Skip to ContentSkip to Navigation
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 about how complex networks of organisations manage sourcing, production, and distribution to provide customers with products or services they want.

Are you interested in gaining knowledge and managerial skills to become an expert in supply chain management? In today’s global market, supply chain management is essential to businesses' success. The MSc programme Supply Chain Management in Groningen is unique in that it tackles a broad range of supply chains, from production to service-oriented supply chains, in the private and public sector, and across many different industries (consumer products, food, healthcare, energy etc.)

You will gain the necessary managerial and analytical skills to focus on the design, integration and coordination of supply chains at multiple levels, bringing innovative and dynamic solutions to this fast-paced business environment. The programme also provides access to numerous professionals from different sectors complementing current and future perspectives taught in courses. We cooperate with companies on guest lectures, company visits, internships, career events, case studies and thesis assignments.

Through the selection of elective courses, you can focus on supply chains in specific industries, become an expert in sustainable supply chains, or learn about the latest digital business models. The programme further offers the opportunity to complete the Energy focus area. At the end of your studies, you will receive an MSc in Supply Chain Management from the University of Groningen, one of Europe’s top-tier business schools.

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?
  • The programme is a unique mixture of rigorous academic learning and practical applicability. You learn how to design, coordinate and control entire supply chains. You will learn to diagnose supply chain decision problems and propose, implement and evaluate effective solutions.
  • 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 will take the core courses Strategic Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Network Design, Logistics & Supply Chain Operations and Process Improvement & Change. The first three courses address supply chain issues on a strategic, tactical and operational level, whereas Process Improvement and Change focus on the implementation of improvements.

All courses have a strong academic profile, with research embedded in teaching. At the same time, the focus is on developments in practice: via guest speakers, case studies, projects with real-life data, company visits, consultancy projects for companies and large R&D projects of the academic researchers of the faculty.

Furthermore, academic skills and professional skills are incorporated into the courses, skills that can be exploited in your future job. You conclude your master's with a thesis, possibly at or for a company, or related to a real-life company theme.

CoursesCourse Catalog >
Elective(s) MSc SCM * (10 EC)

​Business Research and Consulting, Financial Reporting and Risk Management, Data-driven Business Processes, Healthcare Purchasing and Supply chains, Healthcare operations, Sustainable Energy Supply, Energy Transition and Innovation, Global Supply Chain Management and Sustainability, Inventory Management, Supply Chain Dynamics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship. For more electives and information, please check the Ocasys course catalogue. ​

Electives(s) group A (5 EC)

Service Operations, Global Supply Chain Management & Sustainability, Healthcare Operations, Purchasing, Supply Chain Dynamics, Sales and Operations Planning. Selection of one of these courses is compulsory, the remaining courses can be selected as an elective.

Logistics and Supply Chain Operations (5 EC)
Master's thesis (20 EC)
Process Improvement and Change (5 EC)
Research Methods (5 EC)
Strategic Supply Chain Management (5 EC)
Supply Chain Network Design (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 Focus Area (specialization)

Focus your MSc on Energy and open up extra career opportunities. There are two steps to the Energy Focus Area-

1) complete two of four chosen electives 2) write and round off an MSc thesis on an energy topic

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 EngineeringMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Business AnalyticsMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
International BusinessMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchMaastricht UniversityNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieMaastricht University

Deficiency program 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

Deficiency program 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
PsychologyUniversity of Groningen

Deficiency program 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 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
SociologyUniversity of Groningen

Deficiency program 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
Business AdministrationNyenrode New Business SchoolNo additional requirements
AccountancyNyenrode New Business School

Deficiency program 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
Fiscale EconomieErasmus University Rotterdam

Deficiency program 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
Econometrics and Operations ResearchErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationErasmus University RotterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AnalyticsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Data ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Actuarial ScienceUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AdministrationUniversity of AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Fiscale EconomieUniversity of Amsterdam

Deficiency program 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
Fiscale EconomieTilburg University

Deficiency program 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.

EconomicsTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Entrepreneurship and Business InnovationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationTilburg UniversityNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchTilburg UniversityNo 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
Economics and GovernanceWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Management and Consumer StudiesWageningen UniversityNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
International Business AdministrationVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Business AnalyticsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Econometrics and Operations ResearchVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsVU University AmsterdamNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
International Business AdministrationUniversity of TwenteNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Business AdministrationRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Economics and Business EconomicsRadboud University NijmegenNo additional requirements
Study programmeOrganizationTransition
Economics and Business EconomicsUtrecht UniversityNo 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 202301 September 2023
15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202301 September 2023
15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202301 September 2023
15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025

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.

  • Both GMAT and GRE are now being offered by mba.com and ETS as an online option to take from home worldwide. Please check their websites for more information.
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).

  • ETS is offering the TOEFL tests as an online option to take from home worldwide. Please check their website for more information.
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 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 202301 September 2023
15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202301 September 2023
15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202301 September 2023
15 October 202301 February 2024
01 May 202401 September 2024
15 October 202401 February 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2022-2023€ 2209full-time
non-EU/EEA2022-2023€ 16201full-time
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 17800full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

After graduation, you are ready for a career as a supply chain manager. You may find a job as a logistics, purchase or supply chain manager or analyst in a production, distribution or service environment. You may also become a consultant in supply chain management or operations management practice. Alternatively, you might opt for an academic career as a researcher.

The MSc programme provides you with the skills and tools related to the field of supply chain management, as well with as general management and professional skills like how to communicate in business, how to write management reports, how to give presentations, to work in teams and how to do a consulting project.

As a graduate, your degree will be highly valued in the labour market. The Faculty of Economics and Business is internationally accredited and belongs to the 1% of business schools around the world accredited by both EQUIS and AACSB.

FEB Career Services
When you become a student at the faculty, we want to support you in developing your career and strengthening your employability skills. You can count on a dedicated on-campus Career Services team offering you a wide range of courses, workshops, events and career-related support during your studies. Everything you need to enter the labour market.

Job examples

  • Supply chain manager
  • Logistics manager
  • Purchase manager
  • Quality manager
  • Consultant
  • Researcher
Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. Also right from the start of your degree programme attention is paid to academic research and preprofessional development. Since an analytical and critical mind and problem-solving capabilities are important qualities in any career our students aspire.

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).

Research institute related to the MSc programme: Operations Management & Operations Research.

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
Master's Weekdiverse locatiesMore information
FEB Master's Daydiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

I enjoyed working on many 'real world' projects

Coming from a very broad Bachelor’s programme in Economics and Business Administration, a master was the perfect opportunity to specialise 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 can 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 its impact on the role of purchasing departments within an organisation. (Matthias Viets, German | MSc Supply Chain Management).

Matthias is an international alumni ambassador, read here his interview about why he choose to study in Groningen.

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

EBF

The Economics and Business Faculty association (EBF) is the faculty association for all students studying at the faculty of Economics and Business of the University of Groningen.
The EBF is your partner during your time in Groningen by organising events that support you with your studies and help you prepare for your future career.
https://www.ebfgroningen.nl/

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.