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  • Senior Leader

Senior Leader Apprenticeship

This apprenticeship provides an opportunity for experienced professionals and those aspiring to senior management to study for a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership, awarded by the University of Brighton alongside achieving the new Senior Leader Apprenticeship.

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship standard underwent a national review in 2020 and the university has fully revised and refreshed our programme to align with the new standard. By blending part-time university study with work-based learning this programme will enable talented managers in any sector or profession to take the next big step on their career path.

A leader is someone who has senior management responsibility, and this can include formal governance or director responsibilities. They consider market trends and environmental influences and identify long-term opportunities and risks. Through inclusive leadership, they are responsible for developing ethical, innovative and supportive cultures with the ability to deliver results.

From day one, apprentices will gain an enhanced sense of perspective through looking at their organisation and role afresh through the lens of each subject area and bring tangible solutions to existing issues using the skills and behaviours they study at university.

Much of the content is based on the university’s well established MBA programme, and upon completion of the apprenticeship, learners may top up to a full MBA award by studying two additional modules (60 credits). This carries an additional cost that cannot be financed via apprenticeship funding.

Make sure that you’ve read the FAQs, and that you meet the eligibility criteria, before you submit an application.

key information

University of Brighton award Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership

Apprenticeship standard Senior Leader

Level 7

Start date  January 2023 and September 2023

Application close date December 2022 (for January 2023) and June 2023 (for September 2023) 

Duration 24 months plus up to five months for End Point Assessment

Location Moulsecoomb

Accreditation Chartered Management Institute

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Programme details

Programme structure

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship has a September and January entry point in each academic year and is expected to take 24 months to complete on the standard route. Apprentices with recognised prior learning may be able to complete sooner. Applicants employed less than 30 hours per week may be able to study the apprenticeship over a longer duration. Apprentices attend a range of university sessions delivered through a combination of block release, evening and online taught sessions. Apprentices are supported by a supervisor within the university and a workplace mentor, to ensure that gains by both the apprentice and their organisations are maximised.

Apprentices must spend at least 20% of their time on off-the-job training. Delivery is a blend of evening and block delivery supported by sessions and supporting materials accessed through the virtual learning environment. Apprentices will be expected to attend lectures/workshops and have the opportunity to use the university library facilities and to meet with module or programme leaders. Outside of term time apprentices will be undertaking independent study and developing their knowledge and skills through practical application in the workplace.

Apprentices benefit from access to online teaching materials, videos and tutorials facilitated through the University’s online learning portal. Off-the-job learning hours include university studies as well as workplace activities and projects which are undertaken specifically for the apprenticeship, furthering the development of knowledge, skills and behaviours in new areas.

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IOD logo

While studying, apprentices will benefit from membership of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Directors (IOD).

Core modules and skills

Year 1

  • Managing People and Organisations
  • Marketing and Communication
  • Leadership with Ethics

Year 2

  • Information Systems, Operations and Process Management
  • Managing Finance in Different Contexts
  • Managing in an Uncertain Environment

Upon completion of the programme, apprentices will be equipped to:

  • work effectively as a member of a group of professionals and wider community, demonstrating self-responsibility, autonomy and contribution to the development of others
  • gather and critically evaluate evidence drawn from a range of sources
  • apply knowledge, theory and concepts to organisational issues and problems
  • devise creative, ethical and sustainable responses to problems, identifying opportunities in their approach
  • take a leadership role in developing and implementing strategic initiatives developed for problems
  • engage professional with the issues, theories and concepts necessary to evaluate the impact of information systems, digital transformation and process management.

Teaching and assessment

Approaches to teaching are based on engagement with capable professionals, and developing reflective practitioners. As engagement with specific subject content and understanding grow, apprentices are made aware of how issues from the specific subject area are integrated within a more holistic understanding of the nature of management. The programme encourages the group to explore different perspectives from their diverse backgrounds and varied occupational experiences.

With its clear focus on practical wisdom, Brighton leverages the skills of both academics and practitioners to teach a useful mix of theory and practice so that both long-term and short-term gains can be realised by each apprentice.

