Logistics & Supply Chain, which universities should I choose?

Hi juan

Great post and you make some very good points. Getting accreditation as part of your degree is a big advantage and one Cardiff doesn't offer.

I think the main reasons people rate Cardiff are:

1. Part of a top-rated business school
2. Part of a prestigious university
3. One of the most comprehensive Logistics departments, offering 4 different specialiased masters degrees in the field

For Liverpool and Manchester, do you mean Liverpool John Moores and Manchester Metropolitan University?

Tks Leo!

Not schools you mentioned. Should be Manchester University and Liverpool University. Furthermore, the master program in Manchester is belong to Manchester Business School.

Juan, you do well to mention Manchester. I think it must be rated as second only to Cranfield (who have a reputation for specialising in this field). MBS is a world-famous business school as opposed to Cardiff which is a country-famous b-school and it has been running its supply chain course for many years so it is a well-established programme

Your concern about professional accreditation is really valid in a subject like Logistics. It would be really interesting to hear why Cardiff don't offer this, why not ask Cardiff this question (it would be great if you could post their reply back here).

asked professor about th accreditation and got feedback as below:
We are currently discussing with CILT about accreditiation. Some of our undergraduate courses are accredited to CIPS. The reason why all courses are not accreditied is because these bodies generally want to specific course content, whereas we wish to teach to lecturer’s expertise and audience needs.
Sounds interesting...
What do you all think about it?

To hawai,

I enquired with some students graduated from Cranfield, Cardiff and Heriot-Watt. All of them said "Manchester University provides this programe (Logistics or Supply Chain), really? I never heard about it".
It's incredible!

Wow! I can't understand that, when did those people graduate?

2006,2007,2008

it is strange that they do not know it as this course is not new but several years old

Please suggest, I had received offer from Cardiff, Herriot watt, Coventry and waiting for Cranfield results out these which one should i have to go for..... . and also which will be the best university for specializing in Air Transportation and also in 3PL.

In terms of specialisation, that is such a narrow field that I think you must compare each courses structure to decide which is better in that field. It is not really possible to say which has the reputation in such a narrow specialisation. As for which university, well if accepted it should be Cranfield.

to juan

Which one u have decided & Even though Cardiff was rated 2nd but HW as wide range of expertise lecturers and modules in their program. Also Edinburgh will be comparably better than Wales. Wat s ur comment on this?????

I am in a similar dilemma.
I have been accepted by Warwick and Cranfield for the MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain management programme. The general impression that I got from reading the posts, is that Cranfield is the better institution for studying Logistics. However, there are two things that make the decision difficult for me:
1st, the course at Warwick is nearly 4000 Pounds cheaper (EU Tuition Fees)
2nd, The Warwick Manufacturing Group have done some remarkable changes. The course content involves a lot of practical studies (e.g. simulation software (SAP and Witness) etc.)

Is Cranfield really the better institution for Logistics studies? If yes, why???

Any advice would be appreciated.

Hey!!

I'm prety much in the same boat as evilryu. Got accepted at cranfield for msc logistics & scm. There are absolutely no scholarships that this uni offers for this course.Also when you ask around about cranfield. Nobody seems to have heard of this uni. Is this uni really the best for this course. Or would warrick or cardiff be a better option.

It is the best but it has 2 disadvantages which you must consider:

1. it is more expensive than others
2. Whilst it is well-known in the UK it is not well-known in most other countries and for international students returning home to work this is an important consideration and could make a university such as Warwick (which is well-known in most countries) more attractive.

Hi all,

What about MSc Logistics in Coventry? Is it reputable? Can anyone share about the reputation? I am overseas student and would be most grateful for some insight. In terms of costs Coventry seems to be the best, but is it good value for that money?

Coventry uni, located pretty much in the same area as Warwick how much emphasis does both of them have on shipping/aviation?

Thank you!

Welcome to the discussion Kapitanis!

To be honest, I don't really know much about Coventry University. However, in regard to Warwick I know that shipping/aviation isn't a big part of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management curriculum. Their emphasis lies more on the manufacturing and operations aspect of logistics.
Cass Business School in London has a remarkable reputation for Shipping/aviation studies, but unfortunately the tuition fees are sky high!!!

