Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care

The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care combines cutting-edge management theory with a practical understanding of health and social care.

Apprentices will rapidly develop the essential skills for successfully managing change in an ever-evolving health care environment.

The early modules cover the role of strategic leadership and operational thinking in health and social care. Later modules explore the key principles for effective management in social care.

Apprentices will complete a substantial, practice-based project and develop a portfolio to demonstrate how they have continually applied their knowledge directly to their organisation.

Year one

• Module one: Understanding the leader and manager role in organisations.
• Module two: Strategy, Change Management and Implementation

Year two

• Module three: Leadership and Management of People (Mary Seacole Programme). Accreditation of prior learning available for applicants who already have this.
• Synoptic Portfolio and Work-based Project (end-point assessment).

The programme is taught part-time over two years and is now delivered in locations across England including Manchester, the Midlands, London, North East, Yorkshire and East of England.

Programme delivery is blended, with 16 face-to-face sessions (this will include lectures, workshops, seminars and personal tutoring), and 18 online in the respective locations. 

Apprentices are expected to study independently, seek development opportunities and complete tutor-supported online learning.

A skills coach and a workplace supervisor will hold regular reviews and support apprentices in their work and studies. 

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

Graduates can also apply for Chartered Manager status from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Although not a specific award, apprentice also gain significant Project Management experience

Applicants must have agreement from their line manager and employer before applying for the apprenticeship. Before contacting the university, they should check with their HR or L&D teams to confirm whether any internal process needs to be completed.

There are three entry routes available for applicants wishing to join the programme.

All require applicants to evidence prior skills and knowledge development to enrol on our executive Degree Apprenticeship.

While evidence of Maths and English (grades A–C or 4–9) is preferred, it is not mandatory. Applicants should consult their internal apprenticeship team to confirm whether these qualifications are required as part of their organisation’s process.

Apprentices aged 19+ who do not hold or are unable to evidence achievement of Level 2 / GCSE Maths and English Qualifications will be required to undertake an initial assessment to assess their current working level. The outcome of this will be shared with the employer to inform the decision as to whether the apprentice will study Functional Skills alongside the apprenticeship.

Applicants must provide evidence of their highest qualification. If certificates are not readily available, they will need to request replacement copies.

This programme requires a minimum of two years’ managerial experience.

Applicants must also have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for 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 recruit new apprentices into their business.

Find out more about funding.

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.

To find out more about the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care, book a discovery call with Delma Lawrence, our Apprenticeships Development Manager. 

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

If you are an employee

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

You can also find out more about the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care for yourself by booking a discovery call with Delma Lawrence, our Apprenticeships Development Manager or Chuk Nwannadi, our Apprenticeships Development Advisor. 

If you are an applicant

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

Changes in standards

All cohorts from January 2026 will follow the revised CMDA HSC programme content and structure (as described above). 

What about those apprentices already on the original Chartered Manager Health and Social Care Degree Apprenticeship standard?

This will be taught out and apprentices will remain on this programme and complete with full support to graduation. 

Are there any changes to the funding structure or costs associated with the apprenticeship? 

No. See above under ‘Funding’.  

What if I have already completed the Mary Seacole?

You will be required to attend the scheduled teaching sessions and complete an assignment for submission to Man Met, as they are engaging with the content at Level 6 rather than Level 5. They are not required to complete the 24 meaningful contributions or participate in the Virtual Campus activities via the Leadership Academy, as these have already been completed. However, it is worth noting that the Virtual Campus underwent a significant refresh at the end of last year, so apprentices are encouraged to revisit it as a resource to support their assignment work.

What is the plan for transitioning current apprentices from the old standard to the revised one? 

The standard is remaining the same, however, we have revised and updated the programme content to ensure that our apprentices not only gain a robust theoretical understanding of care principles but also acquire the essential leadership and management skills that are increasingly in demand within the sector. We believe this enhancement will better equip leaders and managers to make meaningful contributions and provide a solid foundation for their future professional development.

Can you please clarify the delivery model for the programme. Is this blended? 

Programme delivery is blended, with 16 face-to-face sessions (this will include lectures, workshops, seminars and personal tutoring), and 18 online in the respective locations.   

Will I automatically be registered with CMI on completion of the apprenticeship?

After completing the apprenticeship, apprentices receive complimentary CMI membership for three months. After this period, the apprentice will be responsible for covering the renewal cost.

What if I do not have a Maths and/or English GCSE, will I need to complete functional skills? 

If an applicant is over 19 years old and does not have Maths and English level 2/GCSE, or they have misplaced the certificates:

They will complete some initial assessments and diagnostics in Maths and/or English to establish their starting point. They need to achieve a minimum level of 1.7 and a login will be sent on completion of the Pre-Application form by the Support Administrator. These are assessments, NOT tests, and the login is generated from the BKSB system so, please check Junk Folders. 

Manchester Met will then need confirmation from the applicant’s employer, if they are to complete Maths and/or English functional skills with Manchester Met alongside the apprenticeship within the first year.