Everything You Need To Know About CIPD Level 7

A CIPD Level 7 qualification is the highest level of certification you can get in Human Resources (HR) and Learning & Development (L&D) - think of it like a postgraduate or master's degree, but highly specialised for HR and L&D professionals.

Ideal for senior professionals, the advanced diploma is designed for those who are already experienced but want to develop strategic workplace initiatives and gain Chartered CIPD membership (which is a big deal in the industry).

What are CIPD qualification?

CIPD stands for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development - the professional body for the fields of HR and people development.

Achieving a CIPD qualification is highly respected in the field and is recognised internationally, providing HR and L&D professionals with the skills and knowledge to advance their careers, earn higher salaries, and take on more strategic roles within organisations.

In this article, we’re going to discuss Level 7 CIPD qualifications in detail; what they involve, who they’re for, where they can take you, and much more. So, if you’re ready to get started, read on!

Why do a Level 7 CIPD?  If you want to climb the career ladder in HR or L&D, having a CIPD qualification is a must.

On average, jobs that require candidates to have a CIPD qualification pay more - in fact, between March 2022 and February 2023, HR roles requesting CIPD qualifications paid up to £4,400 more than those not specifying CIPD credentials? Additionally, HR manager-level Chartered Members have the potential to earn an average of £9,900 more than those without CIPD membership, and if you’re working at a senior level, being a Chartered Member can add more that £15,000 to your salary.

But it’s not just about the money! Having this qualification under your belt shows that you’re serious about your profession and ready to lead at the highest levels.

The Level 7 course challenged me to think differently about HR strategy. It wasn't easy, but the depth of knowledge I gained has been invaluable in shaping the way I approach my role - it’s definitely opened up new opportunities for me in senior management.

– MOL CIPD Level 7 Learner

CIPD Level 7 with MOL

A CIPD Level 7 certification is a solid choice if you want to get deeper into HR or L&D strategies and here at MOL, we’ll help you understand exactly what the level involves and how it can help you. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about completing a CIPD Level 7 with MOL; we’ll explain what you’ll be studying, how much it costs, and what’s included.

We’ll also cover how long it takes, your study options, and how to fit your studies around your work and home life. Plus, we’ll look at the career opportunities that you’ll be able to pursue once you’re qualified and explain how to get started with us. By the end, you'll understand how this qualification can advance your career and how to get started with MOL!

What is CIPD Level 7?

CIPD Level 7 is the most prestigious qualification you can attain as an HR or L&D professional. It’s an advanced diploma equivalent to a postgraduate/master’s degree and the only level where you can apply for Chartered CIPD membership.  CIPD Level 7 is best suited to senior professionals who want to develop and implement high level workplace strategies.

What does CIPD stand for in HR?

CIPD stands for Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development - this is the professional body for HR and People development. 

What is CIPD Level 7 equivalent to?

Level 7 qualifications are equivalent to postgraduate degrees and are the highest level of CIPD qualification you can obtain.

What are the entry requirements for CIPD Level 7?

There are no formal entry requirements for CIPD Level 7; however, it’s ideally suited for professionals with over three years of HR experience at a strategic level. 

If you lack this experience, you might find starting with CIPD Level 5 more beneficial for building a solid foundation of concepts and strategies. 

Unsure which level is right for you? Talk to our advisors, who can help you determine the best starting point for your career based on your experience and professional goals

Progression path

CIPD qualifications are structured to support your career growth at various stages, with three levels of study available:

Level 3 (Foundation Level): Ideal for those new to HR, providing essential operational skills for entry-level roles such as HR Assistant or L&D Practitioner.

Level 5 (Associate Level): Designed for those with some HR experience or a relevant degree, preparing you for mid-level roles like HR Manager or L&D Advisor.

Level 7 (Advanced Level): Targeted at experienced HR professionals ready for senior strategic positions, such as HR Director or Chief People Officer.

Each level builds upon the last, ensuring comprehensive development and preparing you for the next stage in your career. If you want to learn more about CIPD levels 3 to 7 and what they entail, check out our ultimate guide to CIPD levels here!

Here at MOL, we offer two CIPD level 7 qualifications:

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development (from £6,495 inc. VAT)

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management (from £6,495 inc. VAT)

Who should have a CIPD Level 7 qualification?

A CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma is perfect if you’re looking to become a strategic leader in your organisation.

It’s also perfect for those who want to develop knowledge to explore innovative new areas in business - like Technology Enhanced Learning - or improve your understanding of how to drive change as a leader at a senior level.

How much does CIPD Level 7 cost?

At MOL, our CIPD Level 7 qualifications start from £6,495. This covers everything you’ll need, including:

• Access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE): Get access to all your learning materials whenever works best for you.
• “Topic Essentials” videos: Get started with concise, easy-to-follow videos covering key topics.
• Guided Activities: Enhance your learning with structured activities, designed to deepen your understanding and help you put what you’re learning into practice.
• Assessment briefings: Prepare effectively for your assessments with detailed briefings - we’ll walk you through what to expect and how to prepare.
• Tutor support: Receive guidance and support from experienced tutors throughout your course, with advice available whenever you need it.
• Flexible learning options: Join live webinars or attend in-person workshops, depending on how you prefer to study.

How long does a CIPD Level 7 take?

The duration of the CIPD Level 7 course depends on your chosen study mode:

Live Online learning

Complete your CIPD Level 7 qualification in up to 24 months (about 2 years) with our structured Live Online learning format, including live webinars, interactive sessions, and scheduled activities which provide for a more guided learning experience.

