Our CIPD pass rate is 93%†

CIPD Level 7

Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development

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Essential

Enhanced

Elite

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QAR 1,041/month interest-free*

Payments
30 months

Deposit
QAR 683

Total Price
QAR 31,911

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Learn 100% onlineat your own pace

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Start anytimewith no fixed enrol dates

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Average completion time18-24 months

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Support period30 months

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Additional feesCIPD Student Membership

  • Self-paced learning that fits your lifestyle
  • Gain the strategic HR skills organisations and employers value
  • Advance to senior HR roles, including HR Business Partner or Group HR Manager 

Why is this CIPD course right for you?

Gain the high-level strategic L&D skills you need to stand out in the Middle East with an online CIPD Level 7 qualification from the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD).

Designed for experienced L&D professionals, this advanced qualification helps you build the strategic thinking, leadership capability, and business insights you need to design impactful learning strategies that drive performance, culture, and organisational growth.

You’ll explore complex, real-world L&D challenges, develop the confidence to influence organisational training and development, and position yourself for senior roles or Chartered Member (MCIPD) status – all while studying on your own terms.

Getting CIPD qualified is the best investment you can make in your future. That's why 95% of our students recommend studying a CIPD qualification.‡

CIPD Level 7 L&D Course Details

To study this CIPD Advanced Level 7 Diploma, you should generally have at least one of the following:

  • Significant L&D experience in an L&D or HR role
  • Senior management experience that involved elements of L&D 
  • An HR or other related degree

If English is your second language, we recommend you have achieved one of the following, or an equivalent:

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall score with a minimum of 6.0 in each category
  • TOEFL: 90 overall score with a minimum of 19 in each category
  • Cambridge: Grade C or above

However, this isn't mandatory, and we're happy to review your case on an individual basis.

Your CIPD Level 7 Advanced course and assignments are fully online.

You'll study eight modules, made up of seven core modules and your choice of one elective module.

Core modules

  • Work and Working Lives in a Changing Business Environment
  • People Management and Development Strategies for Performance
  • Personal Effectiveness, Ethics and Business Acumen
  • Business Research in People Practice
  • Organisational Design and Development
  • Leadership and Management Development in Context
  • Designing Learning to Improve Performance

Elective modules (choose one) 

  • Technology-Enhanced Learning
  • Advanced Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Wellbeing at Work
  • Advanced Employment Law in Practice*
  • Managing People in an International Context

For full details of what you’ll learn on each module, download our CIPD Level 7 L&D course guide.

*Please note that we do not include this module in the Middle East region.

You’ll complete written assignments for each module that you study. These allow you to demonstrate the knowledge you’ve gained and the skills you’ve mastered.

You’ll submit your assignments online, and they’ll be marked by our assessors and moderated by CIPD.

Please keep in mind that Assessment Briefs will be updated each year as part of the CIPD’s Assessment Change Cycle. 

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Spread the cost with our flexible monthly payment plans

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Get started right away with a low deposit

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Company funding – we can invoice your employer directly

CIPD Support Options

One recognised qualification. Three tailored learning experiences.

Self-led

Most popular

Structured

Personalised

Features
Features
Programme Hub
Digital Learning Content
Submission Hub
Community Access
Structured Progress Support
Live Induction Session
Assessment Masterclasses
Q&A Drop-In Sessions
Topic Workshops
Personal Tutor
1:1 Tutorials
Marking SLA
Academic Query SLA
Essential

Self-led

Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Not included
Not included
Not included
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10 Working Days
3 Working Days
Enhanced
Most popular

Structured

Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Not included
Not included
Not included
7 Working Days
2 Working Days
Elite

Personalised

Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
5 Working Days
1 Working Day
Total Price QAR 27,001
Total Price QAR 31,911
Total Price QAR 35,102

CIPD Student Reviews

Mala Punn 128X128
‘I highly recommend this qualification and have thoroughly enjoyed the course. After starting, I gained an L&D Facilitator role. I really enjoy my job and feel that my qualification has made me more credible in the training setting.’
— Mala Punn
Adam Currie Cipd Level 5
‘The tutors are highly experienced – some practically and others academically; which helps tremendously. The online classrooms were insightful. For those that enjoy an online, self-paced learning experience I would recommend ICS Learn.’
— Adam Currie
Cristina Araviso 85X85
‘I made the best decision when I enrolled with ICS Learn. Most employers in the UAE consider CIPD a prerequisite. My tutors are very supportive, knowledgeable and expert, and I was able to complete all my assignments in six months.’
— Maria Cristina Araviso

Questions about your CIPD course?

