Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship (Business) plus optional Executive MBA

Senior Leader Apprenticeship (Business) plus optional Executive MBA

Level 7

Summary

Study level
Part time
22 months inc EPA Optional Executive MBA - please allow a further 6 months.
Location
Nationwide
Faculty of Business

What makes Arden University special?

Education
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.
Where to study
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.
Support
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.
Employability
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

Our Senior Leader Apprenticeship is suitable for aspiring leaders who already hold senior management roles in public or private sector organisations of all sizes. The programme has been designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to disrupt conventional ways of thinking and implement positive change to your organisations from the get-go.

With industries transforming faster than ever, organisations will require jobholders to be agile and tech-savvy. That’s why we’ve ensured our programme takes a digital-first, global, and contemporary approach to your learning, ensuring you gain the modern strategic, financial, and people skills you need to meet the current and future demands of a constantly evolving workplace.

Throughout the programme you will expand and formalise your management experience enabling you to provide, clear, inclusive, strategic, and inspirational leadership whilst fostering a supportive culture that generates continuous business improvement.

CMI accredited

Our apprenticeship has accreditation from the Chartered Management Institution (CMI) providing you with Chartered Manager status on completion. You will also benefit from free CMI member status throughout your studies with access to multiple resources, articles, webinars and more.

Optional Executive MBA at no extra cost

Following successful completion of the Senior Leader Apprenticeship, and the Postgraduate Diploma in Executive Business Administration, you have the free of charge option to continue your learning and complete the Arden University Executive MBA.

Global top ten Executive MBA

Our Executive MBA has been rated in the global number top ten by CEO Magazine, and also benefits from CMI accreditation, providing you with the prestigious CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management. That means you’ll graduate with your Executive MBA alongside a professional recognition and a qualification that’s also recognised across the globe.

Exec MBA 2024

Customer Case Study, HILTI
Video • 3 mins

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Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute, supporting your career and connecting you with likeminded professionals. 

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Course details and modules

Designed for anyone who wants to move to the next stage of their career with support from their employer, this apprenticeship will provide you with the fundamentals of leadership and business management, giving you the scope to take on any challenge in your professional life. Whether you’re a new or existing employee, studying Arden University’s flexible Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship course will boost your career potential and give you an in-depth understanding of strategic thinking in all areas of business.

Skye van Heyzen

Arden was recommended by our HR team as a suitable fit for me and the company. After investigating what Arden had to offer, I realised it would be perfect for my circumstances... I’m excited to implement more of the skills that I have learnt from my apprenticeship into my daily work.

Skye van Heyzen
L7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship Plus MBA

Modules

  • Competitive Strategy (20 credits)
  • Leading Global Teams & Organisations (20 credits)
  • Financial Management (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Marketing Communications Planning (20 credits)
  • Managing Digital Transformation & Innovation (20 credits)
  • Project Analytics (20 credits)
  • Business Transformation Project (60 credits)

To achieve the Executive MBA, you will continue your learning journey to complete the Business Transformation Project module of the Executive MBA programme at no additional cost. Typically, this takes 6 months, although we also offer flexibility to complete the Research Project over 12 months for learners who need a little extra time.

Assessments

Assessments on this programme have been designed to help you apply your learning to your workplace, thus real-world scenarios in the modern business environment.

You won't take a single exam on this course. Your course assessments will be practice-driven, drawing from live workplace scenarios so that you can apply your learning in real-time. This innovative, modern approach will provide you with the unique opportunity to respond to real-world organisational challenges.

Other assessment methods
Our assessments have been designed based on industry feedback to meet the needs of today's employers to ensure that each assessment will impart both subject knowledge and desirable workplace skills. Each assessments is based on your workplace.

These include:

  • Workplace based assessments
  • Assignments
  • Reports
  • Audits
  • Case studies
  • Work-based project
  • Presentations
  • Professional discussion
  • Portfolios
  • 6 weekly coaching sessions

Following successful completion of the End Point Assessment, all learners have the option to achieve an Arden University Executive MBA by extending their individual learning to complete a Business Transformation project at no extra cost.

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.

Skye van Heyzen

Arden was recommended by our HR team as a suitable fit for me and the company. After investigating what Arden had to offer, I realised it would be perfect for my circumstances... I’m excited to implement more of the skills that I have learnt from my apprenticeship into my daily work.

Skye van Heyzen
L7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship Plus MBA

How is this programme delivered?

This programme is split into two phases:

Phase One

Phase one of the programme is the Senior Leader Apprenticeship. 

The apprenticeship is delivered over 18 months followed by up to 5 months for the End Point Assessment. During these months, you will be an apprentice and your employer will ensure you are provided with the required off-the-job training time to dedicate to your studies.

