Postgraduate Diploma in Procurement and Supply Chain Management
Course Overview
Develop the skills necessary for a successful career in Procurement and Supply Chain Management.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Procurement and Supply Chain Management has been specifically designed for graduates seeking to enter the procurement and supply chain industry as well as for experienced professionals looking for career development opportunities.
Why Study Procurement and Supply Chain Management at Griffith College?
Our Postgraduate Diploma in Procurement and Supply Chain Management is available on a part-time basis for over one year and equips students with the specialist skills required for successful careers in the procurement and supply management fields across a broad range of industries.
- All evening classes are available online with the opportunity of some face-to-face weekend workshops.
- Students will develop their knowledge and skills to work in this dynamic business arena across multiple service or manufacturing-orientated industries.
- Students will enhance their ability to research current trends and developments in procurement and supply management.
- Learners will benefit from a guest lecture series, drawing on industry insights from those working in procurement and supply chain.
- Winner of the 2019 Excellence in Education and Training award.
- Designed with the working professional in mind, this programme can be studied part-time with a split between evening classes and weekend workshops.
- Lecturers with deep industry knowledge of both public and private sector procurement and supply chain management.
- Students have the opportunity to further their studies by progressing onto the MSc dissertation stage of the programme.
- Delivered from Dublin but available to applicants nationwide.
Intake Dates
- Dublin - Part-Time - February 2027
- Dublin - Full-Time - February 2027
- Dublin - Part-Time - September 2027
- Dublin - Full-Time - September 2027
FAQ'S
It's a QQI-validated Level 9 postgraduate diploma worth 60 ECTS credits, covering sustainable procurement, supply chain management, negotiation and supply chain technology. You can study full-time over one year or part-time over two years. It's delivered from Griffith College Dublin and is open to applicants nationwide.
Yes. The programme is accredited by CIPS, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, the professional body for procurement worldwide. That recognition can support your route towards CIPS membership. Check the latest CIPS exemption details with the admissions team before you enrol.
The full-time course takes one year and the part-time course takes two years. Both lead to the same Level 9 award. Full-time suits people who want to upskill quickly, while part-time lets you keep working and apply what you learn on the job as you go.
Yes. On the part-time course, evening classes are delivered online, with the chance to attend some face-to-face weekend workshops. Because of this, the course is delivered from Dublin but open to applicants from anywhere in Ireland. Sample timetables are available on the course page.
You'll need at least a 2.2 honours degree (Level 8) in a business or marketing-related discipline. Non-business graduates with relevant work experience can be considered through Accreditation of Prior Learning or Prior Experiential Learning (APL/APEL). Griffith College also accepts the online Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency.
Semester one covers Sustainable Procurement, Supply Chain Management, the ESG and Sustainable Finance legal landscape, Financial Risk Management and Circular Procurement Strategies. Semester two includes Leadership and Organisational Change, Supply Chain Information Systems, Negotiation, Supply Chain Social and Environmental Impact, the CSRD and research. Electives cover the VSME standard and international logistics.
Yes. Supply Chain Management is a core module, and you can choose International Logistics and Supply Chain as an elective in semester two. The course pairs this with procurement, negotiation and supply chain technology, so you'll understand how goods are sourced, bought and moved through the supply chain.
Yes. Once you complete the Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma, you can progress to the MSc dissertation stage. Completing the dissertation leads to the MSc in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, so the diploma works as a stepping stone if you decide you want the full master's.
Procurement is about sourcing and buying the goods and services an organisation needs, and managing the suppliers and contracts behind them. Supply chain management is broader, covering how those goods move from supplier to customer, including planning, logistics and distribution. This diploma covers both, with a strong focus on sustainability.
There are intakes in September and February for both full-time and part-time study. The next listed start date is February 2027. Applying early gives you time to gather your documents and, if you're applying through prior learning, to put together evidence of your work experience.
Graduates move into roles such as Procurement Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Global Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain and Logistics Specialist, Planning Manager, Demand Planning Analyst, Distribution Specialist and Supplier Manager. With experience, some progress to senior roles such as International Supply Chain Director.
