How to study
You can study for your CIPS qualifications in a variety of ways, including
- Part-time classes at a local college or private providers
- Distance learning
- Self-study
- CIPS Learning Academy
- Corporate Award
- Academies
Part time or full time study
We have over 90 approved study centres in the UK and a further 100 providers of our qualifications internationally. To find out the most convenient location for you see where to study.
Distance learning
If you do not wish to attend a centre, you will find a number of distance learning providers.
Self study
You may wish to self study at your own pace. You should ensure that you fully understand what you need to learn by consulting the unit content guide for your qualification.
Course books and text books are available from CIPS bookshop and you should make full use of the study resources area.
Our programmes
We also deliver our own qualifications in the following ways:
CIPS Learning Academy
• Modular - intensive study, taking each unit as you need it. Working away from home for between two and five days per unit, you could complete the Graduate diploma in as little as two years. E-learning support is included to help you prepare.
• Blended - a structured learning programme which also gives you the flexibility to study at a time and place to suit you with e-learning support available 24/7.
• Distance - based around e-learning, this route gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your own timetable.
Organisational routes
• Corporate Award - we have the unique ability to combine professional qualifications with our in-company training programmes. Instead of studying in isolation on theoretical projects you undertake work-based project - assignments, case studies and tuition geared towards real data from ‘live’ organisation projects wherever possible. This means that the work you undertake is directly relevant to your business and capable of implementation, with the potential of delivering tangible return on the investment in training.
• Academies
Some organisations opt for their own study academy to develop the knowledge and competencies of their procurement teams. This involves bespoke competency mapping to study plans and delivering these by e-learning, usually leading to qualification. Current academies include Shell, Rio Tinto and Transnet.
We have a wealth of resources designed to assist students with their study. Go to the Study Resources area of the website to find out more.