CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management
Why Choose Us
Advance your HR career with the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management, covering key areas like employee relations, talent management, and employment law, all with no prior experience needed. Gain practical, in-demand skills to step into senior people management roles with confidence.
What’s included
In your CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management Course
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is ideal for those ready to deepen their expertise in HR and take on more strategic roles. You’ll build advanced knowledge in areas like employee relations, talent management, and employment law, equipping you to drive business performance while supporting employee wellbeing. With expert support throughout, this industry-recognised qualification helps you step confidently into senior HR and people management positions.
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What You Will Learn
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management builds on the foundations of Level 3 and is designed for aspiring HR professionals who want to take the next step in their career. This qualification develops your ability to apply HR knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios while also deepening your understanding of strategic people management.
Organisational Performance & Culture in Practice
Explore how organisational performance is shaped by culture, values, and external influences such as economic conditions, regulation, and market pressures. Learn how HR professionals contribute to strategic objectives by aligning people practices with organisational goals, supporting leaders in driving cultural change, and embedding organisational values in everyday practice. The content also examines the impact of leadership styles, organisational design, and cultural development on performance, resilience, and agility, giving you the insight to position HR as a strategic partner in long-term success.
Evidence-Based Practice
Develop the ability to gather, analyse, and apply data and research to make informed HR decisions. Learn how to interpret people data such as turnover figures, engagement scores, and absence rates, alongside qualitative insights from employee feedback and surveys. Gain the skills to critically assess sources of evidence, evaluate outcomes, and present clear recommendations that influence business leaders. A focus on ethical and responsible use of data ensures you understand how evidence-based practice strengthens HR’s credibility and strategic impact.
Professional Behaviours & Valuing People
Examine the professional behaviours and values expected of modern HR practitioners, focusing on ethical practice, inclusivity, integrity, and continuous development. Reflect on personal strengths and areas for improvement while exploring how to build credibility and trust as a people professional. Understand how fairness, equality, and respect drive positive organisational cultures and how these behaviours enable HR to act as an influential role model. Learn practical ways to apply these principles to champion inclusivity and shape workplaces that value people.
Employment Relationship Management
Gain the knowledge and skills to manage employment relationships in ways that create positive employee experiences and organisational outcomes. Study grievance and disciplinary procedures while exploring proactive approaches that strengthen employee voice, build trust, and encourage engagement. Learn how to handle workplace conflict constructively, balance organisational priorities with employee needs, and apply strategies that sustain collaboration and long-term workforce commitment.
Talent Management and Workforce Planning
Understand how to attract, retain, and develop the right talent to meet current and future organisational needs. Explore methods for assessing workforce requirements, identifying skills gaps, and planning for succession to ensure business continuity. Learn how to implement strategies for employee development through leadership programmes, learning pathways, and career progression opportunities. By applying these practices, you will be prepared to support sustainable growth and build a resilient, future-ready workforce.
Reward for Performance and Contribution
Examine how reward strategies influence employee motivation, performance, and retention. Study financial approaches such as pay structures, bonuses, and incentives alongside non-financial recognition methods including career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives, and performance recognition programmes. Understand how to design reward systems that are fair, transparent, and aligned with organisational values, and learn how to evaluate their effectiveness in supporting strategic goals.
Optional Units
You will be required to select one of the following optional units to complete this Associate Diploma:
- People management in an international context
- Leadership and management development
- Learning and development essentials
Career and Progression Prospects
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management opens up strong career and progression opportunities, particularly for those starting out or transitioning into the HR and people management field.
What You Could Earn
We want to help you achieve the best outcome in your studies so you can flourish in your desired path.
Learning & Development Manager
per year
Human Resources Manager
per year
Organisational Development Manager
per year
Included with your course.
Stay on track with direct access to expert recommendations, general support, and answers to all your questions. Kick-start your course with a 45-minute guidance session within 1-week of enrolment, followed by regular monthly check-in emails. You can also request a live session with your trainer halfway through the course.
Access comprehensive assignment support, including pre-marking services and up to 2 resubmission attempts. Work with qualified trainers to perfect your assignments before CIPD submission, ensuring the highest chance of success.
Enjoy exclusive access to CIPD Digital Badges, extensive CPD resources, practical HR tools, insightful case studies, and professional networking opportunities with your 1-year complimentary CIPD Student Membership!
Connect with a thriving community of certified project management tutors and current students to exchange essential course tips and industry-specific insights to help you along your journey.
Stay motivated throughout your learning journey with a personal study coach who provides all the ad-hoc support you need to succeed in your certification.
Get instant help when you need it! Our live chat team is always ready to assist with prompt, real-time responses and when not available, you’ll have an interactive 24/7 AI tutorbot standing by for immediate answers.
We review your assignments before submitting them to CIPD, checking for accuracy and giving you the highest chance of success.
While you can finish the course in less time, we still want you to study at your own pace with 12 months of full access to your course materials; giving you plenty of time to revisit the content whenever you need.
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions, and we have all the answers
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is a professional qualification designed for those who are developing their career in human resources or people management. It provides in-depth knowledge of key areas such as employment law, organisational performance, employee engagement, and talent management. This qualification sits at an intermediate level and bridges the gap between entry-level study and more advanced CIPD qualifications, giving you the practical and strategic skills required to manage people effectively.
The CIPD Level 5 Diploma is academically equivalent to a foundation degree or the first two years of a UK bachelor’s degree. It is set at Level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England and broadly matches the same level of study as higher education qualifications such as a Higher National Diploma (HND). This means it sits between the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate and the more advanced CIPD Level 7 qualifications.
The diploma covers a wide range of subjects that are central to modern people management. You will explore how to develop professional behaviours, how to design and deliver people practices that drive organisational success, and how to use evidence-based approaches to improve decision-making. Topics such as employment relationship management, learning and development, diversity and inclusion, and workforce planning are all addressed, giving you the skills to make a real impact in your organisation.
Assessment is carried out through written assignments rather than traditional examinations. Each unit requires you to demonstrate your understanding by applying concepts to practical workplace scenarios, ensuring that your learning is relevant to your day-to-day role. The focus is on developing professional practice rather than testing memorisation, which means you can directly apply your knowledge in real-world situations while working towards your qualification.
Most learners complete the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management within twelve, depending on how much time they can dedicate to study alongside work and personal commitments. The qualification is flexible, allowing you to progress at a pace that suits your circumstances.
Yes, the CIPD is a globally respected professional body for HR and people development. Holding a Level 5 diploma demonstrates to employers not only in the UK but also internationally that you have the skills and knowledge to manage people effectively and contribute to organisational success.
Completing this qualification can support progression into a wide range of roles such as HR advisor, people manager, learning and development specialist, or employee relations manager. It also provides a strong foundation for advancing to the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma, which is suited to senior HR and leadership positions.
The diploma does not expire once achieved. It remains a permanent demonstration of your competence and professional development in HR and people management. Many learners choose to build on it by progressing to higher-level CIPD qualifications, but the Level 5 diploma itself is a lifelong credential.
Enrolling on this programme provides you with student membership of the CIPD, giving you access to exclusive resources, research, and networking opportunities. Upon successful completion, you can upgrade to Associate Member status, which is a professional grade of membership recognised across the HR industry.
The qualification strengthens your HR and management skills, improves your employability, and provides a respected credential recognised by employers worldwide. It gives you the knowledge to address people-related challenges strategically and equips you with practical tools to enhance employee performance and engagement. Beyond the immediate career benefits, it also serves as a stepping stone to further CIPD qualifications and higher-level professional recognition.
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