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Senior Leader Apprenticeship | Future Leaders (+MSc)

At a glance

Subject area(s)
Leadership, Management
Qualification level

Level 7

Attendance
Part-time
Fee
£14,000 (can be funded by your organisation's apprenticeship service account)
Course length
Up to 21 months including end-point assessment (EPA)
Suitable for
Recent graduates looking to kickstart their leadership careers; early career employees identified as high potential

Overview

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship | Future Leaders programme is a unique opportunity for recent graduates to develop. Apprentices will build on their existing academic and professional skills. This will prepare them to become senior business leaders who can manage their responsibilities effectively. The work-based teaching and support will expand learners' capabilities to fast track their careers, even if they are just beginning.

Apprentices will build an in-depth understanding of strategic management, relationship building, corporate responsibility and change. Our combined approach of theory and on-the-job practice supports learners to become knowledgeable and competent in real-world business scenarios.

Next available dates (open cohort)

Start date

Nominations due

14 May 2025

19 February 2025

Key benefits

  • Develop your future leaders to support transformation within your organisation

  • Support staff retention by investing in the development of your employees

  • Work-based learning can be a powerful vehicle for developing workplace skills and increasing productivity

Apprenticeship programmes are taught using a blended learning method that combines face-to-face workshops with online and on-the-job learning.

Personal development

Personal development for future leaders is integral to the programme and is embedded throughout the course. The programme includes two workshop days for personal development, which enables apprentices to reflect and encourages them to develop positive new behaviours.

Leading and managing, strategically and responsibly

Compulsory modules Credits

Strategy is contentious and in addressing the topic, this module explores how and where firms create competitive advantage in their markets. In doing so, it will introduce students to strategy and strategic marketing with well established theories, frameworks and models used by strategists and they will explore how they are applied in practice.

This module challenges the learner to answer core questions which face business leaders today.

  • What is the purpose of an organisation – to maximise shareholder returns or to meet the broader needs of stakeholders?
  • How are successful strategies created – are they the output of a planned approach or do they emerge from within the business?
  • Should a firm’s strategy be a response to opportunities identified in the market or the exploitation of its resources and capabilities?
  • What is value?
Academic authors
A Hull DR 1 75n9b6sin
Dr Andrew Hull
20 [10 ECTS credits]

This module builds on the selection of strategies and models which learners may want to use in order to innovate new products and services in their organisations. The module offers It building innovation skills and capabilities by setting up a new venture or by developing and testing innovative ideas in existing companies.

Aims:

We develop theoretical and practical understanding of the function of innovation and the process of new product development from idea to testing and validating new products, processes and organizational routines and by teams, organizations and markets.

Academic authors
Maks Belitski Staff Photo
Professor Maksim Belitski
15 [7.5 ECTS credits]

Corporate responsibility and ethics have become a major topic of debate and concern in contemporary society, but also an area of managerial importance for organisations and their leaders.

This module allows practising managers to:

  1. Gain an understanding of; current corporate responsibility debates and issues, and of corporate responsibility concepts, tools and strategies, and their practical application
  2. Appreciate the importance of ethical conduct which ensures corporate responsibility.
Academic authors
Filipe Morais Profile 2024
Dr Filipe Morais
10 [5 ECTS credits]

This module aims to equip students with relevant accounting and financial management knowledge in decision making, especially for those who have little background in accounting and financial management.

The module covers relevant topics in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting and financial management, with a focus on the ability to understand the importance of accounting and financial information in decision making and critical evaluation of the use of relevant information in decision making.

Aims:

To build on a student’s knowledge of management by examining the role and techniques of accounting and financial management.

Academic authors
Dr liang han 397 3 Liang Han 75e5pfi5h
Professor Liang Han, Visiting Professor
15 [7.5 ECTS credits]

The Personal Development for Future Leaders module is an integrated and holistic part Senior Leader Apprenticeship (Future Leaders) and is split over the 2 stages of the programme.

It seeks to support and challenge future leaders in all aspects of their growth while studying and is a catalyst for reflection on learning from all other modules and aspects of this programme.

The module aims to equip the apprenticeship learner to reflect upon their own learning, performance and achievement, and plan for their personal, educational and career development.

This module is delivered throughout the three stages of study; each stage address specific areas of personal development:

Stage 1 – Leading self

  • Understand the role of personal development and personal development planning in their career
  • Gain self-awareness by exploring their values, personality, skills and competencies
  • Reflect on their development and performance
  • Commit to own development and leadership behaviour.

Stage 2 – Leading others

  • Reflect on their impact on others, their roles and responsibilities.
  • Appreciate individual differences and diversity at work, discuss how to engage others.
  • Practice advanced communication skills including coaching, mentoring and feedback skills.
  • Explore an authentic professional brand as a future leader.
  • Understand the conditions to develop agility and adaptability in a changing environment.
  • Reflect on the programme’s learning and next steps.


