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First-Line Management Programme (CMI)

Summary

Study level

Undergraduate

Award

Apprenticeship

Location

Nationwide

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What makes Arden University special?

Education for everyone, everywhere

Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.

You decide how and where to study

We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.

Full support both online and on-site

We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.

Strong focus on employability

You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.

Course Overview

Stepping into your first management role is an exciting career milestone, but it also comes with new challenges. Leading people requires a different set of skills to being an individual contributor. Arden University's First-Line Management Programme (CMI) has been designed to help you make that transition with confidence.

Developed for new, and aspiring managers, this practical programme focuses on the everyday skills needed to lead people, improve team performance, and deliver meaningful business results. Through expert-led masterclasses, digital learning resources, and a workplace management project, you'll learn how to manage people effectively while developing your own leadership style.

Rather than focusing on theory alone, every part of the programme is designed around practical application. You'll gain techniques you can use immediately in your role—from managing performance conversations and resolving conflict to creating psychologically safe, high-performing teams.

Aligned to key elements of the Level 3 Team Leader occupational standard, the programme also provides an accelerated pathway to Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status through the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), giving you a recognised professional credential that supports your future career progression.

Why study with Arden University?

Education designed around you

Whether you're developing your career alongside work or looking to prepare for your next leadership opportunity, our flexible approach allows you to learn in a way that fits around your professional commitments.

Practical workplace learning

Everything you study has been designed to help you apply your learning immediately in the workplace, giving you the confidence to tackle real management challenges from day one.

Expert support throughout your journey

You'll learn from experienced professionals through engaging masterclasses while benefiting from structured learning resources that support your development every step of the way.

Professional recognition

Successful completion of the programme leads to Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status, demonstrating your commitment to professional leadership and management excellence.

Professional Accreditation

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This programme has been developed in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and leads to:

CMI First-Line Management Programme Certification
Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status

Foundation Chartered Manager is a recognised professional benchmark that demonstrates you've developed the practical skills, behaviours and knowledge expected of an effective first-line manager while providing a pathway towards full Chartered Manager (CMgr) status.

Accreditation and Memberships

CMI Accreditation

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) promotes excellence in UK management and leadership. As the CMI possesses a Royal Charter, they are the only organisation in the UK that can award Chartered Manager status to their members.

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Career development resources

You'll have online access to a huge range of career development tools from the day you start studying.

Learn more

Course details and modules

Successful first-line managers balance operational delivery with effective people leadership. This programme develops both.

Across three practical learning pillars, you'll build the confidence to manage individuals and teams, improve workplace performance, navigate challenging conversations, and deliver business improvements through a live workplace project.

By the end of the programme, you'll be able to:

Lead individuals and teams with confidence
Build inclusive and psychologically safe working environments
Set objectives and monitor team performance
Deliver effective feedback and coaching conversations
Resolve workplace conflict professionally
Plan and deliver business improvement initiatives
Demonstrate measurable impact within your organisation

Every module has been designed to ensure you leave with practical tools you can continue using throughout your management career.

Course Modules

Pillar 1 Personal and Team Effectiveness

Develop the foundations of effective leadership by strengthening your self-management skills and learning how to support others.
You'll explore:
- Personal effectiveness and prioritisation
- Emotional intelligence and leadership awareness
- Building inclusive teams
- Creating psychological safety
- Coaching and supporting new team members
This module helps you develop the confidence to lead people while creating positive, productive team cultures.

Pillar 2 Managing Performance and Conflict

Learn how to align team performance with organisational objectives while managing challenges professionally and constructively.
Topics include:
- Setting SMART objectives
- Performance management frameworks
- Effective one-to-one conversations
- Delivering constructive feedback
- Monitoring KPIs
- Resolving workplace conflict
- Root cause analysis and communication techniques
You'll gain practical management tools that help improve both individual and team performance.

