Supply Chain Management & Logistics Courses UK

Distance Learning College and Training:
Based in Durham, Distance Learning College and Training are the UK's leading specialist provider of accredited distance learning courses in logistics, supply chain management, purchasing, export and management to individuals and businesses from the UK and around the world. All of our courses are accredited by globally-recognised professional institutes, ensuring that you are learning up-to-date, relevant skills and knowledge that will help push your career to the next level.

CILT Level 2 Introductory Certificate in Logistics and Transport
The CILT Level 2 Introductory Certificate in Logistics and Transport is an introductory logistics course for those who are new to the logistics and transport industry and are starting out in a career in procurement, warehousing and inventory control or production planning. CILT Level 2 equips students with a knowledge of the core principles and processes in logistics and transport.

To complete the course, you will complete two compulsory units and a further two optional units.

Compulsory Units:
• Introduction to Logistics
• Introduction to Customer Services and Marketing

Optional Units (Choose Two):
• Introduction to Freight Transport Services
• Introduction to Passenger Transport Services
• Introduction to Warehousing and Inventory
• Introduction to Procurement
• Introduction to Planning and Operation of Freight Transport
• Introduction to Planning and Operating Passenger Transport

CILT Level 3 Certificate in Logistics and Transport
The CILT Level 3 Certificate in Logistics and Transport is designed for those already working, or who wish to work, in a supervisory or first line management role in transport and logistics or in warehousing and production. It is ideal for current or aspiring logistics managers wishing to further their career with a formal logistics or warehousing qualification.

The course covers principles and processes involved in logistics and warehouse management, and is relevant to students from a range of backgrounds, looking for a production planning, logistics, transport or warehousing course.


To complete the course you must take two compulsory units and one optional unit.

Compulsory Units:
• Business Theory
• Business Application

Optional Units (Choose One):
• Warehousing
• Inventory
• Passenger Transport Operations
• Procurement
• Freight Transport Operations
• Local Authority Passenger Transport Planning and Provision
• Supply Chain Operations
• Transport Planning

CILT Level 5 Professional Diploma in Logistics and Transport
CILT Level 5 is a logistics management course aimed at managers with operational responsibilities. The CILT Level 5 Professional Diploma is aimed, typically, at candidates holding middle management positions in specialist functional areas such as Supply-Chain Management, Transport Operations, Transport and Logistics.

This course requires the completion of four units. You must complete one compulsory Management Unit, one Elective Unit (from a choice of three), and then two Optional Units (from a choice of 11). You can choose whichever Elective and Optional units that are relevant to your particular field of work.

Compulsory Unit:
• Management

Elective Units (Choose One):
• Supply Chain Management
• Transport Operations
• Transport Planning

Optional Units (Choose Two):
• Inventory
• Movement of Goods
• Movement of People
• Production Planning
• Retail Logistics
• Sourcing and Procurement
• Transport Planning Techniques
• Transport and Society
• Warehousing
• International Business
• Project Management

CILT Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport
The CILT Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport is aimed at those already working in logistics and transport management roles, or in supply chain management. It is designed to develop skills for middle managers at operational level wishing to move up to strategic management level, and to develop key skills in the area of leadership.

The course is made up of five compulsory units:

• Logistics and Transport - Strategic Context
• Leadership and Strategic Management in Logistics and Transport
• Strategic Network Planning in Logistics and Transport
• Delivering Performance in Logistics and Transport
• Research Methods and the Professional Project in Logistics and Transport

You will sit an examination for each unit. CILT examinations can be sat at the workplace, at Distance Learning College or CILT head office.

CIPS Level 3 Certificate in Purchasing and Supply
This course is the ideal entry for anyone new to the purchasing profession as no prior qualifications or experience is required. It is ideal for people who have been in a purchasing role for less then two years, who are taking the first steps in a purchasing career.

The course enables students to develop knowledge and skills in purchasing and supply to tackle complex activities, evaluate and analyse information to make informed decisions, respond effectively to issues that arise and be able to select the best solutions from a range of procurement procedures. It also provides students with the necessary knowledge to move on to more advanced CIPS procurement courses.

