About this Programme

The Chartered Manager Fast-Track qualification provides both valuable leadership knowledge and the opportunity to apply it in the workplace.

Graduates get a full honours business degree and are recognised by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) as a Chartered Manager (CMgr) – a gold-standard professional qualification.

The programme is designed for experienced managers who want to move into leadership roles or advance their practice with the support of a cutting-edge university education.

It is an accelerated version of our popular four-year Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship condensed into two and a half years.

We typically have two intakes each year in February and September.

Apprentices will be taught in our prestigious, internationally accredited Business School.

To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact form, email [email protected], or call 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday).

  • Programme content

    The programme will leave graduates with the experience and competence necessary to take successful long-term managerial responsibility for people, projects, operations and services within their business.

    The early units provide an introduction to management and leadership, operations and technology, sales and marketing. Apprentices will be encouraged to demonstrate how they can apply these skills and worldwide best practice at work.

    Later units explore business finance, project management, strategy, and sustainability and innovation.

    Year one
    • Operations and Technology Management
    • Managing and leading people
    • Sales and Marketing
    Year two
    • Finance and accounting for managers
    • Strategic management
    • Project development
    Year three
    • Sustainability and innovation
    • Synoptic business project

    Apprentices will reconcile their learning at the end of the year with a substantial work-based project and through the creation of a business portfolio, demonstrating the way in which they have continually applied their knowledge directly to the context of their organisation.

    Overall, the programme aims to develop confident and capable leaders of the future, ready for the fast-paced and evolving 21st Century business environment.

  • Programme length and approach

    This fast-track programme is taught part-time over two and a half years at our prestigious Business School in central Manchester.

    Apprentices will need to attend university in four-day intensive teaching blocks for around 12 days each year, while continuing to work full-time. 

    They will also have to complete independent study assignments, including online learning. A skills coach at the University and a workplace supervisor will undertake regular progress reviews and support apprentices in their work and studies.

    In addition to campus lectures, apprentices are expected to agree projects with their employer to apply what they have learned to real world business challenges.

    There are also induction activities to help apprentices get to know each other and balance undergraduate-level study with working full-time.

  • Qualifications awarded

    All successful graduates are awarded a BA (Hons) Business Management Professional degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a Level 6 degree apprenticeship.

    They will also be recognised as Chartered Managers and members of the Chartered Management Institute (CMgr MCMI).  

  • Entry requirements

    Applicants must be in full-time employment and:

    • Be 18 or older
    • Have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding
    • Meet course entry requirements

    Successful applicants typically have management experience and relevant qualifications at Level 4 or 5 (including higher national certificates, diplomas, NVQs and foundation degrees).

    Evidence of GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4), or equivalent, must be provided prior to application.

    A list of acceptable equivalent qualifications is available from the gov.uk website, as well as guidance on obtaining replacement certificates. It will not be possible for applicants to proceed with their application unless they are able to provide evidence of achievement or proof that they have applied for replacement certificates.

    All applications are individually assessed.

  • Funding

    Degree apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

    Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.

    Any business with a payroll below £3 million is eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship programme.

    Additional incentives are also available to employers who take on young apprentices.

    Find out more about funding

  • Next steps

    If you are an employer

    We will support you every step of the way to offer apprenticeships at your organisation, whether you intend to upskill current employees or attract new recruits.

    You can speak to us via our contact form, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday).

    If you are an employee

    If you are already employed, encourage your employer to contact us to discuss offering an apprenticeship.

    If you are a student

    Places on this programme are available to those already employed in a relevant position and where their employer will support them to take part.

Current vacancies

Apprenticeship vacancies with our partner employers are advertised below.

Sign up to our degree apprenticeship mailing list to get alerts about vacancies and events.

The curriculum and modules of the Chartered Manager Fast-Track Degree Apprenticeship are an excellent fit with our business and can clearly be adapted to many types and sizes of organisations. As a small employer we feel catered for and it’s good for us to interact with other larger employers and get fresh ideas.
Anne Gornall
Executive Director, Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMLPN)
The curriculum and modules of the Chartered Manager Fast-Track Degree Apprenticeship are an excellent fit with our business and can clearly be adapted to many types and sizes of organisations. As a small employer we feel catered for and it’s good for us to interact with other larger employers and get fresh ideas.
Anne Gornall
Executive Director, Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network (GMLPN)

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