Professional Development Scheme (PDS)

The PDS is designed for people who are already working in HR or training, who wish to advance their management career in personnel and development and become Chartered Members/Fellows of the CIPD.

It is a Masters level programme based on the CIPD's 'Professional Standards'. The aim of the PDS is to enable professionals working in HR or training to develop the skills, knowledge and wider business awareness to become HR practitioners.

The PDS programme is structured to enable you to develop your expertise gradually, at the same time as working your way up through the CIPD membership structure. So, the PDS divides the CIPD's Professional Standards into four ‘fields', which are

An advantage of studying with MOL is that we integrate the AP&D field into the PM&D programme, so there is no extra cost or time involved.

What level of CIPD membership and what qualifications could I acheive?

You will have Affiliate Studying Member status, which is mandatory while you are studying. The cost of CIPD membership is not included in the course, and you will need to obtain membership directly with the CIPD.

The qualifications and levels of CIPD membership that you will achieve as you work through the PDS are as follows.

Field/s CIPD membership level Qualification
All four fields of the PDS Graduate CIPD Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel and Development
One, two or three fields (but not AP&D) and pass in CIPD national examinations Licentiate CIPD Module Award

First field plus AP&D: 

    PM&D plus AP&D, or

    L&M plus AP&D, or

    Electives plus AP&D

Licentiate CIPD Postgraduate Certificate in Personnel and Development (awarded by the CIPD)
The four ‘development' modules from the Electives Licentiate CIPD Advanced Professional Diploma in Managing Organisational Learning and Development

What are my career prospects/next steps after the course?

The PDS is designed to help you make decisions about your future career at a management level within personnel and development, and to provide you with the knowledge and skills to achieve your goals.

MOL offers the full range of CIPD qualifications, so stay with MOL as you progress through your career and the CIPD membership structure.

After completing the PDS, you could consider the MA in Strategic Human Resources.

How much does the course cost?

To ensure you receive the latest price information, please contact the MOL Enquiry Team on 0161 203 2103 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How do I apply for this course?

Please complete an application form (pdf) and return it to

MOL
D9, Moston Campus
Ashley Lane
Manchester
M9 4WU

Once we have received your application form, we will send you an acknowledgement that your place has been reserved. You will then receive your induction pack two weeks prior to the start of your course.

Further information

Contact the MOL Enquiry Team, who will discuss your requirements and offer advice to guide you to the right course. Please ring 0161 203 2103 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

You can also fill in our enquiry form.