you will be able to:

Plan, conduct and report on a substantial programme of original research related to supply chain management, collecting and analysing data, finding and synthesising material, leading to an end outcome where conclusions are supported by appropriate evidence.
Apply a systematic understanding of key business and management theory and practices to the formulation of business and management strategy.
Apply necessary theoretical underpinning, tools and techniques to bring about sound analysis, design and delivery of sustainable supply chain management solutions.
Illustrate knowledge in current and emerging aspects of Business and Supply Chain management as aligned to professional careers goals.

We may update our courses to reflect best practices and academic developments. If we do, we’ll let you know of any changes at the earliest opportunity by updating our course webpages. If you have already received an offer, we’ll write to you directly to let you know of the changes.

Entry requirements

A Levels
BBC (any subject) or BCC when including one STEM (b) subject
BCC (any subject) or CCC when including one STEM (b) subject (with an EPQ or Core Maths* at grade B)
BBC or CCC when including one STEM (b) subject (contextual offer)

List of STEM (b) subjects: Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Design Technology, Chemistry, Engineering Science, Computer Science, Biology, Electronics.

*List of core maths qualifications we accept: AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies, City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics, NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving, OCR (MEI)* Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning, Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context, WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life and Level 3 Core Math.

Contextual offers
Aston Ready is our contextual offer scheme that could reduce your undergraduate offer by one or two grades. Assessed at the point of application, there are no additional forms to fill in.

Contextual offer criteria

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and National Extended Diploma (any subject): DDM.
1 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma (any subject): M, plus 2 A-levels at grade B.
2 BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificates or Subsidiary Diplomas (any subjects): DM, plus 1 A-level at grade B.
BTEC Level 3 National Diploma and Diploma (any subject): DM, plus 1 A-level at grade B.
BTEC Level 3 Foundation or 90 credits Diploma (any subject): DM, plus 2 A-levels at grade B.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction.
Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering with an overall grade of Distinction, plus 1 A-level at grade C.
Certificate/ National Certificate Level 3: Not accepted.

29 overall with 5, 5, 4 in any Higher Level subjects.
OR
28 overall with 5, 4, 4 in Higher Level subjects, including 1 STEM (b) subject.

We accept the QAA-recognised Access Diploma which must consist of at least 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits at Level 3.
OR
15 Distinctions, 21 Merits and 9 Passes at Level 3, including 15 credits in STEM (b) subject units.

Please note that we do not accept the English and Maths components within the Access qualification and you must meet the GCSE entry requirement.

The following T levels are accepted qualifications for this course:

Accounting Grade D
Agriculture, Land Management and Production Grade D
Animal Care and Management Grade D
Building Services Engineering for Construction Grade D
Catering Grade D
Craft and Design Grade D
Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing Grade D
Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction Grade D
Digital Business Services Grade D
Digital Production, Design and Development Grade D
Digital Support Services Grade D
Education and Childcare Grade D
Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control Grade D
Finance Grade D
Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy Grade D
Legal Services Grade D
Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing Grade D
Management and Administration Grade D
Media, Broadcast and Production Grade D
Onsite Construction Grade D
Health Grade D
Healthcare Science Grade D
Science Grade D

Additionally to our Level 3 requirement each applicant must meet a GCSE (level 2) requirements:

GCSE English Language or Literature minimum grade C/4
GCSE Mathematics minimum grade C/4

Non-standard qualifications

Degree

Year 1 entry: We may consider applicants for year 1 entry who are undertaking a 1st year degree elsewhere. You must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent Level 3) requirements as listed. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference from your current institution.

Year 2 entry: Please note that second-year transfers are not part of the standard admissions process and is up to the discretion of the admissions team and tutor. Applications are only considered if there is space in that year of the programme.
Typically, applicants for second-year entry must meet the GCSEs and A level (or equivalent) requirements as listed. Alongside this you must have successfully passed (or be expected to pass) your first year with 120 credits on an equivalent programme at another recognised university with very similar module content.

The equivalency of the programme is reviewed by the Admissions Tutor and you will be required to provide an official copy of the programme specification of this. In order to be considered you will need to submit a UCAS application as we do not accept direct applications and this must include an academic reference from your current institution.

Year 3: We will not be able to consider any application for Year 3.

