The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is designed to improve your independent practice to allow you to move into a more senior people professional role. This CIPD Level 5 course is perfect for those currently in junior People Management roles, or those with managerial experience that involved elements of L&D.

Through the CIPD Diploma in People Management, you will gain a practical knowledge of organisational performance and culture, employment relationship management as well as talent management and workforce planning.

The CIPD level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management typically takes 12-16 months to complete. Upon completion of the CIPD Diploma course, you will be well placed to move into roles such as Human Resources Business Manager, Employee Relations Manager, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist or Talent Manager.

CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management

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Study Options and Start Dates

Online On-Demand
From £2730 +VAT

Online Live Learning
From £3220 +VAT

The CIPD Level 5 Diploma units can be studied in any order. If you choose Online Live Learning, there are various start times throughout the year to ensure you can attend all the live sessions offered per unit. If you wish to study via Online On-Demand, you can start at any time.

Next Online Live start date: w/c 25th January

What’s Included

Up to 3 years to complete your course

Free project management course

Interest-free payment options

Tutor support from an experienced trainer

Online Live sessions taught by experienced tutors in each unit

What’s Involved

Management

The CIPD Level 5 Diploma is composed of 3 core units, 3 specialist units and 1 optional unit. Each module is assessed by a written assignment.

Organisational performance and culture in practice (core unit)

In this unit you will understand the connections between organisational structure and the wider commercial context. You will look at the trends that affect business strategy and workforce planning, including the influence of culture and employee wellbeing.

Evidence-based practice (core unit)

This unit covers the principles of critical thinking and evidence-based practice. You will learn about the key analytical tools that can be used to measure the impact of people practice as well as how different ethical perspectives can influence decision-making.

Professional behaviours and valuing people (core unit)

This unit emphasises the importance of ethical practice and inclusivity, and how such factors can build positive working relationships. You will also look at how developing new professional behaviours and practice can aid performance.

Employment relationship management (specialist unit)

In this unit you will look at the key methods and tools to manage and enhance employee relationships. You will learn how to improve working lives and how this can enhance organisational performance.

Talent management and workforce planning (specialist unit)

This unit examines the effect of workforce planning when considering the development of inclusive talent pools. You will review the potential issues to the organisation if this is poorly managed and the tools required to moderate these risks.

Reward for performance and contribution (specialist unit)

This unit assesses how internal and external factors influence reward strategies and policies. You will look at the importance of people practice in enabling managers to make effective and professional judgements and the impact of rewarding performance.

Specialist employment law (optional unit)

This unit covers the key areas of employment legislation and its legal framework. You will learn how to take account of legal requirements in different jurisdictions, including discrimination and redundancy law.

Leadership and management development (optional unit)

In this unit you will explore the basics of learning and development, including how to foster positive cultures and behaviours. You will learn how to choose the right methods to facilitate development which will help meet organisational objectives.

Learning and Development Essentials (optional unit)

This unit covers the essential aspects of learning and development practices, and how they drive performance. You will learn about key themes shaping their practice, compare a range of methods, and understand how learning and development supports business goals and learning objectives.

Download the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management Syllabus

To gain the full CIPD Level 5 qualification you will complete 7 written assessments, 1 for each unit.

An assignment support tutor is assigned for each unit you complete.

Each unit is assessed as a Pass or Fail.

You will be able to re-submit 2 times per unit.

Online On-Demand
From £2730 + VAT with 3 years of support

Online Live Learning With 8 Live Classes Per Unit
From £3220 + VAT with 3 years of support

Please Note: Prices do not include your CIPD membership fees.

We offer regular start dates throughout the year. Browse our upcoming timetables below.

Start month Timetable
October 2026 View the October 2026 timetable
January 2027 View the January 2027 timetable
April 2027 View the April 2027 timetable
June 2027 View the June 2027 timetable

To study this CIPD Associate Level 5 course, we would recommend you have at least one of the following:

  • Some HR experience in an entry-level HR role
  • Some managerial experience that involves elements of people management
  • A degree and wish to begin studying HR at a higher level

Try our online learning system for free!

Our online learning system provides study support for all our students. Complete the form below to gain your two-week free trial that includes access to our interactive learning materials, recorded webinars, podcasts, course notes, reading resources as well as analysis of exam questions and self-progress tests.