PIABC Level 5 Award in Role & Functions of Packaging

If you don't have time to commit to the PIABC Level 5 Diploma in Packaging Technology or are unsure whether the full Diploma is for you, this course is an ideal way to start your learning and improve your knowledge and understanding of some of the key topics in the packaging industry.

Completion of this course will give you a highly regarded foundation degree level qualification and a stepping stone to further learning. 

Our learners come from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines but they all share a desire to broaden and deepen their knowledge and understanding of the packaging industry.
This is a Level 5 qualification (foundation degree level) so you should expect a challenging and rigorous course that explores the packaging industry in detail.  We would normally expect those wishing to undertake the course to have a minimum of 1 GCE A-level and 5 GCSEs at grade A–C, or equivalent, including one science subject, or to have previously graduated from our PIABC Level 3 Certificate in Packaging course.   Industrial experience can be used as an alternative to formal qualifications and we expect all learners to have good communication, numeracy and IT skills.

This is an online course that you can start at any time throughout the year and work through the course material at a time and pace to suit you.  Help is on hand from our tutor should you need it and we are happy to set up virtual tutorials to go through aspects of the course that you are finding challenging.

The PIABC Level 5 Award in Role & Functions of Packaging is broken down in to six modules:

• The role, functions and impact of packaging in the world today including understanding the role of packaging throughout the supply chain and its interactions with society, and the key functions that all packaging must perform.
• The structure and interactions of elements in the supply chain including understanding the supply chain from raw materials to end use and disposal, and evaluating the role of packaging in mitigating the effects of hazards faced by packed products in the supply chain.
• The use of active and intelligent packaging to enhance packaging technologies including how they can be used to reduce wastage and extend shelf life, provide convenience, communicate with users within the supply chain, and provide security.
• The importance and role of regulation and legislation in relation to packaging including understanding the key drivers for legislation, legislation relating to product quality and health hazards, worker protection, honesty in trade and environmental protection, and the consequences of failure to comply.
• The factors that impact on the environmental sustainability of packaging including understanding the key sustainability issues (such as resource usage and materials selection), the role of packaging in the development of a circular economy, and using tools and strategies to assess the impact of packaging on the environment.
• The role of packaging in communicating and satisfying consumer needs including understanding the relationship between packaging and marketing, the impact of packaging on branding, promotion and advertising, and how packaging design interacts with the supply chain and end user.

The recommended total learning time for this qualification, which includes working through the course materials, revising for an sitting your exams is 28 hours.  We would, therefore, expect you to complete your initial studies in about 4 months if you studied for approximately 3 hours each week.  You will sit your exam during one of the awarding body's examination series in June or November each year.  PIABC sets the dates for  these exams well in advance and you cannot sit outside of these dates.

The PIABC Level 5 Award in the Role & Functions of Packaging is assessed through one 2-hour examinations which you would normally sit in Grantham.  The paper is comprised of two twenty mark questions and six ten mark questions.  The exams are graded pass (50-59%), merit (60-69%) and distinction (70% or more) and are held twice year, in June and November on dates dictated by PIABC.  The exam for this qualification is held on the Wednesday afternoon of exam week.

The PIABC fee covers your registration with the awarding body, one sitting of the exam and certification.  If you do not pass first time, you can sit again but a resit fee will apply.

The course fee for the PIABC Level 5 Award in the Role & Functions of Packaging is £895 (+VAT at 20% where applicable)

There is an additional fee of £140 (VAT free) for your registration with the awarding body PIABC.

Discounts on the course fee are available to IOM3 members (20%) and Business Partner Programme subscribers (10%).