In addition to the Leadership Postgraduate Diploma, apprentices will complete a reflective ePortfolio in addition to undertaking a workplace-based strategic Business Proposal project, designed to allow them to use their new skills to the full. Other assessment methods include:

  • time controlled assessments
  • presentations
  • exam-like question
  • supervised group work
  • project outline
  • topic proposal and e-based assessment
  • reflective statement
  • group presentations.

On completion of the postgraduate diploma, Apprentices complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) with the Chartered Management Institute to meet the apprenticeship standard.

Employer and apprentice commitments

In order to deliver the programme, the employer undertakes to:

  • conduct a workplace induction and set out a contract of employment
  • provide an appropriately qualified workplace mentor to supervise and monitor the progress of the apprentice   
  • attend apprentice's progress review (twice a year) 
  • release apprentice for scheduled off-the-job learning and continue to provide protected time to undertake self-directed study outside of term time
  • have an Apprenticeship Agreement in place from the start of the programme
  • to provide opportunities in the workplace to meet work-based learning requirements.

Throughout the programme, apprentices will:

  • attend the workplace for the agreed pattern as set out in the apprenticeship agreement 
  • maintain an up to date log of hours spent on training sessions and off-the-job learning 
  • attend scheduled university learning sessions and complete all assessments as required by the university and End Point Assessment Organisation
  • behave in a safe and responsible manner at the workplace and university
  • engage with regular progress reviews 
  • complete, throughout the apprenticeship, a professional development portfolio.

Fees and funding information for apprentices

Course fees

As an apprentice the cost of your learning programme is covered by your employer through their Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account.

Student finance

Higher and degree level apprentices are not eligible for any element of student finance. This is because they receive a salary instead of the student loan package. However, if you are experiencing any financial difficulties, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 642 888.

Learning support

Apprentices studying at Higher and degree level may be able to access funding in relation to additional support but this is available through the university and not Disabled Students Allowance. Apprentices may also be able to apply for Access to Work funding for work-based equipment and software. Please contact the Disability and Dyslexia team on 01273 643 799.

Living costs and benefits

Higher and degree level apprentices must fulfil the standard eligibility criteria in order to apply for means tested benefits such as Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit and Housing Benefit. If you have any questions about entitlement to benefits, please contact the Student Advice Service on 01273 643 888.

Higher and degree level apprentices who are undertaking a full-time mode of study can be treated as being exempt from paying Council Tax. Although some programmes require study on a day-release arrangement, this can still be classed as full-time study. You will need to obtain a letter from the Student Information Desk at any campus and send this to your Council Tax department when you enrol on the programme.

Other

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If you want to challenge yourself, if you want to grow, if you want to become more confident and you've got a hunger for knowledge, definitely do a programme like this. For sure, this apprenticeship has supported me, and given me the skill set that I was missing.

Karen Jefford, Chief Operating Officer, Building Heroes

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

  • A first degree or equivalent professional qualification
  • English and mathematics at level 2 or above
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component
  • At least three years management experience

Candidates with substantial management experience who do not have a first degree will be considered for entry on an individual basis, in line with the university's recognition of prior learning (RPL) policy.

Specific apprenticeship requirements

  • Full employer support and commitment to undertake the programme
  • Have the right to work in the UK

Location

Moulsecoomb campus

Two miles north of Brighton seafront, Moulsecoomb is our largest campus and student village. Over the last four years Moulsecoomb has undergone a major transformation, planned with accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability in mind.

On campus you’ll find professional-standard facilities and learning resources for all of our subjects and a brand new academic building Elm House, alongside the library, student centre, fitness facilities and the Students’ Union.

Moulsecoomb has easy access to buses and trains and to all the exciting things happening in our home city.

New buildings in the Moulsecoomb development viewed from the street

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Why choose us?

  • The University of Brighton School of Business and Law has longstanding ties with 14 professional bodies.
  • Business with a difference: responsible management, sustainability and social justice are core values at the University of Brighton.
  • Gain more than just learning: the university has a strong network of fellow students and alumni which represents a valuable long-term resource.
  • Apprenticeships rated 'Good' by Ofsted.
  • We have 40 years experience enhancing careers and meeting business needs.
  • We work closely with Local Enterprise Partnerships to grow UK skills and enterprise.
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