CIPD vs. HR Degree: Which Qualification is Better?

There’s a lot of discussion around which type of human resources qualification is best for people attempting to get into the industry, or to develop their HR careers.

Many people swear by HR qualifications from the globally recognised professional body for HR, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Others argue that undergraduate and Master’s degrees in HR are just as effective at equipping you with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to thrive in the industry.

So which is actually better: a CIPD qualification or an HR degree? Below, we take a closer look. 

CIPD Qualifications: The Pros and Cons 

1. Pro: CIPD is recognised worldwide by employers 

These professional qualifications, awarded by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), are the gold standard for the HR and learning and development sectors. As the leading professional body in these fields, CIPD qualifications are highly respected and recognised by employers across the UK and globally.

CIPD qualifications are designed to provide practical, real-world skills that HR professionals need to succeed, making them a top choice for both newcomers to HR and experienced professionals looking to advance their careers.

1. Pro: They offer straightforward career progression 

CIPD qualifications are structured across three levels, each representing a different stage of expertise and career advancement:

• CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate: Equivalent to A-Level standard, this is perfect for beginners in HR.
• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma: Equivalent to an undergraduate degree, it prepares you for HR management roles.
• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma: Equivalent to a postgraduate degree, this level equips you with the strategic skills needed for senior HR leadership positions.

Whether you're just starting out in HR, aiming for management, or looking to progress to a senior strategic role, CIPD offers a clear path to advance your skills and career.

1. Pro: CIPD qualifications can be completed 100% online

CIPD qualifications can be completed online for those individuals who need the flexibility to balance learning with their busy lives. 

When you study an online CIPD qualification with us, for instance, you can study at your own pace. With unlimited tutor support and 24/7 access to our virtual learning platform, mystudyspace, you'll have the tools and resources you need to advance your career on your terms. 

However, if you prefer more structure than self-paced (On Demand) learning, we also offer a Live Online learning option for our CIPD courses. You'll gain all the benefits of On Demand learning with the added benefit of live-streamed classrooms for each CIPD module you study. You'll be able to ask your tutor questions in real-time and network with your peers.

1. Pro: They’re good value for money

With the average price of an undergraduate degree in England now costing over £9,000 a year in tuition fees alone, entering further education is an eye-watering prospect for a lot of students who don’t have tens of thousands of pounds to spare.

CIPD qualifications are generally a lot more affordable than traditional undergraduate degrees (especially when you study online!) and provide you with the HR expertise you need for a fraction of the price.

1. Pro: CIPD courses typically take less time to complete 

Unlike a full HR degree, CIPD qualifications are typically shorter in duration. A Level 3 qualification can take as little as 6 to 7 months online, while Levels 5 and 7 typically between 1 to 2 years.

This means you can start applying your learning quickly and achieve your career goals faster! 

1. Pro: Offers great networking opportunities 

When you enrol on a CIPD course, you'll automatically become a CIPD member and gain access to a global network of over 160,000 HR professionals.

You’ll also have exclusive access to industry events, resources, and career development tools that can boost your career progression. More advanced membership levels (such as Associate or Chartered Member) can also enhance your credibility in the industry, catching the attention of both employers and peers. 

Con: Limited academic depth

While CIPD qualifications offer great practical HR knowledge, they may lack the academic depth of a full HR degree. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive, research-based understanding of HR theories, an HR degree may be a better fit! 

Con: You don’t get the university experience

If you’re studying a CIPD qualification online, you obviously won’t get the full ‘university experience' that a lot of students crave. For example, you aren’t going to be attending in-person lectures in a classroom, and you won’t be getting the same social interaction that comes with studying a degree. 

However, if you really need human contact, you’ll be pleased to hear that you can also study CIPD via Live Online learning (with us!), or face-to-face classroom courses at a college.

Con: Cost of CIPD membership

Beyond the cost of a CIPD course itself, CIPD membership fees also often apply, regardless of the provider you choose.

Depending on your career stage, these fees can add up over time, though membership does come with valuable career support and networking opportunities that are worth looking into. 

HR Degrees: The Pros & Cons 

1. Pro: Comprehensive academic knowledge 

While CIPD qualifications are in-depth and comprehensive in their own right, an HR degree typically offers a deeper, more theoretical understanding of HR, including areas like organisational behaviour and business strategy. 

It’s perfect for those who want to explore the academic side of HR and gain a broader understanding of how it applies to business and management.

However, it's important to keep in mind that there isn't a standardised curriculum that all providers of HR degrees must deliver, so you'll need to do your research on which degree would work best for you. 

1. Pro: You can often explore a niche HR specialism 

While CIPD qualifications are highly focused on core HR practices and are more suited for practical, hands-on roles, an HR degree provides a wider understanding of business, management, and organisational theory, which can be valuable for exploring a wide range of HR specialisms.

This allows graduates to specialise in specific areas of HR (e.g., recruitment, learning and development, employee relations, or compensation and benefits) or even branch out into related fields like business consulting or organisational development.

In contrast, CIPD qualifications are more targeted, and while they offer advanced knowledge in HR practices, they tend to focus more on practical, operational skills in HR management rather than providing the same level of theoretical background to enter various specialisms.

1. Pro: Offers you credibility and recognition  

Like CIPD qualifications, HR degrees from respected universities are widely recognised by employers. They offer the prestige of an academic qualification, which can be a significant factor for employers, especially for those hiring for managerial or leadership roles.

That said, a degree can open doors not just in HR but in business management, consultancy, and other corporate roles. This can also lead to potential higher earning potential as some roles may require an HR (or related) degree.

Con: More time and financial commitment 

Being that HR degrees typically take 3 years (or more) to complete, they can be significantly more expensive than a CIPD qualification. This longer commitment may not be ideal for those who want to enter the workforce quickly or need a more flexible study option to fit their busy lives.

Con: Not every HR degree is created equal

The fact that content for HR degree courses isn’t standardised means that courses can vary quite dramatically between universities, with some degree courses covering particular topics and specialisms that other degree courses don’t.

This can mean that what you learn can vary a lot too. Choose the wrong course and you could find that you’re missing skills that some prospective employers expect job candidates to have.

HR degrees from some establishments may also not have the same reputational clout as a CIPD qualification in the eyes of employers, so be sure to do your research. 

Con: Less focus on practical skills 

While an HR degree is broad and well-rounded, it may not go into as much detail on specific HR practices or current industry trends as a CIPD qualification. If you’re looking for cutting-edge, job-ready skills that employers are looking for, a CIPD qualification might be the more direct route.

So, which HR qualification is right for you?

Choosing between a CIPD qualification and an HR degree comes down to your individual goals and career aspirations.

If you’re looking for practical, industry-recognised skills with a faster path to career progression in HR, a CIPD qualification is a great choice.

However, if you want a broad academic foundation with the flexibility to move into different roles, or if you’re aiming for senior leadership positions that require an in-depth understanding of business, an HR degree might be the better option.

Ultimately, both qualifications offer valuable opportunities for professional growth, so it’s about choosing the path that aligns best with your personal and professional goals.

Ready to get started? Enrol on a 100% online CIPD qualification today.