MCA COURSE OUTLINE · 601/4465/8
iCQ Level 4 Diploma in Learning and Development (RQF)
Learning and development practitioners with autonomy across the learning cycle.
Qualification at a glance
- Qualification number
- 601/4465/8
- Awarding organisation
- iCQ Awards (iCan Qualifications Limited)
- Minimum credits
- 45
- Guided learning hours
- 190–273
Entry requirements and assessment access
The published specification includes the 18+ age category. Access to planning, delivery, evaluation and selected specialist or management responsibilities is needed.
What you will learn
- Develop and evaluate learning provision
- Strengthen assessment and quality assurance practice where selected
- Support learners, employers and learning teams
Qualification structure and unit choices
Structure: To achieve this qualification the practitoner must attain a minimum of 45 credits, of which at least 23 credits must be at or above Level 4. 12 credits must be attained from the units in the Mandatory Group, and the remaining minimum of 33 credits can be taken from any of the Optional Groups. To be awarded a management endorsement, the practitioner must attain a minimum of 18 credits from Optional Group P.
Mandatory units form the core. Optional units, where available, are selected with your assessor to match your role and the rules of combination; the full optional list is not a requirement to complete every unit.
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| D/502/9542 | Principles, theories and practices of learning and development | 4 | 6 |
| J/502/9552 | Reflect on and improve own practice in learning and development | 4 | 6 |
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| D/601/5313 | Understanding the principles and practices of assessment | 3 | 3 |
| H/601/5314 | Assess occupational competence in the work environment | 3 | 6 |
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| D/601/5313 | Understanding the principles and practices of assessment | 3 | 3 |
| F/601/5319 | Assess vocational skills, knowledge and understanding | 3 | 6 |
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/601/5321 | Internally assure the quality of assessment | 4 | 6 |
| T/601/5320 | Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment | 4 | 6 |
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/502/9547 | Develop and prepare resources for learning and development | 4 | 6 |
| A/502/9550 | Manage learning and development in groups | 4 | 6 |
| D/502/9556 | Engage with employers to facilitate workforce development | 4 | 6 |
| D/601/5313 | Understanding the principles and practices of assessment | 3 | 3 |
| F/502/9548 | Facilitate learning and development in groups | 3 | 6 |
| F/502/9551 | Engage learners in the learning and development process | 3 | 6 |
| H/502/9543 | Identify the learning needs of organisations | 4 | 6 |
| J/502/9549 | Facilitate learning and development for individuals | 3 | 6 |
| K/502/9544 | Identify individual learning and development needs | 3 | 3 |
| L/502/9553 | Evaluate and improve learning and development provision | 4 | 6 |
| M/502/9545 | Develop learning and development programmes | 4 | 6 |
| R/502/9554 | Provide information and advice to learners and employers | 3 | 3 |
| T/502/9546 | Plan and prepare specific learning and development opportunities | 3 | 6 |
| T/601/5320 | Understanding the principles and practices of internally assuring the quality of assessment | 4 | 6 |
| Y/502/9555 | Engage with employers to develop and support learning provision | 3 | 6 |
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/600/9695 | Manage a budget for own area or activity of work | 5 | 7 |
| A/600/9793 | Manage the achievement of customer satisfaction | 4 | 5 |
| H/600/9674 | Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility | 4 | 5 |
| M/600/9600 | Set objectives and provide support for team members | 3 | 5 |
| M/600/9628 | Manage or support equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion in own area of responsibility | 3 | 4 |
| M/600/9662 | Work productively with colleagues and stakeholders | 5 | 6 |
| T/600/9601 | Provide leadership and direction for own area of responsibility | 4 | 5 |
| T/600/9694 | Developing collaborative relationships with other organisations | 5 | 7 |
| Y/600/9588 | Develop and evaluate operational plans for own area of responsibility | 5 | 6 |
| Unit code | Unit title | Level | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| A/600/9695 | Manage a budget for own area or activity of work | 5 | 7 |
| A/600/9793 | Manage the achievement of customer satisfaction | 4 | 5 |
| H/600/9674 | Plan, allocate and monitor work in own area of responsibility | 4 | 5 |
| M/600/9600 | Set objectives and provide support for team members | 3 | 5 |
| M/600/9628 | Manage or support equality of opportunity, diversity and inclusion in own area of responsibility | 3 | 4 |
| M/600/9662 | Work productively with colleagues and stakeholders | 5 | 6 |
| T/600/9601 | Provide leadership and direction for own area of responsibility | 4 | 5 |
| T/600/9694 | Developing collaborative relationships with other organisations | 5 | 7 |
| Y/600/9588 | Develop and evaluate operational plans for own area of responsibility | 5 | 6 |
How you are assessed
Portfolio of practice and knowledge with observations, learning resources, evaluation records and reflective discussion. Management endorsement requires the specified management unit combination.
Your assessor records decisions against the unit criteria. All required outcomes must be achieved; assessment evidence is reviewed through internal and awarding-body quality assurance. Prior learning may be considered where permitted and supported by valid evidence.
Delivery and learner support
MCA offers tutor-supported online and blended learning. Your agreed study plan sets the tutorial format, workplace visits or teaching observations, independent study and review arrangements. Practical assessment cannot be replaced by online study alone.
Discuss accessibility needs, reasonable adjustments and learning support with MCA at the application stage.
Duration, start dates and fees
Start dates, fees, payment options and the planned completion period are confirmed in writing before enrolment. Qualification learning hours describe the study requirement; they are not a promise of a fixed calendar duration. Ask MCA for a personalised quotation and timetable.
Progression
Develop advanced learning and development or management responsibilities.
Apply or ask a question
Tell us your chosen qualification, experience and current role so we can check the right pathway.
Request your course planUnit titles, credits and qualification structure checked against the published iCQ specification on 3 October 2026. This MCA outline explains the learner journey; the registered assessment plan controls the exact unit selection and assessment criteria.