Apply directly at griffith.ie/apply-online. You'll need proof of ID (passport), your undergraduate degree award and transcripts, and a current, detailed CV. If they apply to you, include translations of your degree documents, your GNIB card and proof of English proficiency.
Meet the Lecturers
Declan recently co-founded Anser Procurement, a consultancy offering training and advisory services in the areas of procurement, supply chain and negotiation. For over thirty years, he was Group Procurement Manager at Irish semi-state company Bord na Móna. Declan is also a director of a number of private companies as well as Tullamore Credit Union.
Course Details
Students who complete the 60 ECTS in taught modules may choose to complete the MSc dissertation and receive an MSc in Procurement and Supply Chain Management.
Stage 1 - Semester 1
This module offers advanced insights into the theory, practices, processes, and contemporary perspectives in Sustainable Procurement within an international context. In today's global landscape marked by climate crises, environmental degradation, and significant social disparities, the integration of sustainability into procurement practices is imperative. Therefore, this module seeks to familiarise participants with essential procurement concepts while providing guidance on incorporating sustainability into all procurement activities.
The supply chain management module aims to provide learners with advanced knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern supply chains. With recent disruptions highlighting the vulnerability of global supply networks, this module emphasises the need to both understand and address these varied challenges, while incorporating increasing sustainability requirements in a rapidly developing technological environment.
The evolving ESG, and sustainable finance legal and regulatory landscape, is having a significant impact on the financial services sector, and organisations and their financing policy and decision-making. This module looks at this changing environment and considers the impact on capital markets, investment and trading, including products, pricing, risk and return.
The importance of being able to identify and manage financial risk is essential and the module considers the responsibilities of both investors and the investment product provider.
This module will equip learners with the practical skills necessary to develop and implement effective circular procurement strategies. Through interactive exercises and simulations, learners will learn how to evaluate different circular procurement models, such as product-as-a-service and closed-loop supply chains and identify the most suitable approaches for specific organisational contexts. They will also explore methods for integrating circularity criteria into procurement policies, contracts, and supplier relationships, enabling them to effectively incorporate circular principles into procurement decision-making processes.
Stage 1 - Semester 2
In this module, learners will gain knowledge and insight into the nature, purpose, and significance of business, commercial and academic research. The module will guide learners on how to conduct a critical literature review using the best practices to develop a critical approach. Workshops will cover various primary data collection and analysis techniques. Learners will develop an understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research methods and learn how to effectively choose and apply them in their research. Learners develop the skillsets to argue and defend their work in a professional manner.
The main purpose of this module is to provide a framework for learners to understand the significant role played by leadership in shaping organisational culture, in communication across the organisation and in responding to and driving organisational change. Leaders have a profound impact on organisations, on the employees and managers and a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
This module focuses on supply chain information systems and technologies, essential for modern procurement. By integrating diverse knowledge and practical skills, learners gain expertise in leveraging technology to optimise procurement strategies, enhance efficiency, and ensure compliance.
The module equips learners, with the essential knowledge and skills required to engage in effective and ethical negotiations within the context of supply chain management. The objectives of the module include providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of negotiation theories, strategies, and tactics relevant to sustainable supply chains.
Learners will learn to analyse negotiation situations through the lens of sustainability, considering environmental, social, and economic factors.
This module relate to the supply chain impact on communities and society, on environmental aspects, and on ethical trading and business conduct from a sustainable procurement perspective. The module looks at the alignment of sustainable goals, targets and metrics of any organisation with their supply chain to create and maintain a resilient compliant sustainable supply chain.
Understanding the CSRD enables future supply chain professionals to engage more effectively with stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, investors, and regulatory bodies in relation to ESG matters. Learners will learn the importance of transparent reporting and communication in building trust and fostering long-term relationships with key stakeholders.
Electives - Semester 2
This module introduces and develops the concepts, perspectives and tools associated with the European (EU) Voluntary Small, Medium, Enterprise(VSME) standard, recommended. It provides conceptual understanding and places the concepts and tools within the complexities of the EU Green Deal, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and other related EU directives that are or can be applicable to SMEs.
