Strategic Management in Logistics (SMiL) bbw Hochschule - University of Applied Sciences

All modules will be taught 100% in English.

The Master’s programme in Strategic Management in Logistics combines logistics, management and leadership to prepare students for today's international logistics challenges.

The Strategic Management in Logistics Master's programme provides advanced learning in the operation of global transportation, distribution, warehousing, procurement and supply chain management. Students will also examine how logistics business practices can be managed with the support of IT, infrastructure and human resource development in an increasingly digitalised economy. The course of study is taught by experienced lecturers who provide students with an insider's knowledge of current industry practices. As with all programmes offered by bbw Hochschule – University of Applied Sciences, the programme content has been co-developed by academic councils made up of professionals from industry associations and companies active in the logistics profession. Their ongoing input into the course ensures that students graduate with the knowledge and skills they need for immediate placement in some of the world's leading logistics companies. Logistics and Supply Chain Management is a relatively new field of study with significant employment opportunities, as companies recognise the potential savings that can be made through good procurement strategies. During the programme, students can also develop their project management skills with the corporate partners of the programme. These include:

• Deutsche Bahn, DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH
• Stadler AG
• Siemens AG, Gas and Power Division
• Daimler AG, Mercedes Benz Ludwigsfelde

What You Will Learn

By the conclusion of the Master's degree, you will be able to use your acquired knowledge to fulfil a managerial role in logistics and supply chain management within organisations. This means that as a logistics specialist, you will be able to independently:

• Apply analytical methods and innovative solutions, technologies and systems to improve supply chains
• Evaluate multiple sources of information to make evidence-based conclusions
• Communicate with partners and stakeholders at a level of expertise by using the appropriate terminology
• Deal proactively with local, national and international issues affecting logistics and supply chain management
• Work effectively with culturally diverse teams and the cultural issues relevant to supply chain management
• Guide your own career progression by understanding your market worth in the global economy

• Start summer semester: 1 April
• Start winter semester: 1 October
• First-year students always start with orientation days.
• A six-week holiday is scheduled for each year of study.
• Twenty-five percent of the programme can be studied online.

For non-EU applicants:

• 15 January for the following summer semester
• 15 August for the following winter semester

It is possible to pay the tuition fees in instalments.

For the verification of documents of non-EU citizens, we ask for an application fee of 250 EUR.

The first semester covers business subjects with a strong international focus.

The second semester includes modules with a specific focus on the international logistics industry. During this semester, industry-relevant project work is carried out in companies, culminating in students documenting and presenting their work to the employees of the company.

The third semester brings together the content of the previous two semesters, taking into account the increasing internationalisation of logistics and the strategic processes affecting the industry.

In the fourth semester, students write the Master's thesis, developing and elaborating their own scientific questions.

First year

• Theory of Science and Methods of Research
• Sustainable Corporate Management and Methods of Planning
• Methods of Developing Strategic Investment Decisions and Risk Management
• Advanced Macroeconomics and International Trade
• Management Strategies: Strategic Logistics Planning and Strategies for Inventory Management
• Strategic Personal Management, Leadership, Change and Intercultural Management
• Alternative Strategies for Purchasing and Supplier Management
• Risk Management in Supply Chain and Interfunctional Conflict Management
• Student Consulting Project (SCP)

Second year

• Modern Concepts of Production and Distribution Logistics
• Integrated Planning of Global Supply Chains
• Strategic Management of Logistics Infrastructure and IT Support of Logistics Infrastructure Managements
• Controlling of Logistics Business Processes
• Student Scientific Research Seminar in Logistics (SCRS I)
• Student Scientific Research Seminar in Strategic Management (SCRS II)
• Master's Thesis and Colloquium

Practical approach

As with all the other courses offered by bbw University of Applied Sciences, the Strategic Management in Logistics Master's programme places particular emphasis on industry-relevant practical training. This is provided by professors and lecturers with direct professional experience gained through their work in companies as well as by student consulting projects carried out under the supervision of participating companies. In some cases, this student consulting project may also be an internship. The practical orientation of the programme is further supported by the diversity of experience among the students, the case studies of the programme, the possible research projects at the fib Research Institute of the bbw University of Applied Sciences and the final business-related Master's thesis with its associated colloquium.

Students can take advantage of the opportunity to complete an internship, but no ECTS credits will be awarded. Students can benefit from our well-developed network of companies to find a suitable internship. Knowledge of German at level B1 (CEFR) or higher will greatly increase students’ chances of finding an internship.

3,840 EUR

It is possible to pay the tuition fees in instalments.

For the verification of documents of non-EU citizens, we ask for an application fee of 250 EUR.

Included in the tuition fees

A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) of at least six semesters at a university (or equivalent institution), a technical college in Germany or an equivalent institution abroad with a minimum grade of "satisfactory" is required for acceptance into the Master's programme.

The programme requires good knowledge of English at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This level can be demonstrated through the following certificates, e.g.:

• IELTS exam: minimum score of 5.5–6
• TOEIC: score of 541–700
• TOEFL iBT: minimum score 87
• PTE: minimum score 59

• Platforms: Moodle learning management system, Academy Five campus management system 
• Programmes: Teams, Zoom, Webex

For non-EU applicants:

• 15 January for the following summer semester
• 15 August for the following winter semester

No

Students can use the exclusive bbw job portal to find part-time jobs, internships and jobs after graduation. Employment as a student worker is possible. German language skills at a level B1 (CEFR) or higher will greatly increase students' chances of finding a part-time job.

We have various partnerships, including discounts for students of the bbw University of Applied Sciences. However, the bbw University of Applied Sciences does not offer its own student accommodation, nor does it have allocations in student residences. The International Office refers students to several online portals and private accommodation providers operating in Berlin. These websites provide useful information and tips on finding accommodation in Berlin.

• All-round support (academic support from specific professors, administrative support from bbw departments, peer-to-peer support from student group representatives and student parliament, bureaucratic and legal support from International Office)
• Monthly online information sessions about study organisation, university processes
• bbw Intercultural Communication Club (ICC)

We are your personal guide to academic success!

As an accredited and state-recognised university, we are the ideal bridge between practical academic training and companies' real needs for skilled professionals and managers.

Thanks to our brilliant lecturers (who have professional and managerial backgrounds), our applied research projects and our own state-of-the-art science lab on campus, you can be sure that our degree courses are as practical as they come.

We are thrilled to offer a wide range of business, industrial engineering and engineering degree programmes, whether part-time, dual or full-time. These programmes are designed to meet all your academic needs and set you up for a successful start to your career.

In short, bbw University of Applied Sciences is the perfect springboard for a career in business. Our students come from all over the world and discover Berlin as their new home through their studies.

The location of bbw University of Applied Sciences is in the middle of Germany's largest science and technology park and Berlin's largest media location.

The science city of Adlershof has direct connection to public transport and the Autobahn. In Berlin's most important science, business and media location, renowned non-university research institutions, other universities and over 1,000 companies await you.