The 7 Best Learning & Development Courses 2024

Are you looking to upskill or enter the world of Learning & Development (L&D)?

Research shows, skillsets for jobs have changed by around 25% since 2015, and this is expected to double by 2027. So, it is important to make sure you are keeping up with development in the industry. 

But finding the right course for you can be a confusing journey, and there are lots of courses out there. To help you narrow down your options, we have compiled a list of the 7 best L&D courses out there. 

Read on to discover a course suitable for you, including our CIPD Learning and Development courses. 

CIPD Level 3 

L&D Practitioner Apprenticeship

Course summary:

The CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel Development) Level 3 L&D Practitioner Apprenticeship is a structured course that combines on-the-job training with academic study. Aimed at individuals aspiring to work in (or already working in) Learning and Development roles, this apprenticeship offers practical skills and a formal qualification. 

Let’s take a look at the course in more detail:

Course contents:

• Overview of the field and its evolution
• Aligning L&D with organisational goals
• Assessing training needs and understanding learning styles
• Instructional design principles and material creation
• Facilitation techniques and technology use

Aimed at: 

• Aspiring L&D professionals
• Entry level practitioners 
• Usually, younger people but all ages welcome
• Those who want on-the-job training alongside a qualification

Equivalent to:

An A-Level 

Pros:

• Practical skill development
• Industry recognised qualification
• Acquire a salary while you learn

Cons:

• Significant time commitment
• May not cover highly specialised areas
• Limited flexibility

Cost: Free

Course duration: 16 months

Why choose this course:

Choosing the CIPD Level 3 L&D Practitioner Apprenticeship offers a practical and recognised pathway for individuals aspiring to work in the L&D industry.

The course provides hands-on training, aligns with industry standards, and is recognised by the highly regarded CIPD. 

Foundation Certificate in People Practice

Course Summary:

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is a structured programme that blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Geared towards individuals aspiring to enter the field of HR, it offers a foundational qualification in people management and HR practices.

Course contents:

• Basics of HR roles and responsibilities
• Aligning HR practices with overall organisational objectives
• Developing essential HR skills for effective people management
• Understanding key legal principles in employment
• Basics of using technology in HR practices

Aimed at:

• Aspiring HR professionals
• Entry-level practitioners
• Those seeking a foundational HR qualification

Equivalent to:

An A-Level

Pros:

• Foundational HR skill development
• Recognition by the prestigious CIPD
• Opportunity for on-the-job learning

Cons:

• May not cover advanced HR specialisations
• Limited flexibility

Cost: Approx £1100

Course duration: Varies, typically completed within a year.

Why choose this course:

Opting for the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice provides a solid entry point for individuals aspiring to build a career in HR. The course offers fundamental skills, aligns with industry standards, and is endorsed by the esteemed CIPD.

CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development

Course summary:

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development is a comprehensive programme for mid-level professionals in L&D. Combining practical insights with theoretical knowledge, it is designed to enhance skills in organisational learning and development.

Course contents:

• Advanced exploration of L&D principles and strategies
• Advanced instructional design for impactful learning
• Practical skills for executing L&D programs in organisations
• Developing leadership capabilities in the L&D context
• Techniques for assessing and improving the impact of learning initiatives

Aimed at:

• Mid-level L&D professionals
• Those seeking advanced L&D qualifications
• Those wanting to upskill in their career

Equivalent to:

Foundation degree

Pros:

• Advanced L&D skill development
• CIPD recognition
• Enhanced career prospects

Cons:

• Requires a substantial time commitment
• May not cover highly specialised L&D areas

Cost: £2995

Course duration: Typically completed within 18-24 months.

Why choose this course:

Choosing the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development is ideal for mid-career professionals aiming to deepen their expertise. The course provides advanced training, aligns with industry standards, and holds recognition from the reputable CIPD.

ITOL Diploma in L&D Management

Course summary:

The ITOL Diploma in L&D Management is a specialised programme focusing on leadership and management within Learning and Development. Tailored for experienced L&D professionals, it combines strategic insights with practical skills to enhance leadership capabilities.