Our friendly Course Advisors are here to help. 

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CIPD Level 7 L&D Course FAQs

Yes! We’ve been a leading CIPD provider for 30 years. We're also the world's most experienced distance learning provider, with 130+ years of helping people achieve their career goals. 

Rated 'Excellent' from more than 10,000 independent student reviews, we're the online learning experts you can trust. 

There are three CIPD learning and development qualifications to choose from in total, and you can study them 100% online with us - either On Demand or Live Online:

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is designed for those with no or minimal HR or L&D experience. It’s perfect if you’re looking for your first role in the people profession.

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development is designed for those with some L&D experience who are looking for a mid-level L&D role. It’s also suitable if you have some experience of training and development duties in a non-HL&D role (for example, as a manager), or if you're new to L&D but have a degree and want to begin your studies at a higher level.

The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development is designed for those with considerable HR experience or an HR degree who are ready to take on postgraduate-level study. This course will prepare you for strategic senior HR roles and allow you to apply for CIPD Chartered Membership once you have professional experience.

If you’d like to specialise in HR instead of L&D, you can also study one of our online CIPD HR courses.

Still not sure which CIPD course is right for you? Contact our CIPD course advisors and they'll be happy to help! 

The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development is the highest qualification offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and is widely recognised as the gold standard for senior HR and L&D professionals in the UAE and across the Middle East.

In terms of academic level, CIPD Level 7 is equivalent to a UK Master’s degree (RQF Level 7), making it a prestigious qualification for those looking to advance into strategic HR leadership roles. However, there are key differences between CIPD Level 7 and a traditional Master’s degree in HR:

  • Career-Focused vs. Academic: CIPD Level 7 is designed specifically for L&D professionals looking to enhance their practical skills and leadership abilities, while a Master's in HR is more theory-based and research-driven.
  • Chartered Membership Pathway: Completing CIPD Level 7 makes you eligible to apply for Chartered Membership (MCIPD) or even Chartered Fellowship (FCIPD), which is highly valued by employers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and across the GCC. A Master’s degree alone does not offer this direct pathway.
  • Flexibility: Studying CIPD Level 7 online with ICS Learn allows you to work full-time and study at your own pace, making it a more flexible option compared to the rigid structure of a university Master's programme.

If you’re an HR professional in the Middle East looking to secure a senior role, CIPD Level 7 is an excellent alternative to a Master's degree. It not only offers you global credibility, but you also gain practical expertise tailored to L&D leadership.

How long it takes you to complete a CIPD Level 7 learning and development qualification depends on how much time you can dedicate to studying, and whether you choose the On Demand or Live Online study option.

However, for most of our students, the online CIPD Level 7 L&D course typically takes 18 to 24 months to complete while working full-time.

To give you complete flexibility, we offer a generous 30-month support period, allowing you to study at your own pace and balance your learning with work and other commitments.

Technically, yes! However, we don't advise enroling on the CIPD Level 7 learning and development course without previous experience. 

The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development is one of the most prestigious L&D training qualifications that you can study. Globally recognised by employers, it commands a great deal of respect and credibility in the HR and L&D industry.

As the CIPD Level 7 course is equivalent to a post-graduate degree in difficulty, we recommend that you have at least one of the following to study the qualification:

As well as meeting any of the above criteria, you'll need to be able to demonstrate that you can speak and write in English to a high level. 

If English is your second language, we recommend that you have an IELTS 6.0/TOEFL 79/Cambridge Grade C or equivalent. We're happy to review your case on an individual basis if you're unsure though. 

If you have questions or need more information, contact one of our course advisors today. 

The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Developmnt is equivalent to post-graduate study in difficulty. Being that it's the most challenging and prestigious L&D qualification that the CIPD offers, it's also one of the most fulfilling! 

The CIPD Level 7 is the most advanced L&D training qualification, focusing on strategic, high-level training practices.

Unlike CIPD Level 3, which introduces foundational concepts, and CIPD Level 5 in L&D, which develops intermediate skills and strategic awareness, CIPD Level 7 delves into complex topics like organisational design, advanced employment law, and global people management. It requires critical thinking, independent research, and the ability to provide strategic solutions to business challenges, making it ideal for senior professionals and leaders.

For more information on what you'll learn, download your FREE CIPD course guide today. 

