Course Details
Contact(s):
for more information or to be notified when applications are open.
Brief Description
Do you want to strengthen your ability to lead and optimise supply chain performance in a rapidly evolving global landscape?
UL's part-time Master of Science in Supply Chain Operations (Apprenticeship) recognises the crucial role supply chain managers play within their companies in managing the delivery of products and services across the entire supply chain from raw materials to end users whilst also ensuring efficiency and compliance.
Developed in partnership with the Supply Chain Management Institute () and delivered in collaboration with industry consortia partners, this is a work-based education programme which supports the development of the Supply Chain knowledge base amongst practitioners in organisations.
Delivered by UL, through the combination of learning in the workplace and part time blended learning it provides participants with the skills and frameworks to navigate complex global supply chains, drive efficiency and innovation.
This programme is designed for professionals in shaping and implementing supply chain strategies that align with business objectives. It is ideal for those driving impact and value through supply chain management, seeking to deepen their expertise, influence end-to-end performance, and be recognised as exceptional supply chain leaders.
During this programme, you will:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the theory and practical application of supply chain management and techniques.
- Gain an overview of how supply chain management contributes to improved business performance.
- Give you the competence to maximise value within your organisation’s supply chain by analysing the performance of upstream and downstream factors.
- Expand your business and managerial skills while embracing and navigating future industry trends.
- Produce a significant piece of research based on your organisation.
Key information:
- Complete part-time over two and a half years
- Blended delivery - weekly online lectures and on-the-job employer-based training and off-the-job learning
- Modules taught during spring and autumn semesters
- Dedicated thesis supervisor and in-company apprenticeship mentor
- Participate in a ‘Community of Practice’, Summer School and monthly Masterclasses with industry experts
- Interact and engage in peer-to-peer learning activities around the academic content
- Submit dissertation at the end of the final semester
You will learn through a blend of:
- Lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities
- Reflective practice and guided research
- Regular feedback from faculty and peers
Part-time considerations:
- Designed for working professionals
- Evening or recorded lectures
- Additional prep and group work time
- Timetable provided after registration
- Emphasis on direct work-based project and assignments
Year 1
Spring Semester
- introduces a wide range of frameworks to inform systematic thinking on the alignment, design, implementation and operation of supply chains.
- (AU5011) provides an overview of the strategy process and of operations management from concept to deployment.
- outlines mathematical models applicable to supply chains as well as modelling and software capabilities to apply mathematical models to supply chains.
Autumn Semester
- develops understanding of marketing concepts in business to enable students to produce a company marketing plan.
- provides students with knowledge on discrete event simulation modelling and its application to supply chains.
- ) engages students in a community of practice, in-company mentoring, sector and industry masterclasses, summer school and the creation of a portfolio to investigate emerging trends and identify current and future challenges.
Year 2
Spring Semester
- provides a comprehensive understanding of diverse operations management approaches currently available for manufacturing and service enterprises.
- applies basic and advanced quality statistics, appropriate for master black belt level Six Sigma, in the context of Supply Chain Performance Management.
- enables students to apply S&OP techniques to their organisations.
Summer Semester
- develops an understanding of the primary issues and decision stages involved in the completion of a research dissertation.
Autumn Semester
- enables students to construct concise, original and well supported written material.
- provides an overview of supply chain management and how it can contribute to improved business performance.
- introduces the fundamental concepts and practices of management accounting and finance.
Spring Semester
- enables students to produce a significant piece of research based on their organisation.
- engages students in a community of practice, in-company mentoring, sector and industry masterclasses, summer school and the creation of a portfolio to investigate emerging trends and identify current and future challenges.
Books and journal articles needed for the course will be available online through the UL Glucksman Library.
For more information on each module, you can search the faculty, school and module code on UL’s
- Applicants should hold a bachelor’s degree ( Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant or appropriate subject.
- Applicants must have an Irish contract of employment that meets or exceeds the duration of the apprenticeship.
- Applicants must have employer support and approval to apply.  
- Applicants who have completed a level 8 apprenticeship in a related field are also eligible to apply.
- Applicants with a lower qualification may also be considered provided they can prove to have considerable industrial experience as well as evidence of the ability to study at master's level.
