Course Structure

MSc Supply Chain and Analytics is a one-year programme structured across 3 semesters.
Students who successfully complete eight taught modules (120 CATS) and a Supply Chain and Analytics Capstone module in semester 3 are awarded an MSc in Supply Chain and Analytics.

Exit qualifications are also available: students may exit with a Postgraduate Diploma by successfully completing 120 CATS from taught modules or a Postgraduate Certificate by successfully completing 60 CATS from taught modules.

Introduction

The MSc Supply Chain and Analytics programme, has been developed to equip students with the qualitative and quantitative skills and knowledge to effectively manage supply chains using AI and business analytics. The programme is built on ideas and knowledge from supply chain management, business analytics, and AI. Students on the programme will take seven core modules, two optional modules (all at 15 CATS), and a final capstone dissertation. The modules cover the key knowledge and skills in operations and supply chain management, business analytics, and AI.

Throughout the programme, students will develop a range of quantitative, qualitative, analytical and evaluative skills. The four modules in Semester 1 provide knowledge of Business Analytics and AI. These core modules build a foundation for the modules covered in Semester 2, which focus on more specialised areas of supply chain management, such as digitalisation, sustainability, and advanced analytics skills. In addition to the three specialised modules, students can choose one from two optional modules in Semester 2, namely, ‘Cybersecurity and Digital Risk Management’ and ‘Emerging Technologies for Business’. This provides them with the option to pursue knowledge in technology management and cybersecurity.

Semester 1

In Semester 1, the module ‘Statistics for Business’ will introduce students to descriptive and inferential statistics using the R programming language. This provides the necessary statistical foundation for business analytics as well as introducing R programming.

The module ‘Operations Analytics’ will aim to develop and improve students’ ability to use appropriate techniques of analysis and enquiry within operations and supply chain management to evaluate a range of alternatives and make balanced recommendations. This module, focuses on how data and analytics can be used to inform managers’ decision-making, as well as introducing a simulation tool (e.g., anylogistix) for supply chain optimisation, simulation, and design. These predominantly quantitative modules provide students with knowledge on how to design and optimise supply networks and make evidence-based decisions to improve the productivity and resilience of the supply network.

The other two modules focus on the applications of AI. The module ‘Gen AI and Business Intelligence’ introduces Gen AI technologies such as Large Language Models (LLMs), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and data synthesis tools. It aims to empower students to use Gen AI tools to produce synthetic data, simulate scenarios, and automate reporting.

The module ‘Design Thinking with AI’ explores the intersection of design thinking and AI, examining how AI technologies can be integrated into the design process to create more innovative solutions for complex problems. It equips students with the knowledge and skills to apply design thinking methodologies to address complex problems while learning to leverage AI technologies to improve the design thinking process in an informed and ethically responsible manner.

Semester 2

In Semester 2, the module ‘Data Driven Decision Making’ aims to develop students’ analytical skills further. It focuses on gaining business insights from the effective management and analysis of data, data visualisation and storytelling, and prescriptive analytics techniques. Students will have the opportunity to work with advanced visualisation and optimisation software such as R.

The module ‘Digital Supply Chain Management’ focuses on introducing advanced digital technologies and their implications for operations and supply chain management. A range of digital technologies, such as Blockchain, the Internet of Things, Cloud computing, 3D printing, and Augmented reality/Virtual reality, will be explored. The module ‘Supply Chain Sustainability’ focuses on the integration of UN sustainable development goals into supply chain management. It will cover topics such as pressures for supply chains to be more environmentally and socially responsible, supply chain practices to support sustainability, the costs of pursuing sustainability and the potential impact on competitive advantage.

The first optional module ‘Cybersecurity and Digital Risk Management’ explores the digital threat landscape, covering common cyber threats such as phishing, ransomware, and data breaches.

The second optional module, ‘Emerging Technologies for Business’ examines a range of breakthrough technologies reshaping the business landscape, including blockchain, the metaverse, and quantum computing. This module equips students with the knowledge to understand how emerging innovations can drive business performance and fuel future growth.

Semester 3

In Semester 3, the Capstone Dissertation module is the culmination of the MSc Supply Chain Analytics programme, offering students a unique opportunity to integrate their expertise in supply chain management with AI and business analytics techniques.

This individual dissertation allows students to apply skills and knowledge from the taught modules to real-world business scenarios, synthesising insights from digital technologies, AI, supply chain management, and data analytics to propose viable and realistic solutions to an organisational or societal challenge.

By undertaking this dissertation, students demonstrate their ability to independently conduct rigorous research, critically evaluate academic and industry literature, and propose data-driven, AI-powered solutions for strategic value, operational efficiency, and sustainable impact in diverse industry contexts.

Teaching Times

For semesters 1 and 2, students will have 4 classes per week, all 3 hours long.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities associated with this course are outlined below:

Teaching Methods

Classes will be delivered as a mix of seminars, lectures and workshops and they will be interactive and discussion-based blending theory with practical examples.
Learning and engagement approaches will involve a range of styles such as case studies, software demonstrations, practical workshops, role plays, groupwork, scenario discussions and organisation visits.
Semester 3 is structured around independent and applied learning through the capstone projects where students choose between different pathways. Students are assigned dedicated academic support for these projects and company mentors where relevant.

Assessment

Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:

• There is an emphasis on assessments that are applied and practical in focus where students are encouraged and supported to produce actionable recommendations to address real-world scenarios and problems.
  
  There is a broad range of assessment types including presentations, reports, podcasts, game-based simulations, analytics practicals, teamwork and business plans. This variety is balanced with a streamlined approach to assessment submissions and feedback across the programme that is manageable for students. Feedback which is tailored and timely is provided to students on all assessments.

Modules

Career Prospects

Introduction

The programme provides a wide range of opportunities for graduates to work across various kinds of organisations, industries, roles, and careers. Most of the opportunities will carry a degree of international exposure in the work that graduates engage in.

For further opportunities to enhance your studies and career prospects please see the school website.
https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/queens-business-school/student-opportunities/

Employment after the Course

Typical careers include Purchasing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Operations Manager, Logistics Manager, Business Analysts, and Consultants.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£8,950
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£8,950
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£10,400
EU Other 3	£26,500 (£6,000 discount, see T&Cs link below)
International	£26,500 (£6,000 discount, see T&Cs link below)

£6,000 Scholarship available for 2026 entry. Click this link to view the Terms and Conditions.

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

Students have the option to undertake a consultancy project for their dissertation and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

Terms and Conditions for Postgraduate applications:

1.1  Due to high demand, there is a deadline for applications. 

1.2  International applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure their place on the course. The current mandatory tuition fee deposit payment is £1000 International (Non- EU & EU except ROI). 

1.3  This condition of offer is in addition to any academic or English language requirements.

Read the full terms and conditions at the link below:
https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/postgraduate/tuition-fees/deposit-refunds-policy/

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus