Upon successful completion of this level 7 apprenticeship, learners will have the opportunity to complete a prestigious Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) – the qualification of choice for leaders looking to build resilience.
Looking to begin an apprenticeship?
About the Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship
This programme is designed for those looking to move into a senior or strategic management role, and we are one of the few providers who still offer the option of an MBA award as part of our programme.
Management is an area that is critical for every organisation in every sector, and one which is constantly evolving. This programme brings together learning professionals from a range of industries, as well as from both private and public sectors, who work together to tackle complex business problems.
Throughout this programme there is an emphasis on real-world challenges and workplace application, and apprentices will develop their knowledge through peer interaction, case studies, and business simulation exercises.
Teaching is delivered over three years via block release. Upon successful completion of the end point assessment, learners are conferred chartered manager or chartered fellow status of the CMI depending on prior experience.
Working in partnership with:
What are Degree Apprenticeships?
Degree apprenticeships are a fantastic way to upskill employees and train new staff. They contribute to improved competitiveness and productivity, as well as increased staff retention.
Degree apprentices study for higher level qualifications alongside working. As such, they spend at least 6 working hours each week carrying out ‘off-the-job training’ where they study for their degree and gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are required to successfully complete the apprenticeship.
Large employers can use their apprenticeships levy to pay for apprenticeship training. Smaller firms can claim up to 95 per cent of these costs from the Government. This means apprenticeships are a cost-effective choice for both the employer and learner.
Meet the lecturer
Clare Taylor, programme leader
Clare has more than 15 years’ teaching experience covering both further and higher education. Her subject specialism is HR and she has delivered a range of programmes accredited by the Chartered Institute of Professional Development at both an undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Most recently, she worked for the University of Worcester, where she was Course Leader for Business. Before entering academia, Clare had an extensive career in industry, working for Thomson Reuters. Clare joined University of Gloucestershire in June 2023.
Modules
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Leadership and Organisational Development
This module aims to support learners in exploring rules, norms and laws that shape the global and political economy, and it considers their influence on leadership.
It examines leadership capabilities and styles, and considers how organisational structures, policies and procedures enable or constrain the ability to achieve sustained competitive advantage through leadership developmentPersonal Development
This module seeks to develop and improve a range of skills that will enable learners to make the most of their postgraduate studies. They are asked to develop a strong sense of self-awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses as managers and colleagues.Operations Management
This module explores how different organisations manage their operations strategically. We examine theoretical concepts and the commercial practicalities of running a modern business operation. A specific range of themes is introduced, including international outsourcing, logistics and risk management.Brand Value
Successful branding adds customer value and
is a key element in gaining and protecting competitive advantage.On this module, the importance of brands and corporate reputation in home, globally and in business-to-business markets is emphasised. Learners critically address the multiple factors
that contribute to successful branding decisions.Business Strategy
This module engages learners with current research in strategic management theory, as well as practice. Learners explore competitiveness, the search for value, and the role that leadership and innovation plays in strategic success. Issues behind strategic change and business transformation are also developed. Concepts around how Design Thinking can be applied to strategy making are core themes. The curriculum is delivered through the use of contemporary case studies and business simulation exercises, with the opportunity for learners to apply their learning to decision-making situations in their workplace.Business and Finance Management
This module enables non-accountants to explore finance and business decision-making in order to develop understanding of financial terminology and strategies, and ensure performance.Innovation, Sustainability and Change
This module considers some of the major trends in business, along with stakeholder expectations in terms of sustainability. While using a Design Thinking mindset, principles and practices to facilitate and manage radical innovation are explored.
Work-based project
This module allows learners to carry out a self-managed piece of work that integrates the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies with a real workplace challenge.
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Managing Complex Problems
This module aims to explore how project management can enable an organisation to improve result s and deliver change.
It considers the methodologies available to help deliver projects of high quality, on time and within budget, such as PRINCE2.
Contemporary Issues in Higher Education Leadership
The aim of this module is to identify and analyse fundamental principles of leadership and leadership challenges in higher education
professions. In particular, it considers concept s of ethical, mindful and responsible leadership.Learners gain an understanding of what it means to be a leader in an increasingly international higher education environment.
