Associate Diploma in People Management

Working in a people practice role and ready to grow? This qualification will help you gain a deeper understanding of the professional behaviours that lead to organisational success. Learn how to manage relationships, foster talent, guide strategic planning and reward performance.

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Is this qualification right for me?

This qualification is perfect for you if you enjoy developing and managing people. You’ll expand your knowledge of HR with a combination of core units and specialist areas – helping you focus on what matters most to you.

An Associate Diploma typically takes between 12-16 months to complete, depending on how and where you choose to study.

What will I learn?

You’ll study 3 core units + 3 specialist units + the choice of 1 optional unit:

Core units:

  • Organisational performance and culture in practice
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Professional behaviours and valuing people

Specialist units:

  • Employment relationship management
  • Talent management and workforce planning
  • Reward for performance and contribution

Optional units:

  • Specialist employment law
  • Advances in digital learning and development
  • Learning and development essentials
  • People management in an international context
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Leadership and management development
  • Well-being at work

What level of CIPD membership will I gain?

Once you’re registered for a qualification, you’ll need to join the CIPD as a Student Member from the start of your studies. It’s essential to maintain your Student Membership until your studies are completed. Your CIPD membership and qualification work together to ensure your knowledge is recognised both inside and outside the people profession.

Through membership, we will support and encourage you throughout your studies. You'll gain access to our lowest membership rate (fees are 40% reduced for Student Members) as well as extensive study resources and the opportunity to build your network through our local branches, online communities and student conferences.

When you complete your qualification, you’ll be awarded CIPD Associate Membership, and the designation “Assoc CIPD” after your name. This establishes your credibility as a professional, raises your profile and opens doors to new job opportunities.

What are my study options?

With a CIPD qualification, you can choose from online, face to face, and blended study modes, with the option to study part-time (2-20 hours per week) or full-time (21+hours per week). This flexibility lets you fit your study around your other commitments.

Online

All tuition, content and resources are delivered online. This can either be live, where tuition is delivered at set times with classroom interaction and online resources, or on-demand, with self serve course content and resources.

Online communities

Face to face

All tuition, content and resources are taught and provided to you in person, often in a classroom style setting.

Employment law

Blended

Blended study is a mix of face to face tuition, with additional online interactions, content and resources.

Local branch network

Tailored programmes

Designed only for experienced people professionals. It combines evidence of your own relevant workplace practice, with tailored learning and assessment content, to gain your qualification. To be considered for a tailored programme, you need to demonstrate you have sufficient workplace experience to cover at least 50% of what is taught in your chosen qualification syllabus.

Level

The Associate Diploma in People Management is Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 5 in England and Northern Ireland. Credit and Qualifications Framework (CQFW) Level 5 in Wales. Comparable to Level 7 in Ireland, Level 9 in Scotland, Level 5 European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Find out more.

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