Leadership Practice (Apprenticeship Pathway)

Entry requirements

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship is suitable for current and aspiring senior leaders in public, private, or third-sector organisations. You will typically have a Second-Class honours degree or equivalent and at least three years of management/leadership experience. Admission to the programme is dependent on aptitude and experience; prior qualifications are not always necessary.

To comply with Apprenticeship regulations, all SLA candidates must be UK residents and work at least 50% of their time in England.

Minimum grade C/4 in GCSE English and mathematics (or Functional Skills level 2 equivalent).*

* Applicants who do not meet the maths/English entry requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis for exceptional entry. If admitted, Apprentices must achieve Functional Skills Level 2 in both subjects by the end of the first year of the programme.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This Postgraduate Diploma programme, mapped to the Senior Leader Apprenticeship Standards, is tailored for aspiring and current senior leaders working across diverse sectors such as health, finance, engineering, manufacturing, education, retail, technology, and more. The course covers an extensive range of critical leadership and management topics, including leadership and organisational change, people and culture, financial and economic decision-making, business strategy and innovation, sustainability and ethics, and business planning and development. Designed to enhance your strategic thinking and leadership capabilities, this programme equips you with the skills needed to drive your organisation forward in today’s dynamic and complex business environment.

During your course, you will have opportunities to enhance your learning by participating in workshops that further develop and refine the knowledge, skills, and behaviours essential for effective leadership, such as Digital Innovation and Change, risk and Crisis Management, Strategic Communication, and Compassionate and Inclusive Leadership.

This course offers a fantastic opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and make a real impact in your organisation. One of the best parts of this programme is its flexibility. You can complete it over two to four years, fitting your studies around your busy life. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments, this course adapts to your schedule.

What’s more, the learning isn’t just theoretical—it’s practical and immediately applicable in your workplace. You’ll be able to take what you learn and put it into practice right away, making a tangible difference. This means you’ll see the benefits of your learning from day one, not just after graduation.

Another great feature is the opportunity to personalise your learning pathway, choosing specialised modules to match your interests and career goals. Whether you’re interested in Business Strategy and Innovation, People, Culture and Organisational Performance, or Digital Innovation and Change, there’s a module for you. Plus, with optional subjects like Compassionate and Inclusive Leadership, Financial Decision-Making, and Managing Projects, you can tailor the programme to your needs. These skills will boost your career and empower you to lead and innovate within your organisation.

Overall, the Senior Leader Apprenticeship is designed to help you grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact in your professional life. We’re excited to support you on this journey and see the incredible things you’ll achieve.

Course outline

The Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership Practice is structured with maximum flexibility and choice in mind, perfect for fitting into your busy life. The course is delivered through distance learning, allowing you to study from anywhere at your own pace over two to four years. This means you can balance your studies with work, family, or other commitments seamlessly.

Although the course is primarily online, students who can visit the campus have the opportunity to engage in additional activities offered by the management school, such as Masterclasses and networking events. These sessions provide a chance to deepen your learning and connect with peers and industry professionals.

You'll benefit from the support of module tutors who are specialists in their fields, ensuring you receive expert guidance and insights. Additionally, each student is assigned a learning coach to provide personalised support and advice throughout the course. This combination of specialist tutors and dedicated learning coaches ensures that you have the resources and support you need to succeed in your studies and apply your learning effectively in your workplace.

Assessment

Assessment is integrated throughout the programme to ensure continuous learning and improvement. You will be evaluated through a combination of coursework, practical projects, and presentations, allowing you to demonstrate your understanding and application of key concepts. Regular feedback from mentors and coaches will help you stay on track and achieve your learning goals. The assessment strategy is designed to not only measure your progress but also to provide valuable insights into your leadership style and capabilities.

In addition to module assessment, you will also complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) for the Senior Leader Apprenticeship. This assessment evaluates your knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) through a strategic business proposal with a presentation and questioning session, a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, and a project showcase with presentation and questioning. These components assess your ability to apply strategic thinking, business acumen, and critical thinking to real-world challenges, reflect on your learning and demonstrate the impact of your work. Your module learning and assessments build incrementally towards the EPA , and you will benefit along the way from the dedicated support of your apprenticeship mentor and learning coach.

Course outcomes

Upon completing this programme, you will be well-equipped to advance to higher leadership roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Executive Director, or Head of Department. You will also be prepared to influence and contribute to the strategic direction of your organisation at the board level, lead significant projects, and foster innovation and sustainability. Additionally, this qualification enhances your eligibility for professional recognition and membership in professional bodies like the Chartered Management Institute and the Institute of Leadership and Management.

If you’re considering taking your learning further, this programme can lead to a Master's (MSc) in Leadership Practice, where you will receive support to develop and implement your End Point Assessment business plan. The Master's itself lays a solid foundation for doctoral studies, preparing you to share your insights through publications and conferences and helping you gain recognition in your field.