Overview
In Australia, a Master's in Supply Chain Management is a 12-subject program that prepares you for a career in this field. Classes comprise graduates from other disciplines seeking to establish a career, as well as current logistics professionals looking to strengthen their skills and expand opportunities.
Courses explore the many facets of managing a supply chain effectively. For instance, you may study logistics analytics, AI and cloud computing, strategic operations, supply contracts, distribution and freight logistics, and risk management.
The degree is worthwhile for the rewarding job opportunities it creates. There is ongoing high demand for managers due to the complexities of the operating environment for most Australian businesses. The field provides ladders of opportunity, with the degree granting ready access to entry-level roles while also promoting sustained career growth.
6 Reasons to Get the Degree
A master's degree in supply chain management typically produces good career outcomes. Earnings are much higher in this field if you have a master's degree and other credentials. There has also been a shift towards specialised studies, focusing on supply chains and operations management, instead of general business administration.
Note that, unless otherwise specified, the figures referred to in this assessment are from the Supply Chain Salary and Career Report, a detailed analysis by the Association for Supply Chain Management.
1. Boost your expected salary
Among supply chain management professionals, those with a master's degree earn around 23% more than those with only a bachelor's degree. On average, they earn USD $113,300 compared to the $92,147 average salary for bachelor's degree holders.
A large salary premium for master's studies underscores the financial value of advanced education in this occupational category. In Australia, salaries for supply chain managers typically range from $135k to $155k per year, with an indicative average salary of around $145k annually.
2. Gain the most relevant degree
The trend among younger professionals is towards specialised supply chain studies. The ASCM report indicates a preference for supply chain (33%) and operations management (15%) postgraduate degrees over MBAs (20%) among industry professionals aged below 30. The availability of flexible and targeted postgraduate programs is raising expectations that managers will have highly job-relevant education.
Related: Bachelor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management
3. Secure long-term job satisfaction
Supply chain professionals report high levels of job satisfaction, pointing to long-term benefits from postgraduate study. 65% rate their satisfaction at 8 or higher on a 10-point scale, and 96% intend to remain in the sector for at least five years. This suggests that going for a master's degree is not only a financially sound decision but is also likely to lead to sustained personal and professional fulfillment.
4. Capitalise on education pay premiums
The earnings evidence indicates that further study is an important component of career progression. SCM professionals in the US with at least one credential earn a median salary 16% higher than those without credentials. The benefit increases for those with two or more credentials, who earn 34% more.
5. Refresh your career
University study in supply chain management can rejuvenate your career. For those outside the field, a degree offers an entry point and rapid progression. For current professionals in the industry, it provides a chance to develop new skills, gain broader qualifications, and be competitive for many roles beyond areas where you have direct experience. A full degree program aims to develop a wide breadth of skills and knowledge useful in many professional roles.
6. Benefit from rising demand
Australia shows no signs of any let-up in ongoing, rising demand for logistics and supply chain management professionals. For example, the value of industrial property operators has grown to $26.6 billion with a 5.1% increase over five years, as per IBISWorld. This growth, spurred by more online shopping and merchandise trade, points to the need for skilled SCM managers, especially in warehousing and logistics.
Employment of professionals employed in supply, distribution, and procurement management is projected to grow by 9.4% over five years, reaching 54,800 by May 2028. This is according to official Australian Government projections provided by Jobs and Skills Australia.
What You Will Study
In supply chain management programs, students explore topics that are fundamental for managing and optimising global logistics operations. The curriculum is designed to develop practical and strategic skills for the industry.
Key areas typically covered include:
- Strategic management in logistics
- Global supply chain coordination
- Emerging technologies in logistics operations
- Ethical and sustainable supply practices
- Advanced supply chain analytics
These subjects aim to prepare students for the dynamic nature of the industry, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and strategic problem-solving. To be eligible, you should have a degree in any discipline or extensive professional experience.
Job Opportunities
Earning a Master of Supply Chain Management degree is ideal preparation for career success in this broad field. It makes you highly competitive for entry-level roles, even without experience, while also offering significant advantages as you progress in your career.
This degree opens doors to diverse jobs beyond just "supply chain manager." Graduates find positions such as logistics manager, distribution manager, inventory manager, logistics analyst, operations manager, procurement manager, project manager, and supply chain analyst.
These roles involve managing, coordinating, and operating aspects of supply chains, warehouses, and transportation. The career possibilities highlight the versatility of the degree, demonstrating its value across the logistics and supply chain sectors.
What Does a Supply Chain Manager Do?
Supply chain managers ensure the efficient flow of goods and services in different industries. They orchestrate the supply process, managing activities from procurement of materials to the delivery of final products. Their role often involves coordinating with various departments, suppliers, and customers to ensure smooth operations.
Key responsibilities include developing strategies for efficient supply chain operations, negotiating with suppliers, overseeing logistics, and aligning supply with demand. They analyse and improve supply chain processes, focusing on cost-effectiveness and risk mitigation.
Supply chain managers need strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. They often require a background in business, logistics, or supply chain management, with experience in manufacturing, transport, warehousing, distribution centres, or similar environments. The role is not stressful if you have the right temperament. You must be able to work consistently and flexibly, maintaining good relations with different parties.