Check Cardiff and Plymouth University which both have strong reputations in Shipping Logistics and their fees are more reasonable

I have read some topics here about this issue, but I would like to have some information and opinions regarding the following University and Master:

Westminster University: MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Glamorgan University: MSc International Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Surrey University: Operations and Logistics Management

London Metropolitan University: Purchasing and Supply Chain Management

I know that they are slightly different between them in terms of title and subject, but if anyone can advise me regarding the quality and reputation of the University listed above it will be much appreciated. (for example, I never find the London Metropolitan University in rankings published by The Time and The Guardian)

Many thanks

to arven,

I made the final decision on Cardiff.

On basis of the location, I have to admit that Edin is in by far the nicest of the cities.

to juan

nice to hear that from u, i have also decided for Cardiff.

to arven,

anticipate to meet you there :)

my email Juan.LQY@gmail.com
stay in touch!

i have read the discussion and it helped me allot to know more abt the universities which offer logistics and supply chain management .
can anyone help me to chhose a university which is best in the field
*huddersfield
*cardiff
*plymouth
*portsmouth
plzzz need help

Cardiff

hey i got accepted at cardiff too!!!i cant decide between cardiff and cranfield though....

Congratulations!!! If I could afford it I would go for Cranfield.

thanks leo... i think when m planning to spend so much anyways.. might as well spend it on the best.. i think m gonna go with cranfield.. im a little concerned bout the social life and the part time job availibity there.. which i think is better in cardiff! but i need to think bout the future and opt for the better course and employment opportunities!!

Hey i just thought i could share this with everyone. Its from a guy who did this course in Cranfield!

==== QUOTE ====

Both the Institutes are well regarded and have their strengths, I think we can break the comparison into three branches , Cost, Course and Placements.

Cost- In terms of cost both Tuition Fees and Living Cardiff is Cheaper than Cranfield, This is because Cardiff is in Wales ,Cranfield is 30 mins from London which is more pricy, Also The class size in Cardiff is between 120-130 per class, whereas in Cranfield it is 40-50 so in terms of class teacher to student ratio it is much better than Cardiff, Overall Cranfield is a much smaller University with only 500 students, Cardiff has more than 5000 students with many courses.
Dealing in small numbers the experience is more interactive at an extra cost.

Course-In terms of course content Cardiff follows the Supply Chain Lean approach whereas Cranfield Course is more Supply Chain Agile approach, The course in Cranfield is far more rigorous than Cardiff and is more suited for services industry while Cardiff is more suited for Manufacturing , also the second part of the course where one does the thesis Cranfield arranges the students to work onsite with a company on a small improvement projects, This helps them acquire real on ground knowledge and also with getting a job later, The Thesis in Cardiff is more Research based and gives you an opportunity to research on a particular area of interest,

In terms of Course recognition within the Supply chain community the Cranfield Degree carries a lot more weight, however the Cardiff university Name is know to a far wider audience, In India hardly anyone knows about Cranfield where as Cardiff is an established brand, In terms of international exposure Cardiff is dominated by Indian students whereas Cranfield has a very mixed representation,

Placements- Unlike India, In UK the system of placements is minimal , students are open to apply to any company through their online application process, Many companies ask for an indefinite work permit especially if you don't have work experience and join as a Management Graduate, if you have work Ex then it is much easier to get a job with the two year work visa you get after the course, Cranfield being next to London it is easier to Network/ Look around for jobs ,


Myself being from Cranfield I would definitely rate it higher, however a word of caution it is recommended that you have some work ex in order to get fully value from a UK masters degree, and also to have a better footing in the job market,

===== UNQUOTE =====

===QUOTE====
Even in the best of times, unlike USA, U.K placements are few for Non European students .Given current economic climate, more so ..However, things are expected to improve in next one year. A course in Cranfield gives her a good recognition all over the supply chain world as a good professional degree. Also exposure and experience of living and interacting with cross cultural groups and teaching methodology
====UNQUOTE====

HOPE THIS HELPS LIKE IT HELPED ME!
CHEERS

brilliant information, thanks Nishi

Hi, I've got accepted by Cranfield and Cardiff too!!!!!!!!!I need to decide now. But I have no idea which one should I choose.
In terms of course structure and recognition in this field, cranfield wins my vote.
In terms of COST and recognition of the university, cardiff wins my vote!
any reconmmendation?

