About this programme

The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care, with an integrated NHS Leadership Academy Mary Seacole Programme, is a practice-focused leadership programme for experienced senior managers and leaders.

This apprenticeship delivers the best of both worlds – a full honours degree and one of the NHS’s most popular leadership programmes – all of which is fundable via the Apprenticeship Levy or through 95% government support.

The two-year accelerated qualification is ideal for health and care professionals whose role involves driving improvements in care quality and managing key delivery challenges. It will develop managers capable of maximising their potential and rapidly improving care outcomes.

Delivered through a blend of online and face-to-face learning, the programme supports apprentices to apply what they have learned in their workplace and aligns with the objectives of the NHS People Plan. Projects are agreed with employers to include live, real-world health and care scenarios.

Graduates will be recognised as a Chartered Manager by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

We have intakes starting throughout the academic year. These are delivered nationally for employers and apprentices in the following locations:

  • Birmingham
  • Cambridge
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Newcastle
  • Leeds

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 apprenticeships-employer@mmu.ac.uk.

  • Programme content

    The Chartered Manager Health and Social Care Degree Apprenticeship 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 units cover the role of strategic leadership and operational thinking in health and social care. Later units 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
    • Developing Self and Others
    • Strategic and Operational Thinking in Health and Social Care
    • Managing Change and Innovation in Health and Social Care
    • Project Development
    Year two
    • Mary Seacole Programme (Accreditation of prior learning available for applicants who already have this)
    • Synoptic Portfolio and Work-based Project
  • Programme length and approach

    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.

    Each year there will be around 16 days of classroom study. These are organised differently depending on location. This will include lectures, workshops, seminars and personal tutoring. Apprentices on programmes outside of Manchester will be taught in their local area.

    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. 

  • Qualifications awarded

    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.

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

  • Entry requirements

    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.

    EntryQualificationsExperience
    Route 1: Direct

    A first degree (not in a management discipline) or Level 5 qualifications such as DipHE, ILM or CMI L5 in Leadership and Management, HND and Mary Seacole Award.​

    2+ years managerial experience
    Route 2: With 800-word entry assessment 

    Level 4 qualifications, e.g. HNC, Cert HE, ILM/CMI award Leadership and Management Level 4 and Edward Jenner Award.​

    2+ years managerial experience
    Route 3: With 800-word entry assessment 

    Applicants with qualifications that do not meet the above criteria.

    5+ years managerial experience

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

    A list of acceptable equivalent Level 2 qualifications in English and maths 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.

    They must also have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    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 apprenticeships-employer@mmu.ac.uk

    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.

This degree apprenticeship has proved to be exactly what I needed and helped me to transition into a new leadership and management role.
Sarah Power
Chartered Manager Health and Social Care degree apprentice, Bridgewater NHS Community Trust
This degree apprenticeship has proved to be exactly what I needed and helped me to transition into a new leadership and management role.
Sarah Power
Chartered Manager Health and Social Care degree apprentice, Bridgewater NHS Community Trust

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