To complete the course, you will take five compulsory units:
• Understanding the Purchasing Environment
• Purchasing operations
• Client and supplier relationships
• Securing Supply
• Purchasing in action

CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
The CIPS Level 4 course enables students to develop knowledge and skills in purchasing and supply chain management to develop solutions to unpredictable problems, evaluate and use information to develop effective strategies, show effective judgement skills in planning activity and meeting quality standards.

To complete the course, you will take five compulsory units:
• Effective Negotiation in Purchasing and Supply
• Developing Contracts in Purchasing and Supply
• Measuring Purchasing Performance
• Managing Purchasing and Supply Relationships
• Purchasing Contexts

CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
CIPS Level 5 is an advanced purchasing and supply course, designed for those who have a significant level of experience working in a purchasing and supply role.

The course enables students to develop skills and competence in purchasing management to effectively analyse information, to develop new ideas and concepts, apply creativity to technical, professional and management functions, accept responsibility for the achievement of outcomes and show effective judgement skills across a wide range of activities.

The course is made up of five units; three compulsory units and two optional units.

Compulsory Units:
• Management in the Purchasing Function
• Risk Management and Supply Chain Vulnerability
• Improving Supply Chain Performance

Optional Units (Choose Two):
• Marketing for Purchasers
• Operations Management in the Supply Chain
• Storage and Distribution
• The Machinery of Government and Procurement
• Contracting in the Public Sector

CIPS Level 6 Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
The CIPS Level 6 Graduate Diploma qualification allows CIPS members to apply for MCIPS status. The course is an advanced purchasing management course, designed for those who have 3 or more years' strategic purchasing management experience, or who have gained the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma and wish to progress further.

The mandatory units cover the setting of strategic direction for your supply chain and then how you may gain or use your influence in ensuring that the organisation moves in this direction effectively. The optional units covered the strategic differences within public and private sector senior roles.

Compulsory Units:
• Leading and Influencing in Purchasing
• Strategic Supply Chain Management
• Supply Chain Management in Practice

Optional Units (Choose Two):
• Legal Aspects in Purchasing and Supply
• Advanced Project Management
• Finance for Purchasers

IOE Level 2 Certificate in International Trade
To provide students with a sound foundation from which to progress. The Institute of Export Certificate in International Trade is designed to provide students, and those operating within international trade, an opportunity to broaden their awareness of global trade issues, and to gain a clear understanding of the processes and practicalities of international trade.

On completion, students will have the required understanding to take the first steps into their career in international trade, and to progress to the higher level Advanced Certificate course.

This course is made up of four units, (for students that do not hold a qualification in English Language there is a fifth unit to complete).

• Fundamentals of International Business
• Introduction to International Trade Management
• The Global Marketplace
• International Transport and Documentation
• English for Business

Important: English for Business is a compulsory module for those who do not have the pre-requisite qualification in English. Students who have GCSE Grades A-C in English Language or LCCI English for Business at levels 2 or 3 or an equivalent qualification can be exempted from this paper.

IOE Level 3 Advanced Certificate in International Trade
The IoE Advanced Certificate in International Trade focuses on the practical aspects of international trade. On completion, students will have acquired and demonstrated a detailed knowledge of the principles, procedures and documentation of international trade.

Having gained this qualification, students can apply to become Associate Members of the Institute of Export, and achieve AMIEx status, and may also progress to the Institute of Export's advanced import and export course, the Diploma in International Trade.

The course is made up of four compulsory units:

• The Business Environment
• Finance of International Trade
• International Marketing
• International Physical Distribution

IOE Level 4 Diploma in International Trade
The Institute of Export Diploma in International Trade is an advanced import and export course, and examines the ability of the student to manage the broader managerial aspects of international trade and make the right decisions when problems arise. The IoE Level 4 export course covers a range of topics including international logistics and purchasing, international marketing strategy and management of international trade.

On completion, students will be eligible for Graduate Membership of the Institute of Export, gaining MIEx (Grad) status.

The course is made up of four compulsory units:

• International Logistics and Purchasing
• International Marketing Strategy
• Management of International Trade
• Practical Global Trading

IOM Level 3 Certificate in Operations Management
The Institute of Operations Management Level 3 course is aimed at those who are new to the operations management and supply chain management profession, or those who are already employed in operations management wishing to gain a formal qualification in the subject.

