Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship Programme

I decided to do the Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship

because I felt there was a skills gap in my knowledge. This is my first

position as a Director and I thought it would help to improve my skills.

A Degree Apprenticeship appealed to me as I work for a SME so the

Government pay a high proportion of the fees. Also it was an

opportunity for me to carry on working and also find the time to enhance my skillset.

Russell Gooch, Finance Director, Securefast PLC

The University of Wolverhampton is a leading modern university with a tradition of providing opportunity and academic excellence dating back almost 200 years. Our mission is maximising opportunity through generating knowledge, innovation and enterprise. Working with businesses and the community, the University is an economic anchor for the West Midlands. Supporting new start-ups, up-skilling the regional workforce, widening access and identifying business need is securing a positive future, raising aspirations and supporting regional development.

The University of Wolverhampton Business School develops business leaders of the future in a modern learning environment on a regional, national and international level. We offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses with many accredited by professional bodies ensuring our curriculum is contemporary and meets the needs of business and industry.

We look forward to welcoming Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship students to the Business School.

Miceál Barden, DeanFaculty of Art and Social Sciences

to the University of Wolverhampton Business School

Welcome

We were one of the first business schools in the country to offer MBA programmes, coaching and mentoring qualifications, and have a tradition of innovation in developing courses which meet the needs of business. Our students benefit from outstanding teaching, learning, assessment and feedback within a responsive, supportive and inclusive environment. Based in the iconic Lord Swraj Paul building in the centre of Wolverhampton, our team has experience from industry and our courses are informed by high quality and impactful research with meaningful business engagement.

The Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship at Wolverhampton Business School is part of our suite of progressive executive education, postgraduate and professional courses that deliver immediate results for both the organisation and the individual. The Business School has developed apprenticeship programmes that meet the needs of many different sectors including international service companies, public sector bodies, construction companies and SMEs. These have been delivered throughout England and are at the forefront of our developments. Our team of qualified and experienced academics are committed to the development of our students and provide an intellectually stimulating and supportive environment.

Professor Clare Schofield, DirectorUniversity of Wolverhampton Business School

University of Wolverhampton Business School was established over 80 years ago and has a distinguished history of supporting the business community in the West Midlands and nationally.

TEF SILVER RATINGThe University was awarded a Silver award as part of the Teaching Excellence Framework assessment in 2018. This award recognises that the University delivers provision that is of high quality and consistently exceeds the rigorous national quality requirements for UK higher education with most students achieving excellent outcomes.

96% GRADUATE EMPLOYABILITY*Our students get jobs – with 96% in work or further study six months after graduating. What’s more, 72% were in professional or managerial roles and 77% work in the West Midlands after graduation.

WE’RE COMMENDED!We’ve been awarded a commendation – the highest possible accolade – in our most recent assessment by the Quality Assurance Agency.

WORLD-LEADING RESEARCHAll Research Centres submitted in the most recent Research Excellence Framework exercise had world-leading elements.

* Destination of Leavers from Higher Education 2018 report.

Why Wolverhampton?

The MBA (Senior Leader) is an integral part of the Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship programme. The MBA (SL) has been designed to ensure that it builds the knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of the Apprenticeship standard through the delivery of its modules. At the centre of the programme is the development of a reflective, proactive and well-informed leader. From the start of the programme you will be asked to consider your current knowledge, understanding and abilities, as well as to review your own work situations, how you operate, why and what alternatives are available. As the programme progresses you will be continually asked to consider current developments, new thoughts and strategies and how you might apply these to your own situation.

Through studying areas including finance, human resources and leadership, marketing, operations and strategic management, you will be given the knowledge to be an effective leader, able to apply this knowledge to your workplace and reflect upon how you can be a more effective manager.

A self-directed, organised and managed business project provides a focus through your two years of study. Themed around challenge and change it requires you to exhibit many of the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed within the Apprenticeship. Aligned to this programme is the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership which further ensures you are exposed to the most up-to-date thoughts of leading strategic managers. The diploma will be awarded at the end of the programme without any further study.

