Level 5 Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Course Description:

The Level 5 Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is designed to provide learners with the critical knowledge, applied skills, and strategic insights needed to excel in a dynamic and globally connected industry. This qualification supports career development by bridging operational competence with managerial responsibilities, enabling professionals to lead complex logistics operations and manage end-to-end supply chain processes.

The course covers essential areas such as procurement, supplier relationship management, international business communication, strategic planning, corporate responsibility, and risk forecasting. It introduces learners to real-world challenges faced by logistics professionals and policy makers, helping them understand global trends, compliance issues, and technological advances shaping the future of supply networks.

Throughout the programme, learners will engage with both theoretical concepts and practical models, applying them to modern logistics problems and case studies. Emphasis is placed on ethical leadership, negotiation tactics, effective communication in multicultural environments, and the ability to make data-informed decisions under pressure.

Upon successful completion of the diploma, learners will be equipped with the tools to:

• Lead procurement and logistics functions with strategic vision.
• Optimise supplier and stakeholder relationships.
• Respond proactively to global supply chain risks.
• Integrate sustainable and ethical practices into business operations.
• Prepare for higher-level roles or continued academic study in logistics, supply chain, or business management.

This qualification is ideal for aspiring supply chain managers, procurement professionals, logistics coordinators, or those already working in the field and looking to progress into more senior or strategic positions.

Core Units Overview:

Unit 1: Business Communication

This unit develops learners’ understanding of communication principles in business environments, with a focus on intercultural communication, legal and ethical considerations, and departmental coordination. It supports effective message delivery and professional relationships in a global logistics context.

Unit 2: Purchasing, Supplier Management and Negotiation

Learners will explore the purchasing cycle, supplier selection, relationship management, and negotiation strategies. The unit strengthens procurement competencies essential to securing quality resources, managing cost, and building resilient supplier partnerships.

Unit 3: Supply Chain Management

This unit provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain systems, from sourcing to distribution. Learners will examine key logistics functions, industry roles, and the impact of integration and coordination on business performance.

Unit 4: Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility

Focusing on ethical practice and responsible decision-making, this unit enables learners to evaluate value-based leadership and sustainability in the supply chain. Topics include ethical sourcing, transparency, and corporate responsibility in global trade.

Unit 5: Strategic Management

This unit introduces learners to the tools and processes of strategy development in logistics and supply chains. It covers strategic decision-making, cultural considerations, and barriers to strategy execution in dynamic global markets.

Unit 6: Supply Chain Risk Assessment and Forecasting

Learners will develop the ability to identify, assess, and manage risks within supply chain operations. The unit includes forecasting techniques, risk perspectives, and practical approaches to ensuring continuity and resilience in uncertain environments.