The MSc Purchasing and Supply Chain Management course (French or English)
As its name indicates, this Master of Science offers training to students whose professional project is to join the purchasing and supply chain departments of a company, in operational as well as managerial and strategic functions.
This program offers a set of specialized and technical courses that lead the participants to a real expertise in the field with an international dimension.
All the professional contributors provide tangible added value, reinforcing the professional character of this Master of Science. At the same time, students are made aware of team management and leadership, which prepares them for future managerial functions.
![Student listening to a lecture in a lecture hall](https://www.inseec.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/705A8405-copie-e1506699986282.jpg)
A diploma in 1 or 2 years to become an expert in purchasing and logistics management
Holders of a 3-year bachelor degree can apply for the first year of the MSc, and holders of a 4-year bachelor degree can apply directly for the second year of the MSc.
The International Purchasing and Logistics program addresses issues related to purchasing and sourcing, the main management trends and supply chain policies. It integrates approaches based on low cost country sourcing, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM), sectoral and responsible purchasing, logistics flow management, volatility of raw materials and currencies, and low cost country sourcing. All these elements will be measured in order to impact the performance of companies.
The course prepares students for positions as purchasing managers, international buyers, supply chain managers and logisticians, both in SMEs and large international groups.
Young graduates will be able to work in the industrial, consumer goods and service sectors, as well as in new growth areas such as sustainable development and renewable energy.
Would you like to know more about the MSc Purchasing and Supply Chain Management programme?
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The Courses
The courses listed below are examples only and may vary slightly depending on the campus. The content of the courses is adapted each year to market developments and is updated before the start of each new school year.
First year courses
PROFESSIONAL METHODS AND PRACTICES – 1ST YEAR
DATA ACCULTURATION, ETHICS AND GDPR
Gain a deep understanding of the ethical considerations in data handling and the principles of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
This course aims to enhance students’ computer skills to meet business demands in budget and sales tracking, project management, personnel management, and communication. It covers proficiency in Excel, Word, PowerPoint, team collaboration tools, and industry-specific software. The goal is to master office software, quickly identify and correct errors, and customize or develop new tools.
BUDGET MANAGEMENT AND DASHBOARDS
The goal is to develop key skills in budget management and reporting. The focus will be on budget architecture, creating summary documents, project management control and its connection to budget management, and the development and use of dashboards.
NEGOTIATION
This course focuses on negotiation in both national and international contexts. It emphasizes the importance of cultural considerations and their impact on international negotiations.
PROFESSIONAL TOOLS & METHODS
This course helps students enhance their résumés and professional presence through practical exercises such as business games, professional simulations, and public speaking. It also includes hands-on workshops (resume, professional social networks, coaching) and career-focused lectures and masterclasses.
CORE AND FUNDAMENTAL COURSES
FUNDAMENTALS OF SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
This course aims to introduce students to the essential decisions and trade-offs involved in managing a company’s supply chain. The goal is to enhance understanding of the concepts and principles of international supply chain management. Another objective is to explore how companies manage their supply chains to gain a competitive edge.
DIGITALIZATION OF PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY CHAIN
This course focuses on identifying and managing the digitalization of procurement, considering tools, digital factors, key success factors, and evaluating the advantages and risks for an existing company.
GEOPOLITICS AND BUSINESS LAW
Geopolitics explores how international affairs can be understood through geographical and territorial factors. This includes demographics, culture, access to and transformation of natural resources, and the critical role these physical realities play in business, both in business law and international law, as well as in national and international politics. The course will briefly cover the origins of geopolitics from a realistic and commercial perspective, considering nation-building, sovereignty, collective geographic identities, and the world order, with an emphasis on the relevance of international and business law. The study of international conflicts and their significance for business and strategy will also be addressed.
MANAGEMENT OF SERVICE PROVIDERS AND LOGISTICS SUPPLIERS
Managing and sourcing suppliers is a multi-step process involving creating and developing relationships with providers of goods and services that a purchasing company needs to conduct its daily operations and achieve its objectives.
INTERNATIONAL PURCHASING
This module teaches the fundamental principles of procurement processes used by international businesses. The courses blend theory with practical applications to illustrate key processes and measures, including purchasing goals, procurement processes, tendering, supplier selection and management, contract negotiation, supply chain management, quality control, and legal and contractual obligations.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
An Introduction to Terminology, Foundations, and Initial Concepts of International Trade. This course provides students with tools to think strategically in a global environment.
LEAN MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION FLOW MANAGEMENT
Production and flow management are critical elements for all businesses. Lean manufacturing involves applying Lean management techniques to production flow management activities. This module enables learners to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities, produce only what will be sold, and transition from a demand-driven flow to a just-in-time production system.
FOREIGN LANGAGE
Knowledge or proficiency can be a distinguishing factor when seeking a job. French as a foreign language is an option for international students.
