What is best to do? L5 or Masters?

I rather disagree with Peter.

If you are already working in International HR at a mid- to senior level, by all means do the Master's. But if you aren't currently working in HR, I think the Level 5 is a far better investment of time and money. We have seen far too many people on this forum and elsewhere asking why they can't find work in HR after completing their Master's and the answer is because they are looking of an entry-level job without entry-level skills and knowledge.

Teresa may well be right when she talks about being seen as over-qualified. But I think a more charitable interpretation is that you're not at all qualified. Knowing about strategic-level practice in global HR is useless to me when what I need you to do is provide a line manager with a clear illustration of an employee's absence record and then coach them on the correct process for managing it.

Hi there - I speak to lots of people exploring CIPD qualifications who have a Masters level qualification and want to do their CIPD for various reasons. Some decide to do Level 5 because that's the level they are working at and they feel they are missing something, want to learn more about the topics, explore what other organisations are doing and/or that they find that jobs they are looking at are insisting on a CIPD qualification. It helps them to reinforce their knowledge and skills, increase their confidence and build their network so that they can later go onto bigger roles. Doing a CIPD qualification is an investment in time, money and energy yes but whatever level you choose for your circumstances it should always build on your existing knowledge and experience and help you to do your job as a people professional better. It should never be a waste of time and money as long as you choose the right study option for your needs :)

Hi there - I speak to lots of people exploring CIPD qualifications who have a Masters level qualification and want to do their CIPD for various reasons. Some decide to do Level 5 because that's the level they are working at and they feel they are missing something, want to learn more about the topics, explore what other organisations are doing and/or that they find that jobs they are looking at are insisting on a CIPD qualification. It helps them to reinforce their knowledge and skills, increase their confidence and build their network so that they can later go onto bigger roles. Doing a CIPD qualification is an investment in time, money and energy yes but whatever level you choose for your circumstances it should always build on your existing knowledge and experience and help you to do your job as a people professional better. It should never be a waste of time and money as long as you choose the right study option for your needs :)