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Level 7 Diploma in HRM (Distance Learning) - Should I start with the core modules or optional units?

I have just signed up to study CIPD Level 7 Diploma in HRM with ICS Learn.  They have suggested starting with the optional modules.  I'm not sure if there is any particular reason for this.

I would welcome feedback from anyone who has completed or who is currently studying what their thoughts are on the best way forward.

I am tempted to leave the core modules towards the end of the course to prolong the anxiety of having to sit exams for the first time in twenty odd years!

Thank you in advance for your feedback.

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  • Might be a little different as I studied Level 5 without exams, but my previous experience is that courses often recommend the Core modules as a starting point. However my Level 5 started with the optional modules and I personally found this a little easier to start me off as they related more to my current HR role e.g. Employment Law etc rather than HR overall.
  • Hi John

    Perhaps start with having a look at the type of roles you think you might be applying for e.g. HR Advisor/HRBP and look at the types or responsibilities that might be required. Also, the expectations will differ depending on the sector, industry etc but at mid HR level I would expect along the lines of Coaching, mentoring, employment law knowledge, experience/understanding how to manage employee relations etc.

    That might be a good starting point for you

    HTH
  • Hi John
    I would strongly recommend that you do the optional modules first for several reasons
    1 You will get used to the terminology used
    2 When you do your assignment it will help you later in the exams as you will be used to the Command words used in the exams
    3 The optional units feed into the 2 examined modules - for example Employee Engagement is part of Managing and Leading People (LMP) and also Human Resources in Context (HRC)
    I hope this helps.
    Kind regards
    Maureen
  • In reply to Maureen Scholefield:

    Thanks very much Maureen for your advice.

    I am going to run with the option units first.

    Kind regards,

    John
  • In reply to Cass Clothier:

    Thanks Cass.

    I can see your point and I agree concentrating on the option units first would also help with my career aspirations.
  • In reply to Clare:

    Thanks Clare.

    The option units on Level 7 are similar, just more in-depth. I can see your point about relating to your current role. I think at Advisor level employers are looking for specialist areas such as Employment Law.
  • Hi John
    I hope your studies are going well. It is better to do the optional modules before the Core as they feed into the two examined modules 7HRC + 7LMP.
    As you do the assignments for the 4 optional modules you get practice critically evaluating theories and current practice. This again helps with the exams!
    I hope this helps!
  • Hi John, I started my level 7 with ICS at the end of March, I have started with the optional modules as suggested, and like you said it means you sit the exams towards the end and I hope I will be better prepared for them at that point! Good luck with it and feel free to get in touch if you want to touch base with someone, I find the discussion pages are not used very much.