CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply

CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply

This Course at a Glance

• Achieve a globally recognised CIPS qualification
• Develop core procurement and supply skill sets
• Study at your own pace with a flexible CIPS course structure
• Equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree
• Gain ethical awareness and policy understanding crucial for the profession
• Enhance your career prospects and earning potential with CIPS Level 4

Future-proof your role within your industry with a Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS qualification). learndirect, in partnership with the Law Training Centre, is pleased to offer this CIPS course to support learners in building the core industry skill sets of Procurement Professionals who operate at the core of industry and business.

By undertaking a CIPS qualification, you will become engaged with wider aspects of your role that will, through your studies and examinations, deliver the understanding of policy and ethical awareness needed within your profession. Advance your career in procurement by studying our CIPS Level 4 Diploma, which is specifically designed to help you study within a flexible framework, in your own environment, at your own pace, and fit around your work and family life.

The CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. The CIPS course is based on the Operational and Managerial levels of CIPS global standards, enabling you to develop your knowledge, technical skills, and competencies required by an employer. These competencies can be applied within your current employment whilst studying towards the qualification.

Getting started

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is the largest procurement professional body in the world. CIPS promotes procurement best practices and the interests of all procurement professionals to the wider business community.

A CIPS qualification from learndirect will greatly benefit your career and gives you the potential to increase your salary, as well as be recognised as a professional member of the CIPS body. All CIPS qualifications are Ofqual-accredited. A CIPS qualification will return your investment in this course of educational and professional training through the building of the core industry skill sets of the Procurement Professionals who operate at the core of industry and business. As a Procurement Specialist, you will become an essential team member and will ensure the continuing success of your sector area through the sourcing and purchasing of materials and goods.

Undertaking this CIPS course will future-proof your role within your industry. You will become engaged with wider aspects of your role that will, through your studies and examinations, deliver the understanding of policy and ethical awareness needed within your profession. The CIPS qualifications are focused on added value. Not only are they a necessary step towards furthering your career, but they will identify and signpost your skills and your professional behaviours amongst your colleagues within the sector.

What support is available?

Our dedicated support system ensures you have everything you need for successful CIPS preparation.

• Live Q&A support sessions: Fortnightly online sessions where you can meet with other learners and tutors and raise queries about the course and assessment preparation.
• Q&A forums: Ask questions about the course, academic content, and liaise with others on the course. All overseen by tutors to provide additional insight.
• Unlimited tutor support: 1-2-1 contact with subject matter expert tutors via email, telephone call, and video to raise any queries on the learning content, with a response time of up to 48 hours within the working week.
• Personal academic coach: To provide additional support in structuring your studies, revision planning, and guidance on next steps.
• Student services team: On hand to assist with any advice required whether that is course guidance, pastoral requirements or IT support.
• Subject forums: A monitored online forum where you can raise queries and interact with other learners on the course is provided for each unit.
• 1:1 tutor support: 48-hour email response time from specialist tutors (Mon-Fri) to help with any course-related queries for each provided subject area.

Modules

L4M1 Scope & Influence of Procurement and Supply

On completion of this module, you will:

Be able to identify the key stakeholders through the application of the sourcing process, the analysis of the procurement cycle, and the evaluation of the influence procurement and supply has as a source of added value for the organisation.

L4M2 Defining Business Need

On completion of this module, you will:

Be able to devise a business case for requirements to be externally sourced and will understand the role of market management and competitive forces as they specify goods and services in procurement and supply.

L4M3 Commercial Contracting

On completion of this module, you will:

Be able to describe the key elements and legal aspects of formal commercial contracts, analyse and interpret the fundamentals of specifications and key performance indicators that are included in contractual arrangements made with suppliers.

L4M4 Ethical and Responsible Sourcing

On completion of this module, you will:

Be able to explain the options and associated processes available for sourcing with external suppliers. They will also examine the legal and ethical impact and the implications of sustainability, encompassing economic, environmental, social and governance factors on the final sourcing decision.

