Senior Leader Apprenticeship | Future Leaders (+MSc)
The Henley Postgraduate Diploma in Management for Future Leaders is a Level 7 apprenticeship that develops graduate talent and emerging leaders.
At a glance
- Nurture your graduate talent and develop their capabilities as emerging leaders
- Empower your future leaders to support organisational change
- Features the option to progress onto Stage 3 of the MSc in Management for Future Leaders
- 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 |
|---|---|
Strategic management (MNM1STM)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. Read moreThis module challenges the learner to answer core questions which face business leaders today.
Academic authors
Dr Andrew Hull
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Managing change and innovation (MNM1MIC)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
Professor Maksim Belitski
|
15 [7.5 ECTS credits] |
Corporate responsibility and ethics (MNM1CRE)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:
Academic authors
Dr Filipe Morais
|
10 [5 ECTS credits] |
Financial management (MNM1FIN)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. Read moreThe 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
Professor Liang Han, Visiting Professor
|
15 [7.5 ECTS credits] |
Personal development for future leaders (MNM1PDFL / MNM2PDF2)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
Stage 2 – Leading others
Academic authors
Dr Tatiana Rowson
Dr Elizabeth Houldsworth
|
10 |
Leading and managing people for high performance and impact
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
Finding your leadership DNA (MNM2DNA)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). Read moreKey themes covered include:
Academic authors
Dr Caroline Rook
|
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Managing people and organisations (MNM2MPO)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:
However, it takes sophisticated conceptual and analytical skills to deliver this. It needs a deep understanding of people in an organisational context. Academic authors
Dr Washika Haak-Saheem
|
15 [7.5 ECTS credits] |
Personal development for future leaders (MNM1PDFL / MNM2PDF2)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
Stage 2 – Leading others
Academic authors
Dr Tatiana Rowson
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 |
|---|---|
Strategic business proposal (MNM3SBP)This module sets out to provide knowledge, skills and behaviours required by senior leaders in today’s world. Read more 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). Academic authors
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.
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.
Why choose Henley?
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.ukTelephone: (0)118 378 4030
