CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management

The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management is considered the most senior qualification offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), equivalent to a postgraduate or Master's degree. It is the gold standard in people profession, especially when it comes to managing people at a strategic level.

This CIPD qualification is designed to support progression into senior HR roles and can help learners work towards Chartered CIPD membership, subject to experience and eligibility.

This course is offered by e-Careers and delivered via Oxford College of Management, combining flexible distance learning with structured support.

We ensure you receive exceptional support to match the high standard of this postgraduate qualification.

• Study a recognised CIPD Level 7 qualification designed for experienced HR professionals who want to build strategic people management expertise.
• Access flexible online study options, helping you learn around work, family and senior professional responsibilities.
• Receive tutor support throughout your course, helping you prepare for assessments and stay on track.
• Work towards a postgraduate-level CIPD qualification that can support progression into senior HR and people leadership roles.
• Benefit from interest-free monthly instalment options to spread the cost of your training, subject to eligibility.
• Learn with an organisation that has supported over 630,000 learners worldwide and is trusted by more than 50 colleges, unions and government bodies.
• Study with a multi-award-winning official CIPD provider with an “Excellent” Trustpilot rating supported by over 15,000 reviews.
• Build the confidence to strategically lead, influence stakeholders, and help shape people practice at a higher level.

For the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management, you will complete 8 units in total: 4 core units, 3 specialist units and 1 optional unit.

Each unit is assessed through a written assessment, and you will be supported by an expert tutor throughout the assessment process.

CIPD Level 7 Modules

Work and working lives in a changing business environment (7CO01 - Core) Understand the interactions between the commercial environment and future developments in employment across working lives.

On completion of this unit, you will:

• Understand the interactions between the commercial environment and future developments in employment.
• Understand how leaders respond to globalisation and its impact on work.
• Understand how to adapt people management practices to external shifts.

People management and development strategies for performance (7CO02 - Core): Understand how leaders respond to globalisation and adapt their development strategies to add commercial value.

On completion of this unit, you will:

• Understand how people professionals strategically add value across various sectors.
• Understand how to use evidence-based and outcome-driven practices to achieve business objectives.
• Understand the core purposes of the people management profession.

Personal effectiveness, ethics and business acumen (7CO03 - Core): Focus on performance, personal effectiveness, inclusive behaviours, and the ethical foundations required of modern leaders to navigate a changing business environment.

On completion of this unit, you will:

• Understand the theories required to promote inclusivity and fair behaviours.
• Understand how to support successful employees through ethical practices.
• Understand the impact of inclusive behaviour on the wider organisation.

Business research in people practice (7CO04 - Core) This unit builds your business research capability and supports stronger analysis, evidence use, and practice learning in senior people roles.

On completion of this unit, you will:

• Understand how to plan, design, and conduct a systematic business research project.
• Understand how to create integrated reports based on solid evidence.
• Understand how to provide actionable recommendations to influence stakeholders.

Strategic employment relations (7HR01- Specialist): Understand the dynamics of cooperation and conflict, employer strategies regarding trade unions, and strategic employment relations.

On completion of this unit, you will:

• Understand the dynamics of cooperation and conflict across different workplaces.
• Understand diverse perspectives on employment relations.
• Understand employer strategies regarding trade unions and disciplinary procedures.

Resourcing and talent management to sustain success (7HR02 - Specialist): Cover strategic resourcing, ethical practices, and workforce planning to help your business sustain success.

On completion of this unit, you will:

• Understand the daily practicalities and long-term considerations of ethical resourcing.
• Understand how the business environment influences talent management.
• Understand how to build effective strategies for succession and workforce planning.

Strategic reward management (7HR03 - Specialist): Understand how to design and implement fair strategic reward management initiatives that motivate talent.

On completion of this unit, you will:

• Understand how to design and implement fair reward strategies.
• Understand the role of strategic reward in attracting, motivating, and retaining talent.
• Understand how to align individual and team behaviours with organisational objectives.

