Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree or equivalent and at least three years’ relevant strategic management or leadership experience. Alternatively, a minimum of five years’ relevant strategic management or leadership experience would be considered if no prior degree is held.

There is a requirement from the Education and Skills Funding Agency that apprentices hold a level 2 qualification in English and Mathematics.

If an applicant does not hold GCSEs (C /4 or above) in English and Maths or cannot evidence these or equivalent qualifications, they should be willing to work towards Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications prior to Gateway.

Find out how we support Functional Skills.

Candidates will be in a role that supports the gathering of evidence required for the Senior Leader apprenticeship ‘standard’.

The apprentice must have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship – please see the ESFA guidance for further information.

Months of entry

April, September

Course content

• Equip your aspiring leaders with the tools to drive operational effectiveness and strategic intent
• Designed for senior leaders employed within organisations of every size, and across all industries and sectors
• Accredited by the Chartered Manager Institute (CMI) with CMI membership throughout the programme
• A choice of two cohorts, one with Masterclasses delivered in Exeter and one delivered entirely online
• Option for the apprentice to top-up learning to an Exeter MBA funded by the individual or employer

Our Senior Leader Apprenticeship is designed for aspiring leaders who already hold senior management roles in public or private sector organisations of all sizes. It aims to equip participants with the management knowledge, leadership skills and behaviours exhibited by role models in these organisations that have been defined by employers in the Senior Leader Apprenticeship standard.

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship standard is made up of knowledge, skills and behaviours which apprentices must evidence throughout the course of the programme. The standard is complemented by the Postgraduate diploma, studied over 18 months through masterclasses, weekly distance learning and work-based learning.

Topics covered on this programme include:

• Leading People and Organisations
• Leading High Performing Organisations
• Strategy and Innovation
• Developing Leadership Behaviour

*The top-up option is individual or employer funded. To gain a top-up to MBA, apprentices must complete two additional 30-credit modules after they’ve finished their end-point assessment.

Fees and funding

Full programme cost: £14,000

The optional MBA top-up of £5,000 is funded by either the employer or the individual. (A reduction fee may be applied for multiple apprentices).

This apprenticeship is entirely funded through an Employers’ Apprenticeship Levy. Your employer fully covers the cost of the apprenticeship, apprentices do not pay for any of the eligible training costs. As an apprentice you will be an employee of your organisation, gaining a University of Exeter award alongside working and earning a salary.

Employers who pay the Apprenticeship Levy will pay for the apprenticeship fees directly through that contribution. See further information on the Apprenticeship Levy funding.

Employers must pay their apprentices a salary at least consistent with national legislation.

Funding eligibility criteria

• To be eligible for funding apprentices must meet the criteria listed in the ESFA guidance. 
  
• The apprentice must have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship – please see the ESFA guidance for further information.