Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport this course will allow you to develop a strong understanding of the strategic, operational, and technological aspects of supply chain management, understanding key principles such as procurement, inventory management, transportation and global logistics. Through our industry partnerships, you will develop the necessary analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills to excel in this dynamic field which offers diverse opportunities.
Logistics with Supply Chain Management
Launch an exciting career that explores the intricate network of activities involved in the production, distribution, and delivery from source to consumer.
Location: Aston University, Birmingham
Course overview
Course description
Facilities
You will have access to our lecture theatres and seminar rooms, where theoretical content will be delivered. Students on this course will also have access to our computer facilities which you will be using for data analysis, modelling, and software projects. Our library will also provide you with digital and print resources to elevate your learning such as textbooks, reference materials, academic journals, and online databases.
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.
Course Objectives
- Provide you with the opportunities to realise your academic potential through appropriately conceived learning experiences.
- To develop 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. - Provide you with appropriately structured curricula, combining teaching in theoretical and knowledge based principles
with practical training skills. - To ensure that development and modification of the programme prepares graduates able to respond appropriately to the rapidly
changing industrial environment. - To produce graduates with the specific academic and professional skills that are in demand by employers in UK and international business
- To produce graduates with the generic transferable skills to enable them to make a valuable contribution to business and society.
- To offer you the opportunity to obtain relevant industrial experience by providing the option of a sandwich year.
- To introduce the students to the principles of the research process and their relevance to modern methods of management within the contexts of transport and the supply chain.
- To maintain professional accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport.
- To create an awareness of self development as a component of education and to develop the skills and attributes of lifelong learning.
- To ensure that entry qualifications are the highest possible consistent with the applicant pools in the UK, EU and international markets
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 |
Introduction to Business Management | 15 |
Interdisciplinary Design Project | 15 |
Power Skills | 15 |
Introductory Programming for Engineering and Physical Sciences | 15 |
Transport and Engineering Economics | 15 |
Total |
Year 1 outcomes
On successful completion of the first year, you will be able to:
- Use knowledge and the 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 legislation and relevant management principles relevant to commercial logistics and supply chain management.
- Discuss the role and responsibilities of the professional logistics and supply chain manager in society
- 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.
- Employ integrated problem-solving skills to analyse challenging and
multifaceted problems considering professional, social, and ethical contexts.
Year 2 modules
In your second year you will study the following core modules:
Module Title | Credits |
Supply Chain Simulation Modelling | 15 |
Supply Chain Analytics and Optimisation | 15 |
Purchasing Principles for International Supply Chains | 15 |
Relationships and Collaboration in the Supply Chain | 15 |
Land Transport | 15 |
Air and Maritime Transport | 15 |
Operations and Process Management | 15 |
Facilities and Systems | 15 |
Total | 120 |
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 select appropriate analytical process(es), tools, and techniques for problem-solving and decision-making.
- Demonstrate understanding of the political, social, environmental, economic and business environment within which the logistics and supply chain industry operates, evaluate and make appropriate decisions.
Placement year modules
If you opt for an integrated placement, you will spend your third year on placement. You will be fully supported throughout the process by our award-winning Careers and Placements team.
Module Title | Credits |
Integrated 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 Research Project | 30 |
Supply Chain and Procurement Strategy | 15 |
Game-Based Simulation | 15 |
Sustainable Supply Chains | 15 |
Contemporary Developments in Supply Chains | 15 |
Strategic Management and Finance in the Supply Chain | 15 |
Leadership and HRM | 15 |
Total | 120 |
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 logistics and supply chain 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.
- Recognise and evaluate leadership, act appropriately in group activity to ensure effective leadership and achievement of group objectives in a professional and ethical manner
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)
BCC (any subject) or CCC when including one STEM (b) subjects (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.
- 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.
Fees and scholarships
Course fees
UK students
(2025/26)
Annual tuition fees: | £9,250 |
During placement year: | £1,250 |
International students
(2025/26)
Annual tuition fees: | £21,500 |
During placement year: | £2,500 |
For Sandwich courses the placement fee is £1250 for Home/UK students and £2,500 for International students. For Home students: Tuition fees for UK/Home students may change in line with government policy. When undertaking a placement year, a placement year fee applies. 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.