International logistics in theory and practice
New study programme taught in English starts in the winter semester
2020/08/03
The master programme “Logistics and Supply Chain Management” offered by the Department of Law and Economics will start in the winter semester 2020/21. It addresses Bachelor graduates with a special interest in logistics, production, supply chain management and transport. Students will be able to complete the entire programme in English. Which topics does the study programme cover, what are the career prospects, and does the programme have an international focus? Professor Christoph Glock, who is responsible for the new study programme together with Professor Ralf Elbert, gives some insights into the new study programme in this interview.
Mr. Glock, what should students bring with them from their Bachelor degree?
Prospective students should have an interest in complex, practical problems from the areas of logistics, production and supply chain management. They should have good analytical skills and a desire to learn about the interaction between conceptual and mathematical problem-solving methods.
What was the main factor that prompted you to set up the new programme?
On the one hand, we received numerous enquiries from students who were looking for more opportunities to acquire greater knowledge about logistics and supply chain management, while on the other hand, we were often approached by companies who were searching for graduates with expertise in the logistics sector. This convinced us that there is a market for the new study programme, and we thus started working on the concept.
What distinguishes the study programme at TU Darmstadt from study programmes in logistics at other universities?
The Rhine-Main region – in which numerous logistics companies are active – offers an ideal environment for establishing a logistics study programme. In comparison to other universities, which often offer programmes with a more technical focus, our study programme covers especially business administration aspects and has a specific international focus. We think this is a unique feature of the programme.
The study programme is described as being “research-oriented”, but students are also requested to participate in a range of practical projects. Why is it so important to gain an early insight into practical applications and link together theory and practice in the area of logistics?
Logistics and supply chain management are application-oriented disciplines. However, basic theoretical knowledge is also necessary for effectively solving problems in practice. In our programme, students are involved in ongoing research projects, which enables them to learn about the latest methods and solution approaches, and they complement this knowledge with their own experiences obtained in practical projects. At the same time, we also spark their interest in scientific research work and promote young researchers.
How can the logistics sector benefit from the new study programme? What will graduates take with them into their subsequent profession?
Companies in the logistics sector have often found it difficult to find qualified young talents over the last few years. The new study programme is specifically designed to train prospective managers in the logistics sector who are urgently required in this field. Students receive in-depth training in applicable methods and are familiarised with important concepts in logistics, production and supply chain management that they will need later on in their careers.
The language of tuition for the study programme is English – how will this be organised for future students?
It is possible to study the entire programme in English. In the elective courses, however, students also have the option to attend courses that are offered in German. We will offer language courses specifically tailored to the contents of the study programme to those students who believe that they still have some catching up to do before they are “fit” to attend courses in English.
Are international students a special target group?
Logistics and supply chain management are by definition international functions in companies. Consequently, the programme does not focus on one target group but rather on training students for the global job market. The opportunity for students with different regional and international backgrounds to cooperate with one another will ensure that they are well prepared for entering their new career. The department also has very good international connections especially in the logistics sector. The new study programmes thus gives us the opportunity to transfer this collaborative network in research even better into our teaching and the students will benefit as a result.
Enrolment for the programme has already begun. What has the response been like so far?
We are delighted to say that we have already received a large number of applications. And these applications have not only been submitted by graduates from TU Darmstadt and other German universities, but also by numerous interested students from abroad.
About the Master's programme: Logistics and Supply Chain Management
The new Master's programme “Logistics and Supply Chain Management”, which is taught in English, starts in the winter semester. The online application is possible until August 20.
At the same time, the Master's program “Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management” is starting, which is also presented in an interview .
The interview was conducted by Silke Paradowski.