Business Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, BA Hons
Companies need to source and buy materials, so procurement and purchasing skills are much in demand. Our business purchasing and supply chain management graduates have the skills to meet this need.
This degree allows you to specialise in business purchasing and supply chain management in sectors such as retail, service, manufacturing and fashion. You'll study modules in processes and value chains, project management, economics and international purchasing.
This is one of very few purchasing degrees in the UK, and the course helps to meet a demand for qualified personnel who can efficiently source and buy materials and resources. Our graduates have gone on to roles in buying, procurement and logistics in companies such as KPMG, ASDA and Ford.
UCAS points
112 (full requirements below)
Course/institution codes
NNC2 G BA/BPSCM
Department
Campus
Duration
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
- 4 years sandwich
Start month
September; January
Home/international fees
What you should know about this course
What you will study
This degree is being restructured in collaboration with employers, professional bodies and student feedback. This ensures we develop degrees that are aligned with latest industry trends. (This is standard UK practice across institutions.) The module structure and content for Year 1 will be changing for our January start month only. These changes will take effect from January 2021. View full details. Our September start month will follow the proposed modules listed below. We will contact you to advise you of any changes should they arise before the start date.
About the course team
We are an experienced team of academics and industry professionals. Trained postgraduate researchers also contribute to seminar teaching with their latest research-led insight. Our teaching is informed by research and consultancy work.
Come and meet us
Given the current situation with Covid-19, we are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
If you are
112 UCAS points from at least two A-levels. No more than 12 points should come from AS-levels.
GCSE English language or literature and mathematics with a minimum of grade C or grade 4.
We also accept:
- BTEC/National Diploma
- International Baccalaureate
- Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education
- Access courses
- Level 2 alternatives like Functional Skills and Key Skills for English and mathematics.
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.
For detailed information on the academic and English language requirements, please find your country in our directory.
Alternatively, please contact us:
- By telephone: +44 (0)20 8331 8136.
- By email: international@gre.ac.uk.
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use prior learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
This section helps you understand more about how you'll learn based on standard delivery of teaching and learning on campus.
However, as a response to COVID-19 we are currently operating a 'blended model' of teaching and learning (except for distance-learning courses). This means a combination of face-to-face sessions on our campuses with online lectures. There is additional support for any students who are unable to attend campus because they are ill or shielding. We'll continue to offer blended learning to all our students, in line with government guidelines, for as long as we are advised to. If government or local authority rules require it, we may be limited to offering online-only learning but will return to blended learning as soon as we are safely able to do so.
You can find out more about how we are supporting our students.
Teaching
In a typical week learning takes place through a combination of:
- Timetabled learning
- Independent study
You can view more information about how each module is taught within our 'What you will study' section.
Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. You will also be able to meet your personal tutor. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your elective courses and tutorials.
Class sizes
Average intake per year is up to 10. Lectures sizes are normally 30-240, and seminars/tutorials are 15-30. This varies by module, if shared between degrees.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you'll need to dedicate self-study time (around 20-30 hours per week) to prepare for coursework, presentations and exams.
You can use Stockwell Street library and online resources to support further reading and research.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of contact hours (lectures, seminars, etc), independent learning, assessments, and field trips. Each credit equates to around 10 hours of study. Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.
In addition, during the week you can also:
- Attend additional support classes in some modules
- Attend guest lectures from industry experts
- Take part in employability and enterprise workshops
- Join student societies.
Assessment
On this course, on average, students are assessed by:
- Examinations
- Coursework
Students are assessed through a combination of course work, exams and practical assessment where relevant. You can view more information about how each module on this course is assessed within our 'What you will study' section.
Each course has formal assessments which count towards your grade. Some courses may also include 'practice' assignments, which help you monitor progress and do not count towards your final grade.
Feedback summary
We aim to provide feedback on assignments and to release examination results within 15 working days.
Dates and timetables
The academic year runs from September to June.
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Full time
Part time
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
2020/2021 fees
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time (per 30 credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
* January 2021 starters pay the 2020/2021 fees.
2021/2022 fees
| Full-time (per year) | Part-time (per 30 credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
Fees information International fees
Fees are assessed based on your country of domicile, with students domiciled in the EU charged international fees. If you are unsure, find out more about how your fee status is assessed.
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from just over £100 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive. EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Other costs
Further costs may include (but are not limited to):
- Resources: you may need to purchase books for your studies, as well as specific computer software (estimate, £150 per year). Our Stockwell Street library offers a extensive range of books for loan, as well as access to journals and digital resources.
- Professional Memberships: This course is accredited by the CILT and students are advised to join as full-time student members. Membership applications need to be submitted directly to the specific professional body. Application costs can be found on their website.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
Work placements are optional, and you are responsible for arranging your placement with support from the University.
Previous students have secured a placement year at the NHS, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust and Menasa & Partners (professional services firm).
How long is my placement?
Work placements are 9-12 months of full-time paid work. You take this between the second and third years of study.
What are the financial arrangements?
UK placement annual salaries range between £13,000-£18,000 pro rata. Some charity / voluntary work organisations offer travel costs and lunch expenses in lieu of a full salary.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Our graduates have gone on to roles in buying, procurement and logistics, and succeeded as supply chain managers, project managers and operations managers. This is one of the few undergraduate degrees in purchasing offered in the UK, and our graduates are sought after by employers such as ASDA, KPMG and Ford.
Are internships available?
Internships are optional, and last for a minimum of six weeks. Gain a Certificate in Professional Practice and valuable employment experience before graduating.
Do you provide employability services?
Our Business School Employability team is committed to supporting your journey towards a rewarding graduate destination. We provide a professional service to empower you to achieve your potential. Services include:
- CV, cover letter, and interview tips
- Careers fairs
- Overseas exchange
- Mentoring
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
Access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics. If you need support to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
Support from the department
Our Greenwich Employability Passport Scheme will make your CV stand out to employers. It recognises your efforts in part-time work, volunteering, sports and societies during your studies.
If you're interested in starting your own business, our Generator runs workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities. You can enjoy our dedicated workspace, take part in an Enterprise Challenge, and get support for a Tier 1 Start Up Visa.
Accommodation information
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our undergraduate prospectus or check our related courses below.
Business and management at the University of Greenwich
As a business and management student, you will benefit from our excellent links with over 200 businesses, as well as our mentoring and networking schemes.
Visit our business and management subject page.
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