Advanced employment law in practice (7OS01 - Optional): Master the fundamental principles of UK employment law and learn how to apply the regulatory framework effectively in practice.

Understand the legal complexities that underpin employment law and contemporary employment regulation in the UK. Learn how to navigate tribunal systems, manage risk, and settle claims ahead of costly litigation.

On completion of this unit, you will:

• Understand the fundamental principles of UK employment law.
• Understand the defences available to employers and remedies sought by claimants.
• Understand how to apply the regulatory framework of employment effectively in practice.

Our CIPD Level 7 in Strategic People Management provides flexible online learning so you can balance your postgraduate studies with your professional commitments.

It typically takes 16-24 months to complete, depending on your experience and study schedule. We give you up to 36 months of course access, ensuring you have the time you need to complete your training without stress. 

Up to 36 months of access (average completion: 16-24 months).

You can study the CIPD Level 7 through flexible online on-demand delivery.

How does our online on-demand learning work?

With online on-demand learning, you can start at your own pace, any time that suits you and work through the online resources. You will have one-to-one tutor support when it comes to assignments, but you do not need to attend any live virtual classes with online on-demand learning.

You do not need to sit any exams for this CIPD Level 7 online course. Instead, you complete 8 written assessments, one for each unit.

An expert tutor supports you through every assessment. You receive feedback on your draft assignments, allowing you to refine your work before the final submission. You get up to three attempts per assignment, giving you the best opportunity to pass.

We do not charge extra for assignment resubmissions. You can resubmit without worrying about hidden costs, giving you total peace of mind.

• Number of assessments: 8
• Average completion: 16-24 months
• Course access: Up to 3 years to complete your course

CIPD membership is required for your assignments to be marked. You will need a CIPD Student Membership or Professional Membership. This fee is not included in the course price and must be paid directly to the CIPD.

0% finance options may be available, subject to eligibility. This can help you spread the cost of your CIPD Level 7 training over a more manageable payment period.

• Online on-demand study route
• 0% finance options may be available, subject to eligibility
• Payment plan selected
• Offers or promotions available at the time of enrolment
• Employer-funded or self-funded payment route

Please note: CIPD membership fees are paid separately to CIPD and are not included in the course price.

Completing the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management can lead to senior positions such as HR Director, Head of People, HR Consultant, or Chief People Officer, with salaries typically ranging from £80,000 to £250,000+ in the UK.

Many graduates of the CIPD Level 7 programme also report promotions or salary increases within a year of qualifying, highlighting the qualification's impact on career progression.

After this course, you can:

• Strengthen your credibility with the highest-level CIPD qualification.
• Build strategic HR knowledge linked to business performance, reward, talent, employment relations and research.
• Work towards senior roles such as Head of HR, Head of Talent, People Analytics Manager, HR Director, People Director, or Chief People Officer.
• Apply for Chartered CIPD membership, depending on your experience.
• Improve your ability to influence senior stakeholders, shape strategy, and support organisation-wide people planning
• Develop the confidence to move into a senior HR leader role and contribute to long-term organisational development.

Salary expectations vary by role, sector, location and experience. However, CIPD Level 7 is commonly linked with progression into senior HR leadership roles.

Completing CIPD Level 7 can support your route towards Chartered CIPD membership.

A typical progression route is:

• Complete the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management.
• Gain and demonstrate relevant professional experience, particularly at a strategic level where you are influencing decisions and driving organisational outcomes.
• Achieve Chartered Member (MCIPD) status once you meet the required standards of knowledge, skills, and experience
• With significant senior leadership experience, you can further progress to Chartered Fellow (FCIPD).

If CIPD Level 7 is not the right level for you yet, you may want to compare it with other CIPD courses.

• CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice: best for beginners and career changers starting in HR or L&D.
• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management: best for HR professionals moving into advisory, specialist or management roles.
• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development: best for learners moving into L&D, training and people development roles.
• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management: best for senior HR professionals who want to focus on strategic HR, people management, employment relations, talent and reward.