Global Supply Chain and Operations Management

  • Degree
    Master of Arts (M.A.)
  • Type of study
    Full-time study
  • Standard period of study
    3 semesters
  • Commencement of studies
    Winter semester (1 Oct)
  • Credits (ECTS)
    90
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Department / Central Institute
    Department of Business and Economics

Degree programme

This consecutive degree programme provides its students with broad foundation in the principles of Business Administration with an international and application-orientated Global Supply Chain and Operations Management approach. Building on and extending Bachelor’s-level knowledge and experience, it provides students with the opportunity to work independently to develop an innovative problem-solving approach. The course teaches analytic skills, the development of goal-orientated operative and strategic measures and their implementation in new and broad-based contexts.

Taught entirely in English and assuming an interactive form, the modules of this course enable its students to develop reliable high-level English language skills. The course also makes use of the professional experience of its participants to address a range of complex topics. Small group work fosters an open dialogue and close contacts between the students, teaching staff and experts working in the sectors which the course examines. All this combines to produce an intensive case-study based working atmosphere which leads to stimulating reflection and solution-orientated discussions. Graduates of this Master’s degree programme go on to work in a range of careers in the fast-growing international Global Supply Chain and Operations Management Community

Professional field

This degree programme equips its students to assume specialist and management roles in internationally-active companies in the Supply Chain and Operations Management sector. It also provides a basis for a career in Management Consultancy and global service providers. Graduates of this course often work as Operations Managers, Supply Chain Managers, Logistics Managers or Operations and Supply Chain Analysts.

Degree structure

In their first semester, students of this degree programme complete an advanced foundation stage followed by in-depth studies in the second semester. The third semester is reserved for the master's thesis and the oral master's examination, unless an internship or a semester abroad is completed. In this case, the study programme is extended from three to four semesters.

First semester

  • Advanced Operations Management
  • Global Supply Chain Management and Resilience
  • Managing Global Supply Chain Projects
  • International Logistics Management
  • Tutorial seminar I

Second semester

  • Digital Supply Chain and Operations Analytics
  • Global Supply Chain and Operations Consulting
  • Business Intelligence and Analytics in Supply Chain and Operations Management
  • Elective from the Master Pool Electives
  • Tutorial seminar II

Third semester

  • Research seminar
  • The Master’s thesis
  • Final oral examination
  • Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Business Studies from an accredited university
  • At least 210 credit points. Applicants with 180 credits will be required to obtain the additional 30 credits, for example by completing a placement in the third semester (the programme will then last four semesters),
  • Evidence of having completed undergraduate courses in Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Production Management and Logistics
  • English language skills on a high B2 level proved by a standardised test, e.g. TOEFL (iBT minimum score 83), IELTS (minimum score 6.0), TOEIC Four Skills (minimum score 1200), PTE Academic (minimum score 67), Cambridge English Scale (minimum score 170), Oxford Test of English (minimum score 126), UNIcert II
    If you have studied in the higher education system a minimum of two semesters entirely in English, this can be accepted as equivalent (please provide proof with your application). You do not need to provide further English certificates if you hold a GMAT.
  • Letter of motivation in English
  • Curriculum vitae in English

In addition, if applicable:

  • Proof of work experience in the field of studies if you have worked for at least one year (showing the content and period of employment)
  • A GMAT/ GMAT Focus with a score above 600 points; with a GMAT/GMAT Focus no extra English proof has to be submitted

Applicants with a degree from a German university:
15.04.-15.06.
Please, apply online through the HWR Berlin application platform (S.A.M.).


Applicants with a degree from an university abroad:
15.03.-15.05.
Students with a Non-German Bachelor degree apply at uni-assist e. V.

Programme accredited by the Akkreditierungsrat

Students who acquired less than 210 European Credit Transfer System [ECTS] points in their Bachelor course must obtain the missing credit points for example by way of an integrated period of practical training, for which 30 ECTS points are awarded. This internship semester is scheduled in the third semester, after the theoretical phase and before the completion of studies. The master programme will thus last four semesters.

The content of the internship has to relate to the focus of your master studies. After enrollment you can place a request for accreditation of previous work experience or internships.

Alternatively, the missing 30 ECTS may be gained through studies abroad during your third semester. More information will be given after the start of studies upon request.

You will not have to acquire extra ECTS if your Bachelor programme was not accredited according to the ECTS point system. This generally holds true for non-EU-study programmes.

Students who have already gained 210 ECTS points in their Bachelor and completed an internship may do an additional voluntary internship in their third semester.

All information about currently offered modules and courses can be found in the campus management system S.A.M. (Study Administration Management).

All regulations, forms and documents can be found in your faculty site.

Fees and grants

  • Tuition fees

    None

  • Semesterfee

    ca. € 300 per semester (incl. local transport semester ticket)

Information for prospective students

Student Counselling Services

Student advisory service

Department of Business and Economics
Christine Jäkel
Student Office

Department of Business and Economics
Kerstin Muhlack-Büchel
Student Office

Academic director

Department of Business and Economics
Prof. Dr. Dmitry Ivanov
Professor of Supply Chain Management

Prof. Dr. Alexander Tsipoulanidis
Professor for Supply Chain und Operations Management