Learning resource definitions
Each 10-12 hour e-learning unit has been created in a user-friendly format. This includes:
• an example of how the learning applies to everyday purchasing situations
• animated information, diagrams / illustrations
• an interactive exercise to check understanding
• summarised key fact information promoting reinforcement
• interactive elements including multiple-choice and multiple-response questions, charts and illustrations containing additional popup information.
Integrated help functions provide clear instructions every step of the way. At the end of each unit e-learning case studies highlight specific key areas of learning. These are designed to add interest to the learning experience. Units have been developed to reveal the learning at a controlled pace, with eye-catching 3D photo-realistic characters, to engage you at key stages and help retain your attention throughout each module.
Course Books
The Course Books are CIPS approved guides to support you. They contain the unit content (syllabus) and are divided into study sessions with an index for easy reference. They include learning activities, self-assessment questions and revision questions. They are designed to be used together with the essential reading texts for each unit.
Essential and recommended reading
Students are strongly recommended to purchase the essential reading text, relating to each unit, to enhance their understanding of the subject. We also encourage you to read around the subject/s in order to gain a deeper and wider knowledge and, where appropriate, Learning resources definitions to gain several perspectives on an issue in order to give you the best possible preparation for the exams. The essential reading for each unit and books on relevant subjects is available from www.cips.org/shop/.
The Reading Schemes
The Reading Schemes are structured guides to help students to align reading from the CIPS Course Books and essential reading to the e-learning modules for each associated CIPS qualifications unit.
Knowledge Bytes
These are bite size chunks of knowledge that complement the study material. They can be downloaded in a PDF format and access will be made available with your online learning password.
Online tutor
Students can have private one-to-one or open group online discussions with a CIPS professionally qualified tutor who will help focus and enhance knowledge and understanding. Comments can be posted on the website whenever it is convenient to you. This avoids the time pressures of face-to-face learning, such as out of office and travel time, and enables you to contribute to the course at your desk or at home. Essentially it is a redeployment of learning time.
Face-to-face tuition
These sessions are led by CIPS approved, professionally qualified, training consultants and are hugely valuable to those who attend, giving students the chance to interact with tutors and resolve any worries they have about parts of the course. Sessions may typically include group exercises, revision work and exam preparation and also the opportunity to network. Students receive comprehensive notes from the sessions. Not available for Distance learning course.
Study planner
This provides students who opt for CIPS Blended learning, a week-by-week schedule taking them through the Course Book and e-learning modules leading into the examinations in May and November. It includes references to the essential reading texts for each unit together with relevant website addresses and documents.
Exam practice
For those who choose CIPS Blended learning, exam practice is in the form of mock exam assignments for each unit. The tutor marks the paper, awards a grade and provides feedback. This enables students to assess their progress and enhance continuous learning. For those who choose CIPS Modular learning, exam practice forms part of the tuition sessions.
Exams
The modular examinations take place at the Kettering Park Hotel, Kettering and the cost of the exam is included in the course fee. Students who do not wish to return to Kettering have the flexibility to choose an examination centre convenient to them. In both cases, students will be required to complete and sign an examination enrolment form which will be emailed to them. This will confirm the date and time of the exam.
Students on the Blended or Distance learning programmes are responsible for enrolling into the CIPS exams themselves and selecting a convenient examination centre.
Examination centres
A list of examination centres is included on the examination enrolment form for both UK and international students.
Becoming a member of CIPS
In order to take examinations for a CIPS qualification you need to register as a student member. Membership also gives you access to a range of membership benefits and further study support. Join CIPS.