A Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship with an Optional Top-up to MBA
Induction date: 17 October 2024 | Application Deadline: 1 August 2024
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Ready to navigate the complexities of modern leadership and propel your career forward? De Montfort University (DMU) and NSIRC have partnered to create a unique executive education opportunity with an MBA top-up option, providing high-quality professional development focused on the demands and dynamic situations experienced by modern executives.
Considered for professional strategic leaders, this postgraduate diploma aims to provide learning that supports strategic leadership, high-level decision-making, and the consideration of the future of work, all to create more effective leaders.
It nurtures a diverse and novel management knowledge base, enabling successful apprentices to improve strategic thinking and develop the analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for great leaders to solve problems and lead complex change.
The programme is funded by the apprenticeship levy and offers both the employee and employer to benefit from the levy funding to upgrade leadership and development.
Overview
- Fully Funded through apprenticeship levy
- Study time – 18 months consisting of four modules with four study days per module, which will be delivered in two blocks
- Induction – 17 October 2024
- Delivery – blended work-based programme with an active learning approach with delivery of two days of face-to-face (F2F) teaching and two days live online workshops
- Location – the face-to-face session will be held at the NSIRC facility at TWI, Granta Park, Cambridge and online delivery will be via Microsoft Teams
Qualifications
Upon successful completion, graduates will obtain:
- Level 7 Post graduate Diploma in Business Administration (awarded by De Montfort University)
- Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship
- Opportunity to gain Chartered Manager status (CMgr MCMI) at the End Point Assessment.
About De Montfort University (DMU)
DMU is from the City of Leicester in the United Kingdom, producing high standards of undergraduate and postgraduate research from world-class facilities. Its industry-standard facilities have been shortlisted among the UK’s best in the 2023 Whatuni Student Choice Awards, as voted for by students and rated a 5-star ‘excellent’ institution by QS, a world leader in evaluating higher education performance. DMU Apprenticeships are rated Good by Ofsted.
DMU has ranked in the top 20 sustainable universities in the country in the People and Planet League 2022. It became an affiliate university and partner of NSIRC in July of 2020. The University also has a renowned business school, Leicester Castle Business School.
Course Outline
This Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship course, offered by De Montfort University (DMU) and NSIRC, is designed to provide working professionals with a platform to develop and practice critical thinking, communication skills, and strategic decision-making abilities necessary to thrive in today's competitive business environment.
Through a blend of classroom learning, real-world projects, and interactive simulations, you'll gain the knowledge and practical skills to become a strong, effective leader. This will equip you to build trust, navigate complex situations, and guide your team towards achieving a competitive advantage. This includes setting goal for the team, training and retaining talent, and effectively navigating through uncertain situations.
Senior Leader Apprenticeship Course Outline of modules:
- Dynamic Leadership for Organisations
- Financial Decision Making
- Strategy in Turbulent Times
- Reshaping the Future of Works
- End Point Assessment (EPA) - Each module is worth 30 credits except for the EPA
Dynamic Leadership for Organisations
This module introduces apprentices to the principal issues facing organisations in the twenty-first century in respect of leading, managing and shaping organisations to create value for a range of stakeholders. It aims to develop the vital people management skills and knowledge considered to be necessary for managers and leaders to work with the complexities presented in modern contexts and respond to these in a reflective, agile, creative, and adaptable manner.
The module will explore Organisational Leadership, particularly within the reality of a new dynamic work environment within which businesses operate today. Apprentices will have the opportunity to explore the evolution of leadership theories, leading to more modern leadership concepts (ethics, governance, organisational structure, diversity, emotional intelligence, etc).
This higher apprenticeship will explore and reflect on individual leadership styles and the need for resilience, robustness and agility, as business environments internally and externally evolve. There is particular emphasis on VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) as a conceptualisation of today's business environment.
Financial Decision Making
Considers the dynamics of numerical data and information and your role in current business, management and leadership practices, and business development. The module will employ case studies which illustrate how to interpret and effectively utilise financial information in a manner which adds value to business decisions and integrates financial information in the light of the realities of business strategy shaping in the contemporary era.
It examines the blend of financial analysis and managerial judgment required to make sound decisions, and will cover key principles for financial decision-making; financial statements and their interpretation; Investment appraisal methods; sources of long-term finance; cost of capital; dividend policy; working capital management and procurement. The module assists the development of the skills required to oversee and implement monitoring finance strategies for budgets and how to allocate resources, as well as principles relating to CSR and regulatory compliance. In addition, an important part of this module is developing the ability to undertake research and critically analyse and integrate complex information.
