Overview
Our Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship (leading to Strategic Leadership PGDip) is an employer-led programme which combines workplace training with study. It will develop established and aspiring business leaders, giving them transformative skills.
We welcome professionals from the private, public and voluntary sectors in England. You will explore and pioneer solutions to global challenges in your workplace and community.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
This work-based, vocational programme supports individuals as they build leadership competencies, with a focus on workplace performance.
Learners on this apprenticeship will graduate with a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship alongside a CMI Level 7 Diploma in Management and Leadership.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship (leading to Strategic Leadership PGDip) modules
| Compulsory Modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| Leadership Perspectives | 20 |
| Critical Reflexivity and Mastering Practice | 20 |
| Leadership for the Future of Work | 20 |
| Strategic Accountability | 20 |
| Innovation and Change | 20 |
| Exploring Theory in Practice | 20 |
How you’ll learn
Our Executive Education programmes are work-based degrees. You’ll develop your skillset while working towards a Master’s qualification or a PGDip alongside your career.
Our programmes blend face-to-face workshops with digital resources and online activities. You’ll be part of a small, inclusive cohort that brings together leaders from different backgrounds and industries. You’ll learn from your cohort’s experience and knowledge, as well as sharing your own.
You will engage in the real-world challenges faced in your organisation. You’ll be able to make an immediate impact in your professional life with your new learning.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Computer assessment
- Observation of professional practice
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral examination
- Oral presentation
- Written examination
Additional assessment information
Once you have completed your training, and your employer believes you are ready, you will undergo the end-point assessment (EPA). The End-Point Assessment Organization (EPAO), conducts the EPA. The EPAO is an independent organization. It is separate from your training provider and employer.
The end-point assessment consists of different assessment methods. These include:
- practical exams
- interviews
- presentations
- written tests
The apprenticeship standard defines the specific assessment methods and criteria.
You will be awarded an overall grade based on your performance in the end-point assessment.
Once you have successfully completed the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
- Dr Nicola Patterson (Degree Programme Director)
- Professor Sharon Mavin
- Dr Joanne James
- Dr Amy Stabler
- Dr Lucy Hatt
Your development
You’ll focus on developing key Knowledge, Behaviours, and Skills. These will allow you to tackle business challenges and seize opportunities.
Knowledge
- Shaping organizational mission, culture, and values
- Organization structures, business modelling, diversity, and global perspectives
- New market strategies, changing customer demands, and trend analysis
- Innovation, disruptive technologies, drivers of change, and sustainability
- Systems thinking, data management, research methodologies, and program management
Behaviours
- Work collaboratively, empowering and delegating
- Take personal accountability based on clear values
- Embrace curiosity and innovation, finding creative solutions
- Value diversity and champion inclusivity
- Seek continuous professional development for yourself and your team
Skills
- Use horizon scanning and conceptualization for high-performance strategies focused on growth and sustainability
- Set strategic direction and gain support from key stakeholders
- Undertake research, critically analyse and integrate complex information
- Lead change, foster innovation, and drive continuous improvement
- Respond effectively in crisis situations using risk management techniques
- Act as a Sponsor/Ambassador, championing projects across organizational boundaries, including sustainability and UK Net Carbon Zero targets
Progression routes
Learners will have the option to progress onto the full Master’s level Strategic Leadership MSc as a progression route after completing the apprenticeship, at an additional cost. This can be completed in 24 months.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 200 for Business and Management Studies – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:
- regional, national and international leaders
- over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
- leading professionals and practitioners from industry
The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix – an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.
Our facilities include:
- flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
- Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
- four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
- dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
- contemporary café
- employability hub to support your career aspirations
- Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
The Frederick Douglass Centre at Newcastle Helix also offers further study and learning spaces. This includes a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
Candidates applying through the apprenticeship route will need to satisfy employer requirements.
Employers need to provide apprentices with a minimum 6 hours off the job time for course activities. Apprentices may need access to organisational data. You may need to stretch project opportunities beyond the scope of their current role. Employers should provide a workplace mentor. The University will support this mentor, as appropriate.
As a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprentice you will need to be able to evidence Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours against the apprenticeship standard.
