CIPD Level 5
Associate Diploma in People Management
Advance your HR career with the UK's most respected people management qualification. Study CIPD Level 5 online and self-paced, with 500+ explainer videos and support from our HR team.
What is CIPD Level 5?
CIPD Level 5 is the Associate Diploma in People Management, an RQF Level 5 professional qualification for people professionals moving into management-level roles. This online, assignment-based course typically takes 6-12 months and costs £2,160 upfront or £190 per month. Completion makes you eligible for CIPD Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD).
Foundation Degree Equivalent
CIPD Level 5 sits at RQF Level 5, equivalent to a foundation degree or second year of university
Associate CIPD Status
Gain the Assoc CIPD designation, demonstrating your professional expertise to employers
Senior Role Ready
Qualify for HR Manager, HR Business Partner, and other senior people management positions
See Our Learning Platform in Action
Take a tour of the award-winning LMS included with your CIPD Level 5 course — 500+ explainer videos, structured module content, and everything you need to pass first time.
CIPD Level 5 Modules
The Associate Diploma requires 7 units: 3 core units, 3 People Management pathway units, and 1 optional unit of your choice. The six required units below are worth 36 credits in total, and the completed qualification carries 42 credits including your 6-credit optional unit.
Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice
5CO01Core unit · 7 credits
Understand organisational structure, strategy, culture, wellbeing, and change management. Learn to create and sustain high-performing cultures.
Evidence-Based Practice
5CO02Core unit · 6 credits
Master data-driven decision making for HR. Learn analytical approaches, impact measurement, and how to use evidence to influence business outcomes.
Professional Behaviours and Valuing People
5CO03Core unit · 5 credits
Develop ethical, inclusive behaviours that build positive workplace relationships. Covers professional standards and championing diversity.
Employment Relationship Management
5HR01People Management pathway unit · 6 credits
Master employee engagement, conflict resolution, and employment law. Essential knowledge for managing complex workplace relationships.
Talent Management and Workforce Planning
5HR02People Management pathway unit · 6 credits
Develop strategic approaches to attracting, developing, and retaining diverse talent. Learn workforce planning and succession strategies.
Reward for Performance and Contribution
5HR03People Management pathway unit · 6 credits
Design and implement effective reward strategies aligned with business objectives. Covers pay structures, benefits, and recognition programmes.
The three core units
The core units build the qualification's shared foundation. Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice considers structure, strategy, culture, wellbeing, and change. Evidence-Based Practice develops the ability to gather and interpret people data. Professional Behaviours and Valuing People covers ethical practice, inclusion, professional standards, and continuous development.
The People Management pathway
The three pathway units focus on practical management responsibilities. Employment Relationship Management covers engagement, conflict, discipline, grievances, and employment law. Talent Management and Workforce Planning covers attraction, succession, retention, and workforce strategy. Reward for Performance and Contribution covers pay structures, benefits, recognition, and total reward.
CIPD Level 5 Optional Units
Alongside the three core units and three People Management pathway units, you choose one optional unit. Each option below is a 6-credit Level 5 unit in the current CIPD qualification specification, so you can select a subject that fits your role and career direction.
Specialist Employment Law
Advances in Digital Learning and Development
Learning and Development Essentials
People Management in an International Context
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Leadership and Management Development
Wellbeing at Work
Which optional unit should I choose?
Your optional unit lets you extend the core diploma in a direction that matches your work: choose Specialist Employment Law for employee relations, Advances in Digital Learning and Development or Learning and Development Essentials for an L&D route, People Management in an International Context for global organisations, or Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Leadership and Management Development, or Wellbeing at Work for responsibilities in those areas. Our team can advise on the option that best fits your role and goals.
How CIPD Level 5 online assessment works
Assessment is assignment-based, with no exams. Each unit is assessed through a written assignment that asks you to apply people management theory and evidence to workplace situations. Assignments are typically around 3,000–4,000 words, although the exact brief and requirements are set for each unit.
- One written assignment for each unit
- Apply HR theory to practical workplace scenarios
- Detailed assignment guidance and HR team support
- Free resubmission if you do not pass first time
How long does CIPD Level 5 take?
You can typically complete the qualification in 6–12 months. Because the course is self-paced and studied online, you can plan your units around work and personal commitments rather than following a fixed classroom timetable.
You have 24/7 access to the learning platform. There is no completion deadline — the route is self-paced.
A flexible CIPD Level 5 online course
Online study is designed for people who are already balancing work, family, and professional responsibilities. You can log in to the platform when it suits you, revisit recorded explanations, and work through the units in a planned order without travelling to a classroom. The learning platform brings the course materials, assessment guidance, and learner support together in one place.
VQ Solutions provides 24/7 platform access, more than 500 explainer videos, and support from an HR team through the learner portal or email. Regular assignment drop-in sessions are also available. That combination means you can study independently while still having a route to guidance when you are applying a concept to an assignment or workplace situation.
CIPD Level 5 Cost & Payment Options
Flexible payment plans to fit your budget. All prices include VAT and course materials.
Looking for Funded Training?
If you're employed, you may be eligible for a fully-funded apprenticeship that covers the entire cost of your CIPD Level 5 qualification.
Explore Apprenticeship RouteProfessional Development Library
Every CIPD learner with VQ Solutions gets complimentary access to our growing library of supplementary courses. These self-paced modules cover contemporary topics relevant to people professionals, designed to broaden your expertise beyond the core curriculum.
Explore areas like digital transformation, strategic business skills, sustainability in the people profession, and more. Study them at your own pace, whenever your interests or professional needs take you there.
- Access to our growing library of professional development modules
- Contemporary topics beyond your core CIPD curriculum
- Self-paced learning with no mandatory requirements
- New modules added regularly as the library expands
Topics in Our Library
All included at no extra cost with your CIPD qualification
CIPD Level 5 Entry Requirements
There are no strict formal entry requirements for CIPD Level 5. We assess each application individually to ensure you're ready to succeed.
CIPD Level 3 or equivalent
Previous CIPD qualification or relevant HR experience
2+ years relevant experience
Working in HR, L&D, or people management role
Strong written communication
Assessment is through written assignments
Not sure if you're ready?
If you're new to HR or want to build a stronger foundation first, consider starting with our CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate.
Perfect for beginners - no experience required
CIPD Level 5 Jobs & Career Progression
Level 5 is written for management-level people roles and is regulated at the same level as a foundation degree. On completion you are eligible for CIPD Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD).
HR Business Partner
Strategic HR advisor to business units
HR Manager
Lead HR operations and team
People Manager
Drive people strategy and culture
L&D Manager
Lead learning and development
Employee Relations Manager
Manage complex ER issues
Talent Acquisition Manager
Lead recruitment strategy
Why Study CIPD Level 5 with VQ Solutions?
We're committed to your success with industry-leading support and flexible online learning
CIPD Accredited Centre
Fully accredited by CIPD with quality-assured qualifications
Award-Winning Platform
500+ explainer videos covering every assessment criteria
100% Self-Paced
Study anytime with 24/7 LMS access
HR Team Support
Access our HR team via portal or email
Free Resubmissions
Resubmit assignments at no extra cost
Career Progression
Clear pathway to Chartered CIPD status
CIPD Level 5 FAQs
Common questions about the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma
Our Accreditations
Ready to Take the Next Step in HR?
Get CIPD Level 5 qualified online, at your own pace, with expert support from our HR team every step of the way.
Or call us on 01423 740006