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The University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NZ, T +44 (0)1227 764000
MSc Value Chain Management
Programme Director: Dr Marian Garcia
Location: Canterbury
Today’s businesses have become extremely complex and the international business environment is making processes unpredictable and uncertain. This programme is delivered by a world-class multidisciplinary group of academics who are committed to producing cutting-edge research and is enhanced by high-level input from our industry partners.
The MSc in Value Chain Management is a progressive new programme – the only one in the UK to be doubly-accredited by the Chartered Institute for Purchase and Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). Backed by the input of researchers who are leaders in their fields and in one of our six centres of applied research, the Centre for Value Chain Research’s expertise underpins our teaching.
This programme attracts top students keen to learn how to add value and improve efficiency through effective management of resources within and between businesses and to put learning into practice. You will benefit from project work, live case studies with real organisations and guest lectures that will enhance your employability and lead to your desired career path. Our new Student Implant Scheme – another first for the Business School – offers you the opportunity of working with businesses during your studies.
We work with organisations to provide real business experiences and projects to ensure your employability is maximised and we have access to the UK’s largest consumer database through one of our partners, dunnhumby.
Modules
You will achieve your MSc in Value Chain Management following successful completion of 8 core modules, 2 elective modules and a dissertation. An important focus of core modules will be to learn practical skills and gain experience of the industry through a context and practice focus. Elective modules allow you to pursue areas of personal interest.
Students can access their personalised timetables via the Student Portal.
- Consumer and Organisational Buyer Behaviour
- Data Modelling and Forecasting
- Marketing
- New Product Development and Innovation Management
- Retail Management
- Strategic Sourcing
- Value Chain Analysis
- Value Chain Management
Choose two of the following:
- Business in an International Perspective
- Logistics and Supply Chain
- Corporate Finance
- Management of Operations
- Data Modelling
- Managing the Multinational Enterprise
- Financial and Management Accounting
- Marketing Communications
- Globalisation and Corporate Social Responsibility
- Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management
- Leadership and Management
- Performance Management
The programme involves a taught component and a project component. The taught programme is assessed by a mixture of coursework assignments throughout the year, and by examinations in January and May/June. Once these are completed, students then work full time on the project and write a dissertation based on this. This 8,000 to 10,000 word dissertation is an opportunity to apply the techniques and insights presented in the programme to a particular problem area.
back to topDeveloping your employability
The MSc in Value Chain Management is aimed at high-calibre graduates from any discipline seeking to work at strategic levels of management in supply chain, operations or marketing functions in a diverse range of sectors including retail, consulting or manufacturing.
We work with organisations to provide real business experiences and as part of the programme we offer you the chance to undertake real business projects with a choice of many of the companies we partner with, providing real and relevant transfer of knowledge to assist organisations with their current and future challenges. This is great for your experience, exposure to the international corporate world and will go a long way to enhancing your employability.
Additionally, we have access to the UK’s largest consumer database through one of our partners and are delighted at one of our student came first in winning an annual national business challenge competition for a Sunday Times Top 100 Company.
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|dunnhumby and Tesco National Competition
MSc Value Chain Management student Elena Sanchez was named the winner of a national challenge set by dunnhumby, a Sunday Times Top 100 Company, where students from the UK’s top 30 business schools were invited to enter. Over 70 students took part from a wide range of academic backgrounds and after accessing data through the dunnhumby website, students were asked to conduct a range review on one of Tesco's categories offering recommendations about how to stimulate growth. One of the four runners up, Alexandra Marsanu, also comes from Kent Business School.
Elena said:
“It was great to take part in the challenge and to discover dunnhumby from the inside. We received a really warm welcome and it was a pleasure to present the work we have done. It was very interesting to receive feedback from professionals. I’ll be keeping an eye out to see if Tesco implements my ideas”
Simon Hay, UK Managing Director for dunnhumby and competition judge:
“We were really impressed with the approach and the quality of the work of the entrants. We use data to build insights that inspire organisations to change, many of the entrants and all of the finalists did this amazingly well”
UK mango export value chain analysis case study
In collaboration with the Australian Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation’s (DEEDI) Global Markets Initiative and commercial exporters in Australia, MSs Value Chain Management students at Kent Business School have undertaken a value chain analysis case study on the UK mango export chain.