Sponsoring Company:
- Company must complete an approval process with UL and SOLAS and commit to supporting the apprentice throughout the programme.
- Must appoint an industry mentor within the company throughout the apprenticeship.
Other Entry Considerations:
We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, as long as you can show that you have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for the programme.
At UL, we value all kinds of learning and support different ways to qualify through our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.
Checklist of documents:
- *Academic transcripts and certificates
- UL graduates only need to provide their student ID.
- Copy of your birth certificate or passport
- English translation of your qualifications and transcripts
- Copy of your CV
English Language:
- English Language Competency certificate
- For details on accepted language qualifications visit English Language Requirements
Guidelines on Completing your Application
- Request an application form from apprenticeships@ul.ie
- To make sure we can review your application quickly, please:
- Submit and upload all documents. Your application can’t be reviewed until we have all the documents on the checklist. 
- Title the documents you are uploading. For example, "Personal Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc. 
- *If you are waiting to graduate, submit your application with the documents you have to date, you don’t need to have finished final exams before applying.
Company Registration Process: No Charge
Online Student Application Fee: €50
Annual Student Fee: €900
* Fees are subject to change depending on programme of study and external funder’s requirements. 
Please note that international study visas are only available to students studying full-time in Ireland. This programme does not qualify for a study visa.
Annual fees are billed by semester. Once registered, students may be eligible to apply for a monthly payment plan.
Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie).
Funding
Candidates and Companies who satisfy the eligibility criteria under Generation Apprenticeship can qualify for up to 90% funding of fees, subject to eligibility and availability.  
Companies can also apply for the  of €2000 per annum if you meet the eligibility requirements. 
For further information, please email ²¹±è±è°ù±ð²Ô³Ù¾±³¦±ð²õ³ó¾±±è²õ°ª³Ü±ô.¾±±ð 
This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:
- Strategic leadership
- Innovation
- Logistics
- Procurement
- Analytics
- Sustainable Operations
- Digital Transformation
- Research
- Process Improvement
An MSc in Supply Chain Operations opens the door to diverse and rewarding career paths. This course can advance careers across a range of areas as shown above.
David O’Sullivan - Senior Operations Director, Beckman Coulter
Although challenging at times, I found this course excellent. The distance learning aspect meant that I could fit it around my work and home life which was critical. I found all the lecturers very approachable when I needed their help and I found the modules to be engaging, challenging and informative.
The research thesis albeit daunting at the beginning I found to be the most rewarding part of the course. This body of work has given me a level of experience that I did not have before, the academia aspect, the research, the discipline, and the knowledge gained from the experience is something that I have definitely grown from.
I would most definitely recommend this programme to colleagues as I have gained a breath of understanding across Supply Chain which gives me an understanding of how one function can both negatively impact or compliment another function. This knowledge and understanding is essential to ensure success in the Supply Chain industry.
Mary Slattery - Senior Supply Planner, Stryker
Completing a Master’s in Supply Chain Operations has equipped me with both in-depth knowledge and practical skills to address complex supply chain challenges. It has strengthened my ability to make well-informed decisions and drive operational excellence across industries.
A highlight of the program was the opportunity to collaborate with peers from diverse industries and backgrounds. Engaging with professionals from various sectors broadened my perspective, offering unique insights into their supply chain challenges and innovative solutions. These interactions expanded my understanding beyond my own domain and introduced me to approaches I might not have encountered otherwise.
Earning this degree has also been a source of personal pride and confidence, validating the effort invested in mastering the subject and reinforcing my capability to make a meaningful impact in supply chain management. Notably, the knowledge, skills, and leadership growth gained through this program have directly contributed to my recent promotion, marking a significant milestone in my career.
Ultimately, this journey has been about more than technical expertise, it has been a process of discovering my inner strengths, enhancing my leadership abilities, and cultivating the drive to excel in a complex, fast-changing industry. The self-awareness gained provides a strong foundation for continued career success and personal growth.
Still Curious?
The team regularly host and take part in webinars to support future students. If you would like to learn more or ask questions at an online information session, click below.
Graduate and Professional Studies
+353 (0)61 234377
¾ÅÉ«ÊÓÆµ, Limerick, Ireland