Overview

Attend an open day

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Discover more about the course

Course overview

Build operations, project and supply chain expertise for global business environments.

  • Develop practical skills to become a professional operations, project or supply chain manager in a globalised environment.
  • Study in Manchester a UK business hub, while learning how organisations manage products, services and supply chains across global business environments.
  • Gain a CIPS-accredited qualification while learning how to manage the creation and delivery of products and services across industries.
  • Study a course ranked 1st in the UK and 6th in the world (QS Business Masters Rankings 2026).

Open days

Alliance Manchester Business School and the university both hold regular events throughout the year, including webinars, information sessions and the annual on-campus Master's Expo. All of which offer the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses from our academic and admissions staff.

This year sign up for webinars as part of our ‘Original Thinking for the Next Generation’ Webinar series, exclusively at Alliance Manchester Business School. Join a webinar to hear from academics and employers about the skills students gain, how they are applied in the workplace, and where they could take you next.

We also attend a number of education fairs both in the UK and overseas throughout the year. For more details on how you can meet us, visit our events page.

Contact details

School/Faculty
Alliance Manchester Business School
Contact name
Master's Admissions Office
Telephone
+44 (0) 161 306 1339
Email
Website
https://www.alliancembs.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/msc-operations-project-and-supply-chain-management/
School/Faculty overview

Alliance Manchester Business School was established in 1965 as one of the UK's first two business schools. Today, we are the UK's largest campus-based business and management school, and 'Original Thinking Applied' is at the heart of everything we do. Find out more .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

We require a First or Upper Second class honours degree (2:1, with 60% average) from a UK university or the overseas equivalent.

When assessing your academic record we take into account; your grade average, position in class and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification. 

English language

For the latest information on demonstrating your English proficiency for those whose first language is not English, please see our language requirements .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements see entry requirements for your country .

Fees and funding

Fees

Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2026 were as follows:

  • MSc (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £16,300
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £30,500

The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs.

Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information .

Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about - student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about - fees and finance for international students.

Graduates of The University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University can receive a 10% discount on their master's degree tuition fees as part of our Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount scheme.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply online >>

Staged Admissions Deadlines

Staged admissions

We operate a staged admissions process for this course, see more information on how to apply and our deadlines.

Tuition fee deposits

If you are successful in receiving an offer, you will be required to pay a tuition fee deposit of £2,500 by the deadline stated in your offer letter to confirm your place. We ask for the deposit as competition for places is high and there is limited availability. The deposit amount is then deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.

Advice to applicants

Your statement of purpose should cover the areas outlined below: 

  • Tell us why you are interested in the MSc Operations, Project and Supply Chain Management course at Alliance MBS and how the course will impact on your future
  • Describe what makes you an outstanding applicant and describe your potential to contribute to all aspects of the course.

How your application is considered

We can only process applications with the following documents:

  • valid English language qualification
  • first and second year transcript (scanned copies are accepted at the time of application)
  • statement of purpose (this is included as part of your application form, you do not need to email your statement of purpose directly to the Admissions Team)

Deferrals

To defer your offer to the following year, you must contact your admission officer to get a copy of the deferral form.  You can only defer your offer for one year.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Course details

Course description

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Student Insights: Shahroz Ahmed, Pakistan, MSc Operations, Project and Supply Chain Management

Develop the knowledge and practical skills to manage the creation and delivery of products and services across public, private, small and large organisations. MSc Operations, Project and Supply Chain Management at AMBS is designed for students who want to build professional capability in operations, project or supply chain management in a global business environment.

You will learn how organisations organise processes, manage delivery and respond to the challenges and opportunities created by the global reach of business. The course gives you the opportunity to concentrate on particular aspects of operations management, supply chain management, project management and process improvement, helping you shape your learning around your professional interests.

The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply , supporting students who want to develop recognised professional knowledge in purchasing, supply and related areas of operations management.