Academic authors
Tatiana Rowson Staff Photo
Dr Tatiana Rowson
Liz Houldsworth Updated Photo
Dr Elizabeth Houldsworth
10

Leading and managing people for high performance and impact

Compulsory modules Credits

Finding your leadership DNA places practising managers at the centre of their development as effective change leaders, faced with real dilemmas, and choices about courses of action. Through exploration of the links between leadership, the change context, culture, and change practice, they will be able to make informed decisions about how to mobilise the leadership and change resources at their disposal (individually and collectively). ​

Key themes covered include:

  • Concepts, theories and models of leadership and their relevance to organisational change circumstances
  • The challenge of change and the key organisational and people factors impacting on its nature and enactment
  • The role, nature and impact of values and culture in both pursuing and responding to change and its leadership
  • The core skills and techniques required to enable, enact and evaluate effective change.​
Academic authors
Caroline Rook001 75ipljwye
Dr Caroline Rook
20 [10 ECTS credits]

Talented people are your company’s most valuable asset and, bottom line, the key to success. However, it takes sophisticated conceptual and analytical skills to deliver this. It needs a deep understanding of people in an organisational context. This module provides the tools and frameworks to allow you to thrive in the world of Managing People and Organisations.

Every business decision has an impact on its workforce. Talented people are an organisations most valuable asset and, bottom line, one of the main keys to success.

The aim of this module is to give learners the confidence to challenge existing workplace thinking by using good theoretical understanding and practical reasoning. They will engage with real life business cases and learn how to assess factors shaping Managing People and Organisations, which may include:

  • Contextual factors
  • Strategic talent management
  • Digitisation
  • Well-being or climate of inclusion.

However, it takes sophisticated conceptual and analytical skills to deliver this. It needs a deep understanding of people in an organisational context.

Academic authors
Washika Haak Saheem 75n986c1n
Dr Washika Haak-Saheem
15 [7.5 ECTS credits]

The Personal Development for Future Leaders module is an integrated and holistic part Senior Leader Apprenticeship (Future Leaders) and is split over the 2 stages of the programme.

It seeks to support and challenge future leaders in all aspects of their growth while studying and is a catalyst for reflection on learning from all other modules and aspects of this programme.

The module aims to equip the apprenticeship learner to reflect upon their own learning, performance and achievement, and plan for their personal, educational and career development.

This module is delivered throughout the three stages of study; each stage address specific areas of personal development:

Stage 1 – Leading self

  • Understand the role of personal development and personal development planning in their career
  • Gain self-awareness by exploring their values, personality, skills and competencies
  • Reflect on their development and performance
  • Commit to own development and leadership behaviour.

Stage 2 – Leading others

  • Reflect on their impact on others, their roles and responsibilities.
  • Appreciate individual differences and diversity at work, discuss how to engage others.
  • Practice advanced communication skills including coaching, mentoring and feedback skills.
  • Explore an authentic professional brand as a future leader.
  • Understand the conditions to develop agility and adaptability in a changing environment.
  • Reflect on the programme’s learning and next steps.


Academic authors
Tatiana Rowson Staff Photo
Dr Tatiana Rowson
Liz Houldsworth Updated Photo
Dr Elizabeth Houldsworth
10

Strategic business proposal

The final stage of the apprenticeship is the end-point assessment (EPA), comprising an Evidence portfolio and final Strategic business proposal.

Optional modules Credits

This module sets out to provide knowledge, skills and behaviours required by senior leaders in today’s world.

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship programmes provides learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to put together an effective strategic business proposal. At the end of this apprenticeship programme, the learner must decide upon a title and scope for the strategic business proposal, which is signed off by the End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO).

The strategic business proposal forms part of the end point assessment for the SLA, as well as comprising a 15-credit module for the Postgraduate Diploma.

Academic authors
Anne4 75e5pfin2
Dr Anne Dibley
15 [7.5 ECTS credits]

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 combination of on-the-job learning in the workplace and both formal and informal off-the-job training is vital for the success of an apprenticeship. As part of the Henley community, apprentices follow a learning plan that includes taught sessions, workshops, one-to-one meetings and self-study. During this time, apprentices also continue in their day job and are encouraged to apply their learning in the workplace.

Off-the-job training is a requirement of the apprenticeship and must account for a minimum of six hours per week (equivalent) of the apprentice’s working hours. Delivered through a mix of activities, by Henley and in the workplace, this training must provide new learning relevant to the apprenticeship and not be part of their normal duties. The off-the-job workplace training could include, attending meetings or conferences, stepping up and taking on new responsibilities or shadowing colleagues.

