A Guide to CIPD Level 7 Payment Plan Providers
The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management is the highest-level qualification offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, equivalent to a Master’s degree. It is the gold standard for experienced HR and Learning & Development professionals aiming for senior, strategic leadership roles such as HR Director or Head of People . While the qualification offers a significant return on investment, often leading to a substantial salary increase, the initial course fee represents a considerable financial commitment .
To make this career-defining qualification accessible, most CIPD Approved Centres offer a range of flexible payment plans. These plans are crucial for self-funding learners, allowing them to spread the cost over an extended period, often interest-free. This article explores the landscape of CIPD Level 7 providers, focusing on their payment plan structures and providing a detailed comparison of costs.
The CIPD Level 7 Provider Landscape
The market for CIPD Level 7 qualifications is served by several established and reputable Approved Centres, each offering distinct learning models and financial packages. The most prominent providers often highlighted for their flexible payment options include ICS Learn, Avado, MOL Learn, and Reed Learning.
1. ICS Learn
ICS Learn is known for its fully online, self-paced “On Demand” learning model, which appeals to professionals needing maximum flexibility. They frequently offer significant discounts on the total course fee and structure their payment plans with a low initial deposit, followed by interest-free monthly instalments. Their model is designed to make the qualification affordable by extending the payment period.
2. Avado
Avado, a CIPD Platinum Centre, offers a premium learning experience with both structured “Professional” and enhanced “Plus” packages. Their payment plans are typically interest-free but often structured over a shorter duration, such as 11 or 12 months, resulting in higher monthly payments but a quicker path to financial completion. They also offer a price match guarantee, indicating a competitive approach to pricing.
3. MOL Learn
MOL Learn, also a CIPD Platinum Centre, emphasises a high-quality, supported learning experience with a strong focus on practical application. They offer both “On Demand” and “Live Online” options. Their payment structure is transparent, with interest-free monthly payments that are often all-inclusive, meaning no hidden fees for materials or resubmissions.
4. Reed Learning
Reed Learning is another well-regarded provider that offers competitive pricing, often featuring one of the lowest total course costs among the major providers. Their payment plans are straightforward, offering interest-free instalments over a fixed term, making the total cost clear and manageable.
Understanding CIPD Payment Plans
The term “payment plan” can cover various structures, but for CIPD Level 7, the most common and beneficial option for self-funders is the interest-free monthly instalment plan.
- Interest-Free: This is the most critical feature. It means the total amount paid is the same as the advertised course fee, with no additional charges for spreading the cost.
- Low Deposit: Providers typically require a small upfront deposit (e.g., £98 to £199) to secure enrolment and begin studying.
- Duration: The payment duration varies significantly, from as short as 11 months to over 36 months. A longer duration results in lower monthly payments, which can be a deciding factor for many learners.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: It is essential to confirm what the course fee includes. Reputable providers like MOL Learn and Reed Learning often advertise “no hidden costs,” covering e-textbooks, tutor support, and sometimes even free assignment resubmissions. However, the mandatory CIPD Student Membership fee is almost always a separate, annual cost paid directly to the CIPD.
Comparison of CIPD Level 7 Costs and Payment Plans
The following table compares the key financial details for the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management (or equivalent) from the four major providers, based on current advertised prices and payment structures.
Provider |
Total Course Cost (Approx.) |
Interest-Free Monthly Payment |
Payment Duration (Approx.) |
Deposit (Approx.) |
Key Features |
|
Reed Learning
|
£3,750
|
£312.50
|
12 months
|
Low/Not Stated
|
Highly competitive total cost, 99% pass rate, 16-24 month study duration.
|
|
ICS Learn (On Demand)
|
£4,622
|
£116
|
~39 months
|
£98
|
Lowest monthly payment, maximum flexibility, price match guarantee.
|
|
Avado (Professional)
|
£4,787
|
£435
|
11 months
|
Not Stated
|
Shorter payment term, Platinum Centre status, 20-month study duration.
|
|
MOL Learn
|
~£6,624 (Estimate)
|
From £276
|
24 months
|
Not Stated
|
Platinum Centre status, 100% pass rate, all-inclusive pricing, 24-month study duration.
|
Note on Data: Costs are based on advertised sale prices or interest-free payment calculations and are subject to change. The “Total Course Cost” for MOL Learn is an estimate based on the monthly payment and 24-month duration (£276 x 24 months).
Making an Informed Decision
While the monthly payment is often the first point of comparison, a strategic decision requires looking at the full picture:
- Total Cost vs. Monthly Affordability: Reed Learning offers the lowest total cost, which is ideal if you can manage the higher monthly payment over a shorter period. ICS Learn offers the lowest monthly payment, which is best for budgeting over a longer term.
- Learning Style: Do you need the structure of “Live Online” (Avado, MOL Learn) or the complete flexibility of “On Demand” (ICS Learn)? Your preferred study method should align with the provider’s core offering.
- Support and Quality: Providers with Platinum Centre status (Avado, MOL Learn) meet the highest standards of CIPD provision. Features like a 100% pass rate (MOL Learn) or the inclusion of CIPD Membership (Avado Plus) can justify a higher total fee.
Ultimately, the best CIPD Level 7 payment plan provider is the one that balances financial affordability with a learning model and support structure that ensures your success in achieving this prestigious qualification.