The programme combines face-to-face delivery with blended learning materials which provide a flexible platform for study by senior leaders. Studying the Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship will provide you with a challenging and stimulating programme, allowing you to develop new ways of thinking about the strategic direction of your organisation and the way in which you can be part of its future.

Introduction to the Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship Programme

Who is it for? The Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship is designed for individuals who are, or who aspire to be, professional senior managers with responsibility for the strategic leadership and direction of their organisation, division or department. The Apprenticeship is suitable for current and future senior leaders in organisations of all sizes in the public, private or third sector. New and existing staff can be enrolled onto the programme.

It’s given me a new network of people who I would not normally

have much contact with. We have a WhatsApp group. This has been

really great in provoking rich discussion but also getting support.

Getting the assignments in has been difficult at times as well as finding

time to study. The group have been a great network to air issues, come up with solutions and share successes.

6 months in and I’m still enjoying it. I can see the practical application in day to day work but also giving

me confidence in my own approach at work.

Jo Grocott, Systems Development Manager, City of Wolverhampton Council

Degree Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to inject new energy and ideas into an organisation, and build the talent base needed for sustainable growth and success. They combine working with studying part-time at a university. Apprentices are employed throughout the programme, and spend part of their time at university and the rest with their employer.

Degree level Apprenticeships are a great way for employers to recruit or upskill their workforce

They are open to all ages and our new and exciting Senior Leaders Master’s Degree Apprenticeship gives apprentices the opportunity to achieve:

• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) awarded by University of Wolverhampton

• Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership and;

• CMI Chartered Members status

This programme is aligned to the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship standard and has been developed by the CMI, universities and a group of 30 leading employers.

I decided to do the Senior Leaders Master’s Degree Apprenticeship to

support my development within a senior management role. It was appealing to me because it goes alongside my day-to-day

working life and I can do the training while on the job.

Carl Baker (left), Senior Operations Manager, Nant Ltd

The Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship provides knowledge, skills and personal development that drives forward strategic innovation and change and enhances career progression.

The course is taught over two years with entry points in September, January and May.

The year is broken down into three blocks (September to January, January to May and May to September). Each block comprises a subject-based module and the delivery of units that contribute to the production of a business project as shown below:

Studying for the Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship

Year 1

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3

Human Resources and Leadership Business Operations Managing Financial Performance

Business Project – Masters Learning Business Project – Research Methods Business Project – Research Proposal

Year 2

Block 1 Block 2 Block 3

Leading Transformation and Change The Entrepreneurial Change Agent Strategic Management

Business Project – completion of project

Each module/unit comprises 12 study sessions on our virtual learning environment (Canvas) and two days face-to-face delivery from our academic staff. In year two these will be supplemented with guest lectures from industry specialists and themed masterclasses.

Assessment of each module/unit is designed to meet the needs of the MBA, CMI and SLMDA and will focus on the application of the knowledge and understanding developed within the modules to your own organisation and role. Assessment may include essays, reports, or presentations.

To provide a link between the modules within the programme, you will be allocated an executive mentor. Mentors will provide practical knowledge, understanding and support throughout the programme, visiting you throughout the two years of the programme.

The Apprenticeship route was particularly

appealing to me because it allowed me to develop my personal skills and

knowledge and dovetail my academic training

with running and improving the business. It also allows me to meet

like-minded people within my study group

and share knowledge and experience.

Richard Deakin, General Manager, Nant Ltd

Blended learningEach module has been designed to support busy senior leaders. Delivery is a mixture of two days of face-to-face masterclass workshops and twelve sessions of online materials. All module materials, including journal articles, key texts and library databases can be accessed 24/7 via our virtual learning environment (Canvas). You will also be asked to contribute to online discussions, submit assignments and contact tutors through this platform. You will be able to submit work for tutor review to ensure you’re meeting the needs of the assessment prior to full submission. Module tutors are available for booking one-to-one sessions via our online booking system.