Course contents:

• Core principles and practices in Learning and Development
• Instructional design, material creation, and diverse delivery methods
• Integration of e-learning and technology for effective training
• Strategies for assessment, evaluation, and measuring training impact
• Aligning L&D with performance goals and managing organisational change
• Understanding legal and ethical considerations, global adaptation of L&D strategies

Aimed at:

• Experienced L&D professionals
• Those aspiring to leadership roles in L&D

Equivalent to:

• Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
• Foundation Degree

Pros:

• Strategic L&D leadership development
• International recognition by ITOL
• Networking opportunities

Cons:

• Intensive workload
• May not cover broader HR aspects

Cost: £1895

Course duration: Varies, typically completed within 12-18 months.

Why choose this course:

Opting for the ITOL Diploma in L&D Management is advantageous for experienced L&D professionals aiming for leadership roles. The course offers strategic insights, international recognition, and opportunities to expand professional networks.

Kirkpatrick Four Levels® Evaluation Certification Programme

Course summary:

The Kirkpatrick Four Levels® Evaluation Certification Programme focuses on training professionals in the Kirkpatrick Model, a widely used framework for evaluating the effectiveness of training programmes.

Aimed at:

• Training and HR professionals
• Those responsible for training evaluation

Pros:

• Expertise in training evaluation
• Global recognition of Kirkpatrick Model
• Practical application of evaluation skills
• Small class size for personalised attention

Cons:

• Niche focus on training evaluation
• Aimed at  those already in the industry looking to upskill
• Can be pricey compared to other courses

Cost: £2,295

Course duration: 2 days

Why choose this course:

Opting for the Kirkpatrick Four Levels® Evaluation Certification Programme is advantageous for professionals seeking expertise in training programme evaluation. The course provides a globally recognised certification and practical skills in applying the Kirkpatrick Model.

HRCI Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate

Course summary:

The HRCI (HR Certification Insitute) Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate is a specialised programme focused on foundational HR skills and knowledge. Tailored for entry-level HR professionals, it covers essential aspects of human resource management.

Aimed at:

• Entry-level HR professionals
• Those seeking foundational HR qualifications

Equivalent to:

Foundational qualification in HR

Pros:

• Establishes foundational HR knowledge
• Recognised by the HRCI
• Opportunity to enhance HR career prospects

Cons:

Limited to foundational HR topics

Cost: Free

Course duration: 5 months at 6 hours a week

Why choose this course:

Choosing the HRCI Human Resource Associate Professional Certificate is beneficial for those starting their HR careers. The course provides foundational knowledge, is recognised by HRCI, and serves as a stepping stone for further HR certifications.

University Degree

Course summary:

A University Degree in HR or related fields is a comprehensive academic programme providing in-depth knowledge and skills in human resource management or specific areas of business.

Aimed at:

• Varies based on the specific degree program
• Aspiring professionals seeking higher education in HR or related fields

Pros:

• In-depth theoretical and practical knowledge
• Enhanced career prospects with academic qualifications
• Opportunity for specialisation

Cons:

• Longer duration compared to other courses
• Greater financial investment

Cost: £9,250 per year

Course duration: 3 years for a honours programme.

Why choose this course:

Choosing a University Degree in HR or related fields is ideal for individuals seeking comprehensive academic knowledge. The degree provides in-depth insights, opens doors to various career paths, and offers opportunities for specialisation through advanced studies at the Master's or Doctoral levels.

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development

Course summary

The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development is a high-level program for experienced L&D professionals. Focused on strategic leadership, it equips individuals with the skills to shape and implement effective L&D strategies within organisations.

Aimed at:

• Experienced senior L&D professionals
• Leaders in Learning and Development

Equivalent to:

Master's degree

Pros:

• Strategic leadership development
• CIPD recognition at the highest level
• Enhanced career prospects in senior L&D roles
• One of the best L&D professional development courses

Cons:

• Substantial time commitment
• Higher workload at an advanced level

Cost: The cost of the course is £5,995

Course duration: 24 months +

Why choose this course:

Opting for the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development is advantageous for senior L&D professionals aspiring to strategic leadership roles. The course offers advanced training, CIPD's highest recognition, and positions individuals for senior leadership positions.

Which Learning & Development course should you do?

Unsure about which L&D course to do?

CIPD Learning and Development courses stand out for their industry-wide recognition, credibility, and strategic focus. CIPD's reputation ensures that their courses are aligned with current industry needs. 

CIPD's extensive network provides valuable connections within the HR and L&D community, enhancing professional growth. While competitors may offer alternatives, CIPD is often the preferred choice for those seeking a reputable and impactful Learning and Development qualification.

Explore our CIPD courses and enrol today.