Application and contact details

Andrew Thorn, CIPS Programme Director
Phone: 01792 481168
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Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)

Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply

Programme Length

One year part-time for the Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
Two years part-time for the Advanced Diploma
Three years part-time for the Graduate Diploma

Programme Description

As a profession, purchasing and supply is increasingly being seen as a strategic business discipline. CIPS qualifications are widely regarded as an international benchmark of excellence, enhancing standards of professionalism and performance throughout purchasing and supply. The CIPS programme offers qualifications from Level 4 to Level 6. The programme aims to provide students with a strong grounding in purchasing and business performance, building on previously learnt knowledge and work-based experience.

Programme Content and Structure

The programme consists of three levels (Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Graduate Diploma) and upon completion of each level the student is awarded a qualification culminating in the award of the CIPS Graduate Diploma and students become eligible to use the letters MCIPS, subject to meeting the qualifying criteria. At each level students are required to complete five modules.

Diploma in Purchasing and Supply

● Effective negotiation in purchasing and supply
● Developing contracts in purchasing and supply
● Measuring purchasing performance
● Measuring purchasing and supply relationships
● Purchasing contexts

Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply

● Management in the purchasing function
● Risk management and supply chain vulnerability
● Improving supply chain performance

Optional units
● Marketing for purchasers
● Storage and distribution
● Operations management in the supply chain

Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply

● Leading and influencing in purchasing
● Strategic supply chain management

Optional units
● Legal aspects in purchasing and supply
● Advanced project management
● Finance for purchasers

The course is delivered on an afternoon and evening basis to allow the student to complete each level in one year. Students may study on an evening only basis as well.

Assessment

Each unit is assessed by one examination which can be sat at four different times a year.

Entry Requirements

Normally at least 2' A- levels, CIPS Level 3 Certificate or any other Level 3 qualifications deemed to be considered equivalent. Applicants without any prior qualifications must have at least two years' experience in a business environment.