Thinking About Registering for an ARMA Qualification?

With the registration deadline for ARMA’s prestigious Qualifications Programme approaching on 15 October, now is the perfect time to consider taking the next step in your professional development.

We know that committing to a qualification can feel like a significant undertaking. Prospective students often ask about the time commitment, balancing study with work and personal responsibilities, and whether the investment is worthwhile.

To help answer some of these frequently asked questions, we spoke to Sarah HÉLIAS, PhD, Research Manager and graduate of ARMA’s Certificate in Research Management Foundation (CRMF), about her experience of completing the qualification.

“The key is finding a routine that works for you”

One of the most common concerns we hear is whether people have enough time to complete the qualification alongside a busy role.

“For me, my line manager provided two hours of protected time each week,” explains Sarah. “However, work pressures sometimes made it difficult to use that time consistently. Instead, I set aside three hours every weekend and built study into my routine. Having that dedicated time gave me confidence that I could progress at my own pace and fully engage with the learning.”

Balancing study, work and personal commitments

Sarah acknowledges that completing a qualification requires organisation, but believes it is entirely achievable alongside a full-time role.

“Many aspects of your day-to-day work can provide examples and case studies for your assignments, which helps connect the learning directly to your professional practice.”

Is it worth the investment?

Sarah’s answer is simple:

“I think so!”

Beyond gaining a recognised qualification, students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge, reflect on their professional practice, and develop skills that can support future career progression.

Employer support can make a difference

Support varies between organisations, but Sarah found that the qualification aligned closely with her professional development goals.

“For me, it linked directly into my continuing professional development and was well supported by my employer.”

What if I fall behind?

Life and work commitments can sometimes disrupt even the best-laid plans, but the programme offers flexibility.

“The units are independent of one another, although I’d recommend starting with Unit 1,” says Sarah. “You can structure your learning in a way that works for you. If you do fall behind, there is flexibility to submit work at a later date when needed.”

How challenging are the assignments?

Sarah describes the assignments as rewarding but demanding.

“I was referred twice for not quite meeting one of the assessment criteria on each occasion. I found the word limits particularly challenging because there was so much I wanted to include. However, the feedback was always constructive, well justified and helped me improve.”

How long does it take to complete?

While every student’s journey is different, Sarah suggests that most people should plan for between 18 months and two years.

“Realistically, I’d say around one and a half to two years, particularly if you have family commitments outside work.”

Is the workload manageable?

Sarah’s overall assessment is encouraging:

“It is manageable if you organise your time well and have the right support in place, both at work and at home. It’s certainly challenging, but absolutely achievable.”

Ready to take the next step?

If you’re considering gaining a recognised professional qualification in research management, now is an excellent time to start your journey.

To find out more about ARMA’s Qualifications Programme, including eligibility, programme structure and how to apply, please visit the qualifications web page and register before the 15 October deadline.