CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (Blended Learning) - Level 5

What is the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management Level 5 course?

The CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (Level 5) is a nationally recognised professional qualification for adults aged 19 and over who want to develop their HR expertise and progress into more senior Human Resources (HR) and People Management roles.

Delivered by West Notts College, a CIPD Approved Platinum Study Centre, this part-time blended learning course is aligned to the latest CIPD Profession Map, helping you develop the advanced knowledge, behaviours and practical skills needed to create value and make a meaningful impact within modern organisations.

Building on the foundations of CIPD Level 3 or equivalent HR experience, this qualification enables you to strengthen your professional capability, broaden your strategic understanding and prepare for career progression within People Management.

This flexible study option combines online learning with monthly on-campus tutorials, making it ideal if you need to fit your studies around work, family or other commitments while still benefiting from face-to-face tutor support.

If you have not studied for a while, our experienced tutors will support you throughout your learning in a friendly, collaborative environment designed specifically for adult learners.

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Who should study the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management qualification?

This course is suitable for adults aged 19+ who:

• Already work in Human Resources (HR) or People Management
• Have completed the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice (Level 3) or have equivalent knowledge and experience
• Want to progress into HR Advisor, HR Business Partner or management-level roles
• Want to deepen their understanding of people management and employment law
• Need a recognised professional qualification to support career progression
• Wish to develop strategic HR knowledge and professional confidence
• Want the flexibility of studying online alongside monthly on-campus tutorials

This qualification is ideal for HR professionals looking to take the next step in their career.

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What will you learn on the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management course?

During the course, you will study advanced HR and People Management topics, including:

• Organisational performance and culture in practice
• Evidence-based practice
• Professional behaviours and valuing people
• Employment relationship management
• Talent management and workforce planning
• Reward for performance and contribution
• Specialist employment law or leadership and management development

By the end of the course, you will have developed the knowledge and practical skills needed to influence organisational performance, support business strategy and manage people effectively within a range of workplace settings.

Learning takes place through an interactive online learning platform with access to a live tutor, supported by monthly on-campus tutorial sessions where you can develop your knowledge, ask questions and share best practice with other HR professionals.

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Why choose West Notts College for your CIPD qualification?

Choosing West Notts College means learning with one of the UK's recognised CIPD Approved Platinum Study Centres, demonstrating consistently high standards in teaching, assessment and learner satisfaction.

You'll benefit from:

• CIPD Approved Platinum Study Centre status
• Experienced tutors with extensive HR and People Management expertise
• Flexible blended learning that fits around work and family life
• Monthly on-campus tutorials at our Derby Road Campus
• Opportunities to network with other HR professionals and CIPD students
• Access to Moodle, Microsoft Teams and online learning resources
• Learning Resource Centre, café, restaurant and free parking
• Easy access via public transport
• Progression opportunities through higher education and continued professional development

If you are not confident using digital technology such as email, Microsoft Word or Microsoft Teams, don't worry. We will support you throughout your studies and also offer free short digital and IT courses for adults to help you build confidence before your course begins.

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When does the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management course start?

Start date: To be confirmed.

Please register your interest or apply online to be notified when the next course start date is confirmed.

When do classes take place?

This blended learning course combines flexible online study with regular tutor support.

Your learning includes:

• Flexible online study through our virtual learning platform
• Access to a live tutor for guidance and support
• One evening tutorial each month at our Derby Road Campus

This delivery model allows you to study at times that suit you while still benefiting from regular face-to-face support.

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How much does the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management course cost?

The course fee is £1,995.

To make studying more affordable, you can spread the cost over four instalments.

If paying by instalments:

• Pay an initial deposit of £498.75 (25%) when enrolling.
• The remaining balance is collected by Direct Debit in three bi-monthly payments of £498.75.

Please contact our Finance team on 0808 100 3626 for more information about payment options.

Additional costs

You will also need to become a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). A joining fee and annual membership fee are payable directly to CIPD.

Please contact the college for current membership guidance.

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How is the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management course delivered?

This course is delivered through a blended learning model, combining the flexibility of online study with regular face-to-face support.

You will learn through:

• Interactive online learning materials
• Access to a live tutor
• Monthly evening tutorials on campus
• Independent study
• Moodle and Microsoft Teams
• Practical workplace case studies and professional discussions

This approach allows you to study from home for most of the course while still receiving regular support from experienced tutors and connecting with fellow learners.

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Student success

Our learners consistently praise the quality of teaching, supportive learning environment and practical content.

Recent students have highlighted:

• Highly engaging teaching with real workplace examples.
• Excellent tutor support throughout the course.
• Inclusive learning with appropriate support for individual needs.
• Confidence to progress onto the Level 5 CIPD qualification.

• Kellymarie Smith

  I attended the CIPD Level 3 course as a foundation for beginning my career in HR, and I found the experience fantastic.

  The course was well structured, covering four key areas of learning: business, culture and change, principles of analytics, core behaviours of people professionals, and essentials of people practice. It provided a comprehensive introduction to the world of HR and is ideal for individuals looking to step into the profession, as well as those already working within HR who want to develop their knowledge further.

  Annette was an incredible course tutor, creating a structured and supportive learning environment that was consistent and engaging each week. She was always available to offer advice and guidance, and every session had a clear lesson plan, thorough content, and a valuable wrap-up to reinforce learning.

  I enjoyed the course so much that I returned to undertake the CIPD Level 5 qualification with the college.

• Stella Thorley

  I have no negative feedback and have successfully completed CIPD level 3 and in the process of achieving the level 5 qualification. The course content is highly engaging, with the tutor effectively incorporating real-world examples and scenarios, supported by a varied mix of multimedia to enhance learning. I was particularly surprised by the specialist employment law assignment, which proved far more interesting than I had anticipated.

  The college is also highly inclusive for disabled students. I was well supported by both my tutor and assessor, who ensured appropriate reasonable adjustments were in place. The provision of a scribe, significantly enhanced my classroom experience and helped to minimise fatigue.

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Frequently asked questions

• Do I need to complete CIPD Level 3 before studying Level 5?

  Level 5 is designed for learners who have completed the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice (Level 3) or have equivalent HR knowledge and experience. If you are unsure whether this course is right for you, our team can advise you.

• Is blended learning suitable if I work full time?

  Yes. This course has been designed to fit around work and other commitments by combining flexible online learning with one evening tutorial each month.

• Do I need strong IT skills?

  No. If you are not confident using digital tools, our tutors will support you throughout the course. We also offer free digital and IT courses to help you prepare before starting.

• Is this an official CIPD qualification?

  Yes. The qualification is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the UK's professional body for HR and People Development.

• Can I progress to Level 7 after completing this course?

  Yes. Many learners continue their professional development by progressing to a CIPD Level 7 qualification or other higher-level professional and academic study.

• How do I apply for the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management course?

  Applying is straightforward.

  Complete the online application through the West Notts College website or register your interest if applications are not yet open.

  If you have any questions about the course, entry requirements, blended learning, payment options or CIPD membership, our team will be happy to help.

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• Adult learning support and guidance

  Starting something new can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. From careers guidance to mental health and wellbeing, we’re here to support you before you apply and throughout your time with us.

  Visit our adult support page