The People Profession - Your Questions Answered
We are one of the CIPD’s approved providers for online qualifications.
- Ideal for anyone wanting to start a career in HR or L&D
- Leads to roles like HR administrator or assistant
- See your frequently asked questions answered below.


Open up new opportunities with an online HR or L&D course
If you’re looking for a course in Human Resources or Learning & Development, our qualifications are the perfect way to gain the skills you need. Our learning is flexible and engaging, guided by a dedicated subject specialist tutor and done in groups to help keep you motivated as you progress. Wherever you’re at right now, we’ve got a course that will fit your level and your schedule.
Which online HR courses can you study?
You want a course that’s the right fit for you. That’s why you can choose to study either the Certificate or Diploma qualifications.
For beginners
Level 3 Certificate in People Practice
The Certificate in People Practice is the perfect foot in the door for an HR or L&D career. You’ll learn the essential basic skills you’ll need to be eligible for an entry-level position such as HR Assistant or Administrator.
Topics include:
- Business, culture and change in context
- Principles of analytics
- Core behaviours for people professionals
- Essentials of people practice
For experienced learners
Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management
If you’ve finished your Certificate or have more experience working in HR, the Diploma in People Management is for you. Study more advanced subjects perfect for roles with more responsibility such as HR Analyst or Advisor.
Topics include:
- Organisational performance and culture in practice
- Evidence-based practice
- Professional behaviours and valuing people
- Employment relationship management
- Talent management and workforce planning
- Reward for performance and contribution
What is HR?
The “human resources” (HR) department manages the workforce of an organisation. HR responsibilities vary depending on the company, but often include:
- Keeping employee records
- Administering employee benefits
- Recruitment
- Addressing employee complaints and disputes
Essentially, the HR department’s job is to make sure the company and everyone in it are working at their best.
Why study HR online?
Studying online lets you fit your studies around your schedule without having to commit to regular visits to a classroom. Whether you’re working full-time or have family commitments, you won’t need to worry about finding time to learn.
Our award-winning campus breaks down your course into manageable weekly plans. Each activity has a time estimate so you know how much work you’ll be able to fit in to each study session.
Want to learn on the go? No problem. Our campus is designed to work on mobile and tablet, as well as desktop. So wherever you are, you’re always in the right place to study.
Which online L&D courses can you study?
For beginners
Level 3 Certificate in People Practice
A Certificate is the perfect foot in the door for an HR or L&D career. You’ll learn the essential basic skills you’ll need to be eligible for an entry-level position such as HR Assistant or Administrator.
Topics include:
- Business, culture and change in context
- Principles of analytics
- Core behaviours for people professionals
- Essentials of people practice
For experienced learners
Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development
If you’ve finished your Certificate or have more experience working in L&D, this Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development is for you. Study more advanced subjects perfect for roles with more responsibility such as L&D Manager or Head of L&D.
Topics include:
- Organisational performance and culture in practice
- Evidence-based practice
- Professional behaviours and valuing people
- Supporting self-directed and social learning
- Learning and development design to create value
- Facilitate personalised and performance focused learning
What is L&D?
The “Learning and Development” (L&D) department manages the training, learning and development initiatives of businesses. They seek to create a culture of continuous learning and growth through programmes that enable organisations to constantly evolve and develop. Their responsibilities vary depending on the company, but often include:
- Implementing learning strategies
- Designing e-learning courses, workshops and plans
- Upskilling the workforce
- Enhancing employee participation and engagement
Essentially, L&D’s job is to make sure the company and everyone in it are working at their best.
Why study L&D online?
Studying online lets you fit your studies around your schedule without having to commit to regular visits to a classroom. Whether you’re working full-time or have family commitments, you won’t need to worry about finding time to learn.
Our award-winning campus breaks down your course into manageable weekly plans. Each activity has a time estimate, so you know how much work you’ll be able to fit in to each study session.
Want to learn on the go? No problem. Our campus is designed to work on mobile and tablet, as well as desktop. So wherever you are, you’re always in the right place to study.
Who are the CIPD?
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the professional body for HR and people development, with a worldwide community of around 140,000 members.
You can be confident you’re getting the best HR qualification available: CIPD qualifications are internationally respected by employers, and are designed by industry leading experts to include all the latest thinking and ideas.
CIPD Level 3 & 5 Tutors
Jacqui King
Jacqui has worked with Avado since 2013 and loves helping HR students achieve their goals.
Andy Murphy
Andy has been working with Avado for the last five years and has years of leadership people management experience.
Grant Ward
Grant is a qualified education professional who's passionate about inspiring others to achieve, unlock their potential and change lives.