CIPD Level 5Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development

At ICS Learn, we offer two flexible HR training options designed to fit around your life – whether you prefer complete independence or a structured learning experience.

• Live Online Learning: Get the flexibility of online learning with a little bit of added structure. Attend scheduled virtual workshops led by our expert tutors, engage with like-minded peers, and manage your own study schedule in between. We currently offer KDHA-approved CIPD qualifications at Level 3 and 5 for this study method. 
• On Demand Learning: Study at your own pace with self-guided online course materials. Enjoy the freedom of having full control over how you learn, with personalised tutor support whenever you need it.

For those who thrive in a more interactive, classroom-style environment, Live Online mirrors a traditional setting, offering real-time guidance and collaboration with the convenience of learning from anywhere.

No matter which option you choose, you’ll gain the skills you need for the career you want. 

No, you don’t need a CIPD Level 3 qualification to enrol on a flexible, online CIPD Level 5 L&D course.

However, we strongly recommend that you have some L&D experience or an interest in organisational learning and development. 

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development is a step up from the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice, offering a more in-depth focus on L&D. 

The CIPD Level 5 L&D course is also a more advanced qualification, preparing you for higher-level training and development roles.

As the CIPD Level 5 Associate L&D Diploma is equivalent to an undergraduate-level course in difficulty, you'll usually need one of the following to be eligible to study the qualification:

• Some previous professional experience working in L&D
• Experience performing HR duties in a non-HR role (for example, as a manager)
• A degree (any subject) and a genuine interest in studying HR at a more advanced level than the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate

As well as meeting any of the above criteria, you'll need to be able to demonstrate that you can speak and write in English to a high level. 

If English is your second language, we recommend that you have an IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 79/Cambridge Grade C or equivalent. We're happy to review your case on an individual basis if you're unsure though. 

If you have questions or need more information, contact one of our course advisors today. 

A CIPD Level 5 Diploma in L&D can lead to a variety of exciting mid-level roles, including: 

• L&D Manager
• Training & Development Specialist
• Organisational Development Consultant
• Talent Development Lead

Yes, you need to be a CIPD member for the duration of your studies.

We can’t submit your assignments for moderation, give you assessment grades, or award your qualification unless you’re an active CIPD member, so you must register before submitting your first assignment.

We’ll give you full details of how to join as a Student Member after you enrol. You’ll pay an annual Student Membership fee, and our CIPD advisors can provide you with the most up-to-date costs.

'Assoc CIPD' stands for Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. 

This is a professional CIPD membership level awarded to those who have completed a CIPD Level 5 qualification in People Management or Organisational Learning & Development. 

It’s a recognised credential that enhances your professional credibility and career prospects, helping you stand out to employers and progress into mid-level roles such as HR Manager, L&D Manager, or People Partner.

As an Assoc CIPD, you demonstrate a strong foundation in HR or L&D, showcasing your ability to apply people management strategies effectively in the workplace. You can even use it on your CV after your name! 

When you complete your course, you’ll be eligible to become an Associate Member of the most prestigious HR and L&D organisation in the world, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

You’ll join a community of 160,000 ambitious, forward-thinking professionals across 120 countries, and have exclusive access to a variety of benefits, including: 

• HR industry insights
• Useful HR tools and advice
• Budget-friendly discounts on events and merch
• Career guidance from prominent HR and L&D experts

If you’re not ready to commit to the full qualification and would like to focus on only the essential modules of this course, you could study our CIPD Level 5 Core programme.

It covers 3 modules:

• Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Professional Behaviours and Valuing People

The programme has an average completion time of 6 months and a support period of 9 months. It costs £1,529 which can be paid in interest-free monthly instalments.

Bear in mind that the Core programme won’t give you a CIPD qualification. You'll gain only the basic skills you need for mid-level HR roles.

However, if you complete the programme and then decide you’d like to move on to the full CIPD Level 5 Diploma, you won’t need to take the whole course again! You can simply complete the extra 4 modules and become CIPD-qualified.

For more information on our CIPD Core programmes, get in touch with our course advisors today.

As an ICS Learn student, you'll always have the support you need to succeed. From the moment you enrol, you'll gain access to:

• Our all-in-one virtual learning platform, mystudyspace
• Access to all of your interactive online course materials
• Online Induction Programme and AI-led videos
• FREE online study planners 
• Personalised tutor support
• Access to our Resource Library, full of tools, tips and guidance
• Live biannual Employment Law updates to keep you informed
• Our friendly Student Services team to help you with non-academic questions

You'll also have lifetime access to our Career Hub, which offers you thousands of resources to help you impress employers, master critical business skills, and build your dream career. This includes:

• A CV and cover letter builder
• An interview simulator
• An elevator pitch builder
• Career and work psychology assessments
• In-depth industry and employer profiles
• 350+ employer films with practical advice from hiring managers
• 1000+ short courses, articles and videos on key career skills like negotiating a raise and leading a team

You can take a sneak peek at the Career Hub and sign up for free today.

At ICS Learn, we make learning simple, flexible and affordable. 

If you’re funding the course yourself, our flexible 0% payment plans allow you to spread the cost with interest-free* monthly instalments.

Plus, with our price match guarantee, we’ll match any provider’s price for a like-for-like CIPD course, so you’ll always get the best deal with us.

If your employer is funding all or part of your course, we can invoice them directly for your course fees – just let your course advisor know and we’ll arrange everything.

We also accept funding through ELCAS for this course. If you’re an Armed Forces member looking to use the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme, speak to our course advisors for more details.

Right away! When you enrol, you’ll be able to log in to your course and get started within an hour.

There are no set start dates or schedules – everything is shaped around you.

On average it will take you between 12 to 15 months to study the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development, based on a typical study schedule of a few hours a week.

However, keep in mind that how long it takes you to complete your CIPD Level 5 course comes down to how much time you can dedicate to studying in a week and whether you choose to study On Demand or Live Online.

On Demand allows you to work through the course at your own pace, on your own time. With Live Online, however, you'll be expected to attend set live-streamed workshops and set your personal study schedule between them.  

Enrol online or get in touch with our CIPD advisors on 0333 920 3823.

They can talk through your experience, education and ambitions to make sure you’re choosing the right course, then get you enrolled with an interest-free* payment plan. You can also verify that your course is budget-friendly when you use our handy affordability calculator. 

If you have any disabilities which you think might affect your studies or assessments, please tell your Course Advisor before you enrol so we can advise you on whether reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate your needs.