Pillar 3 Professional Practice and Management Impact

Bring your learning together through a workplace improvement project that delivers measurable value to your organisation.
You'll learn how to:
- Scope and manage projects
- Identify and manage stakeholders
- Monitor risks and progress
- Analyse workplace data
- Present business recommendations
- Demonstrate return on investment
The Management Impact Project allows you to showcase your new leadership skills while making a genuine contribution to your organisation.

How do we assess you?

Assessment is designed around professional practice rather than traditional examinations.

Throughout the programme you'll demonstrate your learning through:

A Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Log
Reflective practice activities
A workplace Management Impact Project
A structured Professional Discussion

This evidence-based approach allows you to demonstrate how you've successfully applied your learning within your own workplace.

Study options

It’s been absolutely brilliant. The development days allow us to bounce ideas off each other and gain experience from people with different backgrounds. It really brings our online learning to life. I really look forward to attending these.

Rob Wyatt

Senior Leader Masters Degree Apprenticeship

Delivery Mode

The programme combines flexible independent learning with interactive teaching and practical workplace application.

Your learning experience includes:

Flexible self-guided online learning
Expert-led masterclasses
Practical digital learning tools
Diagnostic assessments throughout the programme
Interactive worksheets, checklists and action plans
Up to 12 months' access to the CMI Thrive digital learning ecosystem

This blended approach helps you build confidence while applying new knowledge directly to your role.

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

We consider every application individually.

This programme is designed for learners who:

Are new, junior or aspiring managers
Are currently employed in a role involving team leadership or supervision
Are committed to developing inclusive leadership behaviours
Have a suitable level of English to participate in professional discussions and reflective learning

If you're unsure whether this programme is right for you, our Corporate Learning Partnership Managers will be happy to discuss your experience and career goals.

What you'll need to study with us

Our aim is to make learning as flexible and accessible as possible.

All you'll need is:

A laptop or desktop computer
A reliable internet connection
A willingness to engage with online learning activities and workplace projects

Your online learning environment will give you access to course materials, learning resources, digital tools and support throughout the programme.

Course fees and funding

Please contact our admissions team for the latest programme fees and funding options.

If you're studying through your employer, we can also discuss organisational training opportunities and group enrolments.

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Meet the faculty

Steven Hurst is Director of Corporate Learning at Arden University, where he leads the University’s apprenticeship, employer partnership and workforce development activity. Since joining Arden in 2022, Steven has overseen significant growth in the provision, with apprenticeship numbers increasing by more than 100% alongside substantial expansion of the team and employer network.

Before joining Arden, Steven held senior leadership roles at BPP University, leading large-scale apprenticeship and professional education provision. He has extensive experience across commercial education, portfolio development, organisational transformation, quality assurance and employer engagement. Steven is now leading the development of Arden’s broader professional education offer, bringing together apprenticeships, short courses, microcredentials and employer-led workforce solutions.

Steven Hurst

Director of Corporate Learning at Arden University

Career prospects

related courses

Strong first-line managers are in demand across every industry.

Whether you're preparing for your first supervisory role or looking to strengthen your management capability, this programme equips you with practical leadership skills that can immediately enhance your effectiveness at work.

Successful completion demonstrates your ability to:

Lead people confidently
Improve team performance
Manage workplace challenges professionally
Deliver operational improvements
Support organisational success through effective leadership

You'll also achieve Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status, providing recognised professional credibility and a clear pathway towards full Chartered Manager recognition as your career progresses.

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

The Chartered Management Institute is the UK's leading professional body for management and leadership.

Through this programme you'll develop practical leadership capabilities while achieving Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status, demonstrating that you've met recognised professional standards for first-line management.

The programme has been designed around workplace application, ensuring you develop the knowledge, behaviours and skills expected of effective modern managers.

Successful completion also provides a clear progression route towards Chartered Manager (CMgr) status as your leadership career develops.

Ready to take your first step into leadership?

Whether you're preparing for your first management role or looking to strengthen your existing leadership skills, Arden University's Level 3 First-Line Management Programme will help you become a more confident, capable and effective manager.

Speak to an advisor today to find out more.