Apprenticeship Handbook
Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship (APM)
Level 6
Part time
3 years inc. EPA
Location
Nationwide
Faculty of Business and Innovation
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
The rapid growth of project management in every sector of global industry means there are now pan-sector theories and standards in place to achieve innovation, change, and business success. On our APM accredited Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship, you’ll learn these tools and techniques directly from our team of experienced project management professionals.
This level 6 degree apprenticeship programme, delivers a BSc (Hons) Project Management degree, on-the-job experience and a professional pathway for future development. On the course you’ll study contemporary subjects and themes which will demonstrate to employers that you possess broad knowledge in the latest project management concepts. And, as modern projects are becoming increasingly dynamic and challenging, your studies will have a digital-first focus, giving you the knowledge and critical understanding of business solutions to deliver real impact in the workplace.
The hard truth in the project management sector is that only 22% of projects fully meet their original objectives according to a recent Association of Project Management survey. Conversely, in the same study, 87% of businesses rated competent project teams as being critical to success. This means there is an enormous skills gap in the project management sector currently. This programme will provide you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to bridge that gap. You will focus on studying the knowledge modules within your BSc (Hons) Project Management degree, undertake your workplace assignments and continuously apply your new skills to the workplace. Your coach will guide you to ensure you are effectively applying and evidencing your new knowledge, whilst developing and demonstrating the skills and behaviours considered essential for success in your role.
Upon completion of this programme you will receive:
- Level 6 Project Manager Apprenticeship Qualification
- BSc (Hons) Project Management
- PMQ Qualification (APM)
Accreditation and Memberships
Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
This course includes the opportunity to undertake the internationally recognised Project Management Qualification (PMQ).
APM Accredited
This course is APM accredited, and Arden is the first university to have gained APM Recognised Assessment status on a BSc Project Management course.
BGA Membership
Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), meaning students will receive complementary BGA membership.
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Professional accreditations
This course is accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM)
Course details and modules
Because of our extensive industry links in project management, including with member organisations of the UK’s NOVUS Trust network, we’re able to present you with real business problems during your degree. This will allow you to develop a thorough and in-depth understanding of project management across a range of industries and how to cope with real life challenges. Importantly, you’ll find that the course takes a systematic view to developing your knowledge in project management, with each module building on the skills gained in the previous one, and with interconnected content that helps you accumulate new abilities in a logical sequence.
You’ll also complete a work-based project directly related to the organisation you work for – whether that’s a micro business or a multinational one. This is the chance for you to deliver valuable solutions through your critical and evaluative judgement, while showing your ability to take responsibility for people, projects, operations, and services that deliver long-term organisational success.
So, if you’re looking for a quality programme, on-the-job experience and a development pathway to chartered status, look no further than our Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship.
I have enjoyed doing my master’s here because it’s not like a traditional university where you sit in a classroom and a lecturer talks and you write down everything. I like that when we come here there’s actually a discussion and we do a lot of analysis.
Oscar Bustillo
MSc Project Management student, Arden University Berlin
Modules
Level 4
- Business Research Methods and Analysis (20 credits)
- Business Consulting (20 credits)
- Principles of Procurement & Contract Management (20 credits)
- Governance in a Global Business Environment (20 credits)
- Introduction to Project Management (20 credits)
- Principles of Professional Practice (20 credits)
Level 5
- Advanced Project Management (20 credits)
- Agile & Hybrid Project Management (20 credits)
- Project Justification (20 credits)
- AI and Big Data Analytics in Project Management (20 credits)
- Projects Planning (20 credits) Level 5
- Advanced Professional Practice to the end of Level 5
Level 6
- Project Change and Control (20 credits)
- Quality Management (20 credits)
- Project Risk and Issue Management (20 credits)
- Developing People and Capabilities (PMQ) (20 credits)
- Final Project including End Point Assessment. (40 credits)
Please note: course content and modules may vary.
How do we assess you?
Assessments
Unlike traditional degree apprenticeships, our course doesn’t require multiple exams—only the one for your PMQ qualification. Assessments on our Level 6 Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship have been designed to help you apply your learning to your workplace and other real-world scenarios from different sectors. This means you'll have the opportunity to align your studies and module assignment to how you'll support business prosperity by ensuring projects are delivered to time, cost and quality requirements.
Industry led assessment
You’ll have the opportunity to apply knowledge and theories explored in the modules and produce assessments that focus on real business situations, such as implementation of a live case study, a project plan, or building project strategies to demonstrate the high levels of practical, critical, and diagnostic thinking skills.
Final Project
The Level 6 Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship concludes with a final workplace project. Here you'll have the opportunity to apply the accumulation of all your learning to a live workplace project, presenting your findings and solutions to your internal stakeholders. This will be your chance to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to your employer.
Other assessment methods
Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning through additional assessments including:
Reflective analyses
Portfolio development
Work products
Narrated presentations
Risk assessments
Proposals for agile implementation
Case study reports (which can be based on real company data to examine real world problems that a company is struggling with right now - contextualise your knowledge into the real world).
Study options
You will access your modules through our virtual classroom, ilearn and complete all the module lessons. Throughout each study block you will attend your scheduled teaching and learning sessions during working hours, attend your 1-2-1 coaching sessions and undertake your workplace assignment and coach led activities. Your coach will guide you to ensure you are effectively applying and evidencing your new knowledge, whilst developing and demonstrating the skills and behaviours considered essential for success in your role.
"I was already in the working world and running two businesses. Not to mention I also have a young family, so the freedom online learning offered, and the cost effectiveness of the course, was a big draw for me."
Adrian Williams
BA Business (Human Resource Management)
Delivery Mode
The Level 6 Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship is delivered in 12-week blocks continuously throughout the year.