Student’s research involved surveys and taste-testing by UK consumers of Australian mangos in order to understand attitudes and purchasing behaviour. They also monitored the products journey to the retail shelf, reviewing the product handling system, the strength of the information flow and relationships in the chain. Findings were that businesses must understand consumer preferences and determine how the supply chain processes help or hinder meeting consumer expectations. In the case of mangos, something as simple as the carton being loaded on its side in transit could damage the fruit, and therefore it’s quality on the shelves. Additionally, sales can be influenced by a lack of product knowledge particularly where relatively unfamiliar products are imported from overseas (like mangos), and where consumers don’t know how to judge ripeness on the retail shelf and use the product in meals.
Robert Setter, Associate Director-General, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation: “Value chain participants, by working together to improve consumer understanding, can build consumer perceptions of value and ultimately gain a larger market ‘pie’ for everyone.”
Entry Requirements
To apply for a postgraduate taught programme at Kent Business School you will need to submit:
- A completed online application form.
- Proof of academic achievement. This normally would be an honours degree (2:1 or above) from a UK or other approved university
and/or an equivalent professional qualification.
- A 'Statement of Purpose' outlining your reasons for applying to the programme. A programme specific essay may be required for borderline applications
- Copy of the photo ID page of a current passport for the new immigration regulations (International students only).
- Two references at least one of which must be academic.
- Proof of English Language proficiency, please see below
Applicants applying for the MSc Value Chain Management programme who meet the admissions criteria will be required to have a personal telephone interview with the Programme Director as part of the admissions process.
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|English Language Requirements
If English is not your first language, you will need to have a relevant English proficiently certificate such as IELTS or TOEFL which demonstrates your English ability, especially if you require a student visa. Further details regarding English requirements necessary under UKBA regulations can be located on our website. Details of acceptable English proficiency levels are noted below for all MSc programmes:
| IELTS | 7.0 (no less than 6.5 in reading and writing) |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Paper – 600 (including 4.5 in test of written English) |
| iBT – 100 (including 22 in reading and writing) | |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency |
B |
| Cambridge Advanced Certificate |
A |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) |
68 (including 65 in all four subjects) |
Admission to any MSc programme may be conditional upon completing a pre-sessional course to meet our new IELTS (or equivalent) score of 7.0. The University of Kent offers pre-sessional English courses to those students it believe would benefit from additional English in order to contribute effectively to an MSc class. The dates of these pre-sessional English programmes can be found at Centre of English and World Languages website. Additional English Language support is also provided at no additional cost throughout the year by the University of Kent.
Applicants who have an IELTS score of 5.5 and an honours degree may wish to be considered for our one year (pre-Masters) Graduate Diploma in International Management with English programme, which is designed for applicants who do not meet the English requirements for a Masters programme. Applicants undertaking the Graduate Diploma would be guaranteed admission onto a Masters programme, on achieving a minimum grade of 60%.
Application deadline
We want to ensure that your application receives the highest level of professional attention and detail that it deserves. To help us achieve this, we operate a system consisting of 3 Admissions periods. Applicants who have applied before the first 2 Admissions periods and subsequently accept an offer and pay the required deposit within the stated deadline will be eligible for the Early Bird Application Advantage scheme.
| 1st Admissions Period Deadline | 30 January, 2012 |
|---|---|
| 2nd Admissions Period Deadline | 30 March, 2012 |
| 3rd Admissions Period Deadline | 30 June, 2012 |
It is recommended that applicants wishing to apply for a programme within the MSc Management Suite should consider applying before the 2nd postgraduate Admissions deadline of 30 March, due to the high demand for these courses. Offers of a place to study at Kent Business School cannot be guaranteed for applicants wishing to apply for high demand courses after the 2nd Admissions period. Applications for all programmes received after 30 June will be considered on a case by case basis if space is available. Applications must be completed and submitted within one of these three periods. If your application is still pending supporting documentation at the end of any admissions period, it will be carried over into the following admissions period, subject to available spaces.
For up-to-date visa and immigration regulations visit
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk
Acceptance of your Application
The Kent Business School Admissions Board meets once a fortnight and will only review fully completed applications. We will usually give you a decision on your application within 2-3 weeks from receipt, providing that you have submitted a fully completed application and supporting documentation.