L4M5 Commercial Negotiation

On completion of this module, you will:

Be able to identify approaches to successfully achieving negotiated commercial agreements with external organisations.

L4M6 Supplier Relationships

On completion of this module, you will:

Be able to analyse the dynamics of supplier relationships, examine the processes and procedures for working with stakeholders and explain the concept of partnering.

L4M7 Whole Life Asset Management

On completion of this module, you will:

Be able to explain methods of inventory management, inventory analysis and the concept of whole-life asset management cost, from idea through to disposal.

L4M8 Procurement & Supply in Practice

On completion of this module, you will:

Be able to demonstrate the practical application of the procurement cycle in an integrated manner, within a workplace context. This module is designed as a summary module, drawing on the knowledge and skills developed in M1 to M7 and applying these in a work context.

Entry Requirements

To enrol on the CIPS Level 4 Diploma, a minimum of at least two A-Levels (or international equivalent) or a CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate qualification is required. Alternatively, you will need a minimum of two years’ relevant experience in a business environment.

How long does it take?

The total qualification time (TQT) is a term used for qualification regulated by Ofqual and is the total number of hours it is estimated that an average learner will take to complete a qualification. With a 600-hour total qualification time, CIPS Level 4 Diploma can be completed within 6 to 12 months. However, learners will receive course access for 2 years, allowing you to study flexibly around your work and life commitments, progressing as slowly or as quickly as you please. This flexible timeframe makes it an ideal CIPS preparation course online.

This CIPS course is designed to prepare you thoroughly for your CIPS assessments through a rich virtual learning platform with essential study aids, unlimited tutor support, and your own 1:1 personal academic coach.

Administration

• Flexible online delivery: We know that our learners need flexibility for course dates to fit around their work and life commitments. This is why you can enrol at any time. The on-demand course materials means that, no matter when you start, you will have access to the content and can move through the CIPS course at the pace that suits you. Plus, with 2 years of course access, you will have plenty of time to study and complete your course in line with your own personal timeline.
• Module e-books: For each unit you enrol you will be provided with a CIPS Study Guide. The content of each Study Guide has been created by CIPS to support you as you study the syllabus learning outcomes for the module.
• On demand course materials: Access to a comprehensive suite of learning resources whenever you need them.

Study tools

• Study planners: A downloadable calendar, course overview, and a range of study planner options to successfully plan and track your progress. Your tutor will also assist you in creating a study plan based on your personal and professional circumstances, ensuring effective CIPS preparation.
• Recorded lectures: Recorded lectures for each topic accompanied by the lecture slides on which the narration is based. The recorded lectures align with the assessment criteria to provide focus on the key aspects of the topic.
• Self-test questions: Designed to assess your understanding and recollection of the learning content provided. Answering specific questions about the study materials assist with recall and help you to identify any areas you need to revisit. The questions are fully automated on our virtual learning environment allowing you to attempt the questions and review the suggested answers provided at any time.
• MCQs: Multiple choice questions (MCQs) are designed to test your understanding of the subject area.
• Additional revision resources: Additional revision resources include flashcards and practice questions.
• Mock assessments: Mock assessments are provided for each unit based on the learning outcomes required for the final assessment. 1:1 tutor feedback is provided on the attempt to assist in preparation for the final assessment.

Upon successful completion of the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply, you will have achieved a globally recognised CIPS qualification. This significant accomplishment marks you as a skilled professional, equipped with the operational and managerial competencies essential for a thriving career in procurement and supply. This CIPS course is your step towards becoming a professional member of the CIPS body, enhancing your career prospects and demonstrating your commitment to best practice in the industry.

A CIPS qualification is a powerful asset for advancing your career in procurement and supply. The CIPS Level 4 Diploma equips you with the in-depth knowledge and practical skills that are highly sought after by employers across various industries. This CIPS course will enable you to take on more complex responsibilities, from defining business needs and managing commercial contracts to implementing ethical sourcing strategies and building strong supplier relationships. By completing this CIPS qualification, you position yourself as a vital and strategic asset, capable of driving efficiency and adding significant value to any organisation.

Frequently Asked Questions