Embarking on a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management or Learning & Development is a significant step in your HR career. It promises advanced knowledge and a globally recognised qualification, but it also demands a serious time commitment. One of the most common questions prospective students ask is: “How many hours per week will I need to dedicate to my studies?”
The answer is not a simple number, but a calculated range based on the CIPD’s official guidelines and the practical realities of balancing study with a full-time career.
The Official CIPD Calculation: TQT and GLH
To understand the required study time, we must first look at the CIPD’s regulatory metrics: Total Qualification Time (TQT) and Guided Learning Hours (GLH) .
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma is officially estimated to have a:
- Total Qualification Time (TQT): 420 hours
- Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 175 hours (minimum)
The TQT represents the total number of hours an average learner is expected to take to complete the qualification. This includes everything: attending classes (GLH), independent study, reading, research, and assessment preparation .
Calculating Your Weekly Commitment
The total duration of the CIPD Level 5 course typically ranges from 9 to 18 months, depending on the study centre and the student’s pace. By dividing the 420 TQT hours by the number of weeks in your chosen study period, we can determine the average weekly commitment.
The table below illustrates the average weekly study hours required for different completion timelines:
Completion Timeline |
Total Weeks |
Average Weekly Study Hours (Based on 420 TQT) |
|
6 Months
|
26
|
~16 hours
|
|
9 Months
|
39
|
~11 hours
|
|
12 Months
|
52
|
~8 hours
|
|
18 Months
|
78
|
~5.5 hours
|
For most students working full-time, the 12-month timeline is the most popular, requiring a manageable 8 hours per week of dedicated study. This can typically be split into one evening class/webinar (the GLH component) and a few hours of independent study and assignment work on a weekend or another evening.
Provider Estimates vs. Reality
While the 8-hour average is a good starting point, some course providers may advertise a lower figure, such as 5–7 hours per week . This lower estimate often focuses primarily on the Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and assumes a highly efficient independent study process.
However, feedback from the CIPD student community often suggests that a more realistic commitment is closer to 10–15 hours per week, especially when approaching a major assignment deadline or tackling a particularly challenging unit .
“I agree around 10 hours per week, sometimes up to 15. 6-8 hours is unrealistic and it does annoy me a bit that they even say that!” – CIPD Student Community Member
Factors That Influence Your Study Time
Your personal study time may vary significantly from the average based on several key factors:
- Prior Experience: Students with existing HR experience will often find the content more familiar, potentially reducing the time needed for reading and comprehension.
- Academic Background: Those with recent academic experience may find the essay and report writing style of the CIPD assessments easier to adapt to.
- Learning Style: If you are a meticulous note-taker or prefer to read every recommended text, your time commitment will naturally be higher than a student who can quickly absorb information.
- Consistency: The most critical factor is consistency. Dedicating 8 hours every week is far more effective than trying to cram 32 hours into the month before an assignment is due.
- Assessment Complexity: The CIPD Level 5 qualification is unit-based, with each unit requiring a substantial written assignment. The complexity of these reports and essays will dictate the bulk of your independent study time.
Plan for Consistency
The recommended study hours for the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma is approximately 8 hours per week for a 12-month completion. However, a safer and more realistic plan is to budget for 10–12 hours per week to give yourself a buffer for challenging units and assignment preparation.
Success in the CIPD Level 5 is less about the total hours you put in and more about the consistency and quality of your study. By understanding the TQT and planning your time effectively, you can confidently manage your studies alongside your professional life and achieve your qualification goals.