Mentors Mentors are an integral part of the delivery of the course. You will have one-to-one coaching sessions with mentors which will focus on personal development. These usually take place in your workplace and investigate how the content of the SLMDA can be used to maximum effect.

Administrative supportThe Faculty has a dedicated administrative team for Degree Apprenticeships. They provide a vital link between participants and the many support services available at the University.

University Library The University library has sites in the centre of Wolverhampton, Walsall and Telford and is available 24/7 at key times during the academic year. You will be able to access databases, book and renew books and download relevant articles, online. All the materials in the course can be accessed through the relevant modules on Canvas. The library also runs a number of workshops throughout the year designed to enhance your academic, writing and research skills.

Delivery of Senior Leader Master’s Degree Apprenticeship

Entry requirementsApplicants must be in full-time employment and be working within England. You will normally need to occupy a senior management position for a minimum of two years and have a first or second class undergraduate honours degree from a UK university (or an equivalent overseas professional qualification).

We welcome applications from individuals who do not possess the above qualifications but who have significant management experience. All applicants must be able to evidence achievement of GCSE English and Maths at A*-C/Grade 4 (or above) or commit to completing Functional Skills Level 2, in addition to the programme. This is provided at no additional cost.

Application processAn employer must confirm to the University that they will be supporting an applicant on the programme before an application is started.*

The Apprenticeship Hub at the University will help support an application, right through to our contracting with employers. This ensures both the applicant and the employer meet and understand the government eligibility criteria for Apprenticeships.

InterviewAs part of the application process we endeavour to meet all applicants in person. Where this is not possible, we can arrange for a meeting via Skype or telephone. The purpose of this meeting is to find out more about your work experience skills, current training and qualifications, and motivations for doing the Apprenticeship. This is an informal discussion and is a great opportunity to ask any questions about the course.

**Please note that neither the Apprenticeship levy nor the 95% Government subsidy can be used to offset salary costs.

*Employers are required to ensure alongside the University that the Government requirement for 20% off the job training is achieved for this programme.

FundingAll costs associated with providing the qualifications, skills mentoring and programme management are included in the Apprenticeship fees.

The fees are dependent on the size of your company’s payroll.

• Organisations who pay the apprenticeship levy can use the funding in their digital account to cover the cost of the training and assessment elements of the Apprenticeship.**

• Organisations who do not pay the levy will be eligible to receive a Government subsidy that covers 95% of the eligible Apprenticeship costs with the business paying 5%*. Non-levy paying organisations may also be eligible to receive additional employer incentives.

Benefits• Relevant skills: students develop the skills and

knowledge directly relevant to your business.• Increased productivity: 75% of employers with

apprentices report an improvement in productivity.• Attract new talent: a package of study and work

attracts enthusiastic and talented new employees, often in areas of strategic skills shortages.

• Business focused: a sharp focus on the skills you need, informed by our industry advisory boards of leading regional and national employers.

• Great value: utilise generous government funding and for businesses with a wage bill that exceeds £3 million, funds from Apprenticeship Levy contributions.

• Industry-leading Apprenticeship education: an academic education delivered at university recognised for excellence in the development and delivery of Degree Apprenticeships. Links to employers/employees are at the heart of programme development.

• Progression: drive forward the career development of your highest performing employees, increasing retention and rewarding achievement.

• Encouraging enterprise: benefit from the entrepreneurial spirit of apprentices who bring fresh insight back from their study days and make an immediate impact.

ER12

77

Contact detailsUniversity of WolverhamptonApprenticeship HubMolineux StreetWolverhampton WV1 1AD

Tel: 0800 953 3222Email: apprenticeshiphub@wlv.ac.uk

wlv.ac.uk/apprenticeships