Learning and Development Courses

Learning and Development (L&D) is the process of improving the skills, knowledge, and capabilities of employees within an organisation.

The main goal of L&D is to enhance both individual and organisational performance by providing training, educational opportunities, and professional development programmes.

L&D professionals are responsible for designing and implementing learning programmes that can range from technical skills training to leadership development. This might include:

• On-the-job learning
• Formal courses
• Workshops
• e-Learning
• Mentorship & coaching

In short, L&D focuses on empowering employees to grow which, in turn, helps businesses adapt to changes, increase productivity, and improve employee satisfaction and retention.

Interested in launching your L&D career? Get in touch with our course advisors for more info. 

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the world’s leading professional body for Human Resources (HR) and Learning & Development (L&D), setting the global standard for people management and workplace excellence.

With 160,000+ members worldwide, CIPD is the only organisation that grants Chartered status to HR and L&D professionals. Every year, over 25,000 learners study a CIPD HR or L&D course to advance their careers. Employers also highly value CIPD accreditation, with the majority of roles in the people profession requiring CIPD training. 

Whether you're starting out or aiming for leadership, a CIPD-accredited qualification can help you:

• Boost your CV and stand out to top employers
• Unlock new career opportunities and promotions
• Increase your earning potential
• Gain confidence and credibility in your HR expertise

Start your CIPD journey today and study at your own pace, 100% online. 

Every learner is different, so you should always talk to an experienced CIPD advisor before committing to a course, but here’s a rough guide to CIPD's three levels:

• CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate: Ideal for beginners, this qualification is perfect if you're new to HR or Learning & Development (L&D) and looking to start your journey in the people profession.

• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational L&D:  Designed for those with some HR/L&D experience or a university degree, this course is a great option if you’re aiming for a mid-level L&D management or advisory role. It’s also suitable if you’re new to L&D but want to begin your studies at a higher level.

• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic L&D: This qualification is perfect if you have significant HR or L&D experience or hold an HR degree. You'll gain the strategic skills needed to manage L&D functions at a senior level and make a genuine impact in your organisation.

If your focus is more on HR than L&D, you might want to consider our CIPD Human Resources qualifications, which are equally recognized and respected within the industry.

Before you enrol, our expert CIPD advisors will discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals to ensure you’re selecting the right qualification for your future.

With 10,000+ independent reviews rating us 'Excellent' on Trustpilot, we think our students say it best! Backed by 130 years in flexible distance learning, we know what it takes to help you succeed.

We’re committed to flexible, career-focused learning that fits your life. With self-paced learning, extended study periods, and personalised expert support, we make it easy to gain your CIPD qualification, no matter what life throws at you! 

That’s why thousands of HR professionals choose us every year: to develop the skills they need for the careers they want.  

The best study mode for you depends on your learning style, schedule, and preference for structure:

• On Demand learning is ideal if you want complete flexibility. You’ll study at your own pace, with 24/7 course access, recorded lessons, and unlimited tutor support whenever you need it. This is perfect if you have a busy or unpredictable schedule.

• Live Online learning suits those who prefer structured learning with scheduled workshops. You'll join an expert-led virtual workshop per unit of study, interact with tutors and classmates in real time, and study at your own pace in-between.

Both options give you the same globally respected CIPD qualification, expert tutor support, and access to our online learning platform, mystudyspace – so you can choose the approach that fits your lifestyle best.

*Please note that our Live Online learning workshops are in UK time (BST/GMT). 

Yes! If you’re not ready to commit to a full L&D qualification but you'd like to focus on the essential modules, you could study one of our CIPD Core programmes.

The CIPD Level 5 Core programme covers 3 modules:

• Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Professional Behaviours and Valuing People

It has an average completion time of 6 months and a support period of 9 months. It costs £1,529 which can be paid in interest-free monthly instalments.

The CIPD Level 7 Core programme covers 4 modules:

• 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

It has an average completion time of 9 months and a support period of 12 months. It costs £3,449 which can be paid in interest-free monthly instalments.

Our Core programmes won’t give you a CIPD Learning and Development qualification though, just the essential skills you need to succeed in an L&D role.

For more information, get in touch with our course advisors today! 

As an ICS Learn student, you'll always have the support you need to succeed. From the moment you enrol, you'll gain access to:

• Our all-in-one virtual learning platform, mystudyspace
• Access to all of your interactive online course materials
• Online Induction Programme, Live Induction Session and AI-led videos
• FREE online study planners 
• Personalised tutor support
• Access to our Resource Library, full of tools, tips and guidance
• Live biannual Employment Law updates to keep you informed
• Our friendly Student Services team to help you with non-academic questions

You'll also have lifetime access to our Career Hub, which offers you thousands of resources to help you impress employers, master critical business skills, and build your dream career. This includes:

• A CV and cover letter builder
• An interview simulator
• An elevator pitch builder
• Career and work psychology assessments
• In-depth industry and employer profiles
• 350+ employer films with practical advice from hiring managers
• 1000+ short courses, articles and videos on key career skills like negotiating a raise and leading a team

You can take a sneak peek at the Career Hub and sign up for free today.

Enrol online or get in touch with our CIPD Advisors on 0330 828 2414.

They’ll talk through your experience, education and ambitions to make sure you’re choosing the right course. They'll then enrol you with a flexible monthly payment plan. 

If you have any disabilities which you think might affect your studies or assessments, please tell your Course Advisor before you enrol so we can advise you on whether reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate your needs.