- It's aimed at anyone in a managerial or specialist role in purchasing or supply
- CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) qualifications are widely recognised as an international benchmark of excellence, enhancing standards of professionalism and performance
- We're a CIPS 'Centre of Excellence'. This means that you'll be taught by specialist tutors with industry experience and you'll get lots of support, as our consistently outstanding exam results prove
- Modules include options relating specifically to the public sector. They identify good practice in purchasing and procurement activities whilst seeking to better understand the procurement infrastructure in the public sector
- Start in September or January with the opportunity for rolling enrolment onto modules throughout the year. The course will be taught via blended learning with both on campus and online study.
- According to the CIPS HAYS Procurement Salary Guide 2019, procurement salaries continue to grow 5.3% faster than the national average and 66% of UK employers prefer candidates who are, or studying towards, MCIPS.

You will study eight modules in total, five of which are core mandatory. You will choose your remaining three modules to suit your role and career aspirations.
Five core mandatory modules:
- Managing Teams and Individuals
- Advanced Contract and Financial Management
- Managing Supply Chain Risk
- Managing Contractual Risk
- Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply
Choose three elective modules from*:
- Category Management
- Advanced Negotiation
- Achieving Competitive Advantage Through the Supply Chain
- Project and Change Management
- Operations Management
- Logistics Management
*Elective modules run subject to number of students and availability of subject specialist lecturers.
The Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply is made up of eight modules, five of which are core mandatory. You must complete eight modules to complete the award.
A total of 60 credits are required for completion. The five core mandatory modules make up 42 credits. The three elective modules make up 18 credits.
Managing Teams and Individuals (core mandatory)
12 credits
Management is the administration of an organisation, whether it be a business, a not-for-profit organisation, or government body. Management includes the activities of setting the strategy of an organisation and coordinating the efforts of its employees or volunteers to accomplish its objectives through the application of available resources, such as financial, natural, technological, and human resources. In keeping with other organisational functions, those who are called upon to manage procurement and supply activity must possess expertise in developing and fulfilling organisational and functional objectives. It is therefore, essential that learners gain a wider appreciation of theories and techniques that relate to managing teams and individuals involved with the procurement and supply function.
Advanced Contract and Financial Management (core mandatory)
12 credits
In any organisation, a significant element of the procurement and supply function is based around the contracting process. Those involved in the formulation and management of contracts with external suppliers must therefore have a clear understanding of the strategic nature of contractual performance measures in procurement and supply. Financial management refers to the efficient and effective management of money (funds) to accomplish organisational objectives. This module is designed for those working in the procurement and supply field, with responsibility for contracting elements of the procurement and supply function who must also have a strategic awareness of the impact of the main financial aspects of their discipline.
Managing Supply Chain Risk (core mandatory)
6 credits
Risk management is a central part of an organisation’s strategy. It is a process whereby the organisation will identify, record and then address the risks associated with their activities with the aim of driving out or controlling those risks to the overall benefit of organisational efficiency and effectiveness. The supply chain is by its very nature a complex activity therefore, susceptible to risk and its associated impacts. This module enables learners to examine the nature of supply chain risk and to evaluate available mitigation techniques as they deal with the associated challenges. They will undertake risk analysis and consider the advantages of a risk register as they apply a range of appropriate risk management tools and techniques to the supply chain.
Managing Contractual Risk (core mandatory)
6 credits
As organisations outsource more and more activity it is vital that they ensure that the associated contracts deliver expected services and/or products. Hence, a fundamental area that those who are tasked with managing the procurement and supply function are faced with is the identification, monitoring and management of contractual risk. This module is designed to enable learners to examine the nature of contract risk and the associated legal implications that relate to contract formation and non-conformance. They will also consider the impact of breach of contract and the main coping strategies to address such breaches.
Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (core mandatory)
6 credits
The global economy and the associated advantages of sourcing from a global base of suppliers requires organisations to be prepared to address the ethical challenges that such approaches may present for procurement and supply activity. Similarly, the concept of sustainability and its impact on the supply chain should not be underestimated as organisations strive to be seen to play their part in the global agenda. This module gives those with managerial responsibility for the procurement and supply function an understanding of ethical and sustainability impacts on the supply chain, and the opportunity to analyse initiatives to improve practice and ensure organisational compliance with international standards in respect of ethical and sustainable procurement and supply chain management.
Elective modules
Choose three elective modules from*:
- Category Management (6 credits)
- Advanced Negotiation (6 credits)
- Achieving Competitive Advantage Through the Supply Chain (6 credits)
- Project and Change Management (6 credits)
- Operations Management (6 credits)
- Logistics Management (6 credits)
The three elective modules make up the final 18 remaining credits
*Elective modules run subject to number of students and availability of subject specialist lecturers.
Modules are taught on Tuesdays and delivered through a combination of morning and afternoon lectures.
You will learn through a combination of lectures, tutorials and practical exercises. In the revision phase you will learn by attempting exam standard questions followed by debriefing advice from tutors on how the questions should be approached to maximise marks. It is advised that you attempt one to three papers per sitting.
How you're assessed
Assessment is by sitting external examination set by the professional body CIPS.
The CIPS Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply gives you confidence and further understanding in your job, as well as a formal qualification.
You can move on to the CIPS Professional Diploma, which will give you more opportunities for career progression and take you closer to achieving MCIPS - a fully qualified member of CIPS.
Full membership confers the post nominals MCIPS and represents an expression of professionalism associated with achieving the highest recognised global standard of excellence in procurement. As a University of Derby student you have access to our careers service.
A 10% discount is applied to students who have successfully completed level 4 and have enrolled onto level 5. Discount can only be offered if students enrol on all the modules in their respective level.
You will need to have achieved the CIPS Diploma in procurement and supply, or be exempt from it.
To apply for exemptions, please contact CIPS directly.
2020/21 Fees (August 2020 - July 2021)
- £3,000 for the full programme
This price includes the provision of the core CIPS text book.
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2020 and August 2021. We recommend you check fee details with us though as they can change. Costs can increase each year and there may be extra costs, eg for trips or special modules.
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
Additional costs and optional extras
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies
Alumni discount for Derby graduates
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.
Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount
CIPS
Students should apply directly to the University.
Apply directly to the University
The CIPS Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply gives you confidence and further understanding in your job, as well as a formal qualification. You'll have the provision of advice and guidance to key stakeholders on the performance of organisational procedures and processes in procurement and supply.
You’ll be prepared for various roles such as buyer, procurement/purchasing executive, procurement specialist, contract officer, supply chain/inventory/logistics analyst or supply chain/inventory/logistics planner.
You can move on to the CIPS Professional Diploma, which will give you more opportunities for career progression and take you closer to achieving MCIPS - a fully qualified member of CIPS.
Full membership confers the post nominals MCIPS and represents an expression of professionalism associated with achieving the highest recognised global standard of excellence in procurement.
As a University of Derby student you have access to our careers service.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2020 - August 2021 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.
Included in your fees
- Copy of the CIPS Study Guide
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- CIPS Joining and membership fees- currently £187.00 to join as a student and £137.00 per year to renew.
- CIPS examination fees currently £48.00 for Objective Response (OR) Exam fee and £63.00 for Constructive Response (CR) exam fee.
- Objective Response (OR) Venue fee £30.00
- Constructive Response (CR) Venue fee £45.00
- CIPS remote exam fees for Objective Response (OR) £50.00
- CIPS remote exam fees for Constructive response (CR) £70.00
Optional costs not included in your fees
- On-site parking which is on a cash pay and display basis