Advanced Level (7) qualifications are ideal for those aspiring to become effective HR practitioners - whether working as managers or consultants in generalist or specialist roles. Set at a postgraduate level, CIPD Advanced Level (7) qualifications will develop your understanding of organisations and the changing external context within which HR operates.
Using critical analysis, self-reflection and problem solving techniques, you will learn how to develop and implement creative and strategic HR solutions that drive organisational performance.
The CIPD Advanced Level (7) qualifications provide you with a professionally recognised qualification, plus our Advanced diplomas provide the underpinning knowledge towards CIPD professional membership (Associate, Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow).
There are three different grades of qualification at Advanced Level (7):
- CIPD Advanced Level Diploma
- CIPD Advanced Level Certificate
- Masters (MA)
There are also two different specialisms:
- Human Resource Management (HRM)
- Human Resource Development (HRD)
Alternatively you can mix and match as you prefer.
CIPD Advanced Level Diploma
The CIPD Advanced Level Diploma is what was previously considered to be the full CIPD qualification, formerly known as the CIPD Professional Development Scheme (PDS), and takes around two years to complete.
Successful completion of the CIPD Advanced Level Diploma provides you with the knowledge required to work towards Chartered CIPD Membership.
CIPD Advanced Level Certificate
The Advanced Level Certificate is often chosen by people who want to focus solely on one specific area of study, or by people who are not yet ready to commit to the full diploma.
You can achieve the CIPD Advanced Level Certificate with approximately one year’s study (12-14 months).
Not sure if you want to study the certificate or the diploma?
The CIPD Advanced Level Certificate is made up of four units; traditionally 2 core units and 2 optional units.
Because of the flexibility of this form study, many people choose to begin their journey towards achieving the CIPD Advanced Level Diploma by completing the Certificate first; this involves purchasing a ‘bundle’ of four units which take approximately one year to complete.
From this point you have the option of ending your study at certificate level, purchasing the next four units and continuing straight on with the diploma, or taking a break and making a decision about whether to carry on when you are ready.
Masters
We recognise that many people are keen to continue their study in order to complete their Masters. For this reason we have also developed an extra element which you would study alongside the Diploma, and which will continue for a further three months once your Diploma is complete. Completion will give you a full Masters degree.
Are the programmes open to everyone?
You don't need any academic qualifications to enrol with CIPD Flexible Learning+. We'll give you all the support you need as you progress through your studies, so don't worry if you haven't studied for a while.
If you have already studied for part of the qualification somewhere else, even if it was part of the old PDS, it's easy to switch to our programme to complete your learning. Call the MOL Customer Advisory team on 0303 333 1463 to find out whether you're eligible for any exemptions.
What sort of commitment am I looking at?
We appreciate that studying for your qualification takes commitment and hard work. So that’s why the programme is specifically designed to be manageable and flexible.
Most learners spend about eight to ten hours a week studying the learning resources and you'll need to work hard and be committed. But because the workbooks are broken up into bite-sized chunks of about an hour you can fit them easily into your week – in your lunch hour or on the train home.
You will join your study group and facilitator for a day’s workshop every four weeks, per unit. Most learners find this commitment much easier to manage than travelling to and attending evening classes at the same time, week in, week out. Held on a weekday, all workshop dates are available before you start your programme allowing you to plan ahead, making sure any work or personal commitments are covered.
How long will it take?
It should take about two years to complete the full diploma by CIPD Flexible Learning+. This is broadly the same time as studying at college but, of course, the big difference is that you can study flexibly to suit your work and life commitments, including taking advantage of multiple start dates across the year at all of our study locations.
Part-way to becoming CIPD qualified?
With the introduction of the new CIPD qualifications, some people are now finding that hey are unable to complete the CIPD qualification they started with their original provider. Others are keen to transfer onto the new programmes, part-way through their study.
If you would like to transfer onto the new Advanced Level programme, please call the MOL Customer Advisory team on 0303 333 1463 to talk through your options. But don't delay as our last programmes start in summer 2012.
How you will learn >>