CIPD. Has anyone done this HR course?

[misslideaway]

I have signed up to a local colleage which is running this course. I would love feedback if possible...

Thanks!

[horsestache1]

The CIPD (chartered Institute of Personnel and Development), run many course, most of which are post graduate courses, for those specialising in HR.

The foundation course is a good "in" to HR, but it is easier if you ar e in an HR role.

[scoobydooby]

Is it an expensive course to do still? I remember looking at this several year's ago and found it was several hundred just for the first year!

[kirstyvw]

I've done it. Are you doing it part time whilst working or doing it full time? If you're doing it full time my advice would be to try and get as much practical work experience as possible because whilst the CIPD course teaches you a lot of theory, the one I did lacked teaching on the day to day practicalities of working in HR. Very intersting though and certainly a good grounding for getting into HR. Good luck with your studies

[jennifer_cro]

I've just finished my PGDip HRM (awaiting results).

I agree with Kirsty that it's pretty theory based. The first year is much more business/management focused, the second year is more job (HR) related.

Was very good, hard though, particularly if you are working at the same time.

[misslideaway]

Hi,

I'm working in on an HR delivery account for an external client. Not the typical HR job. :-) I have been told that it would be easier in a strict HR role.

The course is approx �400 for year 1. Run by a local collage. The course is 3 evenings per week. I think it will be quite heavy going. I never went to uni so am a little scared about coursework, essays etc.

Could anybody tell me if you feel this course has improved your opportunities, given rise to a salary increase or promotion?

Also, how expensive are the books?

I would really like to find a forum to chat to people about this, any ideas?

Thanks for your good luck wishes :-)

[Slainte]

I've just finished my CIPD and for the most part I was also working in HR service delivery for an external client, rather than my own company. Although this did make some elements of the course more complicated, I generally found it to be beneficial as I was objective about the organisation and had the choice of writing about the client company or my own company (and sometimes both) in assignments.

The course is tough going - although I didn't go to Uni I was only 21 when I started and they actually hestitated to give me a place because of that (wanted people with more experience). Year 1 can be quite hard going because you have do modules on finance, accounting and managing info which is quite solid going and alien to most people in HR.

The books are about �30 a go, but my employer covered the costs of these. Also, you must remember the cost of joining and subscribing the CIPD which I think comes to about �150 in the first year and then another �100 every year after. �400 seems very cheap for the first year, I paid �400 per module in my first year which cost �1600. It then cost another �1600 for the next 2 years, and �800 for the privilege of submitting a management report for marking. The exams are also approx �40 per sitting as well.... I'm not trying to put you off, but if you're self-financing the course then you need to know exactly how much you're committing to as it doesn't seem that much in the beginning....

The CIPD website has a community forum where you might be able to discuss further - http://www.cipd.co.uk/communities/.