University of Cambridge
Sustainable Supply Chain Management Online Short Course
Build the knowledge and practical skills to design and transform resilient, responsible and future-fit supply chains.
Start date
29 April 2026
92%
Cohort-based learning
Group learning, expert guidance
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
English
Access resources from start date
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The proportion of manufacturers prioritising regionalisation as global value chains are reconfigured.
World Economic Forum (2024).
AI-powered supply chains are expected to play a critical role in improving supply chain visibility, resilience and decision-making.
World Economic Forum (2025).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The rapid transformation of global value chains, driven by climate risks, geo-economic and geopolitical shifts and technological transformation, is reshaping how organisations operate and compete. In this context, organisations must move beyond incremental improvements to redesign their operations and build resilient, sustainable, and future-fit value chains.
The University of Cambridge Sustainable Supply Chain Management online short course takes a deep dive into the environmental, social, and technological facets of supply chain management to help organisations build resilient and adaptive value chains in an increasingly volatile and disrupted global environment.
Through this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry's latest developments and disruptive changes, enabling them to respond strategically to these shifts, optimise logistics and procurement and embed sustainability, circularity, and business model innovation into core business processes. Furthermore, the course includes a deep dive into the impact of value chain activities across interconnected environmental, social, and economic systems. With particular relevance to industry and manufacturing, the course also explores how these challenges and opportunities extend across interconnected sectors and global systems. The course explores how creative business models, integrated supply chain analytics, KPI formulations and technology can be used to adapt to ongoing industry transformation. By the end of the course, students will acquire the knowledge and tools needed to enact meaningful changes in their roles and organisations, enabling them to remain competitive, resilient, and responsive to the accelerating transformation of global value chains and production systems.
Is this supply chain management course for you?
This supply chain management online course caters to professionals who want to develop their capabilities and adapt their organisations value chain strategies in response to accelerating global sustainability and market shifts. It can be advantageous for management members who wish to understand how to integrate agile and resilient approaches into their supply chains to benefit their firms, whether they have experience in logistics and supply chain management or are just interested in upgrading their skills. Additionally, this course is pertinent to sustainability experts, supply chain managers, strategic professionals, consultants, and individuals employed in logistics and inventory management roles. This course can provide a forward-looking perspective on how roles in these areas are evolving, supporting professionals who are looking to deepen their expertise or transition into more strategic supply chain and value chain role.
CISL Connect: Online live sessions
CISL has developed three bonus CISL Connect: Online Live Sessions for all students joining any of our ten business sustainability leadership courses. Through these sessions, you’ll get direct access to CISL's leading voices on today’s most urgent business topics – competitiveness, AI and resilience. This format gives you the chance to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas with a far broader global network of professionals beyond your cohort.
This course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 80 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. CISL and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
The Sustainable Supply Chain Management online short course from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is accredited by the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA). ISCEA is the global leader in supply chain education, certification, and recognition courses. By completing this course, students will receive globally recognised skills in the supply chain occupation, networking opportunities with like-minded individuals, and discounted fees for Certified Sustainable Supply Chain Professional (CSSCP) certification. For more information on the benefits of taking this ISCEA-accredited course, click here.
Please note that GetSmarter and CISL bear no responsibility for the claiming of these benefits with ISCEA. The onus, therefore, falls on you to do so.
This is your opportunity to unleash your potential for extraordinary impact. By completing a course with CISL, you'll develop the skills, confidence, and network to lead change in your sector, organisation and sphere of influence to make significant contributions to society. Extraordinary change happens when passionate and inspired individuals share a common purpose to drive meaningful impact for the collective good.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The rapid transformation of global value chains, driven by climate risks, geo-economic and geopolitical shifts and technological transformation, is reshaping how organisations operate and compete. In this context, organisations must move beyond incremental improvements to redesign their operations and build resilient, sustainable, and future-fit value chains.
The University of Cambridge Sustainable Supply Chain Management online short course takes a deep dive into the environmental, social, and technological facets of supply chain management to help organisations build resilient and adaptive value chains in an increasingly volatile and disrupted global environment.
