Students preparing for their graduation ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral

Chartered Manager - Degree Apprenticeship - BSc (Hons)

This is an archived page and for reference purposes only

2018

This five-year degree programme* underpins the Chartered Manager degree apprenticeship standard.

Overview

The BSc (Hons) in Management has been developed with, and for employers and is delivered as a blended course. Most material is in the form of directed self-learning via the university’s e-learning platform, Moodle, on- and off-site academic support, and face to face block teaching throughout the length of apprenticeship. 

This programme can support individuals wanting to progress their career within SME and global organisations.

The University of Kent is at the forefront of providing higher and degree apprenticeships. We are one of the few universities to provide a management-aligned degree programme for the Chartered Manager degree apprenticeship standard. Our expertise in e-learning delivery, together with flexible entry points, means that the programme can be delivered with the least disruption to the business.  

This programme can follow on from the Junior Management Consultant Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) and the Operations / Departmental Manager Higher Apprenticeship (Level 5).

About the Centre for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

The University of Kent has delivered higher apprenticeships since 2011, working with industry-leading employers including GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novartis and Unilever.

Kent launched the Centre for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships in 2016 to build on this experience. The Centre works in partnership with regional and national employers to develop apprenticeships tailored to their needs. The Centre also has an important role to play within the University, supporting academic schools on all aspects of delivering apprenticeship training. 

We help to devise a tailored programme of study that complements activity in your workplace, underpinned by our leading academic programmes. 

About Kent Business School

Kent Business School (KBS) is proud of its strong research environment. Following the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, business and management at Kent was ranked 25th in the UK for research intensity by the Times Higher Education. An impressive 98% of our research was judged to be of international quality, placing us in the top quartile of the UK’s business schools. We provide a friendly, student-focused environment, which helps you to make the most of your studies.

Independent rankings

Business and Management Studies at Kent was ranked 20th in The Complete University Guide 2018. In the National Student Survey 2016, Management Studies at Kent was 9th for overall satisfaction.

Management Studies students who graduated from Kent in 2015 were the most successful in the UK at finding work or further study opportunities (DLHE).

Teaching Excellence Framework

Based on the evidence available, the TEF Panel judged that the University of Kent delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. It is of the highest quality found in the UK.

Please see the University of Kent's Statement of Findings for more information.

TEF Gold logo

Course structure

This five-year part-time programme comprises 360 credits and the award of a BSc (Hons) Management Degree upon successful completion of the course.

Stage 1:

Core modules

  • CB311 Business Skills and Employability (15 credits at Level 4)
  • CB343 Global Business Environment (15 credits at Level 4)
  • EC313 Micro-Economics for Business (15 credits at Level 4)
  • CB364 Business Analysis Tool (15 credits at Level 4)
  • CB312 Introduction to Management (15 credits at Level 4)
  • CB313 Introduction to Statistics for Business (15 credits at Level 4)
  • CB369 Financial Accounting, Reporting and Analysis (15 credits at Level 4)
  • CB370 Introduction to Marketing (15 credits at Level 4)

Stage 2:

Core modules

  • CB612 New Enterprise Development (15 credits at Level 5)
  • CBxxx Human Resource Management (15 credits at Level 5)
  • CB744 Innovation, Creativity and Organisations (15 credits at Level 5)
  • CB676 Strategy Analysis and Tools (15 credits at Level 5)
  • CB750 Project Management (15 credits at Level 5)
  • CB756 Digital Information Systems: a Management Perspective (15 credits at Level 5)
  • CB757 Research and Consultancy Methods (15 credits at Level 5)
  • CB514 Operations Management (15 credits at Level 6)

Stage 3:

Core modules:

  • CB733 Business Ethics and Sustainability Management (15 credits at Level 5)
  • CB679 Corporate and Business Strategy (CB676 pre-requisite) (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CBxxx Employee Performance Management (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CBxxx Leadership and Management Development (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CB613 Entrepreneurship (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CB678 Contemporary Management Challenges (15 credits at Level 6)

Optional modules – learners must select equivalent to 30 credits from the following:

  • CB587 Digital Marketing Strategy (CB370 pre-requisite) (15 credits at Level 5)
  • CB755 Business/Consultancy Project (30 credits at Level 6)
  • CB605 European Business (30 credits at Level 6)
  • CB739 International Business I (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CB546 Marketing Communications (CB370 pre-requisite) (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CB751 Psychology of the Contemporary Workplace (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CBxxx Management Problem (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CB545 Marketing Research (CB370 pre-requisite) (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CB520 Service Management (CB514 pre-requisite) (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CB602 Digital Marketing Applications (CB370 pre-requisite) (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CB658 Diversity in Organisations (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CB688 Decision Analysis (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CB749 International Business II (CB739 pre-requisite) (15 credits at Level 6)
  • CB753 International and Comparative HRM (15 credits at Level 6)

Teaching and assessment

Acquisition of outcomes is achieved primarily through use of e-learning materials via the university's e-learning platform Moodle. Theoretical content in the form of storyboards; video; links to related reading; and activities with feedback provided. The emphasis of the programme is to link the knowledge and learning to work-based learning and employment wherever possible.

This includes practical skills but also broader skills including: numeracy; IT and communication. Practical experience in the workplace is essential to develop and enhance these skills. Blocks of face to face teaching are used to provide more "hands-on" techniques/skills that are not available at work or locally.

A number of methods are used for both formative and summative assessment including: practical tests or assessment at the University or in the workplace; reports or other documents; computer-based assignments; oral plus written presentations and project plans.

Formative assessment includes: progress tests; reports; short essays; and presentations.  Progress and attainment of learning outcomes are determined by a variety of summative assessments including: unseen written examinations (three times a year in the workplace), some as Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ’s); essays; written exams; and presentations.