On Demand learning

Study at your own pace with the flexibility to take up to 36 months (about 3 years) to finish the course. With On Demand learning, you can access course materials and resources any time, any place - enabling you to fit your studies around your personal and professional commitments.

Choose the learning method that best suits your schedule and learning style, ensuring you can effectively balance your studies with other responsibilities.

Can I do CIPD Level 7 and work full-time?

Yes! You can complete your CIPD Level 7 qualification alongside a full-time job.

At MOL, we’ve designed a range of study options so you can fit your studies in around your other commitments.

For businesses looking to upskill employees or teams, we offer in-person classroom sessions. These are an ideal way for colleagues to learn together in a structured environment, fostering collaboration and teamwork.

No matter your preferred learning style, we’ve designed these options to ensure you can successfully complete your CIPD Level 7 qualification without compromising your work commitments.

Core CIPD Level 7 modules

Strategic People Management

• The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management encompasses the following core modules:Work and Working Lives in a Changing Business Environment:  This module looks at how work is changing with globalisation, tech, and social shifts, and how those changes impact how people are managed.
• Personal Effectiveness, Ethics, and Business Acumen: Here, you’ll learn how to enhance your personal effectiveness, with a focus on ethical decision-making and developing business acumen critical for strategic roles.
• Business Research in People Practice: Acquire the necessary skills to conduct robust business research in this module and learn methodologies and analytical techniques to drive strategic business decisions.
• Strategic Reward Management: Gain insights on how to design and manage reward systems that actually motivate people and align with the company’s goals.
• People Management and Development Strategies for Performance: Develop strategies for managing and developing people to optimise performance and achieve organisational success.
• Resourcing and Talent Management to Sustain Success: Learn to attract, develop, and retain talent, with a focus on best practices in workforce planning and talent management.
• Strategic Employment Relations: Navigate complex employment relations, including negotiation, conflict resolution, and fostering a positive workplace environment.

Strategic Learning & Development

For those completing a CIPD Level 7 in Strategic Learning & Development, the core modules are:

• Designing Learning to Improve Performance: Learn to create effective learning interventions that make a tangible difference to how an organisation performs..
• Leadership and Management Development in Context: This module is about understanding different leadership styles and how to develop them to suit different organisational needs.

Optional CIPD Level 7 modules

While completing your CIPD Level 7 certification, you’ll have the choice to do some of the following modules:

• Organisational Design & Development: Focus on designing effective organisational structures and processes to improve efficiency and adaptability.
• Advanced Employment Law in Practice: Delve into complex employment law issues and their practical application in the workplace.
• Technology Enhanced Learning: Explore the integration of technology in learning and development initiatives to enhance organisational learning capabilities.

How are CIPD Level 7 courses assessed?

For the CIPD Level 7 qualification, you’ll complete eight assessments (one per unit), all of which are designed to get you thinking about real-world HR and L&D challenges.

You might find yourself working through case studies, writing reports, or researching specific issues; all with the goal of showing how you’d apply your knowledge to practical situations.

No matter which unit you’re working on, each task is focused on helping you build the skills needed to approach strategic problems and come up with solutions that will make a transformative difference in a business setting.

What jobs can I get with a CIPD Level 7 qualification?

Examples of career paths that will be available to you upon completing your studies include:

• People analytics manager
• Head of HR
• Head of diversity and inclusion
• Director of people
• L&D manager
• L&D advisor
• L&D business partner
• Recruitment manager

Where can I study my CIPD Level 7?

You can pursue your CIPD Level 7 qualification entirely online, offering the flexibility to study from anywhere. 

Additionally, if your organisation is looking to upskill its team, we provide in-person courses at 20 locations across the UK. 

This ensures you have access to high-quality training whether you prefer the convenience of online learning or the collaborative environment of classroom sessions.

You can study for your CIPD Level 7 completely online but if you’re an organisation looking to upskill your team, we can deliver this course face-to-face at a location convenient to you and your team.

Is CIPD Level 7 worth it?

Are you still wondering whether a CIPD Level 7 qualification is worth it for you? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Firstly, it can boost your salary! CIPD-qualified professionals often earn more due to their advanced HR knowledge. If you're aiming for higher-paying roles, this qualification could be a smart move.

The cost might seem steep but consider the long-term gains; achieving a CIPD Level 7 can open major doors to senior positions and enhance job satisfaction. To learn more about the cost versus benefit of a CIPD, click here!

It’s also about more than just money – CIPD Level 7 qualifications provide in-depth strategic HR knowledge and insights, which are absolutely invaluable for career progression.

Compared to other qualifications like HR degrees, CIPD Level 7 courses are tailored specifically for those looking to advance in HR, as they’re highly specialised and focused on career growth.

Explore our dedicated guide for more info about the benefits of a CIPD vs. HR degree.

In short, if you're committed to advancing and ready to invest in your future, the YES, a CIPD Level 7 is more than worth it! As a globally recognised certification, they provide the perfect path for acquiring advanced HR skills and strategic knowledge that can significantly boost your career opportunities and salary potential.

How do I get started with a CIPD Level 7?

Ready to start your CIPD Level 7 journey and gain the highest recognised qualification for your profession? Choose MOL for a tailored learning experience designed to fit your lifestyle. 

Our CIPD courses allow you to study how, where, and when you want, with the flexibility to accommodate your personal and professional commitments.

Plus, MOL has been awarded the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for outstanding customer service, so you can be confident that you’ll receive unwavering support throughout your studies.  To get started, choose from our CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma courses in Strategic Learning and Development or Strategic People Management and enrol today! Our advisors will help you determine the best path forward based on your experience and career goals.