PG Dip Senior Leader Apprenticeship—Leadership and Management Practice

About this course

LJMU's Leadership and Management programme supports career progression for managers or those with ambitions to take up a management role.

Application Deadline for September 2025: 14th June, 2025

Please note: Government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships will cease from January 2026. We will continue to accept applications for Level 7 apprenticeship programmes starting in September 2025.

However, no applications will be accepted for any Level 7 programmes starting in 2026, even if they currently appear in our programme calendar. For further information, please refer to the official guidance on the Government’s apprenticeship webpages.

Course modules

Core modules

• Individual Development and Reflection (10 credits) This module is an integrated and holistic part of the first year of the programme and seeks to facilitate personal and professional growth and act as catalyst for reflection on learning from other first year modules and the wider aspects of the programme.
• Applied Business Research (10 credits) The module will provide learners with an understanding of how to design and produce applied business research scholarly-practitioner projects. Learners will be provided with the knowledge and tools to be able to effectively design organisational/business/management research projects that apply to their own organisations or organisations which they are familiar with - learners will have a better awareness of how to become 'scholarly practitioners'.
• Leadership and Leader Development (20 credits) By applying theory to your practice, this module will aim to equip you with the knowledge and understanding of the complex dynamics of leadership to help you in your own development and that of leading teams effectively.
• Behaviour in Organisations (10 credits) You will explore how organisations behave, critically evaluate theoretical perspectives and consider how to enhance performance within your own settings. You will look at real life case studies in addition to considering theories and models. You will critically reflect on your own organisation and consider how you can blend theory and practice in order to benefit your setting.
• Leading the Business (20 credits) You will gain knowledge of how key business functions support organisational effectiveness. You will learn about marketing, operations and finance and will develop an understanding of how they inter-relate to support leadership and management decision-making.
• Strategy and Change (20 credits) This module introduces you to theories of strategy formulation, implementation and change. The module will equip students to practically apply external and internal analysis, use methods, tools and models to identify needs for change, and initiate it within organisations to maintain competitive advantage.
• Leading Innovation (10 credits) Building on innovation theory and best practice, this module aims to develop your ability to think and act innovatively in a range of organisational contexts. You will evaluate opportunities to exploit digital technologies and consider strategies to support and promote innovative practices in your organisation.
• Integrated Leadership Strategies (10 credits) The aim of the module is to consolidate prior learning and integrate knowledge and skills acquired in other modules.
• Learning and Leadership (10 credits) After completion of this module you will be able to distinguish and design learning systems to improve the performance and capability of organisational situations. You will build on theories of learning, critical thinking, knowledge management and systems thinking.

Your Learning Experience

Teaching

• Study hours Apart from the consultancy project, each taught module will consist of three full day face to face sessions per 10 credits. For example, Leadership and Leader Development (20 credits) will be taught across six days. In addition to the taught elements, students will spend time preparing for the session and will also engage in follow up activities.
• Teaching methods Each module comprises of a number of workshops relating to the credit tariff. This programme uses a flipped learning approach; students will be sent resources via our virtual learning environment (VLE) in advance of the session in order to be able to discuss key themes and concepts alongside their peers.

Assessment

• How learning is monitored on your programme To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme.
• Assessment approaches The assessment approaches vary from module to module. All assessments incorporate a blend of theory and practice. Assessments may comprise of individual presentations, group presentations, academic reports, critical evaluations of literature, project reports, simulations and portfolios.

Career paths

• Further your career prospects LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.
• Career benefits On graduation you can expect to see a marked improvement in day-to-day performance, confidence, decision-making and idea generation as you start to apply your learning to the workplace. This will all contribute towards wider business improvement.
• Networking opportunities Another benefit of studying for your MSc or PgCert at the Liverpool Business School is the network it enables you to join. This enables alumni and staff to continue building meaningful, long-term relationships beyond the classroom.

Tuition fees and funding

• Fees The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.
• Financial Support There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.
• Additional Costs In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
  • Accommodation
  • Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
  • Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Entry requirements

• Qualification requirements
  • a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent
  • a professional qualification recognised as equivalent to the above
• GCSEs and equivalents Prior to starting any of our Degree Apprenticeships, applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
  • Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
  • NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
  • Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
  • Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
  • Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/ English
  • Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
  • Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
  • Welsh GCSE Maths Numeracy
• Extra Requirements The course team has a strong commitment to widening participation and positively welcomes non-standard applicants. Candidates with some management experience or are about to enter a managerial role and have a demonstrated aptitude for study can be accepted without previous experience of higher education. Admission will normally be by interview, after formal application in order to assess their aptitude for study.
• RPL Credits may be awarded for learning already undertaken in the University or elsewhere for which you have received qualifications or certificates. You may also submit a claim for recognition of unaccredited prior learning (RP(E)L). This may be for work you have accomplished in a professional, paid or voluntary capacity. This has to be submitted via an RPL form with supporting evidence. You will also be liable to pay an administration fee and charge per credit.
• International requirements
  • IELTS: Where English is not the candidate's first language, or their first degree was not taught and assessed wholly in English an IELTS score of 6.5 must be achieved, with no individual score of less than 5.5.

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Overview:

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a public university located in Liverpool, England. It is a large and diverse institution with a strong focus on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

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Services Offered:

LJMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available for students.

Student Support:

The university provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and mental health resources.

Library:

LJMU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

Student Futures:

This service helps students with career planning, job searching, and employability skills development.

International Student Support:

Dedicated support is available for international students, including visa guidance and cultural adjustment programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

LJMU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:

Sports, Societies, and Lifestyle:

Students can participate in a wide range of sports clubs, societies, and social events.

Campus:

The university has multiple campuses located in Liverpool, providing a diverse and stimulating environment.

Go Abroad:

LJMU offers opportunities for students to study abroad and gain international experience.

Volunteering:

Students can engage in volunteering activities and contribute to the local community.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

LJMU is known for its high-quality teaching and research.

Diverse Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Location:

Liverpool is a vibrant and culturally rich city, providing students with a stimulating and enjoyable living experience.

Student Support:

LJMU provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success.

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Academic Programs:

LJMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including business, law, health sciences, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees, PhD programs, and other postgraduate qualifications.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Programs that combine work experience with academic study.

Continuing Professional Development:

Short courses and programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.