An apprenticeship combines work-based and off-the-job learning. The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship includes special modules which have been designed to allow students to achieve academic credit through work-based consultancy and research projects.

The Self-managed Learning modules allows even greater autonomy. In conjunction with the students company mentor and academic mentor, they will design a work-based project which will give them the opportunity to demonstrate their use of initiative and a level of autonomy by applying their skills and knowledge to a specialist area related to the employees work.

This is the typical structure that most Degree Apprentices will follow, there may be occasions when things are amended as required by an employer. 

The work-based learning modules are marked below with an asterisk*.

Level 4/ Year 1

Principles of Business 1 and 2 (60 credits)

Principles of Business is made up of two 30 credit modules which complement each other: Principles of Business 1 and Principles of Business 2. These modules have been designed to give learners a holistic introduction to business. 

In Principles of Business 1, learners will be made aware of the many interconnected core areas of business (such as strategy, finance, organisational behaviour, people management, and marketing) that need to be considered in successfully running an organization. The assessment for this module is by an assignment and an exam.

In Principles of Business 2, students will develop an integrated understanding of the operations of a business in the context of real organisations, to inspire them with a real interest in the discipline at the beginning of their degree study. This module proceeds in two parts. The first part consists of an experiential project, and in the second part, students will need to consider and reflect upon the key issues around strategy, leadership, governance and the ability to function as a team. The assessment for this module is by an assignment and a group presentation.

• Self-Managed learning (30 credits)
• Introduction to Research (30 credits)
  

Level 5/ Year 2

Degree Apprentices will study the following modules in order to build an understanding of the central functions within an organisation.

• Introduction to Contract Law 
• Consultancy Project 
• Strategic Marketing
• Operations & Project Management 
• People Management and Leadership 
• Self-managed learning

Level 6/ Year 3

By this stage, students have developed a thorough understanding of the Principles of Business and will have had lots of exposure to real organisations, industry case studies and working practitioners. Level 6 modules are focused on bringing everything learned in the previous years together to develop learners strategic view of business.

• Strategic Management
• Strategic Innovation Management
• Self-Managed Learning
• Final Project

The Final Project will also be put forward as a work-based project for assessment in the apprenticeship End Point Assessment.

In addition, Degree Apprentices will study two further 15 credit modules from the following list, the choice to be made in conjunction with the employer:

• Brand Building and Management
• Industry Studies 3
• Innovative Marketing Strategies
• International Business Regions 3
• Sustainability
• Predictive Analytics and Big Data
• Transnational Economics and Financial Markets
• Advanced Financial Management

Each module contains at least one piece of practice or ‘formative’ assessment, which are developmental. 

Here is the assessment breakdown for the modules:

Level 4/ Year 1

• 80% coursework
• 10% written exams
• 10% oral assessment*
  

Level 5/ Year 2

• 73% coursework
• 15% written exams
• 12% oral assessment*

Level 6/ Year 3

• 75% coursework
• 25% oral assessment*

*this percentage might be higher as some modules offer alternative forms of assessment.

End Point Assessment

The final part of a degree apprenticeship is a successful completion of the End-point Assessment.

End Point Assessment Synoptic

Following the successful completion of the Gateway, the final synoptic End Point Assessment (EPA) takes place that is made up of a number of elements and is assessed by a panel of assessors including:

• An independent assessor (Chair)
• A representative from Pearson College London
• A representative from the employer organisation

The EPA is specifically made up of the following:

• Review of the portfolio – to confirm that there is sufficient evidence that the learning has been applied, and that candidates have demonstrated all the skills, knowledge and behaviours against the standard
• Review of work-based project - to confirm that there is sufficient evidence that your learning has been applied, and that you have demonstrated all the skills, knowledge and behaviours against the standard
• A 15 minute presentation on the work-based project
• A panel interview – to clarify and assess behavioural and skills competences in greater depth