INTERNATIONAL AND LOGISTICS PROJECT MANAGEMENT
This module covers the fundamental elements of developing an enterprise’s logistics strategy, identifying the various stages of a logistics project, and implementing project management approaches.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE APPLIED TO THE PURCHASING FUNCTION
Impacts on gross margin and operating margin, working capital management, contribution to innovation, and financial risk reduction are now priority topics that buyers must master.
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT LOGISTICS
Supply chain management involves planning, implementing, and controlling efficient and effective flow and storage, both upstream and downstream, of goods, services, and related information from point of origin to point of consumption to meet customer requirements.
Second year courses
PURCHASING AND SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGY – 2ND YEAR
PURCHASING AND LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT AND STRATEGY
Grasping the strategic approach’s challenges to ensure the company’s long-term viability in a constantly evolving and risky environment. Assessing the company’s identity, organization, and resources to align it with sustainable development goals (Corporate Social Responsibility).
ETHICAL PURCHASING AND GREEN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
To mitigate the human, environmental, and societal impacts of purchasing, a well-defined process must be established. The purchasing department should commit to a CSR policy and select suppliers based on relevant criteria. Green logistics involves adopting eco-friendly practices to minimize environmental impact throughout the product’s entire lifecycle.
PURCHASING STRATEGIES
By the end of the course, students should be able to understand the role of Purchasing in a company’s strategy, grasp the importance of early involvement of the Purchasing function, select suppliers using appropriate processes, and identify and manage purchasing risks.
PROFESSIONAL TOOLS & METHODS
This module helps students enhance their resumes and professional demeanor through various activities, such as role-playing (professional simulations, public speaking, etc.), practical and career-focused workshops (resume building, professional social networking, coaching, etc.), as well as industry conferences and master classes.
PURCHASING & INDUSTRIAL MARKETING
Purchasing marketing allows for the segmentation of the purchasing portfolio to understand the supplier market and seize opportunities provided by suppliers, thereby meeting the company’s needs.
PURCHASING PROCESS
SECTOR-SPECIFIC PURCHASING AND BUSINESS APPROACH
Purchasing plays a central role in a company’s operations and must address new challenges such as price pressure, globalization, outsourcing, multi-channel strategies, sustainability, and the constant need to evolve the company’s offerings. This critical function requires rigorous management and the use of advanced tools.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS LAW
Introduction to the specific legal issues encountered during the negotiation, conclusion, and execution of contracts in an international context. International transactions may involve contracting parties from multiple countries and/or the fulfillment of contractual obligations across different countries. Special emphasis is placed on the choice of applicable law. The legal aspects of e-commerce are also discussed.
RETAIL AND PURCHASING FUNCTION OPTIMIZATION
Understanding the different types of purchasing centers (public purchasing centers, cooperative purchasing centers, integrated purchasing centers, wholesale purchasing centers). Researching, selecting, and negotiating products based on quality, cost, margin, and delivery time criteria with both manufacturers and large retailers. Negotiating purchasing and supply conditions in collaboration with logistics services.
INTERNATIONAL AND ADVANCED NEGOTIATION
This module is designed to teach students the fundamentals of international negotiation strategy and to apply theory through two intensive commercial negotiations: an internal strategy strengthening negotiation and a business negotiation. The practical negotiation content is specific to the international business sector. Students are encouraged through follow-up reports to disclose and comment on their results.
INTERNATIONAL PURCHASING
This module is intended for current and future procurement professionals and reflects the levels of understanding and competency required to assume procurement management at the international level.
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Students will explore key concepts, advanced tools, and the latest trends in Supply Chain Management, focusing on optimization, collaboration, and innovation.
MANAGEMENT OF SUPPLY CHAIN PROCESSES
PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT AND LOGISTICS CHAIN CONTROL
This module helps understand the role of purchasing in managing logistical flows and provides practical application while stepping back from established logistics concepts. It also covers writing a logistics contract and managing a purchasing portfolio.
LOGISTICS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Effectively managing logistics in an international market involves overseeing import and export activities. This includes organizing cross-border transport exchanges using a variety of established logistical methods.
URBAN LOGISTICS
The digitalization of purchasing and logistics processes, driven in part by the rise of e-commerce and urban population growth, is steering organizations towards urban logistics. This emerging challenge in supply chain management is becoming a new criterion for acquiring and retaining customers.
OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT AND GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Providing a detailed understanding of the challenges and issues encountered in managing business activities: from product/service design, through production, to making them available to customers. This course will explore the strategic, tactical, and operational decisions of organizations and their alignment throughout the global supply chain.
SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
Students will explore key concepts, advanced tools, and the latest trends in Supply Chain Management, with a focus on optimization, collaboration, and innovation.
PROCUREMENT AND LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE
TEAM & TALENT MANAGEMENT
Developing a Team & Talent Management strategy, motivating and retaining employees, and building high-performing, multicultural teams.
