Why should I invest in this qualification?

Payroll is responsible for managing the largest expenditure of virtually all businesses. Coupled with the ever-increasing regulations and responsibilities entrusted to payroll, it is paramount for organisations to have competent and knowledgeable payroll professionals managing this function. This qualification teaches students not only the full spectrum of the payroll profession but also imparts the skills and insight to proactively solve problems, seek improvements to workplace practices and identify incorrect processes which could lead to non-compliance penalties or tribunals if unchecked. Students are required to readily apply their new-found knowledge to the workplace, enabling employers to realise tangible benefits whilst their employees undertake their studies and beyond graduation.

Who is this qualification aimed at?

Existing payroll managers, payroll supervisors, payroll team leaders as well as experienced payroll officers and payroll administrators who wish to progress to payroll management positions whilst gaining a UK-recognised university degree. The programme caters for those who work in all payroll environments; from payroll service providers, accountancy firms, in-house payroll teams and sole payrollers. Completion of this course significantly enhances career opportunities in the payroll industry, enabling progression onto not only payroll management roles, but also payroll consultancy, payroll software development and positions in reward and benefits management.

Foundation Degree in Payroll Management (FdA)

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Programme closure - Foundation Degree in Payroll Management (FdA)

The Foundation Degree in Payroll Management programme, awarded by the University of Worcester, is being discontinued.

IPP Education Ltd (IPPE) are now operating a teachout plan to allow current students to achieve their final qualification, all the way through to year three and their graduation ceremony.

CIPP/ IPPE, Heart of Worcestershire College and the University of Worcester are working collaboratively to ensure students enrolled on the FdA continue to be supported and given every opportunity to complete the qualification.

In light of this programme closing, we have two new qualifications to aide your career progression. Our level 4 technical qualification, the Payroll Specialist Certificate and our level 4/5 management qualification with a payroll context, the FdSc Payroll Management (UK Payroll), delivered and awarded by the University of Lincoln. Both qualifications are now open for Winter enrolment.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management (FdA) teach out, please contact us at [email protected]

Delivery

The Foundation Degree in Payroll Management is delivered through blended learning. Each module consists of one module workshop, a tutorial, and self-driven home study through the Heart of Worcestershire College student website.

Due to low enrolment numbers, all module workshops and tutorials for the remainder of this teach out will be delivered live online via MS Teams. This approach allows for larger, location-independent groups, enhancing the learner experience and supporting collaborative learning.

We would recommend an average study time of 8-10 hours per week in addition to the attendance days.

How much does it cost?

£3,495 + VAT per year course fee.

£145.00 per year associate student membership subscription, saving you £80*.

Whilst studying with the CIPP you are required to be an associate level (or above) member of the Institute. CIPP membership provides invaluable support for your further reading and research whilst studying the qualification. If you are already a valued member of the institute at associate level or above, only the course fee is payable.

What do my course fees include?

Allocation of a fully qualified CIPP tutor to provide you with support during your studies, tutors are assigned to students based on geographical location to ensure maximum benefit and minimal travel requirements for students.
Induction session providing course information, structure and advice.
Module workshops (full day), one per module to review and discuss module material with a CIPP tutor.
Tutorials (2-3 hours dependant on module), one per module to affirm knowledge and prepare for assessment.
Access to the Heart of Worcestershire College student website, which provides:
- Discussion forums so that students can support each other and where tutors can respond to any questions relevant for the whole group
- Study material, induction, module workshop and tutorial slides, plus other relevant information
University registration and the Heart of Worcestershire College student membership with specialist online support.

For more information on the costs, please call 0121 712 1044 or email us.

*saving equates to a reduction of the associate member fee of £30, plus we will waive the new £50 registration fee

Exam and assignment fees: please note that there will be additional costs for deferrals and re-sits if required.

Prices valid until 30 June and reviewed annually.

Fees, timetables and enrolment forms

Fees

Course fee: £3,495 + VAT
Assessment resit fee: £75 + VAT
Assessment retake fee: £150 + VAT (for third attempts at assessment only)

Timetables

FD3 Autumn 2026 Student timetable V1.pdf

To ensure the speedy processing of your enrolment form, please send a copy via email to [email protected] as well as sending by post.

Important: Decreased numbers have led to mostly online delivery of this programme for the remainder of the teach out. Please refer to the delivery section of this page for full details.

Student loans

Students enrolling on the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management are eligible to apply for a student loan to assist with funding these qualifications. Student loans are available to all self-funding students in England who have not previously received a student loan. They are not based on, nor do they affect your credit rating. Students living in Scotland, Wales or Ireland are not currently within the student loan process. Students from these areas who require public support to assist with funding should apply for a part-time student grant from their respective governing body.

The benefits of a student loan to an individual would be:

No requirement to pay course fees upfront
No re-payment unless or until you reach the gross earnings threshold for student loans outlined within current legislation
Repayments only commence following completion of the qualification
No effect on your credit history

Students applying for a student loan must do so through the student loan company. Further information on student loans can also be viewed here. When applying for a student loan for the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management, you will be asked for the name of the institute. Please state the 'Heart of Worcestershire College' not the CIPP on your application form for this purpose.

Please contact the education team on 0121 712 1023 or email us before completing the student loan application to obtain the correct information.

Student loan application process

Exemptions

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment is a university required assessment designed for Payroll or Pensions professionals with at least two years’ experience.

Successful completion of the RPL assessment will enable an individual to progress directly to year two of the Foundation Degree in Payroll Management or Foundation Degree in Pensions Administration and Management.

Developed, delivered and assessed by IPP Education

Awarded by the University of Worcester

Delivered in partnership with Heart of Worcestershire College

This Degree will open so many opportunities for you; it is directly relevant to payroll and gives you the skills you need for any payroll job. I’ve never looked back since I got mine and I would 100% recommend this qualification. You will study with other students with who you can build a support group with to help you along the way.
Lou Jones MCIPPdip, King Edward VI College, payroll manager