Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)

The purchasing function is now seen in both public and private sector organisations as a key provider of bottom line profitability. Its profile has risen considerably over the past twenty years, underpinned by the increased take up of qualifications in the area, notably the Graduate Diploma in Purchasing Supply issued by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). All three levels of the CIPS Graduate Diploma are available to study part time at Greenwich School of Management, London and successful completion of the programme leads to corporate membership of the Institute and the use of the designatory letters MCIPS.

The CIPS Graduate Diploma is the lead qualification for people in the fields of purchasing, logistics, transportation, stores and supply chain activities. In itself, the qualification is an essential tool in obtaining senior management jobs in supply chain management. It also offers significant career development opportunities in progressing to our postgraduate programmes. Those who successfully obtain the CIPS Diploma may be offered direct admission to the University of Plymouth MSc in Procurement Management delivered at Greenwich School of Management, London.

Programme Structure
Greenwich School of Management runs all three levels of the CIPS Graduate Diploma: Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6. Each level consists of 5 modules. The programme is delivered over weekends on a part-time basis. Each module is delivered over 2 weekends plus one day for exam revision. This is a professional qualification and it leads to corporate membership of the Institute.

Foundation Stage (Level 4) is HNC/D equivalent and Level 5 and 6 are at the level of a bachelors degree.

Each stage consists of five modules. Programme members are advised to consider whether they are entitled to exemptions from certain modules on the programme. These must be obtained directly from the Institute.

The modules are all assessed by examination. There are two examination sessions each year, with course members taking external examinations from the Institute. The examinations will take place during the third week of May and the last week in November each year. The length of each examination is 3 hours. Entry to examinations is made directly through the Institute. It is a student’s responsibility to enter exams.

Entry Dates
The Course members can commence the programme in March or September. Each module will be delivered over two weekends (Saturday and Sunday). In addition, there is a revision day (inclusive within the course fee) prior to the examination. The dates of the module weekends and revision days can be found in the module timetable.

Examinations
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) examinations are held in January, March, May, July and November each year. It is the course members’ responsibility to register for these examinations directly with CIPS.

CIPS Membership
Course members should apply directly to CIPS for membership of the Institute. The Course Director will advise course members on application procedure. The School tuition fees do not include CIPS membership fees.

Please take a look at the 3 course levels using the links at the top left of the page.