Bachelor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Overview

Logistics and Supply Chain Management is a specialised business degree where students focus on managing goods, services, and information flows. Alongside core subjects like finance and marketing, students explore procurement, operations, transport logistics, and digital supply chain management.

The degree serves as a general business qualification while also providing ready access to supply chain jobs, at least at entry level. The kinds of roles graduates can pursue include logistics manager, inventory manager, operations manager, procurement manager, project manager, and supply chain analyst.

This is the best degree for a career in logistics. Job ads in this field often call for tertiary qualifications in business, commonly mentioning logistics and supply chains as a preferred specialisation. Although less relevant, employers also value business administration and engineering degrees.

Subjects in the Major

To major in Supply Chain and Logistics at an Australian university, you typically complete 8 specialty subjects out of the 24 required for a 3-year Bachelor of Business degree. The other 16 are a mix of core business subjects and electives.

Our typical subject list, based on various Australian university programs, includes procurement, operations management, and transport logistics as key areas. Apart from a basic introductory course for first-year business students, these specialised subjects are generally studied in the second and third years of the degree.

1. Logistics and Supply Chain Management

This introductory unit covers the basics of logistics and supply chain management, integral to business strategy. It addresses transportation, warehousing, inventory, and customer service, linking these to business goals. Students learn to analyse and apply logistics principles across business functions.

2. Procurement Management

Knowing how to efficiently purchase products and services is an essential skill. In a Procurement Management subject, students learn how to influence a company's operations and competitive positioning through strategic sourcing. They explore the dynamics of supplier relationships and the benefits of ethical, sustainable procurement practices.

3. Operations Management

In Operations Management, students learn to design and manage systems that produce goods and services. They apply analytical techniques to improve performance and sustainability within supply chains. The subject also provides practical experience in problem-solving and systems analysis.

4. Transportation and Freight Logistics

Transportation and Freight Logistics covers the essentials of moving goods efficiently. Students learn to manage transportation planning, operations, and strategies, considering global trends. The course includes practical skills in transport management, cost analysis, and technology use.

5. Supply Chain Analytics

Supply Chain Analytics introduces students to quantitative methods in logistics, focusing on advanced spreadsheet and database modelling. The course explores transport and transhipment optimisation within logistic networks. Students learn to apply mathematical and statistical models to solve logistical challenges, enhancing decision-making.

6. Digital Supply Chain Management

Digital Supply Chain Management focuses on harnessing logistics technologies for enhanced decision-making and business performance. Students gain practical skills in goods manufacturing and distribution, learning about various technologies such as bar coding, RFID, sensor technologies, blockchain, and warehouse management systems.

7. Strategic Supply Chain Management

Strategic Supply Chain Management offers insights into end-to-end logistics and its impact on global business. Students explore topics like demand-supply balance, risk management in logistics, and performance metrics with a focus on sustainability.

8. Capstone Project

In the Capstone Project unit, students apply professional skills in real-world scenarios. They engage with industry, honing project management, critical thinking, and communication skills. This unit prepares students for their careers with practical, industry-relevant experience.

Good Courses

RMIT University - Bachelor of Business (Logistics and Supply Chain)
The Bachelor of Business in Logistics and Supply Chain at RMIT provides in-depth knowledge in procurement, global sourcing, warehousing, distribution, operations, and digital supply chains. This major offers practical experience and industry partnerships, preparing graduates for a variety of roles.
Location: Melbourne

Victoria University - Bachelor of Business (Supply Chain and Logistics Management)
The major at Victoria University focuses on digital technologies in procurement, inventory management, and distribution. It prepares students for global careers in various sectors, combining case studies, industry interactions, and hands-on digital tool experience.
Locations: Melbourne

Curtin University - Bachelor of Commerce (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)
The supply chain management major at Curtin University focuses on efficiently managing goods and services flow from supplier to customer. The course covers supply chain fundamentals, procurement, and business operations, preparing students for roles in transport, purchasing, and retail.
Locations: Perth, Kalgoorlie, Dubai, Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore.

Careers In this Field

A degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management positions you for roles where you coordinate the movement, storage, and supply of goods. These jobs centre on maximising efficiency in in various aspects of the product's journey. Supply chain management oversees the lifecycle of a product, including production, procurement, and distribution. Logistics tends to focus more narrowly on the transportation and storage of goods.

Graduates often start in administrative and technical support roles, such as Logistics Coordinator or Supply Chain Analyst. As they gain experience, they can move into roles like Logistics Manager, Procurement Manager, Transport Manager, Operations Manager, or Supply Chain Manager.

Opportunities are varied, from managerial positions in small businesses to tech-centric posts in multinational firms. The sorts of openings in industry job ads have titles such as Logistics Manager, Purchasing & Logistics Manager, Head of Supply Chain & Logistics, Supply Chain Manager, Transport Manager, Shipping and Logistics Manager, and Warehouse & Distribution Manager.

Is This Degree Worth It?

The field of supply chain and logistics management is a good one to get into, with strong salaries for logistics managers and even better ones for supply chain managers. Job growth projections are also favourable. Based on job ads in this field, Supply Chain Managers typically earn between $135k to $155k annually, and Logistics Managers typically earn from $105k to $125k.

The demand for supply chain specialists is growing in Australia, driven by factors like the surge in online shopping and global trade. Employment of supply, distribution, and procurement managers is projected to grow by 9.4% over the next five years, reaching 54,800 by May 2028.

Supply chain professionals often report high job satisfaction, with 65% rating their satisfaction 8 or higher on a 10-point scale. Furthermore, 96% intend to remain in the sector for at least five years, indicating long-term career fulfillment. This high level of satisfaction, combined with the prospect of a substantial salary, makes the field an appealing choice.

How Hard Is It?

Logistics and supply chain management is not an especially difficult field of study or career. As a program of study, it is no more or less difficult than most others. It is essentially just another business degree, with only a third of the subjects focused on the major.

Career success will require you to have a well-rounded blend of skills and personal attributes however. You need the ability to get the job done consistently, effectively coordinating the activities of others by being well organised and a good communicator. The highest-paid roles also rely on strategic thinking and the ability to negotiate contracts.

Based on our analysis of job listings, a supply chain manager should possess analytical and problem-solving skills, organisational abilities, and effective communication. They need to be proficient in planning and time management, capable of working under pressure, and adept at strategising in complex environments. Leadership qualities for team management and strong interpersonal skills for building relationships are also essential.