To complete the course, you will complete three compulsory units:

Compulsory Units:
• Business for Operations Managers
• Demand and Supply Chain Management
• Improvement Techniques for Operations Management

IOM Level 5 Diploma in Operations Management
The Institute of Operations Management Diploma in Operations Management aims to provide students with detailed and specific coverage of the various elements of supply chain, production and inventory management. It aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills of operations management to improve business performance within the global environment.

To complete the course, you will complete eight compulsory units and a final project.

Compulsory Units:
• Operations Management Strategy
• Operations Resource Management
• Business excellence for operations managers
• Customer focus in operations management
• Supply chain and inventory management
• Enterprise planning for operations managers
• Manufacturing planning
• Added value for manufacturing
• Operations management project

CMI Level 2 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Team Leading
The Chartered Management Institute Level 2 in Team Leading is designed for practising or aspiring team leaders. The CMI Level 2 gives new team leaders a solid foundation on which to progress in their careers and in their formal leadership development, providing an excellent basis from which to progress to higher level CMI management courses. There are three Chartered Management Institute qualifications at Level 2; the Award, Certificate and Diploma in Team Leading.

You must complete any of the units below to make up at least 5 credits to gain the Award, or 15 credits to gain the Certificate. To gain the Diploma, you must complete all of the units in Group A along with one optional unit from Group B.

Group A Units:
• Personal Development as a Team Leader (6 credits)
• Team Communications (5 credits)
• Controlling Resources (6 credits)
• Building Work Relationships (5 credits)
• Team Development (6 credits)
• Providing Customer Service (5 credits)

Group B units:
• Team Performance (5 credits)
• Being a Team Leader (5 credits)
• Introduction to Team Leading (6 credits)
• Corporate Social Responsibility (5 credits)

CMI Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in First Line Management
The Chartered Management Institute Level 3 in First Line Management is designed for new or aspiring supervisors or first line managers. The CMI Level 3 gives new first line managers a solid foundation on which to progress in their careers and in their formal leadership development, providing an excellent basis from which to progress to higher level CMI management courses. There are three Chartered Management Institute qualifications at Level 3; the Award, Certificate and Diploma in First Line Management.

You must complete any of the units below to make up at least 6 credits to gain the Award, or 13 credits to gain the Certificate. To gain the Diploma, you must complete all of the units in Group A along with one optional unit from Group B.

Group A units
• Personal Development as a First Line Manager (6 credits)
• Resource Planning (6 credits)
• Meeting Stakeholder Needs (6 credits)
• Managing and Communicating Information (6 credits)
• Developing Individuals and Teams (6 credits)

Group B units
• Management Communication (6 credits)
• Improving Team Performance (7 credits)
• Maintaining Quality Standards (6 credits)
• Recruitment and Selection (6 credits)
• Being a Leader (6 credits)
• Managing Stakeholder Expectations (7 credits)
• Introducing Organisational Culture, Values and Behaviour (7 credits)
• Managing Team Dynamics (7 credits)
• Management Report Writing (7 credits)
• Management and Leadership Influencing Skills (7 credits)

CMI Level 5 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Management and Leadership
The CMI Level 5 qualifications in management are designed for practising middle managers who wish to develop their core management skills and practices. These qualifications focus on the personal development of the individual student's management capabilities and competencies. The CMI Level 5 gives new middle managers a solid foundation from which to progress in their careers and in their formal leadership development.There are three Chartered Management Institute qualifications at Level 5; the Award, Certificate and Diploma in Management.

You must complete any of the units below to make up at least 6 credits to gain the Award, or 13 credits to gain the Certificate. To gain the Diploma, all of the units listed as A need to be completed along with 1 optional unit from B and 3 from C.

