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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Supply Chain Management
Header image Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management

Study supply chain management in Groningen and learn to optimize supply chain processes, coordinate across vast networks of organizations, and prepare for a leading role in the sustainability transition.

How can a company optimize its supply chain, minimize its environmental footprint, and promote social sustainability? In what ways can managers leverage real-time data and analytics to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency in supply chain operations?

The MSc Supply Chain Management will prepare you to tackle these and other challenges effectively. The programme is unique because it provides a lot of room for making your own choices in what you would like to specialize in. We offer many elective courses where you can delve deep into the areas that ignite your curiosity and align with your ambitions. Whether you are fascinated by renewable energy and innovation, healthcare logistics or data-driven processes, we have the right courses for you. You can also complete the Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area , earn a supplement to your diploma and make a positive impact in the world of supply chain management. You can cover a wide range of supply chain topics, which gives you an advantage in your future career.

In Groningen, we go the extra mile to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complex landscape of modern supply chain management with a strong focus on sustainability. For example, we teach you to understand, analyze, and develop strategies to cope with clean energy solutions and efficient transportation in designing and managing global supply chains.

You will have the opportunity to not only gain the relevant knowledge but to also put it into practice and develop essential managerial skills. Companies bring in real-life cases where you work on the design, integration and coordination of supply chains at multiple levels, bringing innovative and dynamic solutions to this fast-paced business environment. You learn from industry experts in the field by joining guest lectures, visiting companies and career events and taking the master internship (optional).

Facts & Figures
Degree
MSc in Supply Chain Management
Course type
Master
Duration
12 months (60 ECTS)
Croho code
60093
Language of instruction
English
Start
February, September
Faculty
Economics and Business
AACSB accredited
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Join us in Groningen and be a part of a programme that leads the way in addressing the challenges of our time while shaping the future of supply chains. Our dedicated professors will provide you with the knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of modern supply chains with a strong focus on topics such as environmental sustainability, renewable energy and digital innovations.
  • Our programme stands out because of its strong link with real-world practice. You will actively engage in case studies that mirror industry challenges and tackle problems using data sourced directly from the companies. This commitment to bridge the gap between theory and practice helps you develop important skills such as critical and analytical thinking, a can-do attitude and problem-solving techniques.
  • The programme provides a specialized path (optional) to pursue a career in renewable energy. Did you know that the University of Groningen is the academic lead on an ambitious project to transform the Northern Netherlands into a hub of green hydrogen energy?
  • The programme has a very active student community with more than 800 members. For students by students, the study association TeMa organises many social and career events aimed at making friends for life and kick-starting your career after graduation.
  • The programme has been internationally accredited by the AACSB and EQUIS, ensuring a high-quality education, which only 1% of universities reach worldwide.
Programme

You start by learning about tactical and operational strategies to improve logistic performance such as short lead times, high productivity and high delivery reliability. A course on supply chain network design will provide tools to analyze and improve where to locate important facilities, such as warehouses, and how to transport products across the globe in a sustainable way.

In several courses, you will work with datasets to diagnose and improve processes and communicate the project results to managers. Many recent innovations towards sustainable logistics and digital business that affect supply chain management decisions are discussed in the programme. Other important areas are introduced in the last semester, such as healthcare operations, supply chain analytics, sales and operations planning and sustainable global chains. All the theory comes to life when you join guest speakers, work on case studies with real-life data, and attend company visits. You finish by writing and defending a research paper on a chosen topic. Throughout the year, you can choose from our many elective courses, see the course catalogue list.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Logistics and Supply Chain Operations (5 EC)
Service Operations (5 EC)
Supply Chain Network Design (5 EC)
Electives(s) MSc SCM (10 EC)

A few examples are: ​Healthcare Purchasing and Supply Chains; Sustainability: Strategies, Innovation & Change; Data-driven Business Processes; Sustainable Energy Supply; Business Research and Consulting; Energy Transition & Innovation; Challenges in Healthcare; Innovation & Entrepreneurship. The full list of electives can be found on Ocasys.

Purchasing (5 EC)
Research Methods for SCM (5 EC)
Strategic Supply Chain Management (5 EC)
Global Supply Chain Man & Sustainability (5 EC)
Healthcare Operations (5 EC)
Process Improvement and Change (5 EC)
Supply Chain Analytics (5 EC)
Master's Thesis SCM (20 EC)
Sales and Operations Planning (5 EC)
Programme options
Master Internship (specialization)

Opportunity to gain work experience by doing an internship in the second semester of your study.

You will be rewarded 15 ECTS on top of your programme. Your thesis will be postponed to the third semester.

More information about this option

Energy Transition and Climate Change Focus Area (specialization)

Focus on the serious changes within the energy sector by dealing with issues such as how firms adapt to renewable energy, how the higher taxes are managed during this transition and how to deal with the weather dependent production of energy systems. Gain the knowledge and skills to shape a sustainable future in this evolving energy sector.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
All Universities of applied sciences

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

The Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB) has introduced a 45 EC Pre-Master's programme. Read more: https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
International BusinessUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
Industrial Engineering and ManagementUniversity of GroningenNo additional requirements
PsychologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieErasmus University Rotterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Public Administration ScienceLeiden University

No additional requirements

More information:

For students following the profile Economics, Public Administration and Management.

