Overview The programme is aimed at graduates from Germany and abroad who hold a career-oriented first degree (typically a Bachelor's or "Diplom") and who want a postgraduate education delivered in an international classroom. It trains future leaders in supply chain and operations by combining practical, hands-on learning with a research component and focused personal-skill development. The three defining elements are: practice-oriented teaching that builds working knowledge; a research track culminating in a research seminar and a Master's thesis; and development of communication, teamwork and organisational abilities.
Teaching and learning Courses are taught in English in a multicultural environment, with small seminar groups that encourage close interaction between students and faculty. The programme emphasises interactive formats—case studies, business simulations (using commercial software), and applied research projects—alongside guest lectures and company visits to strengthen links with industry. The curriculum is designed to address the contemporary and near-future challenges faced by supply chain and operations managers.
Core topics include
Entry requirements
The programme is organised into three sequential parts across the semesters. The first semester combines foundational courses with the beginning of a chosen specialisation, allowing you to deepen core knowledge while starting to focus on specific areas of global supply chain and operations management. In the second semester, modules build directly on that foundation to develop additional specialised competencies needed for careers in the G-SCOM sector. Key elements throughout these semesters are subject-specific coursework and applied specialisation modules that progressively increase in technical and strategic complexity.
The third semester is dedicated to completing the degree through an independent Master's thesis, which must be submitted and defended in an oral examination. To help you prepare, a research methodology seminar is offered during the third semester to give practical guidance on research design, data collection and analysis, and thesis writing. If you choose to undertake an internship in the third semester, the programme allows flexibility by postponing the thesis submission and defence to a fourth semester.
This staged design aims to produce graduates who can apply theoretical foundations to real-world supply chain and operations problems, possess specialised operational and managerial skills for the global marketplace, and demonstrate independent research competence through a defended thesis.
Key modules
Program requirements
To be considered for this program you must demonstrate a solid academic background in business and relevant operations-related coursework, plus strong English-language ability. Applicants should have completed a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in business studies and be able to show they took undergraduate courses in areas such as Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Production Management, Procurement Management, or closely related subjects.
All application materials that are listed as language-specific must be submitted in English. The program requires evidence of excellent English proficiency according to the program’s published standards (see the program’s language requirements for acceptable tests and minimum scores). Alternatively, a GMAT or GMAT Focus score above 600 will substitute for the English-language proof.
You will also need to provide a motivation letter and a CV written in English. If you have relevant professional experience, include documentation of that experience as part of your application; this is requested when applicable. Submitting a qualifying GMAT score is optional unless used to waive the English requirement.
Admission requirements (summary)
Winter Semester (International)
15 May 2026
Winter Semester (EU/EEA)
15 June 2026
Graduates are prepared for operational and strategic roles across supply chain, logistics and production functions in multinational companies, manufacturing firms, logistics service providers, and consulting firms. Typical roles include supply chain analyst, operations manager, logistics manager, procurement/sourcing specialist, production planner and sustainability or risk manager.
The programme equips you with practical tools (simulation, commercial software), quantitative and IT skills (business analytics, computational methods), and leadership competencies to manage complex, global supply chains — making you competitive for international positions that require both hands-on operational expertise and the ability to design strategic improvements.
HWR Berlin (Berlin School of Economics and Law) — Berlin
Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts — Dortmund
Furtwangen University — Villingen-Schwenningen
Harz University of Applied Sciences — Wernigerode