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Level 7 Diploma with ICS and MOL? Pros and Cons?

Hisham

Hi All,

Happy to join the community few minutes ago and Happy New Year everyone :) 

I am just about to start my Level 7 Diploma and would like to know what are the Pros and Cons of both providers MOL and ICS

ICS is cheaper in Price , While MOL seems more structured with dates to start each module 

Do you have any other Pros or Cons from your point of view? 

Thanks :) 

  • Hi

    I'm currently doing a different course with ICS Learn (an L&D course, the first course I've done in a long time!).
    I have to say, my experience with them so far has been pretty negative. They are less expensive, and the course is more open ended, so you can do it at your own pace. The tutors I've had communication with have been helpful and friendly.

    However, the course material consists mostly of large blocks of text, often poorly edited and formatted (which is pretty ironic for a course focussed largely on the importance of catering to different learning styles). Mandatory parts of the course have been missing from the website for a couple of months (I've been told since November will be updated "soon"). Some of the material provided seems to be bare minimum, with links to other online, free resources.

  • My rule with anything like this is to think about what you want out of the programme and what will suit you best. If you just want the qualification and you're crazy self-motivated then go for a cheaper online option.

    For me, this isn't a read through the content course but one where discussion and application has real value. I want somewhere I know the teachers are going to be good and others on the course are also working at a senior level. Having an environment where you're learning with others and benefiting from their experience works for me, but I know it's not everyone's priority.

    A slightly more expensive option is Acacia Learning if you're looking to invest a bit more - https://acacialearning.co.uk/cipd-hr-courses/level-7-cipd-advanced-hr/

    Good luck with the decision! It's a great course, I'm sure you'll get a lot from whichever option you pick!

  • I'm finishing a Level 5 with ICS and my reason for choosing them was flexibility with the timetable. 6 months & I'm nearly finished as I can work at my own pace

  • ICS took over Acacia a couple of years ago, and the standards have really dropped! Acacia was good. I did my Level 5 with them with no complaints. But my Level 7 with Acacia/ICS has been a nightmare. Abysmal student support, constantly cancelling online workshops at very short notice, contradictory student guidance, and the online course material seems to be aimed at GCSE level, not postgraduate standard. Many other students and I have raised several complaints, but ICS try to fob you off rather than deal with them properly. I've had to take legal advice to try to get a resolution :(   I'd advise avoiding them at all costs. 

  • I completed my L7 with MOL in August 25 and there were some frustrations along the way, mainly with the admin side of the programme.  However, most of the tutors were excellent.  I did the structured course with MOL and I found that format worked really well for me.  It kept me motivated to carry on and I completed the course in 2 years.  It was pretty intense as having to complete 4,000 words every 12 weeks isn't easy, but then when I knew I had clashes just meant I had to manage my own priorities. Overall, I'd recommend MOL, just recognise that it does require a lot of personal commitment.  I studied most weekends on top working long hours at work.