Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about studying for the Professional Development Scheme by CIPD Flexible Learning. If you have any additional questions, please call CIPD Customer Services on +44 (0)20 8612 6203.
The Basics
Learner Support Centres
Support
General
The Basics
What will I be studying by CIPD Flexible Learning?
You will be studying the Professional Development Scheme (PDS).
The CIPD Professional Development Scheme is the postgraduate programme for HR and training practitioners based on professional standards as set out by the CIPD. It is highly valued by employers as a foundation for roles in people management and development.
The programme is split into four areas:
- Leadership and Management
- People Management and Development
- Generalist and Specialist Electives
- Applied Personnel and Development.
Completion of any one of the first three areas leads to Licentiate membership of the CIPD. Successful completion of all four leads to Graduate membership of the Institute.
How long is the programme?
The CIPD Professional Development Scheme takes between 2½ and 3 years to complete. Here is a breakdown of how long each field of study takes to complete:
- Leadership and Management: 12 months
- People Management and Development: 6-8 months
- The Electives Programme: approximately 14 months (12-14 weeks per elective)
- Applied Personnel and Development: ongoing development.
Is there an entry requirement?
We promote a policy of open access, so you do not need academic qualifications to enrol on any CIPD programme. The criteria for entry to a CIPD course is ‘the ability to benefit from and contribute to’ the course. However, the Learner Support Centres that run the Flexible Learning programmes make this judgement. Contact your preferred centre for more details. (See more about Study Centres below.)
Do I have to be working in HR?
Not necessarily, but again you will need to contact your preferred Learner Support Centre to see if your background will enable you to ‘benefit from and contribute to’ the programme.
How many hours a week will I need to study?
You will need to study for at least 8-10 hours per week. However, each student is different, some will need more study time and some will need less.
Will I be required to take much time off from work?
You will be required to attend workshops and tutorials, which tend to be held on weekdays. On average these are normally held every 4-6 weeks. Check with your centre of choice about what type of sessions are held and when.
Learner Support Centres
Where will I study?
The majority of learners study from home, but you might be able to make the most of commuting time to and from work as well. You’ll also need to attend workshops and tutorials at your local Learner Support Centre. We can send you details of your local centre when you request a Flexible Learning Information pack.
How often will I need to attend the Learner Support Centre?
You’ll need to attend your Learner Support Centre every 4-6 weeks to meet with your tutor and study group and attend skills development workshops and group tutorials. However, you’ll need to check with your chosen Learner Support Centre for specific details.
How many students will I be studying with?
Normally you will be part of a study group of around 6-12 students that you will meet at your induction day. Not only do they meet at the study days, but many students also establish informal groups which meet up more frequently.
Can the CIPD provide me with relevant information on programme costs, switching study groups or deferring my study?
No. Although we provide the materials and approve the provision of the PDS study programme by Flexible Learning, you will need to contact your centre directly. They will be happy to provide you with information on costs, study options and workshop times as well as payment programmes.
Can I defer my studies if I get overloaded?
The centres do their best to help you stay on track. But there are occasions when you might find you want to put your studies on hold. The centres do try to agree to this, but there may be administrative charges in some circumstances. Your chosen centre will advise you.
If the programme is based on real-life situations, aren’t there likely to be problems with practical application as it may mean working with confidential subjects?
The centres are experienced with the ethical issues involved in academic studies and will be able to guide you regarding with your choice of topic.
Is there any difference in how the Flexible Learning qualification is regarded as opposed to having been studied full or part time?
No, the qualification you are awarded at the end of your course of study is exactly the same. It is simply the way you study that is different to part time or full time courses.
When does the Flexible Learning year run?
The centres provide multiple start dates for the programme throughout the year so you can enrol at a time that is convenient to you.
Support
How much support is available?
There is a great deal of support available, not only from your tutors but also from your study group. There is face-to-face support from the centre, in the form of skills workshops, group tutorials and personal tutorials. In addition, your tutors are available by phone or email, and commit to returning your calls within 24 hours. For many students, the informal peer networks that they set up at the beginning of the programme prove very useful. Very often students form small study groups, which meet outside the formal sessions at the centre.
Can I contact my tutor when I am studying at home?
Yes, you can contact your tutor by telephone while you are studying. Tutors can be contacted during agreed times. There is also a commitment for your tutor to reply to your call outside these times within 24 hours. Contact your Learner Support Centre directly to ensure you have the correct details.
What do the Flexible Learning materials consist of?
We’ve developed a series of workbooks which consist of one-hour learning units called worksessions. These form the basis of your Flexible Learning study. In addition, we provide textbooks, audio CD programmes and a learner support website to keep you up to date.
Are there any minimum software requirements to access the Learner Support Site?
No, if you can access the Internet, you will be able to access the Learner Support site.
General
If I have fulfilled part of my PDS qualification via full time or part time learning, can I complete the rest of the requirements through the Flexible Learning programme?
In principle we do attempt to take account of previous PDS programmes you’ve undertaken. If you sat exams set by the CIPD, you can contact your chosen Learner Support Centre directly. If you attended a centre that sets its own exams, you will need to contact the CIPD Educational Assessment on +44 (0)20 8612 6200.
What's the difference between the Certificate in Training Practice (CTP), Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP) and the Professional Development Scheme (PDS)?
The CTP and the CPP (and also the Certificate in Recruitment and Selection CRS) are support level qualifications that are aimed at those who want to build and develop a largely administrative career in personnel and development. Successful completion of any one of these qualifications leads to Associate membership of the CIPD.
The Professional Development Scheme (PDS) is the educational programme based on our Professional Standards at practitioner-level. It is aimed at those seeking to advance their management career in personnel and development and completion of the programme leads to Graduate membership.
Do I have to be a member of CIPD to study for the Professional Development scheme by Flexible Learning?
Yes. Your centre will give you an application form for membership either when you enrol or on your induction day. You are expected to apply for membership at the beginning of your course, as CIPD membership is a prerequisite of studying on a CIPD programme.
Why is CIPD membership mandatory?
CIPD membership brings you professional status and the personal recognition that goes with it. But it also provides you with a wide range of support services, including 24-hour access to all resources on the CIPD website, People Management magazine, Library and Information Services, professional knowledge networks, branches, forums, international connections, books, reports, training courses and conferences.
Does the programme fee include membership of the CIPD?
No, the membership fee is not included.
Can I start studying now?
In theory, yes! Although the centres control the start dates for the programmes, they do provide multiple starts throughout the year. So you will not have long to wait to enrol. The centres will talk you through their enrolment processes and programme start dates and duration will be explained then.