With skills+- Qualification Level
- RQF Level 5, Undergraduate Degree Equivalent
- Duration
- 12 – 16 Months (Part-Time)
- CIPD Membership
- Assoc CIPD on completion
- Assessment
- Written Assignments, No Exams
- Delivery
- Virtual & In-Person | Abu Dhabi · Online GCC
- Units
- 7 Units, 3 Core, 3 Specialist, 1 Optional
Overview
About This Qualification
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development is designed for professionals who are passionate about helping people grow, perform, and reach their full potential. Whether you are already working in L&D, training, or organisational development, this diploma gives you the strategic knowledge and practical tools to lead impactful learning initiatives that deliver real business results.
Equivalent to an undergraduate degree and internationally recognised by employers across all sectors, this qualification opens the door to senior L&D roles including Learning Business Partner, L&D Manager, and Organisational Development Specialist, and earns you CIPD Associate Membership.
At Skills Plus, this programme is delivered with a practical, GCC-relevant focus by experienced learning and development professionals who understand the unique challenges of organisations across the UAE and wider Gulf region.
Who Is It For?
Who Is It For?
- L&D Professionals
- Those already working in training, facilitation or instructional design who want to move into strategic L&D leadership roles.
- HR to L&D Specialists
- HR professionals looking to specialise in organisational learning, coaching, and development strategy.
- CIPD Level 3 Graduates
- Foundation Certificate holders ready to progress to Associate Membership with a specialist L&D focus.
What You Will Achieve
What You Will Achieve
- Design and deliver learning strategies that align with organisational goals
- Apply digital learning tools and technologies to create engaging programmes
- Coach and mentor individuals and teams to improve performance and wellbeing
- Measure the impact of L&D initiatives using data and evaluation frameworks
- Lead change management and organisational development initiatives
- Build a culture of continuous learning across your organisation
- Achieve CIPD Associate Member (Assoc CIPD) designation
- Progress into roles such as L&D Manager and Learning Business Partner
Programme Modules
Programme Modules
The Level 5 OL&D diploma comprises 3 core units, 3 specialist units, and 1 optional unit, each assessed through a written assignment.
01Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice (Core Unit)
Examines how culture and organisational systems shape learning needs and L&D strategy.
Connect L&D to business performance
02Evidence-Based Practice (Core Unit)
Develops skills in evaluating L&D impact using data, research and evidence-based models.
Prove L&D value with credible data
03Professional Behaviours and Valuing People (Core Unit)
Explores the professional values and inclusive behaviours expected of a learning professional.
Lead with integrity in L&D
04Supporting Self-Directed and Social Learning (Specialist Unit)
Examines how to create environments that enable learners to take ownership of their own development.
Build cultures of self-driven learning
05Learning and Development Design to Create Value (Specialist Unit)
Covers learning design models, needs analysis, and how to create learning interventions that drive performance.
Design L&D that delivers real impact
06Facilitate Personalised and Performance-Focused Learning (Specialist Unit)
Develops skills in facilitating learning that responds to individual and organisational performance needs.
Deliver learning that changes behaviour
07Leadership and Management Development (Optional Unit)
Examines how to develop leadership and management capability across all levels of an organisation.
Build leaders at every level
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Level 5 People Management and Level 5 OL&D diploma?
People Management focuses on generalist HR, employment relations, talent and reward. OL&D specialises in learning and development, designing programmes, coaching, digital learning, and learning cultures. Both lead to Assoc CIPD.
Do I need L&D or HR experience to enrol?
You should have some relevant experience in a people-related role. If you have completed the CIPD Level 3 you are well prepared. Our advisors will confirm whether this programme is the right fit.
How is the OL&D diploma assessed?
Assignment-based only, one written assignment per unit, no examinations. Assignments are scenario-based and connect directly to real L&D and workplace situations.
What roles can I move into after completing this?
Graduates typically progress into L&D Manager, Learning Business Partner, OD Specialist, Talent Development Manager, and Employee Experience Manager roles.
Can I go on to study CIPD Level 7 after this?
Yes. The Level 5 is the standard pathway into the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma, leading to Chartered Membership (MCIPD).
Can my employer fund this qualification?
Many employers across the UAE fund CIPD qualifications as part of their L&D investment. We can provide supporting materials to help you make the business case.
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Awarding-body information
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CIPD · Associate qualifications ↗CIPD · Organisational Learning and Development ↗CIPD · Qualification specification v2.5 ↗