Discover the power of CIPS: Your global passport in procurement and supply

For experienced supply chain and logistics professionals, postgraduate study is often less about gaining a qualification and more about strengthening credibility, accelerating progression and aligning with recognised professional standards. This is particularly true in procurement and supply, where ethics, sustainability and global consistency increasingly shape senior decision-making.

Our recent webinar, Discover the Power of CIPS: Your Global Passport in Procurement and Supply, explored how CIPS accreditation enhances the value of the online MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics, and how it supports professionals on a structured pathway to senior roles. The session was delivered by Claire Winton, Partnership Development Manager at CIPS, and focused on professional recognition, global standards and the route to MCIPS for those studying on accredited master’s programmes.

Key takeaways

• CIPS sets the global benchmark: As the only global professional body for procurement and supply, CIPS defines the standards employers trust internationally.
• MCIPS delivers career advantage: Professional designation is linked to higher earning potential and access to senior roles worldwide.
• Accredited master’s programmes simplify progression: CIPS-accredited degrees provide a direct, recognised pathway to MCIPS.
• Ethics and sustainability underpin credibility: Professional standards embed ethical, sustainable practice at every career stage.
• Professional support extends beyond study: Membership provides access to global networks, intelligence and career resources.

Why CIPS matters to supply chain professionals

Claire Winton opened the webinar by clearly positioning CIPS as a global professional authority, explaining that it is “the only global organisation that works to support procurement and supply chain on a global scale”. As a not-for-profit organisation operating under a Royal Charter, CIPS is required to demonstrate public benefit and ethical impact, not simply professional exclusivity.

This chartered status underpins CIPS’ focus on ethical and sustainable supply, equality, diversity and inclusion, and anti-slavery initiatives across global supply chains. For professionals operating in complex, multinational environments, this provides a consistent and trusted professional framework that extends across sectors and regions.

Global standards and professional credibility

A central theme of the session was the role of the CIPS Global Standard for Procurement and Supply. Claire explained that all members commit to “adhere to and live by and work by the global standards in procurement and supply”, ensuring consistency in professional expectations worldwide.

Recently refreshed, these standards place increased emphasis on ethics, behaviours and sustainability. They underpin CIPS qualifications, accredited degrees and professional membership, ensuring that academic learning aligns directly with real-world professional practice.

What MCIPS represents and why it matters

For professionals considering postgraduate study, the discussion around MCIPS was particularly relevant. MCIPS is awarded only to those who can evidence both knowledge and experience against globally recognised standards, making it a strong signal of capability to employers.

Drawing on CIPS’ global salary data, Claire highlighted the tangible impact of professional designation, noting that “members with MCIPS earn 59% more than their non-MCIPS peers”. She also explained that MCIPS is increasingly expected at senior levels, with “52% of employers” requesting candidates who either hold MCIPS or are actively working towards it.

Beyond remuneration, MCIPS demonstrates commitment to ethical practice, professional judgement and lifelong learning, all reinforced through ongoing requirements such as annual ethics testing.

The value of a CIPS-accredited MSc

Claire made clear that studying on a CIPS-accredited programme significantly strengthens the route to professional recognition. Accredited degrees are mapped directly to the Global Standard, ensuring graduates develop the competencies required for MCIPS.

Importantly for working professionals, she emphasised that “your accredited degree is your route to MCIPS”. Graduates are not required to complete additional CIPS qualifications, provided they meet the experience requirements. Accreditation is awarded through a rigorous external review process, and not all master’s programmes with similar titles meet this standard.

Within this context, the online MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics, accredited by CIPS, provides a structured and efficient pathway that combines academic rigour with professional alignment.

Professional support during and after study

Beyond the qualification itself, the webinar highlighted the broader benefits of CIPS membership. Students gain access to the CIPS Intelligence Hub, research publications, white papers and practical tools that support both academic work and professional decision-making.

Claire also highlighted CIPS Connect, a global member platform that enables engagement with practitioners at all career stages, from early-career professionals to chief procurement officers. Combined with CIPS’ extensive branch network, this creates opportunities for networking, mentoring and applied learning across regions and industries.

Supporting long-term professional growth

Closing the session, Claire encouraged professionals to engage early with the CIPS community, particularly through complimentary affiliate membership while studying. She reinforced that procurement and supply is “a very community-based industry”, where shared standards and professional collaboration underpin both individual careers and the wider profession.

Preparing for the next stage of your career

For supply chain and logistics professionals considering postgraduate study, this webinar demonstrated how CIPS accreditation enhances long-term career value. By aligning academic learning with global standards, ethical practice and professional recognition, CIPS-accredited programmes support progression into senior, globally mobile roles.

Edinburgh Business School’s online MSc Supply Chain Management and Logistics, accredited by CIPS, is designed to support precisely this journey, enabling professionals to study flexibly while strengthening their professional standing in an increasingly complex global supply chain environment.

Enrol today.