Name of Programme
Senior Leader Apprenticeship
Final Award
Apprenticeship Level 7
Location
Online
Awarding Institution/Body
University Of Buckingham
Teaching Institution
University Of Buckingham
School of Study
School of Business [Management]
Programme Code(s)
OCTF2PASL / Full Time / 2 Years
Professional Body Accreditation
Relevant Subject Benchmark Statement (SBS)
Admission Criteria
Applicable Cohort(s)
September 2023 Onwards
FHEQ Level
7
UCAS Code
Summary of Programme
The Senior Leader Programme provides apprentices with the opportunity to develop good understanding, knowledge and skills needed to become good senior leaders in their organisations. Typically, this involves setting, managing and monitoring achievement of core objectives that are aligned to the overall strategic objectives of their organisation’s Board (or equivalent). In a smaller organisation they are also likely to contribute to the execution and achievement of these strategic objectives. A Senior Leader influences at a higher organisational level, including sometimes at Board (or equivalent) level, and sets the culture and tone across their area of responsibility. They may work in varied environments including in an office, onsite, or remotely and demonstrate a high level of flexibility and adaptability to meet the needs of the organisation. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with internal stakeholders such as members of their team, other senior leaders/managers, support services (for example: finance, marketing, HR) and project groups and, in larger organisations, they may be part of a wider specialist team. Depending on the size of their organisation, a Senior Leader may be responsible for reporting results relating to their area of responsibility to a Board, trustees, shareholders, executive team or to other senior management within the organisation. Externally, a Senior Leader acts as an ambassador for their organisation with wide-ranging networks typically involving customers/clients, supply chains and statutory/regulatory bodies.
Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to equip apprentices with the below capabilities:
• Setting direction, vision, governance and providing a clear sense of purpose for their area of responsibility.
• Providing clear and inclusive leadership.
• Identifying longer-term opportunities and risks using data from internal intelligence sources and external influences.
• Developing sustainable, ethical, innovative and supportive cultures that get the best from people and enable the delivery of results.
• Resources that may include budgets, people, assets and facilities.
• Staying up to date with innovation and championing its adoption.
• Keeping pace with - and responding to change - by leading agile transformation.
• Leading and promoting sustainable business practices.
• Responding and managing crisis situations.
Programme Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of the programme, apprentices should be able to demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of :

• Organisations: this encompasses the internal aspects, functions and processes of organisations including their diverse nature, purposes, structures, size/scale, governance, operations and management, together with the individual and corporate behaviours and cultures which exist within and between different organisations, and their influence upon the external environment.

• The business environment: this encompasses the fast pace of change within a wide range of factors, including economic, environmental, cultural, ethical, legal and regulatory, political, sociological, digital and technological, together with their effects at local, national and global levels upon the strategy, behaviour, management and sustainability of organisations.

• Management: this encompasses the various processes, procedures and practices for effective management of organisations. It includes theories, models, frameworks, tasks and roles of management, including the management of people and corporate social responsibility, together with rational analysis and other processes of decision making within different organisations.

Overall apprentices should be able to integrate their learning from a comprehensive range of managerial subject areas to understand and address complex business and management situations holistically. Specifically, this includes developing detailed knowledge and understanding of the below areas:

1- Decision-making and Leadership
2- Strategic analysis
3- Risk management
4- Interpersonal and people management
5- Financial and managerial accounting analysis
6- Personal and Critical Self awareness
7- Negotiation and Culture Management
8- Digital Technology and Disruption
9- Project Management
10- Marketing and Innovation
11- Operation and Supply Chain Management
12- Sustainability and Ethics
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Teaching/Learning Strategy

All learning outcomes will be delivered through the various types of collaborative and guided learning mentioned in the module specifications and specified in the module guides, which will include practical exercises, discussions, group work etc

A variety of interactive teaching tools including but not limited to simulations (games, role play etc.), guest speakers, case studies, seminars, peer reviewed presentations, etc will be used

Apprentices will be provided and directed to relevant literature to supplement the workshops

University VLE will be used to provide support materials to apprentices, and additional medium for communication.

In addition, 2-4 on campus events will be organised throughout the programme. The aim of such events will be to provide apprentices with opportunities to build/enhance their knowledge/skills/behaviours around more practical aspects of the programme such as networking, coaching and mentoring techniques, collaborative working, etc.
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Assessment Strategy

The assessment methods employed are diverse and assist in developing skills in their own right. In designing the assessments consideration is given to how best the assessment can engage the apprentice and achieve the learning outcomes.

Assessment methods for the modules can include but not limited to:
- coursework reports, article reviews and essays
- presentations
- case study analysis
- learning journals and portfolios
- role plays and analysis
- practical ( such as a business reports)
- Creative assessment is suggested, where it maximises the learning in a particular context (for example in international group work).
• Apprentices will be coached on group working, with a focus on enabling empowerment and delegation in collaborative working. Also, focusing on understanding the value of diversity within groups.
• Whilst generally assessment is done by module lecturers, peer review and assessment will be used were relevant, as it can assist in engaging apprentices with their learning. In this regard, clear guidance will be provided to apprentices, and limits set on the weighting of peer assessment in a unit/module.
• Where possible and relevant, assessment is designed to provide opportunities to learn through formative assessment and feedback, and to support learning
• Scheduled sessions and individual consultation will be available for apprentices to provide academic and mentoring support as appropriate and deemed necessary for effective learning and development to take place.
Programme Outcomes

Cognitive Skills

Skills

Developing skills around the below areas:

1- Decision-making and Leadership
2- Strategic analysis
3- Risk management
4- Interpersonal and people management
5- Financial and managerial accounting analysis
6- Personal and Critical Self awareness
7- Negotiation and Culture Management
8- Digital Technology and Disruption
9- Project Management
10- Marketing and Innovation
11- Operation and Supply Chain Management
12- Sustainability and Ethics
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Teaching/Learning Strategy

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Assessment Strategy

Programme Outcomes

Practical/Transferable Skills

Behaviours

1. Work collaboratively enabling empowerment and delegation.
2. Take personal accountability aligned to clear values.
3. Curious and innovative - exploring areas of ambiguity and complexity and finding creative solutions.
4. Value difference and champion diversity.
5. Seek continuous professional development opportunities for self and wider team.
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Teaching/Learning Strategy

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Assessment Strategy

External Reference Points
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
Date approved by School Learning and Teaching Committee
Date approved by School Board of Study
Date approved by University Learning and Teaching Committee
Date of Annual Review

 

PROGRAMME STRUCTURES

Senior Leader Apprenticeship

OCTF2PASL / Full Time / September Entry
Term 1
Autumn
Digital Leadership in a Globalised World [L7/15U] (BPFLSDL)
Managing People Across Cultures [L7/15U] (BPFSLMP)
Term 2
Winter
Sustainable Operations and Supply Chain Management [L7/15U] (BPFLSSO)
Financial Information for Decision-making [L7/15U] (BPFLSFI)
Term 3
Spring
Business Strategy [L7/15U] (BPFLSBS)
Strategic Marketing & Innovation [L7/15U] (BPFLSSM)
Term 4
Summer
Corporate Sustainability and Leadership [L7/15U] (BPFLSCS)
Term 5
Autumn
Project Management [L7/15U] (BPFLSPM)