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Designed for working professionals, CIPD qualifications give you the practical skills, knowledge and confidence to progress in HR, while fitting around your existing commitments.
At EKC Canterbury College, we offer both Level 3 and Level 5 CIPD qualifications.
Studying on campus means you can ask questions, take part in discussions and learn from others’ experiences, creating a more supportive and engaging environment than studying alone.
We’ve broken down everything you need to know about CIPD qualifications, how they can support your career, and which course could be right for you.
CIPD qualifications are industry-recognised courses that focus on developing your HR abilities. All CIPD courses are accredited by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the professional body for HR.
Rather than just learning theory, you’ll explore how people management works in practice, with topics such as supporting employees to shaping organisational strategy.
These qualifications are widely recognised by employers and often essential for progressing in HR roles, making them a valuable step if you’re serious about building a career in people practice.
These courses are built with working professionals in mind.
They’re ideal if you:
Studying part-time on a CIPD qualification allows you to balance your learning alongside work commitments.
You will be encouraged to use your own workplace examples to support your learning and assignments, helping to reinforce understanding throughout the course content.
Studying a CIPD qualification can open the door to new opportunities in HR and people management.
As part of your course, you’ll join the CIPD as a student member.
More importantly, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to:
Yvonne is currently studying our Level 5 CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management. As a HR Administrator for The Stour Academy Trust, she’s building on her experience and progressing her career.
She said of her experience so far:
“Studying at College has already helped me in my role as I’ve learnt about new policies and understood how they can be put into practice.
“I’ve also learnt in-depth about the role of trade unions and some new aspects of HR law. Generally, it’s helping me develop on a day-to-day basis.
“Once I’ve finished the Level 5 qualification, I’m looking to become Head of HR in my company and take that next step up.”
Studying locally in Canterbury gives you the opportunity to develop professionally without putting your career on hold.
With a face-to-face, supportive learning environment, you’ll benefit from staff support, who have decades of experience in HR.
Being part of a local learning community also helps you build networks that can support your career long after you complete the course.
While some CIPD courses are delivered online, studying in person offers a more engaging and supportive experience.
For many learners, all this makes a real difference compared to studying independently online.
At EKC Canterbury College, we offer two CIPD qualifications designed to support you at different stages of your HR career.
The Level 3 CIPD Certificate in People Practice is ideal if you’re new to HR or looking to build your knowledge of the sector.
You’ll explore the full employee journey, from recruitment to retention, while developing practical skills you can apply directly in your role. This course is delivered part time in the afternoon, making it easier to fit around your commitments.
If you already have experience in HR, the Level 5 CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management helps you progress into more senior roles. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of how HR supports organisational strategy, covering areas such as talent management, employee relations, and organisational performance. This course runs part time in the evening, making it accessible alongside full-time work.
Whether you’re starting out in HR or looking to progress, CIPD qualifications provide a clear next step to your career goals.
With practical learning and a supportive environment, studying one of these industry-recognised qualifications with us is something that can make a real difference to your future.
Explore our CIPD courses and find the right level for you.
