Final call for Master’s level apprenticeship for Senior Leaders
The University of Huddersfield is running its last ever Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship cohort later this year and local business leaders are being encouraged to sign up.
Due to upcoming changes in government policy, funding will no longer be available to run new courses from next year, so this is a last chance for those interested to find out more.
The Master’s-level apprenticeship is aimed at anyone who has senior leadership responsibility or is aspiring to move into a strategic role and is looking to develop a business strategy and improve their managerial skills.
The programme lasts 19 months, with learners studying at the award-winning Huddersfield Business School for roughly two days per month over seven hours for the first 13 months, which takes place during their contracted work hours. Outside of the classroom, participants manage their learning within their organisation and their role.
There are three modules, which cover:
- Operational Systems, Processes and Decision Making
- Strategy and Innovation
- Responsible Leadership and People Engagement.
At the end of the 13-month period, the learner moves on to working on a ten-week project, which directly relates to a need within their organisation, before final assessments take place.
The programme is also accredited by the Chartered Management Institute. Upon successful completion, learners are awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and granted chartered manager status by the CMI.
Those completing the Level 7 Senior Leader Higher apprenticeship will also have the option to enrol on a top-up module to gain a master’s qualification through a predominantly online distance learning approach. This can either be self or employer-funded and takes around 7 to 8 months to complete.
Apprenticeships are a three-way relationship between the employer, the learner, and the provider – Huddersfield Business School. Employers are included in the process from the start and are involved in regular reviews throughout the course.
Andy Buncall, Business Development Partner, Centre for Apprenticeships at the University of Huddersfield, commented: “The main thing we see when learners come onto the programme is a transformation in them recognising that they do have valuable skills and experiences.
“The apprenticeship helps to enhance learners’ awareness and confidence of the knowledge, skills, and behaviours that they already have. This then allows learners to be able to come forward to their line manager and be much more forthright in putting their ideas forward.
“Ultimately, you’ve got somebody that not only has more value to add to the organisation but also has a greater sense of self-confidence as an individual.”
Positive feedback on the programme from those who have already undertaken the course, includes:
“I couldn’t recommend the programme more—it’s absolutely brilliant. I don’t think it could be run in a better format that it currently is. No matter your level, whether you’re at a more junior level like me, or in a highly senior role dealing with major strategic initiatives, everyone gains valuable insights relevant to their role.” - Olivia Sykes, Communications Manager at Kirklees Citizens Advice and Law Centre.
“The programme has helped me approach challenges with greater confidence and take on more responsibility. My manager even noticed the change within six weeks, pointing out how I’ve shifted from asking for guidance to taking initiative and checking in on my decisions. It's been a perfect design for developing both my skills and confidence at work.” - Sarah Durdin, Operational Manager at Kirklees Council.
Awarded an outstanding rating by Ofsted for its apprenticeship provision, the University also has the highest Apprenticeship Qualification Achievement Rate in England for universities with more than 100 apprentices.
The final cohort starts on 4 November 2025, and expressions of interest can be submitted here.