Flexible Learning powered by CIPS-e delivers the Foundation Diploma at Level 4; the Advanced Diploma at Level 5 and the Graduate Diploma at Level 6. Students who have passed, Levels 4, 5, and 6, together with 3 years' relevant work experience will gain MCIPS.

This is a blended learning approach to achieving MCIPS. Students can study at their own pace and wherever is most convenient. There are a number of resources included in the programmes that assist students with their studies and the CIPS course book supports self-study for each unit.

Please note: Students will be required to complete by exemption or examination at least 4 units of a Diploma Level before being permitted to move to the next Level, but the Diploma will not be awarded until all five units are complete. The higher level Diploma will not be awarded until the requirements of the lower level Diploma have been met. For example, a candidate with one Level 4 unit outstanding could enter and pass five units at Level 5 but will not receive a Diploma for Level 4 or Level 5 until the outstanding unit at Level 4 is completed.

On the Flex-e One and Two programmes, the three 2-day workshops, which take place on a Friday and Saturday, minimise time out of the workplace, and are led by CIPS approved, professionally qualified, training consultants and are held at a central, easily accessible location.

CIPS strongly recommends reading around the subject in order to gain a deeper and wider knowledge and, where appropriate, to gain several perspectives on an issue. The recommended reading for each unit as well as a broad range of books on relevant subjects is available from the CIPS Bookshop at www.cips.org/shop/books.

Students are responsible for entering themselves into the CIPS external examinations, either in May or November, at the location which suits them best.