The module brings an international perspective that focuses on the interrelationships between logistics, production, distribution and consumption. Most companies operate in an increasingly integrated and complex supply chain, which has required a revolution in how logistics operates at company level. Companies that trade, produce and/or sell all have an increasing interdependency on international logistics. Additionally, in an increasingly complex world the growth in external effects which impact both logistics and a company’s ability to trade (e.g. wars, natural disasters, pandemic, etc.) there is a requirement for learners to be able to critically analyse their supply chains in order to ensure business continuity.
Course Contacts
- Dublin
Timetables
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for this programme is a minimum of 2.2 honours undergraduate degree (level 8) in a business or marketing-related discipline.
Non-business graduates with relevant work experience may apply on the basis of their experiential learning. Please see additional information below on Accreditation of Prior Learning and Prior Experience.
Accreditation of Prior Learning and Prior Experience (APL/APEL)
The Graduate Business School welcomes applications from those with prior academic and/or professional learning experience which may be relevant to the PGDip in Global Brand Management programme. Applicants who wish for their prior academic and/or professional learning experience to be considered are requested to fill in an APEL Matrix and attach to their application.
English Language
Griffith College is accepting the online Duolingo English Test (DET) as valid proof of English proficiency. Please see here for further details.
How to Apply
Applicants should apply directly to Griffith College.
As part of your application, you may be asked to provide supporting documents, including:
- Proof of ID (passport)
- Undergraduate Degree Award and Transcripts
- Up to date and detailed CV
- Documents supporting funding eligibility
If applicable:
- Translation of both degree award and transcripts
- Current GNIB
- Proof of English proficiency
Fees
Please note that not all study modes may be offered at all times. For confirmation, refer to the intake dates in the Overview tab.
Tuition Fees
Study Mode: Full-Time
Dublin
EUR 8,400.00
Limerick
EUR 8,150.00
Study Mode: Part-Time
Dublin
EUR 8,400.00
Study Mode: Blended
Dublin
EUR 8,400.00
Please refer to the Irish/EU Living Abroad Fees section.
Please refer to our Non-EU Tuition Fees section.
Non-EU students: a Student Services and Administration fee of EUR200 is payable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below.
An Academic Administration Fee of €250 is applicable each year, regardless of duration of study. The fee is due in February for February-intake students, and in September for September-intake students.
A 2% Learner Protection Charge is applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted. The fees above relate to Year 1 fees only.
Flexible payment options
Students wishing to pay their fees monthly may avail of our direct debit scheme. Please view our Fees information page for more information and assistance.
Sponsorship
Is your company paying for your course?
They will need to complete a Griffith College Sponsorship Form and send this to the Student Fees Office:
- Post: Student Fees, Griffith College Dublin, South Circular Road, Dublin 8
- Email: studentfees@griffith.ie
2% Learner Protection Charge
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012 whereby, in the event of the provider ceasing to provide the programme for any reason, enrolled learners may transfer to a similar programme at another provider, or, in the event that this is not practicable, the fees most recently paid will be refunded.
QQI Award Fee
Please note that a QQI Award Fee applies in the final year of all QQI courses. To find the relevant fee for your course level, please see the Fees page.
Progression
Academic Progression
On completion of the Level 9 Postgraduate Diploma in Procurement and Supply Chain Management students may progress onto the MSc dissertation stage of the programme.
You can contact our admissions team to discuss what progression options are available to you.
Career Progression
Through the Postgraduate Diploma in Procurement and Supply Chain Management, you will have gained valuable professional experience, built a strong foundation of communication and presentation skills, and covered a diverse range of topics. There is a wide range of career options for our graduates including:
- Supply Chain and Logistics Specialist
- Global Sourcing Manager
- Planning Manager
- Strategic Sourcing Manager
- Distribution Specialist
- Procurement Manager
- International Supply Chain Director
- Demand Planning Analyst
- Sourcing Manager
- Supplier Management