Strategic Consulting Project
This modules support s learners in applying their knowledge through a team-based consultancy project, delivered for a business or other appropriate organisation.Learners attend a series of workshops designed to develop key skills as they are needed. These are then applied as learners work through the consultancy process.
Strategic Healthcare Leadership and Management
The aim of this module is to identify and analyse fundamental strategies of leadership and leadership challenges in healthcare settings.
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The End Point Assessment (EPA) is an independent assessment that takes place after the final year of the apprenticeship. It is designed to test that the learner is competent in their occupation by assessing the knowledge, skills and behaviour (KSB) outcomes detailed in the approved Apprenticeship Standard.
For this degree apprenticeship, the EPA consists of two components:- a strategic business proposal, presentation and questioning
- professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
All apprentices must pass their EPA to successfully complete their apprenticeship and academic degree.
Optional MBA
Master’s in Business Administration
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship programme and end point assessment, learners have the opportunity to complete an MBA project, consisting of a proposal and report, at no additional cost to the learner or the employer.
This project is completed over the course of around six months. Learners are allocated a dissertation supervisor to support their studies, and the project can be an extension of the proposal developed for the EPA.
Upon successful completion of this piece of work, learners achieve a prestigious MBA.
Case studies
Employer perspective
“I’m more than happy with the standard and quality of teaching and course content provided by UoG, and particularly value the way I am engaged in the learning journey alongside my apprentices.
This is invaluable development that isn’t readily available routinely in the workplace, so enables our staff to really enhance their skillset and ability to impact the organisation longer term.“
John James,
Strategic Intelligence Manager, Gloucestershire County Council
Learner perspective
“Completing the Senior Leadership programme has helped me in various ways. One of the main aspects is around the legitimacy of being a senior manager and having a qualification that matches that.
In terms of my career, I knew that I wanted to progress. I was a Chief Operating Officer at that time, and the likelihood was that if I progressed my career that it would be into a Chief Executive role, and I knew that I would need an MBA to do that.“
Lynette Barrett,
CEO National Star, and Senior Leader graduate
Gloucestershire Business School
This apprenticeship is delivered at our £18 million, state-of-the-art Gloucestershire Business School on Oxstalls Campus in Gloucester.
This centre for business opened in 2018 and facilities include a business incubation centre, a Thomson Reuters trading room, a moot court room, board rooms, a consumer behaviour lab, and equipment on par with that of a global headquarters.
The space also encompasses Gloucestershire’s flagship Growth Hub. The Growth Hub offers fully funded business support for every growing Gloucestershire business. Having helped more than 10,000 businesses since 2014, the Growth Hub’s team of experts are on-hand to help Gloucestershire business grow through a blend of one-to-one expert support, training and events.
Employer and learner support
Learners have a personal tutor throughout their apprenticeship, as well as a learner coach who conducts reviews and supports them towards successful completion. They are also supported by module tutors and our Helpzone staff, who are contactable by telephone, in person and online.
Employers are able to access our dedicated apprenticeship support team, who are here to ensure that businesses get the best from both the learner and the programme.
Learner benefits
All apprentices have access to:
· experienced professionals, who are experts in their field
· state-of-the-art facilities
· all university libraries and IT and facilities
· discounted travel with Stagecoach across the South West network
· an NUS card offering great discounts at restaurants and high street stores
· a vibrant social scene complete with bars, sports clubs, gyms and leisure facilities
View our apprenticeships FAQ guide and discover answers to the most commonly asked questions about higher and degree apprenticeships.
Eligibility and Entry requirements
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Apprentices should be in full-time employment (eg employed for at least 30 hours per week) throughout the duration of the apprenticeship.
Non-graduates with a sufficiently strong certified or experiential learning may be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) or Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL). This is agreed on a case-by-case basis.
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Apprentices must have GCSE grade C/4 or above in Maths and English before they complete the EPA (or an equivalent Level 2 qualification). In some cases, apprentices are able to complete Functional Skills alongside their apprenticeship in order to have the needed Level 2 qualification ahead of EPA.
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Employers may set additional entry requirements suitable for their organisational needs.
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