Graduate Admissions Team
 |
Charlotte Lynsdale Graduate Admissions Manager |
|---|---|
 |
Debbie Cook Graduate Admissions Coordinator |
 |
Sarah Greenhill-Jeffery Graduate Admissions Assistant |
 |
Andrew Adams Graduate Admissions Clerical Assistant |
Contact details
Graduate Admissions Office
Kent Business School
University of Kent
Canterbury, Kent
CT2 7PE, UK
T: +44 (0)1227 827726
F: +44 (0)1227 761187
Checklist
- Completed Online Application Form
- Statement of Purpose
- Academic Transcript (Interim transcript will be required for students still studying in final year)
- Professional Qualification (if applicable)
- Degree Certificate (required on completion of studies)
- IELTS/TOEFL/English Proficiency certificates (if applicable)
- Two reference letters (at least one academic)
- Copy of passport (photo ID pages only)
Fees
There is no application fee, however, if you are offered a place a non-refundable deposit of £1,000 will be requested to secure your acceptance of our offer. This amount will be deducted from the overall tuition fee payment required at enrolment. Should you not meet the requirements of your offer, your deposit will be refunded in full. Details of the payment date for the deposit will be sent with your offer letter. Applicants who are not able to meet the deposit deadline should contact the Admissions Team.
Tuition fees for programmes starting in September 2012 are as follows:
Home/EU |
International |
|
MSc Value Chain Management |
£8,950 |
£13,650 |
Are you considering applying for a Graduate Diploma or MSc programme? Find out about the advantages of making an Early Bird Application
FAQ
Masters in Value Chain Management
Programmes
What is the duration of the full time Masters in Value Chain Management programme?
The full time programme will require 12 months of full time study.
Do you offer any part time Masters in Value Chain Management Programmes?
No, the Business School only offers this programme on a full time basis.
Do you have a January intake?
No, the next intake will be in September 2012.
How is the Masters in Value Chain Management programme structured?
The programme involves a taught component and a project component. The taught programme is assessed by a mixture of coursework assignments throughout the year, and by examinations in January and May/June. Once these are completed, students then work full time on the project and write a dissertation based on this. This 8,000 to 10,000 word dissertation is an opportunity to apply the techniques and insights presented in the programme to a particular problem area.
The programme is delivered by a world-class multidisciplinary group of academics who are committed to leading-edge research and the sharing of knowledge, and is enhanced by high level input from industry partners and will benefit from project work, guest lectures and work placement opportunities. The programme also benefits from being closely associated with the Centre for Value Chain Research at Kent Business School, which places particular emphasis on the importance of informational (market/consumer intelligence) and relational (customer/consumer relationship management) strategic approaches to sustainable value creation strategies.
Who is this programme aimed at?
This programme is ideal for graduates with a strong interest in pursuing a career in the field Value Chain Management with an interest in issues related to adding value and improving efficiency within organisations as well as effective management of resources within and between businesses.
How can I download a copy of the Masters in Value Chain Management programme timetable?
The timetable for the current cohort can be downloaded here:
Full-time teaching timetable 2011 - 2012
Part-time teaching timetable 2011 - 2012
How many students are there typically in a class?
This year, there are approximately 15 students on the Masters in Value Chain Management programme.
What is the nationality breakdown?
Kent Business School is proud of its diversity of student body. As a School we have students from 81 countries around the world.
Are there any business lectures or networking events available during the week?
Students have opportunities to attend several events hosted by the Business School and the University throughout the academic year. Details of which can be located on our events page.
Do you have a Programme Guide which I can download?
The Programme Guide for the current cohort can be downloaded here
Applying
How do I apply?
You can apply for a Masters in Value Chain Management programme online via the University of Kent’s online application process
When can I apply for entry in September 2012?
Applications for September 2012 entry can be submitted online from October 2011.
Is there an application deadline?
The deadline for all MSc applications is 30 June.
Applications for the Masters in Value Chain Management programme received after 30 June will be considered on a case by case basis if places are still available.
Do you have a staged application process?
At Kent Business School we want to ensure that your application receives the highest level of professional attention and detail that it deserves.
To help us achieve this, we operate a system consisting of three Admissions periods.
| 1st Admissions Period Deadline | 30 January, 2012 |
|---|---|
| 2nd Admissions Period Deadline | 30 March, 2012 |
| 3rd Admissions Period Deadline | 30 June, 2012 |
Applicants who have applied before the first two Admissions periods and subsequently accept an offer and pay the required deposit within the stated deadline will be eligible for the Early Bird Application Advantage Scheme.
Is there an application fee?
There is currently no application fee to apply for a postgraduate taught programme.
Can I submit further documents after I have submitted my application?
Yes, although we strongly recommend that you submit all supporting documentation at the same time as application as without this a decision on your application may be delayed.
Are there any English requirements to study at Postgraduate Taught Level?
If English is not your first language, you will need to have an English qualification as detailed below.
| IELTS | 6.5 (with no less than 6.0 in any component) |
|---|---|
| TOEFL | Paper-based 600 Computer-based 250 |
| iBT – 100 | |
| Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency |
C |
| Cambridge Advanced Certificate |
B |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) |
60 |
The Admissions Process
How will I know if you have received my application?