If you can afford it go with Cranfield. If you can't be happy with Cardiff

hey leo,

I have chosen Cranfield. will be going on coming september.

hey gaelle.. I ll be seeing you at cranfield!!

hi nishi
can u tell me what all do we have 2 go through for admissions in crainfield university??

hey ali!!

well you could send an online or paper application.. for which u need all ur academic transcripts, two reference letters and a statement of purpose. these are the main docs.. u cud sent a souple of extra curricular certificates as well...
I had a telephonic interview with the course director.. after which i had a place.. once u get ur offer.. there are certain formalities.. which term are u planning to apply for?

thanx nishi
but in times of recession will crainfield yet be able 2 provide good placements??

well i will be starting my term this sept.. so i have to hope for the best. cranfield has had good placement record.. but yeah the recession makes things uncertain.. if ur appying for the 2010 .. i cud probably answer ur Q by the time ur ready to apply:)

Hi all,

First of all, thank you very much for this very valuable topic and discussion.
Second, i'm from Libya and I'm studying Logistics and International Transportation at the Arab Academy in Egypt, and i'm in my sixth semester.
I'm thinking to complete my studies (the last two sems)in the UK because it's well known in this field. But i'm really confused! where to go?
I want a university that is well known in and out side the UK (because that is really important in the Arab countries that the uni must be famous and well known world wide, if you want to work),,In the same time i want a uni that focuses on the practical way, not the theoretical way!

Could any one please help me to decide? Thnx!

you won't be able to complete your degree in the UK unless your university has such an agreement with a university in Britain. Its probably better that you complete your degree at then come to Britain to study for your masters degree (which takes one year)

hi,
i am a student doing my final year in bachelors of engineering in Bangalore,India.i would like to know what would be my admission chances given the following criteria
- i have a 55% aggregate in my 8 semesters of doing B.E in industrial engineering and management
- my aggregate in the last four semesters is 58%
- i have an ielts score of 7.0

- i am interested in pursuing an MSc in supply chain management.

and also when should i be applying in order to gain admission for the 2010 intake

pls suggest some good universities where i may start applying

Does Cranfield require GMAT compulsorily???

well i guess
1) it depends on the course
2) on your academic performance till date
3) for the logistics course at cranfield, I know its not compulsory cause I dint give it.
Your best option would be to apply and they will tell you if they require a GMAT score. Or send in your mark sheets and ask them if they still require a GMAT score.

Hi,

I too got an admit from cranfield school of mngmnt for Msc in Logistics & SCM sep2010. I am a mechanical (production) engineer, pgdm and would complete my CPIM by the time I join this course. CPIM-APICS, USA. Have 4 1/2 yrs of work exp in oil and gas major in SCM domain. want to know the view of the grp. This will be a big decision for me, as I have to quit my curent job and spend considerable amt of money and an yr for this course. I plan to do a course to get into really good companies in analyst/consultant kind of roles. Hope I am joining the right school and course. grp pls help.

Rajendra: Can you please tell me when did u apply for the course.

I have scheduled to give TOEFL @7th Feb.Nd later apply for the same.

I have 3.8yrs of Exp in Infrastructure Company with Quantity Survey & Estimation, Transportation Models and Design

Wuld it hamper my chances?

Vedant,
I dont think it would hamper your chances. Hypothetically you wouldnt stand a chance if the school fills up all the predetermined number of slots(this is an assumption) for the coming september batch by the time you apply in feb ( the probablility of this happening according to me..is very low) you can get in touch with the school to find out more regarding this. I suggest you to draft your essay ASAP ( also do spend time on this, this I believe would be an important part of your application). I see no reasons why you shdnt get thru. Do apply and hope to see you in Sep10 in cranfield :-}

