CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is a professional qualification for HR Managers.


Academic Year: 2025/26
Course Code: 10924
Study Type: Part-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Business & Management
Course Structure

The Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management builds on the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice and is aimed at further expanding learners’ independent practice to enable them to evolve into more senior roles within organisations as people professionals.  Candidates will complete the following modules during the programme:

Core Units:

  • Organisational performance and culture in practice.  This unit examines the connections between organisational structure and the wider world of work in a commercial context.
  • Evidence based practice.  This unit addresses the significance of capturing robust quantitative and qualitative evidence to inform meaningful insight to influence critical thinking.
  • Professional behaviours and valuing people.  This unit focuses on how applying core professional behaviours such as ethical practice, courage and inclusivity can build positive working relationships and support employee voice and well-being.

Specialist Units

  • Employment relationship management.  This unit examines the key approaches, practices and tools to manage and enhance the employee relationship to create better working lives and the significant impact this can have on organisational performance.
  • Talent management and workforce planning.  This unit examines the key approaches, practices and tools to manage and enhance the employee relationship to create better working lives and the significant impact this can have on organisational performance.
  • Reward for performance and contribution.  This unit focuses on how internal and external business factors influence reward strategies and policies, the financial drivers of the organisation and the impact of reward costs.

Additional specialist unit:

  • Diversity and inclusion.  This unit focuses on how adapting leadership styles to manage, monitor and report on equality and diversity is essential for inclusive practice and legislation.

Using a framework of HR and L&D understanding, behaviours and skills development, this qualification offers opportunity for learners to transition to employment as people managers.  The course will be delivered over one academic year and will involve candidates attending one evening per week to complete the programme. It is suited to individuals who: are aspiring to, or embarking on, a career in people management are working in a people practice role and wish to contribute their knowledge and skills to help shape organisational value  are working towards or working in a people manager role.

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements  

  • GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

AND

  • GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Candidates are required to be working in a HR Management role.  All candidates will be interviewed by the programme coordinator to assess suitability for the programme.

Assessment is the process of evaluating an individual’s attainment of knowledge, understanding and skills. Candidates will be required to complete individual written reports to meet the assessment requirements.  All candidates will be given formative and summative feedback to assist in development.

Successful achievement of the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management will allow progression onto the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management or the CIPD Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development.

Candidates will be able to continue to pursue a career in HR Management on completion of the programme.

Candidates are required to pay CIPD registration fees, currently these are at £140, however this is subject to change at the discretion of CIPD.

The programme is accredited via the CIPD.

Enquiries Information

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

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