Once you have applied online, an acknowledgement email will be sent to you confirming receipt of your application and all submitted supporting documentation.
Will I need an interview?
Applicants applying for the MSc Value Chain Management programme, who meet the admissions criteria will be required to have a personal telephone interview with the Programme Director as part of the Admissions process
When will I hear if my application has been successful?
Providing we have received a fully completed application form and supporting documentation, a decision will usually be made within 2 – 3 weeks from initial application.
Do you offer any pre-sessional English courses?
The University of Kent offers 6-week or 12 week pre-sessional English courses to those MSc students it believes would benefit from additional English in order to contribute effectively to the MSc class.
The dates of the pre-sessional English programmes can be found at here
How do I apply for accommodation if I am successful in gaining a place at Kent?
You should apply for accommodation online as soon as you have received and accepted an offer of a place at the University as allocation to rooms is based on date of application. Click here to apply for accommodation online.
Is there an accommodation deadline?
Yes, the main deadline to apply for accommodation is 31 July of the year of entry.
Accommodation will be offered providing that the following criteria are met by 31 July of the year of entry:
-
Postgraduate applicants must formally accept an offer to study at the University as instructed and meet fully all conditions of the offer.
-
Your online application must be received by 31 July of the year of entry.
Requests for accommodation will continue to be received after 31 July, if rooms are available.
Room allocations take place in August or September. You will be sent an email when you are offered a room and you then need to view and accept or decline the offer of accommodation.
When will I receive a CAS number in order to apply for a student visa?
A CAS number will be generated for you after you have formally accepted your offer and met all conditions of that offer. This will include paying the £1,000 deposit payment.
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Funding your MSc
Tuition fees for programmes starting in September 2012 are still to be finalised, however as a guide, please note the tuition fee charged for September 2011:
Home/EU |
International |
|
MSc Value Chain Management |
£8,800 |
£13,200 |
Is there any deposit payment required?
A deposit of £1000 will be required when you accept an offer of a place to study at Kent Business School. This is not usually refundable but will be deducted from your tuition fees. Should you not meet the requirements of your offer, your deposit will be refunded in full.
Do you offer any scholarships?
The University of Kent and the Kent Business School has a variety of scholarships available. Click here for further details regarding student scholarships.
Is there any other financial help available for MSc students?
The University can provide advice regarding alternative sources of funding available for postgraduate students. Click here for further details in respect to postgraduate student funding opportunities.
Can I pay the tuition fee in instalments?
The MSc tuition fee can be paid in two instalments. The first payment must be paid at enrolment and the remaining 50% must be paid by 1 December. For further advice regarding tuition fee payment, please contact the Income Office.
Meet and contact us
Can I visit the school?
If you wish to visit the School in person, please email KBSadmissions@kent.ac.uk to make an appointment. This is to ensure all relevant staff members are available to meet you.
How do I get to Kent Business School?
Maps & Directions to the University of Kent and Kent Business School can be found on our website.
Can I meet you in my home country?
If you have registered your interest in a MSc programme, you will be emailed with details of any forthcoming visits by Kent Business School to your country. Alternatively you can check the website for details of forthcoming visits by the International Office or check Kent Business School events page for announcements
Do you attend any Graduate fairs abroad?
Yes, staff at Kent Business School regularly attend many of the Education UK and World Grad Fairs abroad.
Please check our website for a full list of the fairs which staff will be attending this year.
Colleagues from the International Office also visit many countries. Details of the overseas visits organised by the International Office can be found on the website.
Who do I contact regarding admission for a Masters in Value Chain Management programme?
Contact our Admissions Team at:
Graduate Admissions
Kent Business School
University of Kent
Canterbury
Kent
CT2 7PE
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1227 827726
Fax: +44 (0) 1227 761187
Email: KBSadmissions@kent.ac.uk
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How to apply
You can apply for all postgraduate programmes online via the University of Kent’s online application system www.kent.ac.uk/studying/postgrad/apply.
Please ensure all supporting documents are submitted with your online application form or scanned and emailed to KBSadmissions@kent.ac.uk.
Originals of your scanned documentation will be required to be shown when you come to enrol onto the programme.On receipt of your online application, you will receive an acknowledgement email. All communication with the Business School in respect to your application will be made via email.
It is important therefore that you supply us with a unique personal email address on your application form. If you are processing your application through an agent, we will copy the agent into all your correspondence from the Business School.
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