CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma

CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma

The CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma is an advanced qualification which demonstrates to employers a high level of skills in purchasing and supply. Challenging economic times and growing corporate social responsibility are making the role of buyer more pivotal to any business. This qualification demonstrates to employers that your skills are accredited by the premier professional body in purchasing and supply - the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply. It can also lead to further study and eventual chartered status through membership of CIPS.

This CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma course leads on from the Level 3 Certificate course, and offers an industry-standard qualification that demonstrates to employers that you are have advanced skills in purchasing and supply. It formalises your existing skills, and builds on them so that you are able to apply the fundamentals of this fascinating profession to jobs in purchasing and supply in practically any business or industry.

You'll develop advanced skills in negotiation, and understand the complexities of contracts and other commercial arrangements. You'll learn how to measure the effectiveness of supply chains and analyse their impact on your business, and delve more deeply into the intricacies of your buyer/supplier relationships. Purchasing principles are applied in a number of varied contexts, such as private and public sector, not-for-profit and government: you'll explore these, and learn how to manage their different needs.

Entry Requirements

To qualify you need to be at least 18 years of age with a minimum of 2 A-Levels or equivalent, such as a relevant Level 3 Certificate. If you have no prior qualifications, you must be at least 21 years of age with a minimum two years' work experience in business.

Where will I go from here?

Opportunities and salaries for skilled buyers are outstripping those of many other professions. With an advanced qualification from the leading industry body, you'll be sought after and could be on track for a highly lucrative career in purchasing and supply.

What will I gain?

On completion, you'll receive the CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma qualification.

Awarding Body

CIPS is an international organisation serving the purchasing and supply profession.

Dedicated to promoting good practice, CIPS provides a wide range of services for the benefit of members and the wider business community.

Assessment

You will be required to complete a number of formative assessments during your course and five exams (set by CIPS) on completion of your course.

Effective Negotiation in Purchasing and Supply

  • Formative Assessments 1-5 
  • Formative Assessment 6: a mock exam 
  • Final Exam 1: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4) additional questions

Developing Contracts in Purchasing and Supply

  • Formative Assessments 7-16 
  • Formative Assessment 17: a mock exam 
  • Final Exam 2: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4) additional questions

Measuring Purchasing Performance

  • Formative Assessments 18-27 
  • Formative Assessment 28: a mock exam 
  • Final Exam 3: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4) additional questions

Managing Purchasing and Supply Relationships

  • Formative Assessments 29-34 
  • Formative Assessment 35: a mock exam 
  • Final Exam 4: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4) additional questions

Purchasing Contexts

  • Formative Assessments 36-40 
  • Formative Assessment 41: a mock exam 
  • Final Exam 5: 4 compulsory questions

Notes

All exams last 3 hours and have a pass mark of 50%.

Exam sessions in the UK now take place five times a year, however, please be aware that only select units are available for the January/March/July sessions.

Exam timetables

•  January *
•  March *
•  May
•  July *
•  November

*Select units are available for the January/March/July sessions.

You may enter for as many units as you wish in one sitting, however, exam weeks vary so please check that units are not scheduled to take place at the same time. Try to make the most of the five exam sessions and choose different units for each session.

Please note that the format of the exams is subject to change. The details provided are intended only as a guide and should not be regarded as definitive.

Generally, assessments can be sent to us online via the ICS Student Community: it's the fastest way to receive your results.

What will I get?

Because we're experts in home learning, ICS knows about and offers all the support you need along the way.

You'll receive IAB study materials that have been specially designed for distance learning by experts in your chosen field.

You'll have access to an experienced personal tutor both online and over the phone, ready to help you with guidance and motivation.

You'll also be part of the ICS Online Student Community, where you'll have access to library materials and your account information, as well as vital links with your fellow students, with the chance to discuss your work, ask questions and make new friends.

Hours of study

250 - 350 hours

That's approximately equivalent to between 2 ½ and 3 ½ hours of study a week over the 24-month support period.

Support period

24 months

Course code

N84

Course cost

£1299.00

Additional fees

There are CIPS membership, administration and exam fees that are additional to your course fees:

  • CIPS UK annual Student membership fee: £147 (new members, £105 for renewal)
  • CIPS UK administration fee: £42
  • UK exam fees: £77 per exam (five in total)

 

See your course content

Key Topics

Effective Negotiation in Purchasing and Supply

  • Learn how to prepare, plan and participate in the negotiation process, discovering how to achieve best value within the supply chain. Gain the skills to analyse costs and markets effectively. Consider various legal implications that affect negotiations. Understand how to avoid conflict while maintaining the balance of power.

Developing Contracts in Purchasing and Supply

  • Understand the complexities of both the legalities and commercial issues of contractual arrangements entered into with external organisations. Gain an underpinning knowledge of the legalities of the formation of contracts as well as the key ingredients of any commercial arrangement.

Measuring Purchasing Performance

  • Discover how to measure the effectiveness of the supply chain and its contribution towards aiding the competitiveness and effectiveness of an organisation. Learn how to evaluate supplier performance and how to make suggestions for future improvements.

Managing Purchasing and Supply Relationships

  • Discover how to develop and manage effective relationships, old and new, within the supply chain. Consider methods of review, and learn how to identify opportunities for establishing new relationships. Gain the skills to enhance the performance of the supply chain. Explore the benefits and risks of relationships.

Purchasing Contexts

  • Learn how to apply the fundamental principles of purchasing and supply in a variety of different contexts, including a range of private sector organisations, the public sector, national and local government, the NHS, and the not-for profit sector. Consider the procurement cycle as it applies to a diverse range of purchased products and services, both domestically and in an international context.

 

 

You can either pay for your course in full or opt for a monthly payment plan.

Course fee: £1,299 (excluding discounts)

Or speak to one of our course advisors now for payment plans.

 

There are CIPS membership, administration and exam fees that are additional to your course fees:

  • CIPS UK annual Student membership fee: £147 (new members, £105 for renewal)
  • CIPS UK administration fee: £42
  • UK exam fees: £77 per exam (five in total)