Senior Leader Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree or equivalent and at least three years’ relevant strategic management or leadership experience. Alternatively, a minimum of five years’ relevant strategic management or leadership experience would be considered if no prior degree is held.

There is a requirement from the Education and Skills Funding Agency that apprentices hold a level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics.

If an applicant does not hold GCSE's (C /4 or above) in English and Maths or cannot evidence these or equivalent qualifications, they should be willing to work towards Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications prior to Gateway.  

For more information about how we support Functional Skills, click here.

Candidates will be in a role that supports the gathering of evidence required for the Senior Leader apprenticeship ‘standard’.

Applicants must also have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship – please see the ESFA guidance for further information

How to apply

Selection to this programme is made by employers; candidates should already hold a post with the employer and continue working for them throughout the duration of the apprenticeship. The candidate should initially speak to their HR department and/or manager to gain sign off to undertake this apprenticeship.

Once the employer agrees for the candidate to apply for the apprenticeship, the candidate should then email businessDAS@exeter.ac.uk requesting an admissions pack. If successful, the applicant will be offered a place at the University, and then a place on the programme. Further information will then be sent by our team about how to enrol as an apprentice.

Funding

Full programme cost: £14,000

The optional MBA top-up of £5,000 is funded by either the employer or the individual. (A reduction fee may be applied for multiple apprentices).

This apprenticeship is entirely funded through an Employers’ Apprenticeship Levy. Your employer fully covers the cost of the apprenticeship, apprentices do not pay for any of the eligible training costs. As an apprentice you will be an employee of your organisation, gaining a University of Exeter award alongside working and earning a salary.

Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy will pay for the apprenticeship fees directly through that contribution.  See further information on the Apprenticeship Levy funding.

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Course content

Our Senior Leader Apprenticeship is designed for aspiring leaders who already hold senior management roles in public or private sector organisations of all sizes. It aims to equip participants with the management knowledge, leadership skills and behaviours exhibited by role models in these organisations that have been defined by employers in the Senior Leader Apprenticeship standard.

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship standard is made up of knowledge, skills and behaviours which apprentices must evidence throughout the course of the programme. The standard is complemented by the Postgraduate diploma, studied over 18 months through masterclasses, weekly distance learning and work-based learning.

Topics covered on this programme include:

• Leading People and Organisations
• Leading High Performing Organisations 
• Strategy and Innovation
• Developing Leadership Behaviour

*The top-up option is individual or employer funded. To gain a top-up to MBA, apprentices must complete two additional 30-credit modules after they’ve finished their end-point assessment.

Learning

Approximately 20 per cent of an apprentice's contractual working time will be given over to study. Our model is designed to be flexible around the needs of apprentices and workloads. No weekly day-release is required, mitigating disruption of their daily role and ensuring maximum flexibility.

The blended learning format incorporates:

• Two to three day Masterclasses in Exeter or online, or at host employer’s premises, totalling around 17 days over the 18 months
• Weekly distance learning that comprises of online classes and workshops
• Interactive exercises and lectures
• Work-based learning is a key element of the apprenticeship, and you will be assessed on projects undertaken in the workplace.

Our dedicated partnerships team liaise closely with employers throughout the programme; apprentices will have dedicated mentors to assist and guide them throughout the whole course of the apprenticeship.

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Employer information

Designed for employers who want their senior managers to strengthen their capabilities of managing complexity and delivering impact at a strategic level. With the knowledge gained from this course, your team will take responsibility for setting and delivering your organisational objectives through a wide range of functions.

Apprentices will use principles of problem-based and inquiry-led learning to demonstrate managerial effectiveness using skills such as critical thinking, negotiation, innovation and creativity. They will graduate as well-rounded leaders who by looking holistically across the business functions, will have the passion and drive to take your organisation to the next level. There is an optional additional two modules to top up learning to an MBA for an additional fee.

Download our Senior Leader Brochure

Careers

Successful apprentices of the programme will have positive impact in their organisations.

Apprentices will lead change in an inclusive and strategic way, will have a clear focus on achieving the diverse goals of their organisation, and be capable of influencing at Board or equivalent level. Externally, they will act as ambassadors for their organisation, building networks and relationships with clients, suppliers and statutory bodies.

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