Have you recently taken your CIPD Level 5 qualification and want to know whether you can take the Advanced Level 7? Maybe it has been a long time since you last studied, and you’re cautious about starting again?

Or perhaps you have a lot of experience but you’re not sure whether this is the next step for you? Whatever your circumstances are, if you’re looking for advice before you commit to CIPD Level 7, then read our expert answers to the most frequently asked questions about studying the CIPD Advanced Diploma in the Middle East.

Q: IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BEGIN YOUR HR CAREER AND ASPIRE TO REACH THE SENIOR LEVEL OF HR DIRECTOR (LEVEL 7) IN THE FUTURE, WOULD YOU RECOMMEND STUDYING LEVEL 7 STRAIGHT AWAY?

If you are new to HR, I would recommend starting with the CIPD Level 3 qualification as this provides the foundation for everything that is studied at Level 7. If you have a degree in HR or a related degree such as business, along with some HR experience, you may be able to commence study at Level 7 right away.

Q: ARE THERE ANY EXAMS INVOLVED IN THE LEVEL 7 CIPD, OR IS IT ALL COURSEWORK BASED?

With the new CIPD 2021 qualification, there are no longer any exams for the Level 7 Diploma. This means you'll be assessed by submitting an assignment for each module and evaluated accordingly.

Q: I AM FROM A BUSINESS BACKGROUND AND SELF-TAUGHT. I FEAR ACADEMIC WRITING.

All assignments for the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma must be written in English. For advice on assignment preparation, research and referencing, check out the blog written by one of our CIPD tutors, Tristan Callaghan.

Q: ALONG WITH THE TEXTBOOKS THAT YOU RECOMMEND READING, IS THERE ANY COURSE MATERIAL THAT WE WILL GO THROUGH?

The Acacia Learning Community includes links to additional reading, videos, and podcasts for every module across all levels of study. Learning is broken down into small chunks to make learning more manageable.

Q: IS THE LEARNING AT LEVEL 7 RELIVANT TO WORKING INTERNATIONALLY?

We have designed the CIPD Level 7 Diploma for those who live and work within the GCC. The tutors you will meet on the course are all from the UK but with experience in international markets including Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. We are continually updating our programmes to reflect our international delivery.

Q: I AM A RECENT HR GRADUATE/I HAVE MY LEVEL 5 CIPD. DO YOU THINK IT IS BEST TO GAIN WORKPLACE EXPERIENCE BEFORE JUMPING STRAIGHT INTO LEVEL 7?

Having a couple of years of HR work experience is very useful before starting a CIPD Level 7 qualification. Being able to draw on your understanding of the HR strategy of your company will really help when writing assignments.

Q: I AM CURRENTLY A HR BUSINESS PARTNER, WHICH CIPD LEVEL IS MOST APPROPRIATE FOR ME?

As an HRBP we would recommend the Level 7 as it will support you in your current role as well as support you to move forward. If you’re not sure about which level to study, read our blog on how to choose between CIPD Levels 3, 5 or 7.

Q: HOW CAN I DEMONSTRATE THE VALUE OF HAVING THE CIPD LEVEL 7 TO MY COMPANY AND GET SUPPORT FROM MY EMPLOYER?

The CIPD Level 7 qualification is designed to develop strategic awareness so that HR professionals are able to add value to the strategic direction of the organisation. This supports organisations in achieving a competitive edge ensuring both sustainability and growth.

Q: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CIPD LEVEL 7 QUALIFICATION AND DOING A MASTERS IN HRM AT UNIVERSITY?

A master's degree requires additional credits and a more in-depth dissertation. Some master's degrees do include the Level 7 CIPD accreditation. Once you have completed the CIPD Level 7 Diploma, you can top up to an MSc in HRM.

Q: CAN YOU USE YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE AND REFERENCE THIS AGAINST THEORY?

Yes, CIPD-accredited qualifications require you to demonstrate your understanding of the theory but also how you apply this in the workplace. At Level 7 there is a requirement to read widely and evidence research through the inclusion of references.

Q: IS THERE ANY OVERLAP IN CIPD LEVEL 5 AND 7 COURSES?

The CIPD Level 7 programme builds on the Level 5 programme and you will see some of the same theories, but the design and assessment requirements are very different.

Q: IS THERE A CIPD LEVEL 7 CERTIFICATE (AS OPPOSED TO THE DIPLOMA)?

There is no longer a CIPD Level 7 Certificate available. You can see the new CIPD 2021 qualification updates here.

Q: THE EXPERIENCE ROUTE SOUNDS GREAT. CAN WE HAVE FURTHER INFORMATION ON HOW TO DO THIS PLEASE?

Yes, we offer a remote competency-based study option – find out more here >

Q: HOW LONG DOES THE WHOLE CIPD LEVEL 7 COURSE TAKE? HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO COMPLETE A MODULE?

It typically takes anywhere from 15 to 18 months to complete the Level 7 Diploma while working full-time with each module taking roughly 2 months. These estimates can vary depending on your circumstances.

Q: DO YOU NEED A CIPD LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA TO WORK AS A SENIOR HR MANAGER?

It might be possible to secure a senior HR role without Level 7, but a requirement for CIPD qualifications and membership is becoming increasingly common.

Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO DO THE DIPLOMA IN ONE YEAR IF YOU CAN STUDY FULL TIME?

Yes, you can speed up how quickly you study with us. If you are not working, and can study full-time, you can complete the CIPD Level 7 in a year.

Q: DO YOU THINK HAVING CIPD LEVEL 7 ON YOUR CV MASSIVELY SEPARATES YOU FROM OTHER CANDIDATES WHEN APPLYING FOR JOBS?

Yes, because the CIPD Level 7 Diploma focuses on the development of strategic awareness. It will give you the skills to make an impact on the long term aims of the organisation.

Q: IT SAYS ON THE INFO PACK THAT WE CAN TOP-UP TO MSC IN HRM AS A FULL MASTER’S COURSE. DOES THIS MEAN THAT THE LEVEL 7 IS NOT AT MASTER’S LEVEL?

The CIPD Level 7 Diploma does not equate to enough credits (study hours) to provide a full Master's programme. You will need to ‘top up’. The CIPD Level 7 study is, however, at Master's level, and the top-up programme would be delivered live online from a UK university.

Q: WHERE CAN WE FIND THE LIST OF UNIVERSITIES WHICH WE CAN TOP UP LEVEL 7 WITH TO OBTAIN THE MASTER’S DEGREE?

Acacia offers an MSc HRM top up course. Find out more here.

Q: DOES ACACIA HAVE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR LEVEL 7, OR AN OPTION FOR PAYMENT AFTER COMPLETING?

We offer flexible payment plans to help self-funding students spread the cost of their qualification over 10 or 15 months.

Interested in joining the Acacia family and getting CIPD Level 7 qualified with us? Get in touch today about our KSA and Middle East CIPD Level 7 programmes.