Businesses recognise that success depends not only on innovative strategies and strong leadership but also on the ability to attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent. For aspiring and established HR professionals, achieving a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management through VQ Solutions offers a strategic and rewarding route to advancing your career and deepening your professional expertise.
Why Study the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management?
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is an industry-recognised qualification designed for those looking to elevate their HR knowledge and take on more senior responsibilities. Sitting at the intermediate level within the CIPD framework, it bridges the gap between foundational HR principles and the advanced strategic insight required for senior practitioner roles.
This qualification is ideal for individuals who:
- Are currently working within a people practice or HR function and wish to develop their skills to influence wider organisational strategy
- Aspire to or have recently moved into a management role in HR, talent, or learning and development
- Want to formalise and expand their professional capabilities, ensuring alignment with the CIPD Profession Map, which defines excellence in people practice
The course goes beyond theoretical understanding, ensuring graduates leave with practical tools and insights they can immediately apply in their workplace. Whether you're currently developing HR policies, managing recruitment and retention, or working on culture and engagement strategies, this qualification empowers you to approach challenges with evidence-based confidence.
What You Will Learn
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management deepens learners' expertise across three core pillars of modern HR: people management, employee relations, and organisational performance.
Over the duration of this programme, participants explore themes such as:
- Professional Behaviours and Valuing People – Understanding the ethical, inclusive, and evidence-based approaches that underpin effective practice in people management.
- Organisational Performance and Culture – Learning how culture drives productivity, wellbeing, and long-term success, and how HR professionals can influence these dynamics.
- Evidence-Based Practice – Developing critical analytical skills, interpreting HR metrics, and using data to inform strategic decisions.
- Employment Relationship Management – Gaining an in-depth understanding of employment law, employee relations, and ensuring fair, consistent, and compliant practices.
- Talent Management and Workforce Planning – Building strategies to attract, retain, and develop the right people, aligning workforce planning with organisational goals.
- Reward for Performance and Contribution – Exploring the principles behind designing effective reward systems that recognise employee value and drive motivation.
Each unit encourages independent learning and professional reflection, helping learners evolve into well-rounded HR practitioners capable of addressing complex organisational issues.
A Flexible, Supportive Approach with VQ Solutions
At VQ Solutions, we understand that most learners studying for a CIPD qualification are already balancing professional commitments, personal responsibilities, and career aspirations. That's why our Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is delivered flexibly, combining online classes, guided learning materials, and dedicated tutor support to create a structured yet manageable experience.
The programme is typically completed over one academic year, with participants attending one evening session per week. This part-time, blended learning format enables you to maintain your current job while progressing your professional development in parallel.
Our learners benefit from:
- 18 years of industry experience – VQ Solutions has been successfully developing talent and delivering professional qualifications across the UK, helping countless learners achieve their career goals.
- Ofsted 'Good' rating (June 2025) – A testament to the quality of teaching, learner support, and strong learner outcomes we consistently deliver.
- Award-winning Learning Management System (LMS) – Access a rich library of interactive resources, video content, and assessments designed to make your learning experience engaging and dynamic.
- Over 400 explainer videos – Complex HR concepts are broken down into clear, concise explanations that reinforce understanding and ensure you feel confident when tackling assignments.
- Assignment guides and drop-in sessions – Our tutors provide regular opportunities to discuss assignments, ask questions, and receive targeted guidance, helping you stay on track and achieve the best possible results.
- Dedicated HR delivery specialists – You'll learn from experienced professionals who bring current, real-world industry insights into every session, enriching your learning experience.
At VQ Solutions, we pride ourselves on creating a supportive and collaborative learning environment. You're never studying in isolation – you're part of a network of ambitious professionals, all motivated to grow their careers and make an impact in their organisations.
The Structure of the Qualification
The qualification comprises a series of modules carefully designed to reflect the evolving demands of the HR profession. These are typically assessed through work-based assignments that demonstrate both your understanding of core concepts and your ability to apply them strategically in real workplace contexts.
By the end of the programme, you'll have not only an in-depth knowledge of people management principles but also a professional portfolio showcasing your capability and contribution as a people practitioner.
It's worth noting that this diploma builds upon the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice. For many learners, it represents the next step in their professional journey, preparing them for mid-to-senior HR roles such as:
- HR Adviser or HR Business Partner
- People or Talent Manager
- Learning and Development Specialist
- Employee Relations Consultant
- Reward or Engagement Manager
Holding a Level 5 qualification also strengthens your eligibility for Associate Membership of the CIPD (Assoc CIPD) – a globally respected professional designation that signals your credibility and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of people practice.
How You'll Study with VQ Solutions
VQ Solutions' delivery model is designed with the modern learner in mind. The blend of online classes, self-directed learning, and practical assessments means you can earn your qualification without putting your career on pause.
Throughout the programme, you'll use our state-of-the-art online platform – the VQ Solutions Learning Management System (LMS) – to access study materials, videos, discussion boards, and tutor feedback. Learning is interactive and engaging, with opportunities to collaborate, reflect, and apply insights to your current role.
Regular assignment drop-in sessions ensure you always have access to expert feedback, while ongoing tutor support helps you stay motivated and confident throughout your studies. Our HR delivery specialists bring a wealth of experience to the table, guiding learners through every stage of the qualification with professionalism and care.
Fees and Payment Options
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management from VQ Solutions offers outstanding value at £2,160 (inclusive of VAT). Recognising that professional development is a significant investment, we've introduced a range of flexible payment options to make studying more manageable.
Learners can choose to pay:
- In 3 monthly instalments
- Over 6 months
- Over 12 months
This approach provides the flexibility needed to pursue your professional goals without financial strain. Whether you're self-funding or sponsored by your employer, our finance team can help design a payment plan that works for you.
The VQ Solutions Difference
With nearly two decades of experience helping professionals achieve their qualifications, VQ Solutions has developed a proven track record for excellence in vocational training and professional development.
We don't just deliver qualifications – we help aspiring HR professionals build confidence, competency, and credibility. Every element of our CIPD delivery model is designed to ensure that learning isn't just theoretical. It's applied, relevant, and deeply connected to the practical challenges faced in today's workplaces.
Our team combines academic expertise with genuine HR industry experience, ensuring our learners benefit from both the latest theory and the realities of modern business environments. This balance between academic insight and pragmatic skill-building is what sets VQ Solutions apart in the field of HR education.
What You'll Gain
Upon completing the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management, you will:
- Gain a nationally and internationally recognised qualification respected by employers across all sectors
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of people management principles and their practical application
- Strengthen your strategic insight and analytical capability, making you a valuable partner in shaping organisational success
- Advance your eligibility for CIPD Associate Membership, positioning you firmly on the path toward senior people practice
- Boost your confidence to take on complex challenges and deliver measurable impact within your organisation
Whether your ambition is to progress within your current company, transition into a new HR role, or prepare for Level 7 (Advanced Diploma) studies, this qualification will serve as a powerful stepping stone to achieving your goals.
Take the Next Step with VQ Solutions
The demand for skilled, forward-thinking HR professionals continues to grow, and employers increasingly seek those with sound theoretical knowledge, practical expertise, and professional accreditation. Completing the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management equips you with exactly that.
If you're ready to take your HR career to the next level, partner with VQ Solutions – a trusted training provider with a proven record of supporting learners to realise their potential.
Explore our CIPD Level 5 course for full details, or contact our team today to discuss enrolment, upcoming start dates, and finance options.