Supply Chain Operations - MSc (Online)

During this programme, you will:  

• Develop and apply advanced analytical and modelling tools to diagnose and improve supply chain performance, using mathematical and simulation-based approaches. 

• Engage in strategic decision-making and risk management by exploring frameworks in operations, finance, marketing, and integrated business planning. 

• Collaborate in virtual teams and participate in tutor-led online sessions to complete individual and group-based projects in a fully online, interactive learning environment. 

• Complete a work-based thesis project that applies learning directly to a real-world supply chain challenge, delivering value to both the student and their organisation. 

Key information: 

• Complete part-time over two years  

• Delivered online   

• Modules taught during autumn, spring and summer semesters  

• Submit dissertation at the end of the final semester  

• Modules with (M) beside them can be taken as independent micro-credential  

You will learn through a blend of:  

• Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities  

• Reflective practice and guided research  

• Regular feedback from faculty and peers  

Part-time considerations:  

• Designed for working professionals  

• Evening or recorded lectures  

• Additional prep and group work time  

• Timetable provided after registration 

Year 1  

Spring Semester 

• Frameworks for Supply Chain Management (PT5001) provides students with an introduction to supply chain operations. 

• Strategic Business (AU5011) introduces the basic framework and concepts of strategic management in different organisational and environmental contexts. 

• Mathematical Modelling in Supply Chain (MF5001) provides knowledge on mathematical models applicable to supply chains. 

Summer Semester  

• Marketing Technology Products (AU5032) develops key marketing concepts in business generally and technology markets in particular. 

• Simulation Modelling in Supply Chains (IE5002) provides students with modelling and software capabilities to apply simulation to supply chains. 

Year 2  

Autumn Semester 

• Operations Management (M) (MF6001) provides a comprehensive understanding of the merits, limitations, and applicability of diverse operations management approaches available for manufacturing and service enterprises. 

• Quality Science (M) (MS5431) applies basic and advanced quality statistics in the context of Supply Chain Performance Management. 

• Sales and Operations Planning (M) (PT6024) explores how organisations can achieve Integrated Business Planning by deploying an advanced Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process with a supply chain. 

Spring Semester 

• Thesis Proposal Preparation (PT6072) provides students with information and resources on how to produce a thesis proposal. 

Summer Semester 

• Financial Management and Decision Making for SCM (AC6901) introduces the fundamental concepts and practices of management accounting and finance. 

• Supply Chain Risk Assessment and Forecasting (MG4181) provides the tools to cope with disruptions caused by uncertain economic cycles, consumer demands, natural and man-made disasters within the supply chain process. 

• Thesis (Supply Chain Operations) (MG6081) requires students to construct concise and original research and produce well supported written material. 

Autumn Semester 

• Thesis (Supply Chain Operations) (PT6082) requires students to complete a thesis document and present their findings in a professional manner. 

Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.  

For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s Book of Modules 

• Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant or appropriate subject. 

• Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years appropriate experience in a continuous improvement setting and be in a position to affect organisational change. Ideally, they should be in a frontline management role within their organisation.  

• The university may shortlist and invite you to an interview.  

Other Entry Considerations: 

We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme. 

At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. 

International students:   

For details on country-specific qualifications visit postgraduate entry requirements for international students. 

Checklist of documents:    

• *Academic transcripts and certificates
  • UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
• Copy of your birth certificate or passport
• English translation of your qualifications and transcripts 

English Language: 

• English Language Competency certificate
• For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements 

Guidelines on Completing your Application   

• To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
  • Upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
  • Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
• *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying. 

Year 1:

EU - TBC per annum

Non- EU - TBC per annum

Year 2:

EU - TBC per annum

Non- EU - TBC per annum

Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland. This programme does not qualify for a study visa. 

Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.  

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).  

 
Funding 

Apprenticeship Option 
This Master’s programme is also available through an apprenticeship route, with up to 80% of fees covered by SOLAS and the HEA. To check your eligibility for apprenticeship funding, click here. 

Find further information on funding and scholarships 

This course can lead to the following careers:  

• Global Supply Chain Manager
• Chief Operations Officer
• Senior Supply Chain Manager
• Project Manager – Supply Chain
• Sales and Operations Planning Lead
• Procurement Manager
• Purchasing Manager
• Plant Manager
• Director 

Noreen Spillane, Chief Operations Officer, UL Hospitals Group

“Coming from a healthcare background, I find the course content very applicable to my role as Chief Operations Officer. I am learning so much from my fellow students and the world of industry. I work full-time and so the flexibility of this course suits me.” 

John Branigan, Project Manager, Pfizer 

“I found the course, while intensive and challenging, refreshingly innovative and worthwhile. A large portion of the course’s success was down to availability through the online tutorials, available 24 hours a day, which allowed me to get my Work/Life/Study balance right.” 

Still Curious?  

The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.     

Online Information Sessions