Through this course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the industry's latest developments and disruptive changes, enabling them to respond strategically to these shifts, optimise logistics and procurement and embed sustainability, circularity, and business model innovation into core business processes. Furthermore, the course includes a deep dive into the impact of value chain activities across interconnected environmental, social, and economic systems. With particular relevance to industry and manufacturing, the course also explores how these challenges and opportunities extend across interconnected sectors and global systems. The course explores how creative business models, integrated supply chain analytics, KPI formulations and technology can be used to adapt to ongoing industry transformation. By the end of the course, students will acquire the knowledge and tools needed to enact meaningful changes in their roles and organisations, enabling them to remain competitive, resilient, and responsive to the accelerating transformation of global value chains and production systems.
Is this supply chain management course for you?
This supply chain management online course caters to professionals who want to develop their capabilities and adapt their organisations value chain strategies in response to accelerating global sustainability and market shifts. It can be advantageous for management members who wish to understand how to integrate agile and resilient approaches into their supply chains to benefit their firms, whether they have experience in logistics and supply chain management or are just interested in upgrading their skills. Additionally, this course is pertinent to sustainability experts, supply chain managers, strategic professionals, consultants, and individuals employed in logistics and inventory management roles. This course can provide a forward-looking perspective on how roles in these areas are evolving, supporting professionals who are looking to deepen their expertise or transition into more strategic supply chain and value chain role.
CISL Connect: Online live sessions
CISL has developed three bonus CISL Connect: Online Live Sessions for all students joining any of our ten business sustainability leadership courses. Through these sessions, you’ll get direct access to CISL's leading voices on today’s most urgent business topics – competitiveness, AI and resilience. This format gives you the chance to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas with a far broader global network of professionals beyond your cohort.
This course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 80 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. CISL and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
The Sustainable Supply Chain Management online short course from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is accredited by the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA). ISCEA is the global leader in supply chain education, certification, and recognition courses. By completing this course, students will receive globally recognised skills in the supply chain occupation, networking opportunities with like-minded individuals, and discounted fees for Certified Sustainable Supply Chain Professional (CSSCP) certification. For more information on the benefits of taking this ISCEA-accredited course, click here.
Please note that GetSmarter and CISL bear no responsibility for the claiming of these benefits with ISCEA. The onus, therefore, falls on you to do so.
This is your opportunity to unleash your potential for extraordinary impact. By completing a course with CISL, you'll develop the skills, confidence, and network to lead change in your sector, organisation and sphere of influence to make significant contributions to society. Extraordinary change happens when passionate and inspired individuals share a common purpose to drive meaningful impact for the collective good.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
Deepen your understanding of technological trends and the role of technology in transforming and integrating supply chains to improve transparency and resilience
The knowledge and foresight to manage the risks of operating in volatile, uncertain, and complex environments to create resilient and sustainable supply chains.
A deeper understanding of global supply chains, and how to leverage sustainability and long-term value creation within your own supply chain to improve your organisation's commercial success and long-term resilience.
An understanding of how circular economy principles and business model innovation can unlock new forms of value across supply chains and networks
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Essentials of supply chain management
Module 2
Managing supply chains in a changing world
Module 3
Practical implications for supply chain management
Module 4
Designing efficient, resilient supply chains
Module 5
Supply chain analytics
Module 6
Innovation and supply chain technology
Module 7
Supply chain collaboration and partnerships
Module 8
Rewiring your supply chain
What past students
think
Juan Carlos Felicita
Purchasing Manager, Global International Trading
I found this course to be very insightful. The focus that is given to the sustainability of the supply chain is both unfamiliar and very interesting. It presents to you the tools necessary to change your view of your supply chain and start making meaningful changes with more far-reaching effects. The learning experience was productive, and the subjects given in the course enhances your understanding of the effects of supply chains in the market and in all our lives.
Course Convenors
Martin Roberts
Sustainability and education specialist and former Director of Digital Learning, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Ian Ellison
Senior Associate, the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
About the certificate
Explore and gain knowledge of sustainable supply chain management and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with your digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
Get more information
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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an enrollment specialist, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
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