An apprentice's line manager has a key role to play in the apprentice's progress, as well as enabling them to make a difference in the workplace. Line managers are encouraged to engage with the learner’s apprenticeship tutor to explore how they can facilitate opportunities for the relevant off-the-job training and work-based projects.

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

Vicki Murray has over 20 years of experience as a manager and senior leader in a variety of educational settings with a specific focus on leading change and raising performance.

Read more about Vicki

Assessment

Apprentices submit work-based projects at the end of each module to show the breadth and impact of their learning.

Awards

On successful completion of the programme, apprentices will be awarded:​

  • a Henley Postgraduate Diploma in Management for Future Leaders
  • the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship | Future Leaders.

For employers that choose the CMI as the end-point assessment organisation, apprentices may also achieve:

  • a CMI Level 7 Award in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
  • Chartered Manager status (on successful EPA)
  • ​CMI student membership (programme duration plus three months, with option for individuals to pay for full membership thereafter).

MSc Management for Future Leaders Stage 3

Where the requirements for the Postgraduate Diploma in Management for Future Leaders have been met, learners can progress on to Stage 3 of the Henley's MSc in Management for Future Leaders. If learners choose to proceed onto the Master's, they will not graduate with the Postgraduate Diploma in Management for Future Leaders as the credits will instead be awarded towards Stages 1 and 2 of the MSc. If learners choose to graduate with the Postgraduate Diploma in Management for Future Leaders award but later wish to complete the Master's, they must return to start the MSc Management for Future Leaders within 3 years of being awarded the Postgraduate Diploma at which point the Postgraduate Diploma certificate will be rescinded. The MSc Management for Future Leaders requires further study and additional fees.

Please note: a Stage 3 cohort may not be immediately available, and a learner may need to wait for 6–12 months following their Senior Leader Apprenticeship | Future Leaders. All workshop and assignment submission dates are subject to change by Henley Business School. Henley Business School reserves the right to postpone an intake start date if the minimum number of students is not reached.

MSc Management for Future Leaders Stage 3 fee: £5,450

An early bird discount of 10% is available to all learners who express an interest in progressing onto the MSc before the end of Stage 1 of the Senior Leader Apprenticeship | Future Leaders.

Find out more about Stage 3 of the MSc Management for Future Leaders

As the employer, you need to formally nominate learners before they can apply to our apprenticeship programmes. You must also enter a three-way agreement with the apprentice and Henley Business School / the University of Reading. Find out more about the application process

Entry requirements for the individual

ESFA Apprenticeship eligibility criteria
The government funds the apprenticeship through the employer's apprenticeship levy. Applicants should first check they are eligible to receive apprenticeship funding

Required professional experience
Applicants should have fewer than 3 years of managerial experience.

Apprentices on this programme must be in a role which allows for the application of the Senior Leader Apprenticeship criteria to be demonstrated and in which substantial new learning can be gained. The baseline assessment done as part of the application will help assess this.

Existing qualifications
2:1 degree or higher from a UK institution or equivalent OR five years of good professional experience.

English and maths requirements to complete the apprenticeship
Apprentices will need to hold Level 2 qualifications in English and maths (i.e. GCSEs at Grades 9-4 or A*-C, or equivalent) to successfully complete their apprenticeship programme.


English and maths requirements

Nominated learners MUST hold Level 2 qualifications in English and maths (i.e. GCSEs at Grades 9-4 or A*-C, or equivalent) before starting their Henley apprenticeship programme.

We ask you, the employer, to ensure applicants can provide evidence of these qualifications. You must do this before including them on your cohort form.

For more information, view our FAQ page

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship | Future Leaders (+MSc) costs £14,000. You can fund this with your organisation's apprenticeship service account. All employers must have an account to access the apprenticeship service.

Please contact our apprenticeships team for further information.

Additional fees for progression onto other qualifications

  • Stage 3 of Henley MSc Management for Future Leaders - £5,450 (early bird discount available)

Location

For clients wishing to run a closed cohort, we have the flexibility to deliver the programme at locations nationwide. If you do not wish to use your organisation's facilities, we are happy to arrange an alternative teaching venue that may be more convenient for your staff.

Open cohorts are also delivered at venues across the country. The first and last workshops are typically taught at our Greenlands campus near Henley-on-Thames. Set in sweeping parkland on the banks of the River Thames, this beautiful campus provides an inspiring and reflective environment for focused work and study.

Facilities

Through the Henley Business School Library and the virtual learning environment, learners can access a multitude of resources including books, journals, market research reports, dissertations, working papers and company information.

Find out more about our facilities and how to find us

Why choose Henley?

Ofsted Good GP Colour 200x200

For 75 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.

Contact us

For more information about Henley’s apprenticeship programmes please contact

Email: apprenticeships@henley.ac.uk
Telephone: (0)118 378 4030

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