CIPD Level 5 - Associate Diploma in People Management

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The qualification is made up of 7 units in total, covering 3 core units and 4 specialist units. Each unit is assessed independently.

Core Units5CO01 – Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice

This unit explores the relationship between organisational structure, strategy, and the wider business environment. You will develop your understanding of what drives change, how to foster inclusive and diverse workplaces, and how people practice aligns with and supports broader organisational goals.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the connections between organisational structure and strategy and the business operating environment
• Understand organisational priorities, how to interpret relevant theories, and what drives change
• Understand how to build diversity and inclusion within organisations
• Understand how people practice connects to and supports broader organisational strategies

5CO02 – Evidence-Based Practice

This unit focuses on applying research, data, and critical thinking to inform HR decisions. You will learn to diagnose organisational challenges, evaluate different approaches, and demonstrate the measurable impact that people practice delivers.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the methods used to diagnose challenges and opportunities within organisations
• Understand critical thinking and how different ethical perspectives can influence decisions
• Understand the benefits and risks of solutions for improving people practice issues
• Understand how to measure the impact that people practice makes on organisations

5CO03 – Professional Behaviours and Valuing People

This unit examines the professional values and behaviours expected of HR practitioners. It equips you with the tools to champion inclusive working, develop positive workplace relationships, and reflect on your own professional development.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how to champion inclusive and collaborative strategies
• Understand how to design and evaluate solutions for positive working relationships
• Understand how the role of a people professional is evolving
• Understand how to assess your own strengths, weaknesses, and development areas

Specialist Units5HR01 – Employment Relationship Management

This unit covers the legal, ethical, and practical dimensions of managing employment relationships. It addresses conflict resolution, employee voice, and the legislative framework that governs the workplace.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how to develop practices that support better working lives
• Understand the difference between employee involvement and participation
• Understand emerging trends in conflict, mediation, and arbitration
• Understand how to handle performance, disciplinary, and grievance matters
• Understand employment law and the different forms of employee representation

5HR02 – Talent Management and Workforce Planning

This unit develops your ability to plan and manage the workforce strategically. It covers labour market dynamics, succession planning, retention strategies, and the management of employment contracts and onboarding processes.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand labour market trends and their significance for workforce planning
• Understand the impact of a changing labour market on resourcing decisions
• Understand how to support succession and contingency planning
• Understand turnover and retention trends and how organisations build talent pipelines
• Understand the importance of managing contractual arrangements and effective onboarding

5HR03 – Reward for Performance and Contribution

This unit examines how reward strategies are designed, implemented, and evaluated. It covers the principles of reward, the use of data in benchmarking, and the legislative requirements that shape reward decisions.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the principles of reward and how policies and practices are implemented
• Understand how individual and organisational performance influences reward approaches
• Understand how data is gathered, measured, and used in reward benchmarking
• Understand how to develop reward packages in line with legislative requirements
• Understand the role of people practice in supporting managers to make fair reward judgements

5OS06 – Leadership and Management Development

This unit builds your knowledge of how organisations develop their leaders and managers. It covers the design and evaluation of leadership development initiatives and the competencies required for effective talent development and succession planning.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the relevance of leadership and management, and the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required
• Understand various learning and development approaches used in developing leaders and managers
• Understand how to evaluate the effectiveness of leadership and management development initiatives

Course Duration

• Average completion time: 12–15 months
• Course access: 18 months from enrolment
• Total Qualification Time: 420 hours

The extended access period is designed to give you the flexibility to engage fully with the course content and complete your qualification at a pace that suits your professional and personal commitments.

Assessment

There are no exams. Assessment is entirely written assignment-based — one assignment per unit, seven in total.

• Draft assignments are included in the course for tutor review and feedback before final submission
• You have up to three attempts to pass each assignment
• Resubmissions are included at no additional cost
• All assignments are submitted online
• Number of assessments: 7
• Grading: Pass or Fail per unit

How You Will Study

• Self-Paced Learning – Study at your own speed with 24/7 access to all course materials, from any device
• Interactive eLearning Platform – Includes videos, interactive quizzes, practical demonstrations, structured resources, and assignment guidance throughout
• 90+ HR & L&D eBooks – Access the Kogan Page digital library covering a wide range of people practice and HR topics
• Live Online Classes – Optional live sessions for assignment preparation and Q&A; all sessions are recorded for later viewing
• Unlimited Tutor Support – Expert guidance available at every stage of your learning journey
• Microsoft Excel Training – Complimentary Excel training is included to develop your data management and HR reporting skills
• Assignment Support – Structured guidance and draft feedback from enrolment through to final submission

This qualification is well suited to:

• CIPD Level 3 graduates looking to step into senior HR roles
• HR professionals with experience seeking a formal qualification to strengthen their strategic HR knowledge
• Those aiming to advance into HR Business Partnering, HR leadership, or HR consultancy roles
• Career changers transitioning into HR from other fields, seeking a globally recognised qualification

Why Study the CIPD Level 5 in People Management?

• Career Progression – Moves you from operational HR responsibilities into more strategic people management work, with access to higher-level roles and greater earning potential.
• Global Recognition – A CIPD Level 5 qualification is respected by employers across the UK and internationally as a benchmark of HR competence and professionalism.
• Practical, Applicable Skills – Develops expertise directly applicable to employee relations, workforce planning, reward management, and leadership development.
• CIPD Associate Membership – On completion, you gain Assoc CIPD status, a professional designation that supports long-term career growth and employer confidence.
• Flexible Study – Fully online and self-paced, built around the demands of a working professional’s life.

This diploma is designed for HR professionals with prior relevant experience or a CIPD Level 3 qualification.

We are happy to discuss your individual circumstances if you are unsure whether this course is right for you.

Please note: CIPD membership is required for your assignments to be marked. For Level 5, you will need either a CIPD Student Membership or a CIPD Professional Membership if you already hold one. Membership fees are not included in the course price and are paid directly to CIPD.

Completing the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management positions you for a wide range of mid to senior-level HR roles, including:

• HR Business Partner
• HR Manager
• People Manager
• HR Consultant
• Talent Acquisition Manager
• Talent Manager
• HR Advisor (Senior Level)