Good day,

Thanks everyone for the insights. I am a Bachelor in European Business Studies, have worked at a Project cargo agency in Hamburg, Germany and
I am currently working in Spain at a Supply Chain/Freight Forwarding multinational. I will enroll a Master of Logistics this September and I have checked the content of various Masters at: Crandfield, Plymouth, Warwick, Lancaster and Cardiff universities. I am more interested in the international trade approach of logistics, not so much on the technical side of it. I consider the content that the course that Crandfield offers is very complete and well structured; but it is not directed to the type of career that I want to pursue. The same goes for Warwick and Lancaster. The MSc Logistics and Operations Management (Cardiff) and MSc in International Logistics (Plymouth) are well suited for my job profile. Plymouth’s postgraduate is recognised by various official institutes such as; Logistics and Transport and Chartered Shipbrokers institutes, which I believe is an added value to my Masters. Cardiff is better positioned at the good university table (ranked 29th vs 63) and possibly posses a better reputation than Plymouth. Among these two, which one should I go for? Furthermore, is there any other Master that I should consider as a good option considering my profile?

Friends thanks for the valuable comments . Special thanks to nishi for the comparison.I am working as a marine engineer. I got only 2 years experience. My job has nothing to do with the supply chain and all. Its all about the maintenance. So friends I need all of your comments about the work experience will be a problem for the admission. Can anyone say abot the tution fees for Cardiff and cranfield.
Does anyone know about the good universities in Germany, Norway and Sweden for scm ..
Best wishes..

Friends thanks for the valuable comments . Special thanks to nishi for the comparison.I am working as a marine engineer. I got only 2 years experience. My job has nothing to do with the supply chain and all. Its all about the maintenance. So friends I need all of your comments about the work experience will be a problem for the admission. Can anyone say about the tution fees for Cardiff and cranfield.
Does anyone know about the good universities in Germany, Norway and Sweden for scm ..
Best wishes..

visit DAAD[dot]org [Germany] for more information.

I thnk Munich University has good logistics program (related to marine engineering)

for norway(ntu),denmark(www[dot]dtu[dot]dk) their technical university website

Hey!!

Im currently in cranfield and I had only 1 year of work experience. The fee here is 16500 GBP and at cardiff if I remember right is 12000 GBP. With respect to germany, I hear the course at the technical university of berlin is really good!

HI everyone,

I'm Vishnu from India.
I've got admits at Cranfield and Manchester for the Masters in SCM course. Looking at all ends before making a decision. Came across this thread. Nishi- thks for the inputs.

I'l have 3 years ex by the time i join the course.
will post my queries and suggestions in my next post.

regards,
Vishnu

Hii Everybody

First of all thanxx Nishi about the info. :)

I just applied to cranfield and aston. Got offers from both and will be joining this sept.

I guess, the interview is the most important part. I have only 4 months of experience, n by the tym I join the course, I guess I will have 1 yr of exp in Materials Management & Contracts. So, zachariaspaul I dont think work exp is a big prob.

The tution fees for cranfield though is currently 17500 pounds, a lot more than other unis.

Guys...
Any currets SCM students from Cranfield?

would like to get in touch. I would be joining the SCM course offered by Cranfield.

thx,
Vishnu

Guys,

any current/alum students from the SCM course at Cranfield?
I would be joining the course this year and would like to get in touch.

thx,
vishnu

Hi Vishnu,

M not a current student or alumni. I might be someone who will join this course along with you ( Ive already accepted the offer and sent the initial 1000 pound deposit). You can get in touch with me on rajendra.10482@gmail.com

Rajendra

hull university in logistics & supply chain management is it good ?

any better option ...

hey everyone!
i'm searching of a good uk university to do a BSc in logistics and i wanted to ask your opinon! Which is the best to do so?? Is it better to do another degree like business studies or management first and then a MSc in logistics??

Hello everybody!

I am a young Spansh professional, and I applied for Edinburgh, Warwick, Cardiff an Aston. Got a positive reply from Cardiff last week:

My question is if I shoukd wait for any of the other Universities to answer, or Cardiff is the best choice between these 4?

Thanks!

dvishnu: I am currently in Cranfield!
yesou: if ur talking about a masters in Logistics Cardiff is one of the best. But i would suggest you wait to hear from Warwick as well. Personally between the two I would choose Warwick.