Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development
CIPD Level 7
This is the highest level of study and is aimed at people management professionals building towards a senior career in the Learning & Development sector.
The qualification is at the same academic level as a Masters degree. Candidates will have already completed degree-level studies or have relevant industry experience.
Who is this for?
This qualification is ideal if you are:
- Responsible for leading L&D in your organisation.
- A business partner.
- A senior manager or director.
- A L&D consultant.
- Someone who aspires to become a Chartered Member of the CIPD.
What will I learn?
You will gain a deeper knowledge of learning and development and how to focus on L&D in a wider business context. Your studies will show you how to create a learning culture in your organisation that accelerates people’s careers and develops your leaders and managers.
You will study four core units, three specialist units and one Busec Nova recommended optional unit. If you are on our Immersive Plan you will be able to choose your optional unit, allowing you to focus on what matters most to you.
Core units:
- Work and working lives in a changing business environment.
- People management and development strategies for performance.
- Personal effectiveness, ethics and business acumen.
- Business research in people practice.
Specialist units:
- Organisational design and development.
- Leadership and management development in context.
- Designing learning to improve performance.
Optional units:
- Advanced employment law in practice.
- Technology enhanced learning.
- Advanced diversity and inclusion.
- Managing people in an international context.
- Wellbeing at work.
How long will it take me to qualify?
2 years.
The learning agreement for the Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development is 24 months. All students have flexibility within their study programmes and can choose their workshop dates, depending on the month you start. You can speed your programme up to complete in 18 months or even less; if you want to do this, choose the Immersive learning plan, which allows you to design your own timetable.
What are my study options?
On a Level 7 course, you can choose from our Professional or Immersive study plans, giving you the freedom to study in a way that suits your lifestyle and the way you like to learn.
Essential
Essential lets you study online, on demand and at your own pace, perfect for independent, tech-savvy learners. It is the most affordable of our three plans, yet still includes our unique Student Care service. You’ll always have access to real people for help and support, not just automated systems. Add flexibility with optional extras such as webinar tickets, recordings, and one-to-one planning or feedback sessions with a subject specialist.
Professional
Professional is designed to replicate the experience of studying in college, but online. You will join a group of fellow students and learn from a dedicated tutor in a virtual classroom, with structured lessons and regular feedback. A clear timetable shows exactly when you’ll be studying, helping you stay on track. Alongside this, you still have access to Student Care for individual support whenever you need it, giving you the best of both guided learning and personal assistance.
Immersive
Immersive offers a personalised one-to-one learning experience tailored entirely to you. A private tutor provides coaching, guidance, and ongoing support, while you set the pace and agree on a timetable that works for your lifestyle. This approach is ideal if you want to qualify quickly, or if you are returning to study after a break and would like to build your confidence. With individual attention at every stage, Immersive ensures your learning journey is both flexible and deeply supported.
What level of CIPD membership will I achieve?
You must be in CIPD membership to claim your completed qualification. That fee is payable direct to the CIPD as soon as you’ve registered to start your studies.
Current CIPD membership fees can be found here.
When you complete your qualification, you’ll be awarded CIPD Associate Membership and the designation ‘Assoc CIPD’ after your name. You’ll be able to apply to become a Chartered Member or a Chartered Fellow once you have acquired the necessary professional experience.
The Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development is comparable to Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 7 in England and Northern Ireland; Credit and Qualifications Framework (CQFW) Level 7 in Wales; comparable to Level 9 in Ireland, Level 11 in Scotland, Level 7 European Qualifications Framework (EQF).
CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development Handbook
