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CIPD Level 7 - failed essays and ADHD diagnosis

Hi all,

First time poster, long time reader :)

I have been studying my CIPD Level 7 HR for almost a year now. I joined my organisation through a graduate scheme and have no prior experience in HR.

I've really been enjoying the course and complete all the reading and seminar work. At the end of last year we had our first two written assignments. While I found them a challenge, I gave them both my all and was confident in passing.

Sadly, I (badly) failed both and am now re-submitting them. I was the only member of my class that failed.This was a huge knock to my confidence - so bad, in fact, I went for a learning difficulty assessment and was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD aged 25!

I'm concerned that due to my late diagnosis and two prior failed assessments that I am just not cut out for level 7. I have three questions I was hoping I could get some advice on;

1) What would happen if I failed these two assignments a second time?
2) What support could I get for my learning re. my ADHD diagnosis?
3) Is there any precedent around being moved down from a Level 7 to a Level 5?

I have contacted my tutors and MOL about the above and have received very little help - I was offered a laptop during future exams (which I doubt will be helpful) and was told (in a round about way) that if I fail then that is the limit of my ability and nothing more can be done. I feel very isolated and worried - I am concerned that I will be asked to leave my graduate scheme if I fail my CIPD.

Thanks in advance.

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  • Steve Bridger

    | 0 Posts

    Community Manager

    7 Mar, 2019 17:02

    Daniel O'Connell said:
    First time poster, long time reader :)

    ...and very welcome, Daniel. Good on you for asking this question; just what the Community is here for... and I hope you will get some advice soon.

  • Hi Daniel

    Welcome to the communities! I'm so sorry to hear about the tough time you are having.

    Did your assessment make and suggestions about adjustments or coping strategies that could help you? Have you discussed the diagnosis with your employer - as they are funding your course, they may have more "clout" with the training provider.

    Best wishes

    Emily
  • Hi Daniel.

    As an ex-teacher I do have to ask who advised you to go straight in at a level 7 given that you have no experience in HR. It is they who have set you up for failure - it is not you. What was your first degree in? Is it related at all?

    Level 7 is equivalent to a Masters’ level. Whatever the subject, it requires specialised, pre-existing knowledge in order to succeed. Additionally, the CIPD courses require a corresponding level of practical HR experience.

    I would approach your provider and ask to be transferred to a level 5 course. This is equivalent to an undergraduate level and as such has a far wider ranging and more general study-base, which is of more use in your day-to-day work. The credits you’ve earned so far should be transferable. I have an MBA and was offered the chance to do a Level 7, but deliberately chose to do a 5 instead for just that reason.

    Regarding the ADHD, ignore the label. You have reached your ¼ century without this tag, you don’t need it now. You have already succeeded in your own right.
  • In reply to Teresa:

    Hi Teresa, thank you so much for writing back. I was enrolled onto the CIPD when I joined my company's graduate scheme - at the time not a lot of information was given about this and we were definitely not asked for any input as to what level we were to be entered for. In fact, looking back now I did think it odd at the time that the graduate lead was sitting a level 5 while I was on a level 7!

    From your experience, is it definitely uncommon for a non-HR graduate to be put onto a level 7 CIPD with no prior experience?

    I will most definitely ask to be transferred to a level 5 course and will write back with any updates.

  • In reply to Daniel:

    Sorry forgot to add - my previous degree was in English Literature from 2014.
  • In reply to Daniel:

    Level 7 ought to be possible if you have good work experience and a sypmpathetic College.
    If you are trying to do it remotely or with a bad College then I can understand why you have got so far without proper support.
    I had a student with ADHA and dyslexia two years ago. He was a challenge but we got him through
  • I think the real issue here is what are your employers expectations of people on its graduate program. If they are looking for fast track individuals to accelerate into middle level HR jobs then I can see the logic of their approach (although I don't agree its entirely sensible).

    Therefore whilst switching from L7 to L5 "might" be in your best long term interests to enable you to change the pace and intensity of your studying, I can see why it might not be in the interest of your employer and the investment they have made in a graduate program.

    If the above assumptions are true its then a debate / question as to if this is long term the right scheme for you and following that what level you should be studying at.

    However I do agree with others that with support "most" graduates with a decent degree can get through and pass a L7 qualification. Whilst its pitched theoretically at masters level equivalent I know many people who just don't see this in reality. What coping strategies did you use to get through your English degree and would these be useful now? Just because you were diagnosed didn't mean you were any different without a label.
  • An English degree is going to be very different in the way you structure and answer questions in essays to the L7 CIPD. I would suggest seeing your university's student learning team - making an appointment to go through your essays and the feedback you've been given, and seeing if you can learn a different approach. There are formulas for different kinds of essay that you can definitely learn, to help ensure you get all your points across. It may not guarantee a pass overall (and a shift to L5 might be an option), but I'd focus on the gap right now and the best way to bridge it.
  • Hi Daniel,

    I completed level 5 last year and although I have done some form of HR work for many years the course really made a HUGE difference in my full time HR Advisor's role that I am now in.

    Level 5 you look at the ground work, inc. documents, contracts, matrix's... it also includes recruitment, learning and development, how to analyse data and analysing factors that could impact on your organisation, appraisals and disciplinary, employment laws and protected characteristics plus how to develop yourself.

    Even though I had a good HR knowledge, there is no way could I succeed jumping straight to the intermediate level and no wonder that you are stressed to the max by doing so! I think every HR person should do atleast L5 as I was able to improve on so many aspects such as documentation and my overall thought process by doing it.

    See if you can swap courses and see how you get on with that one instead, try not to worry about ADHD right now it will just put you in a tizz further just maybe explain to your tutor that you may just need a little extra support from time to time. If you however want to get in touch if you change your course I can help you out additionally to your Tutor.

    GOOD LUCK!!! :)
  • Hi Daniel
    I completed my Level 5 last year. You've already been given some great advice so I'd just like to say, regardless of your disappointing L7 result, well done for completing the course through to assignment stage - all us ex-students know this is a huge achievement in itself. Whatever form your future studies take I wish you good luck. I'm sure you'll be brilliant!