---
title: "Senior Executive Leadership Programme (CMI)"
description: "Level 7 Senior Executive Leadership Programme (CMI) | Arden University"
canonical: "https://arden.ac.uk/apprenticeships/cmi-senior-executive-leadership-programme"
published: 2026-07-02
updated: 2026-08-26
author: "Arden University"
---

# Senior Executive Leadership Programme (CMI)

## 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

![Rob Wyatt](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2023-11/RobWyatt.jpg)

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.

## Meet the faculty

![Steven Hurst](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2026-08/image-20260818-144721.png)

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

- [ Operational Leadership & Management Programme (CMI)  ](https://arden.ac.uk/apprenticeships/cmi-operational-leadership-and-management)
- [ First-Line Management Programme (CMI)  ](https://arden.ac.uk/apprenticeships/cmi-first-line-management-programme)

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)](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/2021-04/Arden%20University%20joins%20forces%20with%20CMI_standard_card.png)

### 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.**

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