Strategy in Turbulent Times
This module provides insight through engagement in a blend of contemporary theoretical thinking and application, in the field of strategic management and leadership. The central underpinning of the module is the exploration of the strategic management process using a simulation exercise, with participants proactively encouragsed to apply and rethink the utility of strategic concepts and frameworks in strategic planning and decision-making, in both planned and emergent contexts and how this can play a role in value creation.
The criteria, learning materials and teaching/learning methods are designed to expose apprentices to key theoretical approaches and at the same time to critically challenge existing norms in the field, develop apprentices' knowledge and understanding of key issues relating to strategising in turbulent times and the processes of strategy-making.
The module encourages apprentices to think critically and strategically about strategy, competition and business development and the tools, knowledge and skills for managing strategy in future employment.
Reshaping the Future of Work
This module examines change associated with social, human, economic, policy and technical dimensions and how this is reshaping work landscapes. It takes a holistic approach that links technical and social-psychological perspectives, recognising the validity and complementarity of each in the analysis of organisational dynamics and the creation of value.
It examines work and employment in the context of broader and innovative developments and how new ways of work can be built to thrive in the new digital era. The module draws on prior learning achieved to date to contextualise this in terms of change. This includes the leadership and management required in future scenarios, as well as a foundation for the development of critical thinking.
Furthermore, the module will discuss ways disruptive technologies including automation and AI are reshaping work landscapes and impacting human resources in an organisation to adapt to and manage a potentially more digital workforce.
The module will use case studies and guest speakers to invite discussion on the changing nature of employment in contemporary organisations, such as new developments in global trade, technological change and shifting organisational structures. This will include the nature and type of work that is available, how work is organised and the impact of automation, work and well-being. These issues will be evaluated through temporal and crosscultural comparative analysis and apprentices will be encouraged to reflect on the impact on their own sector and/or organisation.
End Point Assessment
This mandatory and face-to-face module aims to provide the apprentices with an understanding of the End Point Assessment process (EPA) and apprenticeship completion requirements.
The EPA is conducted by an independent assessor from the nominated End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), comprising of a project proposal, presentation and Q&A.
This module will provide the underpinning knowledge and skills to enable apprentices to work independently towards their EPA. The module will start after the Future of Work and Gateway review.
Content will cover the creation of a project proposal, presentation skills and practice, professional interview skills and a mock professional discussion. The module is delivered as a two-day workshop. Apprentices must complete both days of this workshop in order to move on through the EPA process as the final part of the apprenticeship programme.
Duration and Location
Teaching will be offered through a blended learning approach that will include a series of face-to-face and online seminars, real-world projects, interactive classroom activities and simulations. Taught days will be complemented by distance learning and self-directed study. Face-to-face sessions will take place at the NSIRC facility at TWI, Granta Park, Cambridge.
Assessment, Fees & Funding
Assessment
The programme is designed to enable apprentices to apply the academic theory to their organisation and role. There are a variety of assessment methods including; reports, presentations, reflective diaries and case studies.
All apprentices are required to create a portfolio which will capture the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed on the programme and in the workplace. This will contribute to their End Point Assessment and enable apprentices to reflect, plan and evaluate their development.
Fees & Funding
This Senior Leader Apprenticeship program is fully funded by the apprenticeship levy and aligned to the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship standard, designed by employers in partnership with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
This standard is allocated Funding Band 12 (£14,000) by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).
Optional MBA top-up (at a cost) for candidates who successfully complete the programme.
Entry Requirements
The programme is designed with professionals in mind, and this is reflected in the entry requirements. All applicants need to be employed by an organisation that will support the individual’s participation in the programme.
Applicant’s Qualification Require:
- A minimum of 2 years of management experience and a degree at 2:1 or above or,
- Significant management experience (3 years minimum), and a strong track record of achievements in business and/or relevant professional qualifications.
Check Eligibility / Register Interest
How to Apply
To enquire about the course, or to simply ask for more information about MBA degree apprenticeships, please email enquiries@nsirc.co.uk.
Be your winner! Apply today to start your learning and development journey to become a great leader!
