The Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship at Keele University is now open for application for January 2024. This application is designed to equip managers for the challenges of the modern workplace across a multitude of industries and environments.  

Course start: Typically January/Febuary and September/October 

Duration: Two years.

Qualification: Level 7 Apprenticeship and Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Application Deadline: 14th June 2024

High level summary of study commitment.

  • Minimum of six hours per week of study time consisting of lectures, face-to-face and online delivery and in-class engagement
  • Onsite Delivery with the university will occur for all new module studied through the apprenticeship (Once every 6-8 weeks) 
  • Independent Study allocated every week for the duration of the course

Applicants should be aware that in addition to the study time allocated, there will be an expectation of additional study hours being undertaken in their own time

Leading in a Complex World (SLMBA)

Leading and managing in today’s environment is complex. This module addresses the needs of executives in today’s dynamic environment and so focuses on strategic leadership in the context of complexity and change. This module reviews the origins and history of leadership thinking in order to provide a foundation to understanding contemporary leadership theory. The pivotal role of the leader in the process of understanding and shaping of organisational culture is supported by key leadership tools and skills including: the identification of different types of leadership problems and approaches to solving them; understanding and making sense of change; and the leader's role in power, politics, ethics, diversity and sustainability.

Strategy in a Dynamic World (SLMBA) (15 Credits)

Strategy is commonly considered to be at the very pinnacle of management topics because well-founded strategies give purpose, focus and structure to all other business activity. Yet in today's rapidly evolving world of opportunities, strategic management needs to evolve from a rigid planning process into a more flexible process. This module will examine and explore several theoretical perspectives and theories – as paradoxes and/or conflicting viewpoints – and examine the strategic thinking and decision-making processes that take place for an organisation to develop suitable strategies to compete in what can be dynamic and hyper-competitive environments.

Creativity, Innovation and Quality (SLMBA)  (15 credits)

The purpose of this module is to develop creative thinking and reflective analytical skills to stimulate new ideas to improve organisational performance and contribute to sustainable development. In so doing, core concepts from creativity and problem solving, innovation, and systems of sustainable consumption and production are presented to provide joined-up thinking on value creation and competitive advantage in the context of sustainability transitions.

The module will develop the way in which you think about stakeholder requirements and identify product and process change opportunities whilst not compromising quality and perceived customer value. It develops approaches to creative problem solving implicit in product/service and process improvement.

Financial Decision Making (SLMBA) (15 credits)

This module provides you with an insight into how the modern day business leader can use financial and non-financial information to support decision-making.  Geared towards non-accounting practitioners, the module presents financial management in its strategic and statutory context, enabling a wider appreciation of financial tools and techniques that can be utilised in your organisation.

Strategic Marketing in a Global Context (SLMBA) (15 credits)

Strategic marketing is central to enabling an organisation to respond to a dynamic marketplace: it is the activity which determines and prioritises all other marketing tasks and as such is the core marketing activity.  This module will provide an overview of strategic marketing, the decisions, processes and frameworks involved and consider the implementation of these tools and activities in various organisational contexts.  In working through these topics the module will provide a critical awareness of contemporary issues and their effects on the marketplace and consumer responses. It will consider the ways in which organisations might best respond to these as they seek to develop a strong and sustainable position through careful identification of target markets and creation of competitive advantage.

People, Work and Organisations (SLMBA) (15 credits)

This module looks more closely at the role of management in organisations. It will provide practical skills informed by current academic thinking on management. The module will cover a range of different topics such as ethics; risk management; sustainability; Corporate Social Responsibility; business continuity; environmental impact; legal issues, employee relations, etc. considering how these impact on the role of the manager.

Human Resource Management (SLMBA) (15 credits)

This module is appropriate for practitioners who wish to understand and be able to influence decisions regarding the management of human resources in organisations. It considers the different practices of HRM and their contribution to organisational strategic aims. You will have the opportunity to identify, review and assess HRM issues at a strategic level within your own professional context. The module also provides critical awareness of the latest challenges facing HR professionals and how these impact on the organisation.

Digital Transformation and the Digital Organisation (SLMBA)) (15 credits)

The Digital Revolution has seen information systems move from supporting business, to ‘being’ the business. This move has seen development not only in technology, but business models, methods of working and culture. It is now essential that all managers are equipped to effectively exploit these developments to help gain competitive advantage and shape the organisation in a digital society. This module will cover a range of different topics relating to the digitalisation of organisations, including: digital and data management strategies; use of data collection & analysis to support effective decision-making; and disruptive technologies and business models.

To complete an apprenticeship, you must be employed in an organisation with your employer's support. We typically require apprentice applications 8 weeks before programme starts and by undertaking an apprenticeship, you commit to completing the End Point Assessment (EPA).

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship typically requires.

  • At least 3 years relevant work experience prior to starting the programme.
  • Typically hold a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) where candidates can demonstrate significant experience, formal qualifications may be waived.
  • GCSE Maths and English, Grade C (4) or equivalent.

All entry requirements stated above require each applicant to have evidence of the qualifications available as proof before the Levy application deadline. 

If you know that you need to acheive Maths or English Level 2 functional skills please click Here

If you know that you have the relevant entry requirements but you are unable to provide the evidence of this (Certificates) you may be able to acquire a replacement certificate Here

The apprenticeship team in conjunction with the universities and apprenticeship providers we will be hosting information and insight session for each apprenticeship that is offer.  The information and insight sessions are designed to give potential students a better understanding of the role, the apprenticeship course/programme and the roles and responsibilities of all parties when it comes to the apprenticeship

Keele University will be hosting a general insight and information  session for the Senior Leader & Senior People Professional Apprenticeship.

Tuesday 30 April 1pm to 4pm

The Microsoft Teams session is designed to answer any questions you may have about our programmes in an informal online setting.

Book onto a session 

To apply for the apprenticeship, your supporting manager will need to complete an Authorising Manager Levy application form, which can be found HERE. 

Application Deadline :

May 31st for a September/October Cohort

November 30th for January/February Cohort   

This form needs to be completed by your line manager in conjunction with you the applying apprentice.  Once completed all funding applications will be reviewed by the Work Force Development Education and Training  Group. Upon approval, applicants will be moved to formal application with the apprenticeship provider