CIPD L5 - Help!

[GreeenJuice]

I am posting in Chat for traffic as I am hoping for some support. I’ve NC’d but have been here for years.

I am currently studying my Level 5 CIPD diploma and am finding it really difficult. I have passed the first two assignments, but the feedback from the tutor hasn’t been particularly encouraging.

I am completing this qualification alongside a full time job and family etc. It’s been a long time since I’ve studied and just feel out of my depth. There are two online tutorials per unit, all online, and none of the learners collaborate. My self esteem is really low as I just feel so stupid as the work is hard.

I’m not sure what I’m looking for really, I guess any sage advice from anyone in the same position or has been previously. Thanks.

Is this for HR or L&D? And which org are you studying with?

Hi, it’s HR (People Management) via Acacia.

Do you have the option to talk to other students? I did mine online too, with ICS and a few of us had a WhatsApp group which was really helpful especially to offload as most of us were doing it alongside work/kids.

FWIW I never found the feedback that encouraging either but it's a pass or fail on each assignment so I just tried to view it as a pass is a pass and then moved onto the next one.

And also..... don't feel stupid at all. It IS hard. I have a postgraduate degree and always thought that I was pretty good academically and I failed the first module. It is a whole different ballgame and tough to get into the swing of it but if it helps, I got better as each module went on as I think you get more used to what the tutors are looking for. My best piece of advice is to look really hard at the assessment criteria and make sure you meet each one very clearly as that's what your tutors will be marking you on.

Ah, I did L&D, but I do agree with pp, the assignments have very specific criteria for a pass, I failed my second assignment, I completely misunderstood the criteria. They should be offering extra time with your tutor to go over the concepts, I was offered weekly 30 minute sessions to discuss each point in the assignment separately to help me understand. It was fine in the end, although I did have an extension. It was supposed to take about a year to complete, but I took an extra 6 months - they tend to understand life can get in the way. I was with DPG but I think Acacia is part of their same parent company. They all have to adhere to CPD requirements anyway.

CIPD rather.

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply. There is a WhatsApp group, but no one really replies, and if they do it’s stilted messages as they don’t seem interested in sharing ideas and supporting.

I make sure I cover the assessment criteria, but the feedback I’ve had for most states that I have good core understanding but need to support this with research etc. I find that the structure of the tutorials doesn’t follow the chronological order of the assignment, and that confuses me 🙈 It’s really affecting my self confidence as I just keep telling myself that it’s too hard and I can’t do it.

Oh, yes, I was constantly referencing journal articles or buying second hand books to reference. That's definitely important.

Have you tried LinkedIn or maybe Facebook for support?

I have just completed this course. My saving grace was the Facebook support groups. It may be worth having a look on there for support?

I actually joined Facebook specially to gain support, but I haven’t found it particularly helpful. It could be that I’m not looking in the right place. I think I’m just in such a negative headspace, crippled with self doubt. 😌

I teach level 7. Referencing is really important otherwise you're essentially making stuff up because while you may have read widely you aren't demonstrating that reading. So I would start there and think about the gap between the research and practice, why practice is ahead/behind the research and why the research might be out of touch or difficult to apply in the real world.

@Stichintimesavesstapling, Any recommendations for a level 7 provider? Otherwise any tips on the level 7 course?

You're definitely not alone balancing a Level 5 CIPD Assignment diploma with a full-time job and family is a huge achievement in itself. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when support and collaboration are lacking. Be kind to yourself, and remember progress is still progress, no matter how slow. For extra help, don’t hesitate to explore CIPD Assignment Help for guidance and support tailored to your journey. You've got this!