Bachelor's Degree
Did you know that purchasing and logistics are what make modern life possible? Behind thriving businesses, every product on a shelf or delivered package is a network of smart decisions and seamless coordination – engineering. In our Purchasing and Logistics Engineering degree programme you will learn how to design, manage, and improve these systems and make them more efficient and sustainable. With a unique mix of business and technology, you are able to build a career that makes a difference.
Purchasing and logistics are understood by few, but they affect us all. It is not exaggeration to say that nothing in this world would work without those who can make sure that everything is at the right place, right time and in right condition – and who also make sure the processes regarding these actions are executed properly and sustainably.
In the Purchasing and Logistics Engineering Degree programme, you will immerse yourself in a world of business, global activities, sustainability, and engineering. This multidisciplinary competence gives you a unique perspective and a skill set to utilize in work life.
Purchasing is at the heart of almost any business, and its main purpose is to make sure that organisations have the right goods, processes, and other resources at their disposal, along with managing costs. Up-to-date knowledge of purchasing is a prerequisite for a successful business.
Logistics is a vital tool which keeps the organisation’s wheels running smoothly. Well-thought logistic engineering ensures efficient, effective, and economical movement of goods, information, capital, and people. With the ability to plan, execute and develop organisation’s logistical processes, you can help business to thrive and become more sustainable.
Overall, the knowledge of both purchasing and logistics plays a critical role in the competitiveness and success of modern businesses. Our accredited degree programme prepares you to work as a specialist and management positions with the ability to plan, develop, implement, and manage purchasing and logistics activities.
Designed in close co-operation with experts from different sectors of the business, our curriculum reflects the latest research and the evolving needs of the future working life.
The cornerstones of your studies are natural sciences, technology, business skills and leadership, and, of course, purchasing and logistics. With these basic studies, along with courses in language and communication, you will build a solid foundation for your future competence.
Natural sciences are the basic tool of any engineer, and so you, too, shall study mathematics and physics. You will also learn how to apply these in practice in the field of logistics.
Technology will be your partner in work throughout your career. That is why it is important that you learn how to use various kinds of technologies and possess the skills to utilize new emerging technologies with agility and innovation. You will make yourself acquainted with various technologies and operating systems throughout your studies. So, after graduation, whether you are faced with ERP-systems, data collection and analysis, technical drawing, or production technologies, you are well-prepared and able to use technology to create success.
Purchasing and logistics form the knowledge base and skill set which will make you stand out in the job market and provide diverse career opportunities. During these studies, you learn how to excel in strategic roles and skills to lead global organizations and operations successfully.
After your studies you will understand the role and significance of purchasing in organizations operations and competitiveness, and you will be able to lead and develop purchasing processes whilst taking environmental impacts into consideration. You know how business economics work, as well as how to manage risks, reduce costs, and draw contracts. You have the skills to manage materials, forecast demand and harness the power of business ecosystems. Your purchasing competence culminates in strategic leadership skills, which you know how to implement in day-to-day practices at work.
Along with fundamental understanding of economic and business, you will understand what logistics is and how many ways it is linked to companies and their operations. In a nutshell, you know how goods, people, capital and information are transported across the world. You will also be able to lead and develop logistics operations, and you have a deep understanding of how sustainability and circular economy are key elements in the field. You will also be able to control, plan and develop these flows to be more efficient while reducing costs, adding value and minimizing environmental impacts.
You will have an impact on businesses, careers and on the environment, and because of that you will also learn about how to make well-informed decisions, how to lead both people and processes, and know how to enhance sustainability. You will learn to gather and use data to support decisions, consider correlations which others might not see, and look organisation’s different operations as a whole. Competitiveness, responsibility, and sustainability are not just trendy words for you once you have learned how to implement these ideas into practice.
After you have grasped the fundamentals of logistics and purchasing, you can dive deeper into topics you want to focus on. For your advanced professional studies, you can complete courses of your choice for a total of 45 ETCS. These options include modules in Logistics Management, Circular Economy, and Business Management. Additionally, you can include modules that consist of e.g. studies abroad, a logistics project, other technical studies, or entrepreneurship studies as part of your advanced professional studies.
Gain deeper understanding of the global logistics supply chain process in totality. After completing this module, you have skills to lead and develop various logistics processes and make decisions while taking into account technical, economical and sustainable aspects. This module gives you cutting-edge knowledge and skills which you can utilize into creating more sustainable and profitable practices in logistics.
Dive deep into managing material flows and leadership. After completing this module, you can recognize the essential requirements of material flows in circular economy and understand their meaning as part of sustainable development. This module gives you great insight into sustainability and responsibility as well as their role in thriving business.
Immerse yourself in business and financial principles of the ogranisation’s operations. After completing this module, you have practical knowledge on managing processes, risks, and people, as well as understanding about the role of customer service, sales and marketing play in competitive business. This module gives you tools to become the leader any organization would be happy to have in their team.
Apply your knowledge in real-world settings during practical training and gain invaluable hands-on experience.
At the end of your studies, you can tackle real-world challenges through a final thesis that combines practical and theoretical research. The final thesis is also a way to demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the professional world.
Purchasing and Logistics Competence
Complementary Competence
Student story
There is no need to be nervous about studying English. Basic English skills are enough to get you started, and professional vocabulary will become familiar as your studies progress. Using language in studies develops skills quickly, and soon it becomes natural."
Topias Hangasjärvi
Read Topias' story (in Finnish)Study in a multicultural environment in Finland, where internationality becomes an integral part of your daily life.
First- and second-year studies will have an 80 % attendance requirement. This means that you are required to attend at least 80 % of the teaching hours offered. By participating in lessons, you will learn important work-life skills such as teamwork and interaction skills and get to know your fellow students.
If you need to be absent for compelling reasons, such as illness, you can discuss and agree on justified absences with your teachers.
After graduation, you will most probably work in a position in which you have a say in various topics. You shape the processes of the organization in which you work, and you might also have a team which you lead towards success. You have a chance to make a difference to the world by developing more sustainable practices and processes, as well as innovating new ways to do things.
As a graduate of the Purchasing and Logistics Engineering programme, you have a wide range of career opportunities. Potential roles include, for example:
These roles span various sectors and industries, ensuring that your skills are in demand globally.
After accumulating at least two years of work experience post-graduation, you're eligible to apply for master's degree studies. You can also further your education by applying for university master's degree programs or similar offerings. Moreover, a bachelor's degree from a university of applied sciences opens doors to higher education institutes abroad for master's-level studies. Continued education opportunities include specialisation studies, open courses, and career-oriented continuing education.
A graduate with a master's degree from a university of applied sciences can apply for postgraduate studies in science or arts at universities (Act 558/2009, Section 37).
Student story
I have been enjoying studying purchasing and logistics at Jamk. One of the reasons is that my previous work experience aligns well with my current studies, making me feel that I am improving my skills.
Kosuke Yoshikawa
Read Kosuke's storyJamk’s international alumni, Bushra Faruque, shares her experiences of studying in Finland and in the Purchasing and Logistics Engineering programme. Get ready for a captivating glimpse into student life, challenges and achievements within this high-quality degree programme. Through the eyes of the alumni, you'll discover what kind of environment Finland and Jamk provide for learning and professional growth.
