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Senior Executive Leadership 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

Leading at executive level means looking beyond day-to-day operations to shape the future of an organisation. Today's senior leaders must navigate uncertainty, embrace innovation, influence stakeholders, and make strategic decisions that create long-term value.

Arden University's Senior Executive Leadership Programme (CMI) has been designed for experienced senior leaders, directors and executives who want to strengthen their strategic leadership capability while driving meaningful organisational change.

Through a combination of executive masterclasses, flexible online learning and a Strategic Impact Project, you'll develop the confidence to lead complex organisations, build resilient cultures, and respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges.

Aligned to key aspects of the Senior Leader occupational standard, the programme develops the strategic thinking, commercial awareness and leadership behaviours expected of today's executive leaders. Successful completion provides a pathway to Chartered Fellow (FCMgr) or Chartered Manager (CMgr) status through the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), recognising your professional expertise and supporting your continued leadership journey.

Why study with Arden University?

Executive learning designed around your responsibilities

Study flexibly alongside your leadership role through a programme designed to fit around demanding executive schedules.

Strategic learning with immediate impact

Every element of the programme is focused on helping you apply new thinking directly within your organisation, enabling you to lead change, improve performance and create lasting strategic value.

Develop future-focused leadership capability

Explore contemporary leadership challenges including organisational transformation, governance, innovation, sustainability, digital strategy and emerging technologies.

Gain recognised professional status

Successful completion supports progression to Chartered Fellow (FCMgr) or Chartered Manager (CMgr) status through the Chartered Management Institute, recognising your leadership experience and professional achievement.

Professional Accreditation

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This programme has been developed alongside the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the UK's leading professional body for management and leadership.

Successful learners will receive:

CMI Senior Executive Leadership Programme Certification
Chartered Fellow (FCMgr) or Chartered Manager (CMgr) status, depending on eligibility

Chartered Fellow represents the highest level of professional recognition awarded by the CMI, recognising senior leaders who demonstrate outstanding strategic leadership and sustained organisational impact.

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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.

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Course details and modules

Exceptional executive leaders combine strategic vision with practical execution. They inspire people, shape organisational direction and make informed decisions that support sustainable growth.

This programme develops the capabilities required to lead organisations through complexity, disruption and change while strengthening your ability to influence stakeholders and create long-term value.

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

Develop and communicate long-term organisational strategy
Lead transformational change across complex organisations
Strengthen organisational governance and ethical leadership
Build inclusive, high-performing organisational cultures
Evaluate emerging technologies and market trends
Make informed commercial and investment decisions
Lead enterprise-wide strategic initiatives with confidence
Demonstrate measurable organisational impact

Course Modules

Pillar 1: Strategic Vision & Direction

Develop the strategic insight needed to shape organisational direction in an increasingly complex business environment.

You'll explore:

Corporate governance and organisational structures
Strategic planning and organisational maturity
Business ethics, sustainability and corporate purpose
Competitive positioning and market analysis
Digital transformation and emerging technologies
Long-term strategic decision-making

This module strengthens your ability to anticipate change, evaluate opportunities and develop strategies that support sustainable organisational success.

Pillar 2: High-Performance Leadership

Explore the leadership approaches required to build resilient organisations and empower people to perform at their best.

Topics include:

Transformational leadership
Organisational culture and values
Inclusive leadership and psychological safety
Succession planning and workforce development
Systems thinking
Emotional intelligence
Leading strategic change
Enterprise-wide collaboration

You'll develop the leadership mindset needed to guide organisations through growth, uncertainty and transformation.

Pillar 3: Strategic Impact Project

Apply your learning to a significant organisational challenge through a workplace project focused on delivering measurable strategic value.

You'll learn how to:

Build compelling business cases
Evaluate strategic investment options
Analyse financial and operational data
Assess organisational risk
Select appropriate project methodologies
Deliver enterprise-level change
Measure and communicate organisational impact

The Strategic Impact Project enables you to demonstrate executive leadership capability while delivering meaningful value to your organisation.

How do we assess you?

Assessment is designed around executive practice rather than traditional academic examinations.

Throughout the programme you'll demonstrate your leadership capability through:

A Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Log
Reflective leadership activities
A Strategic Impact Project
A structured Professional Discussion

This workplace-based approach enables you to evidence how you've successfully applied your learning to solve strategic organisational challenges.

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 is delivered fully online, allowing you to continue developing your executive capability alongside your professional responsibilities.

Your learning experience includes:

Flexible self-guided online learning
Executive masterclasses
Curated strategic learning through the premium CMI Thrive platform
Executive self-assessment tools
Strategic worksheets and practical resources
Up to 12 months' access to the CMI Thrive digital learning ecosystem

This flexible delivery model allows you to learn at your own pace while immediately applying new insights within your organisation.

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 experienced professionals who:

Hold senior leadership or executive responsibilities
Influence organisational strategy, governance or cross-functional direction
Demonstrate a commitment to inclusive and reflective leadership
Are looking to strengthen their executive leadership capability

To qualify for the Chartered Fellow (FCMgr) route, you'll normally need to demonstrate at least ten years of management experience, including a minimum of three years operating at a strategic leadership level.

Applicants who have significant management experience but do not yet meet the Chartered Fellow eligibility criteria may be eligible for the Chartered Manager (CMgr) route.

If you're unsure which pathway is right for you, our Corporate Learning Partnership Managers will be happy to discuss your experience and career aspirations.

What you'll need to study with us

Our executive online learning environment is designed to fit around demanding leadership roles.

All you'll need is:

A laptop or desktop computer
A reliable internet connection
Time to engage with executive learning activities and your workplace project

You'll have access to learning resources, digital tools and professional support throughout your programme.

Course fees and funding

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

If your employer is supporting your development, we can also discuss tailored organisational training opportunities.

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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

Today's organisations need leaders who can navigate uncertainty, inspire people and deliver sustainable growth.

Whether you're preparing for board-level responsibility, leading organisational transformation or expanding your strategic influence, this programme helps you develop the confidence and capability to lead at the highest level.

After completing the programme, you'll be equipped to:

Shape organisational strategy
Lead enterprise-wide transformation
Influence boards and executive stakeholders
Strengthen organisational governance
Drive innovation and sustainable growth
Lead complex strategic initiatives
Progress towards executive, board and non-executive leadership opportunities

You'll also achieve Chartered Fellow (FCMgr) or Chartered Manager (CMgr) status, providing recognised professional credibility that demonstrates your expertise as a senior leader.

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

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

This programme has been designed to develop the capabilities expected of today's executive leaders, combining strategic thinking, organisational leadership and commercial decision-making with recognised professional standards.

Depending on your experience and eligibility, successful completion leads to Chartered Fellow (FCMgr) or Chartered Manager (CMgr) status, demonstrating your commitment to leadership excellence and continuous professional development.

Ready to shape the future of your organisation?

Whether you're leading organisational transformation, preparing for executive board responsibilities or looking to strengthen your strategic leadership capability, Arden University's Senior Executive Leadership Programme will help you develop the confidence, insight and professional recognition to lead at the highest level.

Speak to an advisor today to find out more.