"I'm delighted to be part of this course. At TWI Ltd, I manage a team that helps members win bids to secure public funding for innovative engineering projects. This course beautifully mirrors that mission by facilitating innovation at an individual professional level. The knowledge and skills I'm gaining will equip me to deal with the variety of situations I face in a truly innovative way. I especially enjoy the interaction, not just with the DMU staff involved, but also with other cohort members who bring their own unique perspectives to the learning experience."
Ujjwal Bharadwaj, Section Manager, Technology Innovation Management (TIM) at TWI
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme?
This leadership apprenticeship would be ideal for both professional strategic leaders and aspiring senior leaders in private, public or third-sector organisations of all sizes and for individuals who lead, manage and direct organisations, across all sectors. The programme is a great option for anyone wishing to gain an MBA because you have access to the same level of high-quality education and training, but at a reduced cost because the majority of your MBA education will have been conducted during the apprenticeship programme.
How does the Senior Leader Apprenticeship benefit participants/employees?
The programme is designed to help individuals develop skills and knowledge to progress in their career and navigate complex challenges. Through the programme, participants can enhance their understanding of strategic business functions and operations, which can help them make a bigger impact in their organisation. The programme also features a diverse cohort from different backgrounds, which enhances the learning experience. Additionally, participants can expect continuous support from both academic and professional mentors to ensure they apply their learning effectively within their role. The programme also provides opportunities to network with fellow participants, which can help build valuable connections.
How does the Senior Leader Apprenticeship benefit your organisation/company?
One of the best ways to invest in your organisation's future success is to utilise the apprenticeship levy by offering valuable training and development opportunities to your high-performing staff. This investment in your people will keep them motivated and engaged while fostering innovation and a culture of continuous improvement. By empowering your leaders to solve complex challenges and apply academic learnings to real-world projects, you can build a talent pipeline that will navigate the ever-changing business landscape. With a skilled and engaged leadership team, you can increase employee well-being, organisational resilience, and performance, ensuring your organisation's long-term success.
How is the apprenticeship funded?
Large businesses: If your organisation pays into the Apprenticeship Levy you can recoup 100% of training costs for all apprentices.
Small businesses: Get 95% funding for most apprenticeships, with only a 5% contribution.
Why Choose Leicester Castle Business School?
If you are looking for a business school that offers world-class education, cutting-edge facilities, and a supportive learning environment, look no further than Leicester Castle Business School, part of De Montfort University. Founded in the heart of Leicester, UK, the school has established itself as a hub of excellence for executive education, offering a range of high-quality programs that cater to the needs of professionals from diverse backgrounds.
The school offers a variety of executive education programmes, including our Senior Leader Apprenticeship, MBA, Executive MBA, and postgraduate certificates and diplomas, all of which are designed to help professionals acquire the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in their careers.
Reasons why Leicester Castle Business School is an excellent choice for executive education:
Expert Faculty - The faculty at Leicester Castle Business School is made up of experienced academics who are also practitioners in their respective fields. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom, helping students to develop a deep understanding of complex business concepts and practical skills that can be applied in real-world situations.
Innovative Teaching Methods - The school uses innovative teaching methods, such as case studies, simulations, group discussions, and experiential learning, to make the learning process more engaging and effective. This approach helps students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, which are essential for success in the business world.
Strong Industry Connections - Leicester Castle Business School has strong connections with NSIRC, TWI and other global businesses, which gives students the opportunity to network with industry leaders and gain practical experience through internships, projects, and other work opportunities. This exposure helps students to develop a deep understanding of industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, and prepares them for leadership roles in their organisations.
Cutting-Edge Facilities - The school has state-of-the-art facilities, including a purpose-built executive education centre, a modern library, and a range of digital resources, which provide students with access to the latest business research, news, and analysis. The facilities are designed to create an inspiring and supportive learning environment, which helps students to focus on their studies and achieve their goals.
Flexible Learning Options - Students and Senior Apprentices benefit from flexible learning options, such as online and blended learning, which allow students to balance their studies with work and other commitments. This flexibility makes it easier for professionals to pursue executive education without disrupting their careers or personal lives.
Leicester Castle Business School is an excellent choice for professionals who want to acquire the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed in their careers. With expert faculty, innovative teaching methods, strong industry connections, cutting-edge facilities, and flexible learning options, the school offers a world-class executive education experience that is tailored to the needs of today's professionals.