International students

Aston University is a diverse, close community and welcomes international students on many of our undergraduate programmes. Students from over 120 countries choose to study with us every year. Based in the centre of Birmingham, Aston is not only a great place to study, it’s also a great place to live.

Qualifications in your country

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to provide evidence of an English language qualification.

English language requirements

International students can enter at Year 2 of this course having completed an undergraduate year one programme at the required academic level with approved teaching partners ONCAMPUS Aston or NCUK.

Aston University provides a range of opportunities for international students to join our community and study on our campus. A key part of our strategy is our relationships with teaching partners, providing multiple pathways to Aston.

Aston’s professional work placements can improve your chance of securing a graduate job. Placements give you experience, confidence and opportunities and, as an Aston student, you’ll be better prepared for your future career. One of the great things about Aston is our focus on employability. Our close links with businesses, industries and professions make this possible.

Find out more about applying

Post-study work visa

Aston University welcomed the creation of a new Graduate Immigration Route which enables international students to remain in the UK for two years after you complete your studies to find work. This new post-study work visa applies to international students completing full-time undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Graduate Immigration Route

Fees and scholarships

Course fees

UK students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:	£9,535*
During placement year:	£1,250

International students
(2025/26)

Annual tuition fees:	£21,500
During placement year:	£2,500

UK students (Home Undergraduate):

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £9,535 (subject to the passing of legislation implementing the Government’s policy to increase the maximum tuition fee from £9,250, payable by Home Undergraduate students on full-time courses). The fee for the placement year is £1,250.

International students (Overseas Undergraduate):

The annual tuition fee for the programme commencing in academic year 2025/26 will be £21,500. The fee for the placement year is £2,500.

All students:

The duration of your programme is set out at the top of this course page and you will be responsible for the payment of an annual tuition fee in each of these years. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually in accordance with its Terms and Conditions and subject at all times to the maximum tuition fee caps set by Government from time to time. This means that your total tuition fee may be higher than stated above, but your total tuition fee will never increase by more than 6% year on year. An increase in fees will allow the University to cover the increased costs of delivering the course and ensure it is able to maintain high standards of education and facilities.

More information on fees

For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy.

For International students: The International students fee is a fixed annual fee for the duration of the Programme, except whilst on placement when a placement year fee applies.

Scholarships

At Aston University we are committed to supporting the most talented and hardworking students to achieve their potential by providing a range of scholarships to help lower tuition and living costs.

Explore our scholarships

Assessment

Career prospects

As the retail and manufacturing industries continue to expand, graduates with business and supply chain management knowledge and skills are highly sought after. You will be equipped to pursue careers in supply chain management, purchasing and procurement, logistics analysis, and distribution management. Previous graduates have secured positions with companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, L'Oréal, Caterpillar, Unilever, and GSK.

Be part of our community

Once you have joined us at Aston University, you’ll always be part of our community, even beyond graduation.

Alumni Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Why study Business and Supply Chain Management at Aston?

Combining input from both Aston Business School and the College of Engineering and Physical Science, you’ll get a rounded learning experience, getting you ready for a career where your skills will be in high demand.

How will a placement year benefit me?

We think that the knowledge you gain through your studies are best applied to real life and the most effective way to do this is by working in a company. As well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, you’ll also gain invaluable communication and team skills.

We have excellent links with industry and will help to arrange this placement for you.

Is Birmingham a good place to study?

Our campus is based in the centre of Birmingham, the youngest major city in Europe and a great place to live, work and study.

Great music and entertainment with a vibrant nightlife. Bars, clubs, pubs, live music, festivals, concerts. Whatever your tastes, there's something here for everyone.
Fantastic food. Birmingham's diverse community means you can try anything from the famous Balti triangle, the Chinese Quarter, high street chains, halal and vegan food, and Michelin-star dining.
World-class shopping. The Bullring and Grand Central is a shopper's paradise. From the world's biggest Primark to luxury brands at the Mailbox.
Arts and culture. Museums, galleries, theatres, concerts and Birmingham's art collection is as wide as it is impressive - not to be missed.
Green, open spaces. One of the greenest cities in Europe, Birmingham has hundreds of publicly accessible parks and green spaces across the city.
Sporting action. Birmingham has some of the most exciting venues for watching or participating in sport in the UK.

Discover Birmingham