Aims

During the course you will be taking 180 credits in all. The eight taught modules during semester one and two total 120 credits and consists of both compulsory and optional taught units which can be viewed in the list below.

By agreement with the Course Director, one elective unit may be taken from another Masters course - note that all elective units are subject to availability, timetabling constraints and what you have studied previously.

Over the summer period, you will carry out your Research Dissertation, worth 60 credits.  Certain units must be chosen in order to become a member of CIPS, and the dissertation must be on a procurement and supply-related theme. 

Examples of recent dissertation project topics include:

  • The future green supply chain in the retail industry: a shared value strategic perspective
  • Evaluation of cost performance in inventory management in reverse logistics
  • Using e-procurement to improve supply chain management practices

Special features

Develop professional operations, project and supply chain capability
Build the knowledge and practical skills needed to become a professional operations, project or supply chain manager in a globalised environment.

Gain a CIPS-accredited qualification
The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, with opportunities to concentrate on areas including operations management, supply chain management, project management and process improvement.

Apply your learning through consultancy-style project work
The approved programme amendment introduces a 60-credit compulsory Consultancy Project in Operations, Project and Supply Chain Management; for 2026/27 this sits alongside the academic dissertation as a transitional arrangement, before becoming the sole culminating project unit from 2027/28.

Prepare for specialist operations management careers
The course provides general training for students who want to take up specialist positions in operations management, with graduates progressing into roles linked to business operations, quality, manufacturing and supply chain contexts.

Study a highly ranked course
MSc Operations, Project and Supply Chain Management is ranked 1st in the UK and 6th in the world in the QS Business Masters Rankings 2026.

CIPS-accreditation Information
This CIPS-accredited course can support full CIPS membership for students with three years’ relevant supply chain management experience.
Eligible students do not need further CIPS exams, provided they complete the required modules and a procurement- or supply-related dissertation.
Students without the required experience can complete the relevant MSc elements and apply once they have three years’ relevant work experience.
For membership advice, apply directly to CIPS and check the CIPS website .

Coursework and assessment

For 2027 entry the Group Consultancy Project will become the sole culminating project unit. This gives students the opportunity to apply their learning to real-world consultancy-style challenges and develop practical, collaborative problem-solving skills.

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
BMAN70081 15 Mandatory
BMAN70111 15 Mandatory
BMAN70120 15 Mandatory
BMAN70391 15 Mandatory
BMAN70152 15 Optional
BMAN70202 15 Optional
BMAN72262 15 Optional
BMAN73472 15 Optional
BMAN73672 15 Optional
BMAN73692 15 Optional
BMAN74042 15 Optional
MCEL63402 15 Optional
Displaying 10 of 12 course units
Display all course units

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

Throughout the programme, you will develop a broad set of operations, project, supply chain and professional skills, including:

  • Managing the creation and delivery of products and services.
  • Understanding operations management across public, private, small and large organisations.
  • Managing processes so they run smoothly in global business environments.
  • Applying knowledge to operations, project and supply chain management challenges.
  • Developing capability in project management and process improvement.
  • Building consultancy-style problem-solving through the approved project route.
  • Preparing for professional and specialist roles in operations management.
  • Building a foundation for research or academic progression, where relevant.

These skills support students interested in roles where operations, supply chains, projects, process improvement and service or product delivery are central.

Careers support

AMBS Master’s students have dedicated careers support designed to build employability and connect you with employers. You’ll have access to employability sessions covering applications, CVs, interviews and LinkedIn; tailored workshops with feedback; and one-to-one support with a careers consultant. You can also engage with employer and alumni insights through guest speaker events, and keep track of opportunities through the online careers platform. The AMBS postgraduate careers support works closely with the University Careers Service, giving access to careers fairs, employer presentations and advertised vacancies.

Read about our PostgraduateCareers Service >>

Read the latest information on visa changes and opportunities in the UK for international students >>

Accrediting organisations

Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply

You have the opportunity to concentrate on particular aspects of operations management, supply chain management (helping towards membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), project management and process improvement.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.