FOREIGN LANGAGE
Having knowledge or mastery can be a distinguishing factor in job searching. French as a foreign language is an option for international students.
COURSE MONITORING & REPORTING
Efficiently optimize and reduce expenses and costs while maintaining consistent quality in services and products.
SUPPLY CHAIN DIGITALIZATION AND DATA
Efficiently optimize and reduce expenses and costs while maintaining consistent quality in services and products.
APPLIED RESEARCH THESIS
Helping learners understand the expectations of an applied research thesis. Formulating a problem statement, conducting a literature review, selecting the study methodology, and making recommendations.
EXAMS AND SUPPORT
WRITTEN EXAMS
THESIS DEFENSE
2 start dates per year and varying study rhythms
There are two openings per year, in February/March and September/October. To check the opening of each intake, contact the admissions department directly.
The pace of the course may differ from campus to campus and depending on whether the course is carried out under an internship agreement (initial) or a professionalization/apprenticeship contract (continuing).
The work-study contract must be signed for a period of 12 months (MSc2), 24 months (MSc1 + MSc 2) or 18 months for the staggered start of March (continuation of studies in MSc2).
![Students outside the building working on their course on a PC](https://www.inseec.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/11/etudiantbordeaux-2.png)
Career opportunities after an MSc Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
- Purchasing Manager
- Import-export manager
- International buyer
- Supply chain manager
- Logistician
What business skills are developed?
- Define the purchasing and logistics policy in line with the company’s strategy
- Conducting the various stages of the purchasing process
- Managing logistics processes
- Managing the performance of the Purchasing and Logistics activity
Professional certification of ” Manager des Achats et de la Supply Chain“. This is a level 7 (EU) diploma, NSF codes 311 and 312, awarded by INSEEC MSc (CEE-SO, CEE-RA, CEFAS, MBA Institute, CEE-OUEST), registered under number 38496 in the RNCP (Répertoire National des Certifications Professionnelles) by decision of France Compétences on December 21, 2023.
The certification is issued by capitalization of the totality of the blocks of competences. Each competency of a block must be validated to validate the block of competencies. Partial validation of a block is not possible. It is also accessible through the Validation of Acquired Experience.
Find the blocks of competences associated with this RNCP title by clicking here .
What are the teaching methods?
Teaching methods
- Lectures and interactive courses
- Situational exercises through collective or individual case studies carried out by the students
- Conferences, seminars and educational visits
Evaluation methods
- Individual or group case studies
- Individual and group oral presentations
- Individual and group files
Methods and tools
- The evaluation methods are face-to-face, in the form of continuous assessment or final exams in the form of mid-term exams.
What is the 2024/2025 tuition to enter the program?
Initial training:
- Entry into MSc1: €11 950
- Direct entry into MSc2: €13 350
Continuing Education (Apprenticeship):
- 24-month program: €23,950 excluding taxes
- Direct entry to MSc2: €13,950 excluding taxes
For apprenticeship programs, tuition fees are covered by the OPCO and the company signing the contract.
Do you have questions about the apprenticeship or our school in general? Check out our FAQ.
International student pack: Mandatory contribution of €490 in addition to the tuition fees indicated above for exclusive support services for international students not coming from the European Union.
VAE/VAP:
- VAE (Validation of Acquired Experience): €4,200 excluding taxes
- VAP (Validation of Prior Learning): €850 excluding taxes
What kind of financial aid is available?
INSEEC offers several financial aid schemes:
- The alternating rhythm, in internship or work-study contract
- The right to training via the CPF
- Banking partnerships
key numbers of the programme msc purchasing and Supply Chain Management
98%
National Success Rate – Class of 2023
97%
Presentation Rate – Class of 2023
100%
Overall Placement Rate (49 respondents out of 63) – Class of 2022
72%
Placement Rate in Targeted Field – Class of 2022
80%
Satisfaction Rate at 6 Months – Class of 2022
Disabilities
The OMNES Education Group pays particular attention to the societal environment, including the disability dimension. Indeed, we believe that students with disabilities should not have any problems in pursuing their studies and starting a professional career. We accompany them to facilitate their access to the premises, offer them personalized advice as well as adapted accommodations throughout their school career.
Accessibility of premises: all our campuses are accessible to people with disabilities.
To learn more about the OMNES Education Group’s disability policy, click here.
Contacts for disability referents by campus:
Bordeaux : Maxime DOUENS – mdouens@inseec.com
Lyon : Anissa GASMI – agasmi@inseec.com
Rennes : Laura LE CALVEZ – llecalvez@omneseducation.com
Paris : Farid HAMAD– fhamad@inseec.com
Chambéry : Clément BERTACCO – cbertacco@inseec.com
Marseille : Océane VALOTTI – ovalotti@omneseducation.com
News
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June 2024
INSEEC hosted the CFNews Grands Prix de la Croissance Externe Sud Ouest for the second year running
Read more