Refreshed for 2026 delivery

Developing managers and leaders who can think strategically, solve complex business challenges, and lead with confidence. The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship | BA (Hons) in Applied Management gives your people the tools to tackle real organisational issues, evaluate options, and make decisions that deliver results.

For learners, this is about more than a qualification; it’s a practical, career-defining experience. They’ll build critical thinking and creativity, understand the bigger business picture, and reflect on their leadership style to strengthen the skills that open doors to future opportunities.

For employers, it means developing leaders who drive change, shape culture, and create lasting impact.

Start with the full 3 year route or 2 year fast track route for those who have already completed a Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship.

Whether you or your colleagues are new to management, have experience but no formal qualifications, or have completed a Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship, Henley’s Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship | BA (Hons) in Applied Management offers the right route for you.

Empowering people and organisations to thrive through meaningful, future-focused leadership development.

If you’ve already completed a Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship, Henley offers a Fast-Track route that recognises your prior learning and accelerates your progress.

• Duration: 2 years (including end-point assessment)
• Fee: £15,000 – fully fundable via the Apprenticeship Levy
• Delivery: Blended learning combining online flexibility with face-to-face workshops at Henley’s historic Greenlands campus
• Next start date: 26 March 2026 with other cohorts available throughout the year

The cost of the programme depends on the route you choose:

• £22,000 for the full programme
• £15,000 for the fast-track route

If your organisation pays the Apprenticeship Levy, the full cost of the programme can usually be funded through your levy account. Henley will guide you through the process to make sure everything is set up correctly.

If your organisation does not pay the levy, the government will fund up to 95% of the programme cost. Employers are responsible for the remaining 5%, which is paid directly to the University of Reading.

There are no hidden fees for learners. Travel and accommodation for in-person workshops at Henley’s Greenlands Campus are not included in the programme cost, so the employer should factor these in.

If you’d like to understand more about funding options and how they apply to your organisation, our team is here to help.

Ready to take the next step in your leadership and management journey?

Discover how the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship | BA (Hons) in Applied Management can accelerate your career and transform your organisation.

In just 45 minutes, you’ll:

• Uncover what makes this programme different – and why it works for ambitious leaders.
• See the career impact – how past participants have progressed and thrived.
• Hear real success stories – practical examples of growth and achievement.

We will also host a Q&A Session at the end, so bring your questions along. This is your chance to gain valuable insights and clarity about the next steps.

Register to join on Thursday 15 January from 15:00 - 15:45

Modules or course content marked as optional are indicative and may be subject to change. Please note, constraints in timetable scheduling may mean you are unable to take some optional modules at the same time as others.

The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship is more than a qualification. It’s a practical route to building confident, capable managers who can make an immediate impact in their organisations. Learners gain the skills and knowledge to lead effectively, while employers benefit from fresh thinking and real-world application that drives business performance. With Henley’s support every step of the way, this is a journey that works for everyone.

This programme is designed to help leaders and managers grow while continuing to do their roles. They will learn in a way that feels practical and connected to their everyday work, with plenty of support along the way from their line manager, employer and Henley team.

Read more on how to support an apprentice with the Henley Essential Apprenticeship Guides

The learning experience combines real-world practice with structured and informal training. Learners take part in taught sessions, interactive workshops, one-to-one mentoring, and self-study.

Each week, learners should spend on average six hours on off-the-job training. This could include attending workshops, shadowing colleagues, taking on new responsibilities, or joining conferences. Each module will consist of one in-person workshop day at Henley's Greenlands Campus in Henley-on-Thames.

Learners will apply new knowledge, skills and behaviours to their roles as they go. Line managers also play an essential role in working with Henley's apprenticeship tutors to create training and work-based project opportunities.

Assessment runs throughout the programme, mainly through coursework, but there are two key milestones: Gateway and the End-Point Assessment (EPA).

Gateway happens after the final module of the BA (Hons) in Applied Management. At this stage, the apprentice needs to show that they have completed their degree, their portfolio of evidence and work-based project, been registered for at least 12 months, and that both the employer and Henley agree they are ready for the EPA.

The End-Point Assessment is the final showcase. It’s an independent review to confirm that the apprentice has met all Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship standards. This includes reviewing the portfolio, submitting the work-based project, delivering a presentation and Q&A on project outcomes, and completing a competency-based interview.

The EPA usually takes around two hours and gives the apprentice the opportunity to demonstrate everything they’ve achieved.

On successful completion of the programme, apprentices will achieve:

• A BA (Hons) in Applied Management
• The Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship

If the employer chooses the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) as the assessment organisation, apprentices may also gain:

• A CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership
• Chartered Manager status (on successful EPA)
• CMI student membership for the duration of the programme plus three months, with the option to continue as a full member

Applying for the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship | BA (Hons) in Applied Management is straightforward. Before you start, there are a few things to check to make sure this is the right fit for you and your organisation.

Learners on this programme typically have at least three years of professional experience and are either in a management role or ready to step into one. You’ll need to be employed in England and have your employer’s support to join the programme.

Your employer plays an active role in the process. They’ll formally nominate you before you apply and enter into a three-way agreement with you and Henley Business School. This partnership ensures everyone understands their responsibilities and the support available throughout your apprenticeship journey.

Applicants must meet Skills England apprenticeship eligibility criteria and be able to receive apprenticeship funding. The programme is funded through the employer’s Apprenticeship Levy or co-investment for non-levy payers.

To get the most from this programme, you’ll need a role that lets you apply new knowledge and tackle real management challenges. Most learners bring at least three years of professional experience, and many are already managing people or projects.

For those entering through the 2-year study route, you must have completed a Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship.

Your academic background doesn’t have to be in business—many of our learners hold degrees in other subjects or have built their careers through experience. Even if you already have an Honours degree, you can still apply.

For 80 years, Henley Business School has developed confident and resilient business leaders. Find out more about our approach to working with you

Our Apprenticeship programmes are rated Good by Ofsted across all areas - quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.

To ensure that apprentices’ work and training are well co-ordinated and effective, Henley’s tutors and line managers collaborate fully with employers and apprentices.

At Henley, we offer a full portfolio of programmes from early career all the way up to board level, and it’s this broad experience that enables us to have a clear and complete vision for our apprenticeship provision.