Group A units
• Personal Development as a Manager and Leader (6 credits)
• Information Based Decision Making (7 credits)
• Resource Management (7 credits)
• Meeting Stakeholder and Quality Needs (6 credits)
• Conducting a Management Project (10 credits)

Group B units
• Being a Leader (7 credits)
• Performance Management (9 credits)

Group C units
• Financial Control (9 credits)
• Marketing Planning (9 credits)
• Project Development and Control (6 credits)
• Human Resources Development (6 credits)
• Managing Recruitment and Selection (7 credits)
• Leadership Practices (7 credits)
• Ethical Organisational Management (7 credits)
• Managing the Change Process (7 credits)
• Leading Equality and Diversity (7 credits)
• Managerial Networks (7 credits)
• Managing Ideas and Innovation (7 credits)
• Managerial Decision Making (7 credits)
• Introduction to Management and Leadership (7 credits)
• Operational Risk Management (7 credits)
• Organisational Corporate Social Responsibility (7 credits)

CMI Level 7 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Strategic Management
The CMI Level 7 Award gives senior managers a solid foundation from which to progress in their careers and in their formal leadership development. These qualifications are designed for practising or aspiring senior managers who wish to develop their strategic management skills and knowledge.There are three Chartered Management Institute qualifications at Level 7; the Award, Certificate and Diploma in Strategic Management.

You must complete any of the units below to make up at least 5 credits to gain the Award, or 15 credits to gain the Certificate. To gain the Diploma, you must complete all of the units in Group A along with 3 optional units from Group B.
Group A units
• Personal Development as a Strategic Manager (6 credits)
• Strategic Performance Management (7 credits)
• Financial Management (7 credits)
• Strategic Information Management (9 credits)
• Conducting a Strategic Management Project (10 credits)

Organisational Direction (9 credits)
• Group B units
• Being a Strategic Leader (7 credits)
• Human Resource Planning (8 credits)
• Strategic Planning (9 credits)
• Organisational Change (7 credits)
• Strategic Project Management (6 credits)
• Strategic Marketing (6 credits)
• Financial Planning (6 credits)
• Strategic Leadership Practice (7 credits)
• Introduction to Strategic Leadership and Management (10 credits)
• Strategic Risk Management (9 credits)
• Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (9 credits)

ILM Level 2 Award/Certificate in Team Leading
It is often difficult to make the transition from being part of a team, to leading a team. The ILM Level 2 is an introductory team leading course designed to give students a knowledge of the various roles, functions and responsibilities of a team leader. The course also offers optional units, which students can choose from to tailor the course to their specific needs and career aspirations. There are two Institute of Leadership and Management qualifications at Level 2; the Award and Certificate in Team Leading.

To gain the Award, students must complete ‘Developing Yourself as a Team Leader’ from the Compulsory units, and then add another 2 credits from the Optional units. To gain the Certificate, students must complete all three Compulsory units, and then add another 9 credits from the Optional units.

Compulsory units
• Developing yourself as a team leader (1 credits)
• Motivating the Work Team to Perform (1 credits)
• Planning and Monitoring Work (2 credits)

Optional units
• Briefing the Work Team (1 credits)
• Business Improvement Techniques (2 credits)
• Communicating with People Outside the Workplace (1 credits)
• Dealing with Change in the Workplace (2 credits)
• Dealing With Customers Lawfully (1 credits)
• Developing the Work Team (1 credits)
• Diversity in the Workplace (1 credits)
• Enterprise Awareness (3 credits)
• Fulfilling the Customer Requirements (2 credits)
• Induction and Coaching in the Workplace (2 credits)
• Leading the Work Team Lawfully (1 credits)
• Leading Your Work Team (2 credits)
• Maintaining a Healthy and Safe Work Environment (2 credits)
• Managing Yourself (1 credits)
• Providing Quality to Customers (1 credits)
• Using Information to Solve Problems (1 credits)
• Using Resources Efficiently in the Workplace (1 credits)
• Workplace Communication (1 credits)
• Workplace Information Systems (1 credits)

ILM Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in First Line Management
The ILM Level 3 is a first line management course which gives an introduction to the basic skills, knowledge, and understanding required by today's first line manager. The course is designed for first line managers looking to develop a wide range of management and leadership skills suitable for their role. The qualification also develops both understanding and application of leadership skills through the use of action learning.There are two Institute of Leadership and Management qualifications at Level 3; the Award and Certificate in First Line Management.

