CIPS Level 4 – Diploma in Procurement & Supply (Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply)

Who is the course for?

The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply is the most prominent professional body for those who are developing a career in purchasing.

This qualification is the normal entry level for graduates or for those with substantial procurement experience. Many CIPS members, who have previous business experience or qualifications, commence their CIPS studies with this Level 4 qualification.

What will I study?

The aims of the course are to provide insight into best practice, develop decision making skills and provide a broad-based education in business relating to the profession. The course consists of five units which are examinable at various times of the year.

This level is seen as a valuable management tool for those moving into junior and middle management procurement roles or those supervising the procurement function. It focuses on how organisational procedures and processes perform in procurement and supply, including negotiating, planning, risk management and data analysis.

There are two intakes for level 4 – September and January. The September intake starts with module one and the January intake start with module three.

How will the course be delivered?

The college will be delivering the following modules from September 2013. The level 4 course runs 5pm – 9pm on a Monday evenings or 1pm – 5pm on a Tuesday afternoons.

Contexts of Procurement & Supply
Business Needs in Procurement & Supply
Sourcing in Procurement & Supply
Negotiating and Contracting in Procurement & Supply
Managing Contracts & Relationships in Procurement & Supply

A detailed course content can be found at this link: http://www.cips.org/en-GB/Qualifications/Qualifications-review-2013/ or we can email it to you in PDF form by request.

If you have completed some CIPS modules already and are unsure where to start, please contact the course leader Mike Keane – m.keane@blackburn.ac.uk or alternatively contact CIPS directly (www.cips.org) who will be able to advise you.

Course Entry Criteria

Ideally you will have completed level 2 and/or Level 3 of the CIPS programme. You’ll need an A Level or an equivalent level qualification as a minimum and some experience in a purchasing & supply role. Many graduates or those who are working in Purchasing and Supply roles, join the CIPS courses with this qualification.

The college operates a no refunds policy as detailed below.

Cancellations and transfer requests are subject to the following conditions:

• More than 4 weeks notice – no charge
• 4 weeks notice – 30% of the cost
• 2-3 weeks notice – 50% of the cost
• 1-2 weeks notice – 75% of the cost
• Less than 1 weeks notice – 100% of the cost

All cancellations must be made in writing and are subject to a £10 administration charge. The full fee’s policy is available on request.

What will I get at the end of the course?

You will receive a Level 4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply from CIPS.

What can I do next?

You can progress onto CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply once you have successfully completed your studies.

How much does it cost?

The full course fee is £1,750 per year (excluding exam fees and registration fees, which are paid directly to CIPS). (Prices are subject to change).

Once you have been awarded a place, you will, in due course, need to complete the CIPS Registration Membership document and this can be found at: http://www.cips.org/membership/joinonline. This needs to be submitted directly to CIPS with the registration fees which are also detailed (You can also register online at this link).