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A image to illustrate Learning and development at work module
This module centres on human resource development (HRD), which is an area of HRM that focuses on the activities that help employees develop their work-related skills and knowledge. It takes a wider strategic approach to HRD that links the individual's needs to the organisation's needs, whilst operating within a wider socio-politico-economic environment. You'll be encouraged to apply the ideas and theories you learn to your practice, to reflect on and record this practice, and to explore the variation of practice in different contexts. One particular area in which you'll do this is by developing and practising coaching and mentoring skills.
This module emphasises Learning, Training and Development and all those developmental activities that help employees and managers to develop in their jobs and careers. It focuses on both the individual and the organisation. From an individual perspective, it supports your personal and professional development, and helps you develop your managerial skills in one-to-one relationships. From an organisational strategy perspective, it expects you to acquire knowledge and skills needed to operate as a Learning and Development specialist with a wider view of organisational development. An emphasis on sustainable and inclusive HRD will run through the course.
In combining a focus on Learning and Development (L&D) and talent management at both organisational and personal career development levels, it examines a range of L&D workplace interventions. It incorporates the study of coaching and mentoring with the consolidation of coaching and mentoring skills taking place during an online day school. This will take place towards the middle of the module to enable you to consolidate your learning and development skills.
The module is organised into six units. These will focus on HRD knowledge and practice across different size of organisations, sectors and national contexts, and aim to develop your coaching and mentoring skills and your managerial skills as a HRD professional.
The assessments balance knowledge with practice and assess different skills such as presentation and writing skills as well as your reflective skills. Specifically, the three assessments support the development of wider HRD knowledge, of coaching practice and of strategic Leaning and Development organisational plans. Furthermore they also consolidate your self-analysis and self-reflection.
The module material is available on the module site, you will be guided through this material by your tutor and will have the opportunity to participate in group forums. In addition, the tutor will lead four synchronous tutorials focusing on key topic areas and on assessment preparation.
Online day school

There is a compulsory online day school at the end of July/beginning of August that lasts seven hours. Details of options and dates will be made available at the start of the module. It will be skill-focused and involve you in working in pairs, in small groups and participating in a larger group discussion moderated by a tutor. The day school will be interactive and allow you to set the foundation for an assessment.
The module aims to:
Self-awareness, reflective learning and continuous professional development will run throughout the module.
This module can be studied as part of a qualification that provides a route to professional membership of the CIPD if you wish to develop a career in HR management. It will also provide training in research and academic skills if you want to develop an academic career in the field of HR management.
Your tutor will help you with the study material, mark and comment on your assignments and provide advice and guidance. You’ll be able to contact your tutor by email, phone or via your tutor group forum on the module website. Furthermore, the tutor will lead four synchronous live tutorials delivered in the online room. The compulsory online day school will also be tutor-led.
Course work includes:
You will have access to a module website with an extensive variety of specially written resources presented and designed exclusively for this module. This includes:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
B814 is an option module in our:
Sometimes you cannot count a module towards a qualification if you have already counted another module with similar content. To verify any excluded combinations with this module, check with an adviser before registering.
Learning and development at work starts once a year – in May.
This page describes the module that will start in May 2027.
We expect it to start for the last time in May 2031.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
All entrants must hold a BA/BSc degree awarded by a recognised university, or equivalent. If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
We recommend you familiarise yourself with definitions and focus on HRD as well as keeping up to date on the latest developments in HR through the CIPD website (including the various research reports). It is also useful to read professional publications such as HR Magazine, The HR Digest and People Management.
Written transcripts of any audio components and Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) versions of printed material are available on the module website. Some Adobe PDF components may not be available or fully accessible using a screen reader.
If you’re using printed materials as part of reasonable adjustments to support your studies, note that printed versions of online materials are unavailable for this module.
StartEndRegister byEngland fee
01 May 202731 Oct 202715 Apr 2027£2,075
If you study this module as part of an eligible qualification, you can apply for a postgraduate loan to support your study costs. To find out more, see Postgraduate loans in England.
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2027. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
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