MSc Lean Enterprise
- Part-time
- Entry requirements: Please see the entry requirements tab below
This course is subject to formal approval.
Since the publication in 1996 of Lean Thinking (Womack and Jones), ‘Lean’ has established itself as the most effective and most widely adopted improvement methodology for operations in the world. With roots in the Toyota Production System and in earlier approaches, Lean has expanded vertically into accounting, marketing, HR, IT, design and R&D, and logistics, and horizontally into service, health, government, and banking. Lean is now integrated with other effective approaches including Systems Thinking and Six Sigma. The Buckingham degree is titled ‘Lean Enterprise’ rather than ‘Lean Operations’ . The focus, however, is on integrated operations rather than on learning a range of diverse disciplines or tools.
Whilst today not everyone agrees with the term ‘Lean’, the principles learned in this degree are now ‘mainstream’ in any aspiring operation. Find out more by contacting bleu@buckingham.ac.uk.
The philosophy of the programme is that Lean can only effectively be learned with hands-on practice. Hence, a considerable part of the programme is held on-site at plant and service locations. By the end of the programme, participants will have taken part in real exercises (not just case studies) in several organisations in several sectors.
Mentoring is an important part of learning about Lean. Detailed mentoring, feedback, and discussion are important incorporated aspects. Networking, of course, is also a valuable aspect that results from the class profile.
The student group is deliberately small to allow both practical hands-on participation and personal interaction with some of the leading practitioners in the UK.
Applicants are expected to have significant relevant practical experience or a First / Second class degree plus a minimum of 5 years experience.
Mature students
Age is no barrier to learning and we welcome all applications from suitably qualified students.
A Typical ‘Hands-on On-site Module’
The first day comprises lectures and discussion on the topic theory. A briefing is given by plant management , and a walk though takes place. Days 2 to 4 consist of lectures, discussions, and games but also several hours of investigation, observation, discussion with host staff, use of computer packages for data analysis, and synthesis. During such days, students work closely with lecturers (typically two) and together they work out recommendations. Overnight there is often readings and further analysis. On the Friday a presentation is made to host management. The module concludes at around 15:00.
| Year 1 (66.7% of total marks) | Year 2 (33.3% of total marks) |
| Taught stage (100%) | Dissertation stage (100% of Yr 2 marks) |
| Eight modules will be assessed via a 4,000 word assignment. The assignment will be weighted as 100% assessment of each module. | This stage requires delivery of a 20 minute individual presentation and the submission of a 15,000 word dissertation. The presentation is weighted 20%, and 80% weighting is for the dissertation. |
Students are required to pass all stages. The pass mark for each element is 50%.
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Additional expenses
Please note that students will be responsible for settling their own travel and accommodation costs to and from modules. Books will also need to be purchased by students on the course.
Apply directly
You can apply directly using our online application form – all you need to do is click the ‘apply’ button at the top of this page.
Help and support
If you need any help making your application or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch using the form below, or by phone on +44 (0)1280 820227. We are available between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Friday.
You may find it useful to download these great tips from Which University? on writing your personal statement.
If you would like to make any changes to your current application, please contact Admissions using the form below.