Computer ScienceLeiden University

No additional requirements

More information:

For students following the profile Computer Science & Economics.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Business EngineeringMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Global StudiesMaastricht University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

International BusinessMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
AccountancyNyenrode New Business School

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Business AdministrationNyenrode New Business SchoolNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
EconomicsTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieTilburg University

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Actuarial ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AnalyticsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Data ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieUniversity of Amsterdam

Via a pre-master with a maximum of 45 EC

More information:

You need to first complete the 45 EC (or less) Pre-Master's programme. For information about the Pre-MSc application and entry requirements, please check https://www.rug.nl/feb/premaster.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationUniversity of TwenteNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsUtrecht UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Management and Consumer StudiesWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and GovernanceWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Industrial Engineering and ManagementAll Research universitiesNo additional requirements

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Industrial Engineering.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc.

other admission requirements

The information about entry requirements is an indication of your admissibility.  Every application will be reviewed individually by the Admissions board so the admission decision may differ from the indication in this table. 

Registration procedure

Students with a Dutch diploma can apply directly to Studielink. More information on the  steps to apply .

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

To be eligible for admission to this Master, you need to hold an academic Bachelor's or Master's degree from a research university in one of the following - or closely related - fields: Business Economics, Business Administration, Econometrics and Operations Research, Economics and Business Economics, International Business, Industrial Engineering, Technology Management.

To assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, we will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies. For more information, please visit: https://www.rug.nl/feb/apply-msc. If you have any questions concerning admission to this programme, please contact our Admissions Office: https://www.rug.nl/admissions.

certified competences

A GMAT/GRE test is required from all candidates who obtained their bachelor's degree from a university in a non-EU/EEA country. For specific scores and exemptions, please see https://www.rug.nl/feb/gmat-gre.

language test

IELTS Academic overall score 6.5 (Speaking 6, Writing 6.5); TOEFL internet-based overall score 90 (Speaking 20, Writing 24); Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency (overall score 176, Speaking 169, Writing 176).

other admission requirements

Not meeting the pre-education requirements for direct entry? Please read more about our pre-Master programmes.

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the Progress Portal (replacing the previous system, Online Application System OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the programme of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis. More information on how to apply.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
01 May 202501 September 2025
15 October 202501 February 2026
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 17800full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 20800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

After your studies, you have gained important knowledge and skills related to the field of supply chain management, as well as general professional skills like how to communicate in business, how to write management reports, how to give presentations, and how to work in teams. Our alumni are highly versatile and can work in a wide range of positions and industries, such as production, retail and e-commerce, energy, and logistics.

You might decide to work as a supply chain planner to efficiently link production and sourcing, as a logistics engineer to improve the transport, storage, and distribution processes, or as a continuous improvement specialist to ensure high-quality products and processes. Also, you can work at consulting firms and advise businesses on supply chain optimization, future technologies, and strategic planning. You may opt for an academic career, instead, and delve even deeper into the dynamics of supply chain management. Thanks to the programme’s focus on energy and sustainability, you can kickstart your career in organisations committed to sustainable practices and clean energy solutions.

Job examples

  • Management trainee
  • Researcher
  • Supply chain manager
  • Procurement manager
  • Logistics engineer
  • Continuous improvement specialist
  • Business analyst
  • Strategy advisor
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our research-driven education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. At the heart of our teaching approach is (interdisciplinary) research and in collaboration with external partners, students and professors conduct projects on societally relevant topics.

In collaboration with external partners, we conduct research projects on (e-)logistics, healthcare and service supply chains, resilience, port logistics, transportation, energy transition, sustainable energy supply, city logistics and last-mile deliveries, and sustainable logistics. Example projects can be seen at our research group Centre for Operational Excellence (COPE). The research institute related to the MSc programme is Operations Management and Operations Research.



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I enjoyed working on many 'real world' projects (Matthias Viets)

Coming from a very broad Bachelor’s programme in Economics and Business Administration, a Master was the perfect opportunity to specialize myself. I decided to do an MSc in Supply Chain Management (SCM) as I have always been fascinated by the rapid pace of innovation that has an impact on all of our lives. I find innovations in warehousing and smart logistics very interesting as they change the way we consume products. It is a very diverse field with many opportunities depending on what you want to specialize in and depending on what you are good at.

The programme in Groningen was especially interesting to me as every single course focuses on supply chain aspects. I enjoyed working on many ‘real world’ projects during my studies because I got to work together with companies from different industries and pitch my insights to them. I am in the last step of my studies: writing my thesis about the strategic purchasing functions in multinational companies. In particular, I am researching the impact of certain incidents (e.g. the COVID-19 outbreak) and their impact on the role of purchasing departments within an organization.

Read more

Related Master's programmes

Did you know you can study technology and operations management in Groningen? Find out more about our MSc Technology and Operations Management.

Read more

Study associations

TeMa

TeMa is the study association specialised in the masters Supply Chain Management and Technology and Operations Management. TeMa organizes social, study and career activities, like monthly socials, the TeMa Conference and the Inhousetour.
https://www.temagroningen.nl/home
Read more
Study support

Studying means working independently and planning your studies yourself. But successful studying depends on many different factors, so it is understandable that you may need to consult an impartial expert to discuss your study progress and personal circumstances that influence your studies. The faculty's study advisors are available to help you. Obviously, everything discussed with the study advisor remains confidential.