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The Senior People Professional Apprenticeship programme at Arden University features optional specialisms in Human Resources (HR), Organisation Development (OD), and Learning and Development (L&D). This programme will help you become an expert in people and work, as well as an ambassador for change. As a senior people professional in your organisation you will be at the forefront of driving high standards of employee performance and effectiveness, championing the people agenda, and promoting positive organisational cultures and work environments, leading to long-term and sustainable outcomes.
Our apprenticeship is structured to give you the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required for success in senior HR, L&D, or OD management roles, in alignment with the professional standards recognised by CIPD for Chartered Members. Drawing on the latest research and practical experience in people management, this programme ensures you graduate with a well-rounded skill set covering all aspects of the employee lifecycle.
Through hands-on assessments designed to have a significant professional impact, you'll learn about the role of HR,L&D, or OD functions in shaping and executing organiational strategy. This approach enables you to emerge from the programme with practical solutions and a deep understanding of how to drive organisational success through effective people management.
Throughout your studies you’ll have access to your memberships from CIPD and AHRI with access to multiple their resources, articles, webinars and more.
Upon completion of this programme you will receive:
Applied in its nature and design, this programme will equip you with the specialist knowledge, skills, and behaviours to excel in the HRM area as a successful people leader. You'll cover a broad range of in-demand HR topics, such as strategic planning and ethical decision making, workplace culture, people analytics, resourcing, well-being, and development, enabling you to respond creatively and effectively to the future of work and the challenges this poses to global business and workplace environments.
Arden’s online platform is very easy to navigate and my tutors are very quick and supportive when responding to any of my queries. The extra support provided at Arden has gone above and beyond my undergrad experience, I have attended many of the study skills support sessions which are very helpful when trying to get back into the style of academic writing.
For those who choose to undertake the optional MSc extension:
Research Project (60 credits)
Assessments on this programme have been designed to help you apply your learning to your workplace, thus real-world scenarios in the modern HR environment. That means you'll have the opportunity to use your studies to inform and enable how you'll help transform your current organisation's operations and functions throughout the course. Practice-driven - No exams in sight!
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:
Following successful completion of the End Point Assessment, all learners have the option to achieve an Arden University MSc in Strategic Human Resources Management (HRM) by extending their individual learning to complete a Strategic HRM Research Project at no extra cost.
To achieve the MSc Strategic HRM, you will undertake an independent research project pertaining to an issue or question within Human Resource Management. You'll be expected to identify and examine a relevant topic of your choice and make robust recommendations based on your findings, helping you gain transferable skills for your future.
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.
Continuing my studies at Arden has been the best decision I made. I’m very grateful for Arden University and feel that I have progressed not only professionally, but also personally.
After conducting extensive research and comparing various options, I chose Arden for several reasons: the degree is CIPD-accredited, I could study online, and the application/onboarding process was very structured and smooth. The training and guidance provided were excellent and helped me quickly establish a routine that worked well for me. The platform and modules are easy to understand and work with, and the support from teachers and other Arden staff was always prompt and professional.
This programme will be delivered in two phases:
Phase one of the programme is the Senior People Professional Apprenticeship.
The apprenticeship is delivered over 18 months followed by up to 4 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, develop a portfolio of evidence to showcase your ongoing development and mastery of the apprenticeship knowledge, skills and behaviours, which underpins successful end-point assessment.
In phase one of the programme you will be an apprentice and;
Phase two of the programme is the MSc Strategic Human Resources Management.
Following successful completion of the Senior People Professional Apprenticeship, and the Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic HRM, you have the free of charge option to complete the Arden University MSc Strategic Human Resource Management (HRM).
To achieve the MSc HRM you will continue your learning journey to complete the Research Project module of the Strategic HRM programme. In this 60-credit module, you will submit a 12,000-word Research Project, bringing together all you have learned on the programme to date. Typically, this takes 6 months, however we will allow all Senior People Professional learners up to 12 months to complete.
In phase two of the programme you will;
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.
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.
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.
Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.
That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you'll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and our online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively.
We’ll also support you with getting access to the resources you need, wherever you study from, including assistance with obtaining any software you need to successfully complete the course.
If you would like to enrol onto the Level 7 Senior People Professional Apprenticeship, you must meet the following criteria:
Please note you cannot be funded if you already have a qualification at the same level or above, in this subject area.
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.
Dr Aaron Taylor has been involved in teaching and training for over 20 years, both in the UK and internationally. During this time, he has built up expertise in teaching and learning specifically across postgraduate HRM programmes. Prior to his role as Head of School of Human Resource Management at Arden University, Aaron was a Principal Lecturer at the University of Sunderland and a Principal Lecturer in HRM at Coventry University London. Aaron is an External Examiner for HRM programmes at the University of Suffolk and the University of Sussex. He is a CIPD academic member, a Senior Fellow of the HEA and a certified management and business educator (CMBE).
The course will help you develop your existing skills and knowledge in the area of people and business management, alongside the newest theoretical, practical, and technological advancements in the field. By immersing you in the HR world of tomorrow, the course will prepare you for senior HR, L&D or OD management roles in practically any industry.
On completion of phase one, the Senior People Professional Apprenticeship, you will achieve:
On completion of phase two, the MSc Strategic Human Resources Management, you will achieve:
Upon completion of the MSc, you will be eligible to apply to the below professional HR bodies for further certification, a professional achievement that’s valued by employers worldwide.
If you choose to complete the MSc Strategic HRM, you will not be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic HRM. Instead the credits will count towards your MSc.
The Chartered Institute of Professional Development (CIPD), the leading professional body for HR professionals in the UK, and the second largest globally. This course is accredited by the CIPD, which sets the industry standards for human resource management and people development.
For Arden students, the cost of your CIPD membership is also included during your studies, giving you access to a range of additional resources and networking events. We are one of only a few universities that pay this for students.
Arden graduates will also have the chance to upgrade their membership and become a prestigious Chartered Member (Chartered MCIPD), a mark of your pursuit of continuous professional development in the field of human resource management.
This course aligns with SHRM, the world’s largest HR association with over 300,000 members in 165 countries, ensuring your degree is globally recognised. It is also aligned with HRCI, a leading HR certification provider in the US.
Your course modules have been mapped to SHRM and HRCI membership requirements. That means upon completing your degree, you will be eligible for SHRM and HRCI certifications, valued globally by employers. We are also an organisational member of AHRI, allowing students to benefit from member-only products and services.
Completion of the optional MSc Strategic Human Resource Management awards a CMI Level 7 certificate 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.
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.
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.