Some of your off-the-job time will be dedicated to attending university through our virtual classroom, undertaking both self-guided and scheduled learning across six modules.

You will also attend regular virtual 1-2-1 coaching sessions with your dedicated Arden Degree Apprenticeship Coach. Your coach will support you to continually apply your learning in your role and develop a portfolio of evidence to showcase your ongoing development and mastery of the apprenticeship knowledge, skills and behaviours, which underpin successful end-point assessment.

Delivery Overview

In phase two of the programme, you will;

  • undertake flexible self-guided online learning
  • have live virtual project workshop sessions
  • attend six 1-2-1 virtual Research Supervisor meetings
  • attend optional academic skills support sessions

During phase two, you will no longer be an apprentice, which means your employer is no longer required to provide off-the-job training time.

Phase Two

Phase two of the programme is the Executive MBA (EMBA).

Following successful completion of the Senior Leader Apprenticeship, and the Postgraduate Diploma in Executive Business Administration, you have the free-of-charge option to complete the Arden University Executive MBA.

To achieve the EMBA you will continue your learning journey to complete the Business Transformation Project of the Executive MBA programme. In this 60-credit module, you will submit a 15,000-word Business Transformation Project, bringing together all you have learned on the programme to date. Typically, this takes 6 months, although we also offer flexibility to complete the Business Transformation Project over 12 months for learners who need a little extra time.

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 your degree 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.

Eligibility

If you would like to enrol on the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be in a job role with responsibilities aligned with the Senior Leader Apprenticeship Standard.
  • Be employed in a job where you do and will spend at least 50% of your working time in England over the duration of your apprenticeship.
  • Be a UK/EU/EAA resident for at least three years prior to starting the apprenticeship
  • Have evidence of funding eligibility from your employer
  • A UK Honours Degree at a minimum of second class (2.2) or equivalent plus two years relevant management and leadership experience.*
  • Have proficiency in the English language if any prior learning has not previously been taught in English IELTS 6.5 (no less than 6.0 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 90 or equivalent

*We will also consider applications from students who lack formal qualifications but can demonstrate their motivation to study the course and possess five years of relevant management and leadership experience.

Please note, the apprenticeship route is not suitable for candidates who already hold a qualification at the same level or above, in this subject area.

Level 2 English and Maths requirements

It is a condition of apprenticeship funding, at any level, that all applicants can 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

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Meet the faculty

Professor Dilshad Sheikh

Here at Arden University we strive to provide a fresh and unique approach to your business and management education. With ideas and experiences taken from employers and thought leaders across the world, we give you the opportunity to put proven business skills and techniques into practice during your studies. I look forward to welcoming you to the Arden University family.

Professor Dilshad Sheikh
Dean of the Faculty of Business

Career prospects

It’s never too late to get another qualification under your belt. This Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship has been designed for people who want to accelerate their career and take the next step up from their current leadership role. Or, if you’re looking to formalise your experience as a senior leader with a qualification - this apprenticeship will suit you perfectly.

What will the Senior Leader Apprenticeship do for me?

Upon successful completion of phase one, the Senior Leader Apprenticeship, you will be awarded:

  • IfATE Senior Leader Apprenticeship
  • Arden University Postgraduate Diploma in Executive Business Administration (subject to completing all module assessments)
  • Chartered Manager Status with CMI

What will the optional extension to the Executive MBA do for me?

On completion of phase two, the Executive MBA Transformation Project, you will receive:

  • Arden University Executive MBA
  • Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)*

If you choose to complete the Executive MBA, you will not be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Executive Business Administration. Instead, the credits will count towards your Exec MBA.

* Upon completion of your course, the CMI award and level of chartered status awarded will depend on your level and length of study, whether you entered your course with Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) or if any compensation is applied on your modules throughout the duration of study. If this criteria applies to you, you may receive one of the 2 different levels; an Award or Certificate.

Industry skills

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

This course awards a CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice*

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 – the gold standard in management. With 140,000 members, the institute aims to boost career development across the management sector and connect like-minded professionals.

As an Arden student, you’ll have free CMI Membership throughout your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources including a mentoring service and invitations to networking events both online and offline. 

Upon completion of this CMI-accredited course, you will be awarded CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. This recognises you have the skills needed to be an effective manager, helping you stand out from the competition and start your management career journey - with a CMI qualification and a clear pathway to full Chartered Manager status.

*Upon completion of your course, the CMI award and level of chartered status awarded will depend on your level and length of study, whether you entered your course with Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL) or if any compensation is applied on your modules throughout the duration of study. If this criteria applies to you, you may receive one of the 2 different levels; an Award or Certificate. 

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.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

  • Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with our curriculum and your career goals.
  • Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
  • Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.