What are learning and development courses?

Learning and development (L&D) is the process of continuously improving employee capabilities in the workplace to ensure organisations can be successful in the long term.  

This includes recruiting and developing employees through development programmes, adjusting organisational structures and creating an environment that encourages learning in the workplace through development opportunities. 

While many organisations use L&D as a reactive measure to manage change or performance issues, the most successful companies have learning and development embedded in their day-to-day operations. 

Research shows that  57% of workers value learning new skills as the third-most important perk when it comes to new job opportunities. This shows how HR departments should shift their attention towards closing skills gaps through professional development and effective L&D strategies in the workplace.  

If you’re working in HR and want to elevate your career by learning more about L&D courses, this blogpost is for you.  

Who are Learning & Development courses for? 

Learning and development courses are perfect for those with responsibilities to grow a company and develop its staff. These responsibilities may be part of a wider HR role or roles within a designated Organisational Development/Learning & Development department. 

What do Learning & Development courses cover? 

Our CIPD Learning & Development courses cover a range of topics that professionals need to understand, including: 

• How external influences impact company culture 

• How employees make decisions 

• What behaviours help employees and organisations excel 

• Workforce planning 

• Using evidence to inform development decisions 

• Building strong workforces by demonstrating values and appreciation 

• Support self-directed learning 

• Creating learning systems and development strategies to improve performance 

• Understanding how individual learning needs can improve performance for the organisation 

• Distinguishing between leaders and managers 

• Developing an organisational design that breeds success. 

What levels of Learning & Development courses are there? 

We offer four levels of Learning and Development courses for professionals: CIPD Levels 3, 5 and 7; and an MSc in Strategic HR Management in partnership with the University of Salford.  

CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice (Level 3) 

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate is ideal for those early on in their careers or for those looking to move into a Learning & Development role for the first time.  

This course provides a solid and practical foundation in L&D skills so learners can gain skills and knowledge in recruitment, performance management and coaching and mentoring. 

CIPD Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development (Level 5) 

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma helps L&D professionals advance to the next stage of their career by developing their skills in key areas such as developing organisational learning strategies and facilitating personalised learning.  

CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development (Level 7) 

This degree level CIPD Advanced Level 7 Diploma is perfect for professionals who want to move into a senior Learning and Development role to oversee and implement changes at a company-wide level. CIPD Level 7 qualifications can also help to develop skills in innovative new areas.  

On completing this course, learners will understand how to use employee learning to improve performance and ultimately drive organisational success.  

MSc Strategic HR Management 

Our MSc Top-up in Strategic Human Resource Management is for those who have achieved their CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in the last five years and want to stand apart with a prestigious academic qualification. Learners will deliver a research proposal, exploring a chosen business issue, followed by a dissertation including real-life recommendations to benefit their organisation. 

If you’re considering upskilling to take on more L&D responsibilities within your organisation or kickstart your career, a CIPD Learning and Development course is one of the best ways to get started.  

Find out more about our Learning & Development courses or chat with a member of our team for advice about your specific situation.