Yes! Our online CIPD qualifications are globally recognised and highly valued by employers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and across the Middle East.

Many companies in the region, including multinational corporations and government organisations, look for HR professionals with CIPD accreditation to ensure their teams meet international HR standards.

If you’re not ready to commit to the full qualification and would like to focus on only the essential modules of this course, you could study our CIPD Level 7 Core programme.

It covers 4 modules:

  • Work and Working Lives in a Changing Business Environment
  • People Management and Development Strategies for Performance
  • Personal Effectiveness, Ethics and Business Acumen
  • Business Research in People Practice

The programme has an average completion time of 9 months and a support period of 12 months. It costs £3,449 which can be paid in interest-free monthly instalments.

Bear in mind that the Core programme won’t give you a CIPD qualification, just the essential skills you need for senior HR roles.

However, if you complete the programme and then decide you’d like to move on to the full CIPD Level 7 Diploma, you won’t need to take the whole course again! You can simply complete the extra 4 modules and become CIPD-qualified!

For more information on our CIPD Core programmes, get in touch with our course advisors today.

Yes, you need to be a CIPD member for the duration of your studies.

We can’t submit your assignments for moderation, give you assessment grades, or award your qualification unless you’re an active CIPD member, so you must register before submitting your first assignment.

We’ll give you full details of how to join as a Student Member after you enrol. You’ll pay an annual Student Membership fee, and our CIPD advisors can provide you with the most up-to-date costs.

When you complete your course, you’ll be eligible to become an Associate Member of the most prestigious HR and L&D organisation in the world, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

You’ll join a community of 160,000 ambitious, forward-thinking professionals across 120 countries, and have exclusive access to a variety of benefits, including: 

  • HR industry insights
  • Useful HR tools and advice
  • Budget-friendly discounts on events and merch
  • Career guidance from prominent HR and L&D experts

At ICS Learn, your CIPD study support is designed around how you learn best – with three tailored study pathways to choose from: 

  • Essential Support: ideal if you prefer independent online study
  • Enhanced Support: perfect if you enjoy structured guidance
  • Elite Support: great if you’d like a more personalised experience 

Whichever pathway you choose, you’ll get full access to our all-in-one virtual learning platform, mystudyspace, as well as: 

  • Access to all your interactive online course materials
  • Expert academic guidance to support your progress 
  • FREE online study planners
  • Your Programme Hub, full of useful tools, tips, and guidance
  • Live biannual Employment Law updates to keep you informed
  • Our friendly Student Services team for any non-academic questions

For more information, contact our Course Advisors today.

At ICS Learn, we make learning simple, flexible and affordable. 

If you’re funding the course yourself, our flexible 0% payment plans allow you to spread the cost with interest-free* monthly instalments.

Plus, with our price match guarantee, we’ll match any provider’s price for a like-for-like CIPD course, so you’ll always get the best deal with us.

If your employer is funding all or part of your course, we can invoice them directly for your course fees – just let your course advisor know and we’ll arrange everything.

We also accept funding through ELCAS for this course. If you’re an Armed Forces member looking to use the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme, speak to our course advisors for more details.

Your payments will be charged in GBP. The monthly payments listed in your local currency are an estimate based on the current exchange rate from xe.com.

This means that if you set up a monthly payment plan, the amount you’ll pay each month in your local currency may vary based on the current exchange rate.

Your bank may use a different exchange rate from the one listed here, or charge a fee for converting your payments into GBP; we’d advise that you speak to your bank directly for more details.

Right away! When you enrol, you’ll be able to log in to your course and get started within an hour.

There are no set start dates or schedules – everything is shaped around you.

On average it will take you between 18 to 24 months to study the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development, based on a typical study schedule of a few hours a week.

However, keep in mind that how long it takes you to complete your CIPD Level 5 course comes down to how much time you can dedicate to studying in a week and whether you choose to study On Demand or Live Online.

On Demand allows you to work through the course at your own pace, on your own time. With Live Online, however, you'll be expected to attend set live-streamed workshops and set your personal study schedule between them.  

Enrol online or get in touch with our CIPD Advisors on 0370 218 5769.

They can talk through your experience, education and ambitions to make sure you’re choosing the right course, then get you enrolled with an interest-free* payment plan. You can also verify that your course is budget-friendly when you use our handy affordability calculator

If you have any disabilities which you think might affect your studies or assessments, please tell your Course Advisor before you enrol so we can advise you on whether reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate your needs.

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