To gain the Award, you must complete the first Compulsory unit and then add another 3 credits from the Optional units. To gain the Certificate, you must complete the first four Compulsory units and then add another 13 credits from the Optional units. To gain the Diploma, you must complete all of the Compulsory units and then add another 24 credits from the Optional units.

Compulsory units
• Solving Problems and Making Decisions (2 credits)
• Achieving Objects Through Time Management (1 credits)
• Planning Change in the Workplace (2 credits)
• Understanding Change in the Workplace (2 credits)
• Giving Briefings and Making Presentations in the Workplace (1 credits)
• Managing Creativity and Innovation in the Workplace (1 credits)
• Managing Customer Service (1 credits)
• Obtaining Information for Effective Management (2 credits)
• Writing for Business (1 credits)
Optional units
• Building the Team (1 credits)
• Coaching and Training Your Work Team (2 credits)
• Communicating One-To-One at Work (1 credits)
• Developing Yourself and Others (2 credits)
• Effective Meetings for Managers (2 credits)
• Influencing Others at Work (1 credits)
• Introduction to Leadership (2 credits)
• Managing Conflict in the Workplace (1 credits)
• Managing Health and Safety at Work (3 credits)
• Managing Performance (1 credits)
• Managing Projects (1 credits)
• Managing Stress in the Workplace (1 credits)
• Managing the Effective Use of Equipment (1 credits)
• Managing the Efficient of Use of Materials (1 credits)
• Managing the Employment Relationship (2 credits)
• Marketing for Managers (1 credits)
• Motivating to Perform in the Workplace (2 credits)
• Organising and Delegating (1 credits)
• Planning to Work Efficiently (2 credits)
• Providing Quality to Customers (2 credits)
• Recruiting, Selecting and Inducting New Staff in the Workplace (3 credits)
• Understanding Culture and Ethics in Organisations (2 credits)
• Understanding Organisations in Their Context (2 credits)
• Understanding the Communication Process in the Workplace (1 credits)
• Understanding Workplace Information Systems (1 credits)
• Working with Costs and Budgets (1 credits)

ILM Level 5 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Leadership and Management
The ILM Level 5 qualifications are designed to develop a comprehensive range of basic middle management skills, assisting participants in gaining the knowledge required at this level. All participants are able to choose from a range of optional units to build their qualification; this high level of flexibility allows individuals or their employers to custom build a management qualification that focuses on the key areas most relevant to their role, industry or organisation. There are three Institute of Leadership and Management qualifications at Level 5; the Award, Certificate and Diploma in Management.


To gain the Award, you must complete the first Compulsory unit and then add another 6 credits from the Optional units. To gain the Certificate, you must complete the first four Compulsory units and then add another 16 credits from the Optional units. To gain the Diploma, You must complete the Compulsory units and then add another 22 credits from the Optional units.

Compulsory units
• Understanding the Management Role (4 credits)
• Developing the Reflective Manager (4 credits)
• Managing Improvement (3 credits)
• Making a Financial Case (3 credits)
• Leading Innovation and Change (5 credits)
• Developing the Manager as a Critical Thinker (4 credits)
Optional units
• Analysing and Interpreting Statistics to Inform Management Decisions (2 credits)
• Analysing and Presenting Data to Inform Management Decisions (2 credits)
• Becoming an Effective Leader (5 credits)
• Communication in Management (4 credits)
• Conducting Operations Research (2 credits)
• Conducting Work Analysis (2 credits)
• Developing Management Skills (4 credits)
• Leading Teams (4 credits)
• Making Professional Presentations (2 credits)
• Managing a Healthy and Safe Environment (2 credits)
• Managing Customer Relations (3 credits)
• Managing Facilities (2 credits)
• Managing for Efficiency and Effectiveness (4 credits)
• Managing Individual Development (4 credits)
• Managing Information (4 credits)
• Managing Marketing (3 credits)
• Managing Meetings (3 credits)
• Managing Projects in the Organisation (4 credits)
• Managing Recruitment (5 credits)
• Managing Resources (4 credits)
• Managing Stress and Conflict in the Organisation (3 credits)
• Understanding Financial Management (2 credits)
• Understanding Organisational Culture and Ethnics (3 credits)
• Understanding the Organisational Environment (5 credits)