Each quarter, our blended delivery model consists of:
- Flexible self-guided online learning
- Scheduled virtual teaching sessions
- Regular virtual 1-2-1 Coaching
- Quarterly virtual progress review
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.
What you need to study with us
Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study in a flexible and convenient way. That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you'll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.
Find out more
Eligibility
Learners enrolling on this degree apprenticeship must meet the following criteria:
- Be in employment in a job with responsibilities aligned with the apprenticeship standard
- Have evidence of funding eligibility from their employer
- Have two subjects at GCE A-level or equivalent, plus three GCSEs at grade A*-C /9-4; OR a completed recognised Access Programme or equivalent
- Have proficiency in the English language if any prior learning has not previously been taught in English (IELTS6.0 / TOEFL iBT 80 or equivalent)
- Be a UK/EU/EAA resident for at least three years prior to starting the apprenticeship
Level 2 English and Maths requirements
It is a condition of apprenticeship funding, at any level, that all applicants are able to evidence GCSE English and Maths passes at grade A*- C/9-4 or commit to completing Functional Skills Level 2, in addition to the programme. If required, this is provided at no additional cost.
Course fees and funding
Meet the faculty
Dr. Serkan Ceylan joined Arden University in 2021 and is the Dean of the Faculty of Business and Innovation. Alongside his extensive industry experience, Serkan has a impressive research grant history, securing over £1,000,000 to date. He also has visiting academic positions across Europe and has undertaken external examiner duties for universities in the UK. Serkan will be responsible for restructuring our portfolio of project management courses, and raising Arden University’s profile within the industry through the development of close industry ties and future partnerships.
Dr. Serkan Ceylan
Dean - Faculty of Business and Innovation
Career prospects
Project management expertise is required in nearly every business and in every sector, so in addition to providing your employer with the vital skills then need, your future career opportunities are almost limitless. This degree will give you the skills you need to demonstrate project management expertise, greatly enhancing your employability in the eyes of both SME and global organisations. You’ll also be able to create valuable industry networks whilst studying this course, helped by the strong industry connections of our staff members here at Arden’s School of Project Management. Wherever you want to take your career, your project management degree will provide you with the tools to achieve your ambitions to the fullest.
Related courses
- Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, BA (Hons) Business Management (CMI)
- Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship plus MBA (CMI)
- Level 6 Supply Chain Leadership Professional Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons) Supply Chain Management (CILT, CIPS)
- Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, BSc (Hons) Health and Care Management (CMI)
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What will the Level 6 Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship do for me?
Our undergraduate course in project management has been carefully designed with your career in mind, and specifically addresses skills gaps in the industry that have been identified by the APM and other leading organisations. You’ll learn the skills required to be an efficient, knowledgeable, and digitally savvy project manager. And, because the course focuses on the practical application of skills in the real world, you’ll graduate with the confidence to demonstrate your value to employers throughout the programme. Some key learning outcomes from your studies will include:
- Gaining project management knowledge as a widespread, pan-sector professional discipline
- Appreciation of traditional, iterative (agile), and hybrid approaches to delivering successful projects
- Acquiring high-level strategy, people, and leadership capabilities
- Understanding the latest software and big data to become an expert in digital project management skills
- Gaining a critical and detailed analysis of the theory and practice relating to the role of project management within organisations.
- Completing a detailed piece of research relating to a project management issue.
- Exploring sustainability and business ethics
- Applying knowledge of project management theory and models to complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to improve business and management practice
- Developing a variety of transferable skills suited to an extensive range of project management roles
What can I do after Arden University?
You’ll find project management employment opportunities within both public and private sectors across industries such as engineering, construction, IT, events management, healthcare, retail, and transport, as well as in the charity sector, government projects, the creative industries, and many more.
Today, organisations use project management as a way to improve and change business operations to become more efficient and effective. Successful project management is also about managing interdisciplinary teams within diverse organisational structures and across organisations. Having graduated with a complete view of all the stakeholders in any given project management situation and how success is measured, domestic and global organisations alike will appreciate and value your skills and employability assets. Wherever you want to take your career next, this course gives you the knowledge to achieve your ambitions to the fullest. With that in mind, some future roles you might want to consider include:
- Project manager or project leader
- Implementation or change manager
- Project management consultant
- Programme or portfolio manager
- Technical project manager
- Technical project lead
- Business project lead
- Project planner or risk analyst
You can also continue your studies with Arden's Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship plus MBA. See here for more information.
Industry skills
Association for Project Management (APM) & PMQ Qualification
The Association for Project Management (APM) is a body committed to developing and promoting project management excellence. The organisation is the only chartered body for the profession, and has more than 30,000 members and over 500 organisations participating in its partnership programmes.
Arden’s Project Management Degree Apprenticeship is accredited by the APM. Graduating with an APM-accredited degree means you’ll graduate with a qualification that recognises your knowledge in both academic and professional circles. The APM is also your gateway to discovering further training opportunities in project management, as well as networking and employment opportunities. Additionally you’ll also sit the PMQ qualification as part of this apprenticeship.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership.
Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.
This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives our faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of our courses and teaching methods, ensuring that we are able to provide you with the best possible university experience.
Business Graduates Association (BGA)
The BGA is a membership and quality assurance body. As a member, Arden University have signed up to the BGA Charter, committing their institution to responsible management practices and lifelong learning, positively impacting their students, communities, and the economy. This shows our students that we are demonstrating responsible management ourselves, as well as it being a central theme that runs through our own courses.
As Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), students will receive complementary BGA student and graduate membership. Through this membership, current students will have access to the BGA Career Development Centre, packed with interactive tools, e-learning content, partner discounts and the latest job opportunities. This is a lifetime access, which means students will continue to have access to these services even after they graduate.
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