Programme aims

The programme is more ambitious in scope than a traditional business programme, aiming to develop a new kind of business professional for the 21st century, as mindful of their social responsibilities to the community as well as to the needs of their investors, shareholders or employers. In the digital age of pervasive social media, this is a commercial as well as an ethical imperative, and one with which students on the programme will be fully acquainted.

The aim of the course is to produce learners who understand the role and interrelationship between strategic management, human resource management and operations management, including performance management, quality management, supply chain management and logistics in the delivery of goods and services and who can effectively pursue operational line management positions in a range of diverse organisations. 

Learners will have an appreciation of the global challenges facing managers from both an operational and a strategic perspective and will be sensitive to the need for mainstreaming of business ethics and corporate social responsibility into management policy and practice. They develop their leadership skills in relation to decision making, problem solving, team working, negotiation, employee performance management and are also be sensitive to issues relating to cultural/inter-cultural diversity and equality.

The programme syllabus is guided by the QAA’s Business and Management Subject Benchmark Statement (Feb 2015) as well as the Leadership and Management Standards (2015) endorsed by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

  • The impact of external factors on key strategic decisions relating to the performance and competitiveness of business operations in a global and local context.
  • Key theories and research on effective leadership and management development, including cross-cultural challenges of managing in an international context.
  • The main theories, frameworks and practices relating to employee performance management.
  • A range of theories, models, frameworks and research directed at improving operational performance in relation to customer satisfaction, supply chain management, sustainability and business excellence.
  • Approaches to fostering innovative, enterprising and creative business solutions in organisations and the digital age.
  • Research and consultancy methodologies appropriate to the analysis and evaluation of business management problems.

Intellectual skills

  • Evaluate the importance of subject specific facts, theories, paradigms, principles and concepts in relation to their ability to explain and solve problems.
  • Assess and critically evaluate evidence with detailed reference to methodology and the source of data.
  • Critically analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the analytical techniques employed in empirical data.
  • Analyse and synthesise information and then present a structured and evidential reinterpretation of the information which can be used to give an insight into issues relevant to a business and management context.
  • Have the capacity to develop a reasoned and well-structured argument that challenges underlying assumptions.
  • Reflect critically upon own learning and continuing professional development.

Subject-specific skills

  • Manage people effectively demonstrating team building and leadership skills as well as sensitivity to inter-cultural issues.
  • Demonstrate competence in analysis and interpretation of business performance data.
  • Use information technology to record and communicate business data in a logical and accurate manner.
  • Select and apply a range of appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods to investigate business problems.
  • Employ a range of techniques associating with managing and improving organisational performance in the digital age. 

Transferable skills

  • Work and learn independently, exercising initiative, self-discipline and responsibility for personal development.
  • Plan and execute a sustained piece of independent work to a set time frame.
  • Take a creative, innovative and adaptable approach to change.
  • Demonstrate professional interpersonal communications and networking skills.
  • Work effectively in teams, demonstrating leadership skills.
  • Exercise ethical risk-taking and decision making.

Careers

 A Chartered Manager is someone who can take responsibility for people, projects, operations and/or services to deliver long term organisational success, with the professional recognition of their ability to deliver impact, behave ethically and demonstrate their commitment to continual learning and development.

Occupation /Profile: Professional managers in the private, public or third sector and all sizes of organisation. Specific job roles may include: Manager; Senior Manager; Head of Department; Operations Manager; or anyone with significant management responsibilities.

  • Professional managers capable of managing complexity and delivering impact at a strategic and/or operational level with management and leadership responsibility for setting and delivering organisational objectives through a wide range of functions. 
  • Professional managers who want to develop fully all aspects of their management and leadership skills, knowledge, self-awareness and behaviours. These include strategic decision making, setting direction and achieving results, building and leading teams, clear communication, developing skills and motivating others, fostering inclusive and ethical cultures, leading change, project management, financial management, innovation, risk management, & developing stakeholder relationships. 

Professional recognition

Successful apprentices will become chartered Members of the Chartered Management Institute (CMgr MCMI).

Entry requirements

Apprenticeships are also offered to up-skill the existing workforce, therefore if you are an applicant without the traditional qualifications listed below; and have prior learning and skills developed from your workplace, please contact the university and we will consider applicants on a case by case basis.  

This programme can follow on from the Junior Management Consultant and Operations Departmental Manager Higher Apprenticeship programmes. 

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Exemptions will be considered in accordance to the University’s regulations. Applicants who do not meet the degree/professional qualification requirement may be admitted subject to interview. A substantial period of business experience (>5 years) is required to compensate for lack of qualifications.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible to apply.

Home/EU students

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Typical requirements are listed below. Students offering alternative qualifications should contact us for further advice. 

It is not possible to offer places to all students who meet this typical offer/minimum requirement.

Qualification Typical offer/minimum requirement
A level

ABB at A-Level, IB 34 points (16 at Higher)

GCSE

GCSE Mathematics and GCSE English grade C or above.

New GCSE grades

If you’ve taken exams under the new GCSE grading system, please see our conversion table to convert your GCSE grades.

Access to HE Diploma

The University will not necessarily make conditional offers to all Access candidates but will continue to assess them on an individual basis. 

If we make you an offer, you will need to obtain/pass the overall Access to Higher Education Diploma and may also be required to obtain a proportion of the total level 3 credits and/or credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above.

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (formerly BTEC National Diploma)

The University will consider applicants holding BTEC National Diploma and Extended National Diploma Qualifications (QCF; NQF; OCR) on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further advice on your individual circumstances.

International Baccalaureate

34 points overall or 16 points at HL including Mathematics 4 at HL or SL

International students

To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you have to have the right to work in England. 

English Language Requirements

Please see our English language entry requirements web page.

Please note that if you are required to meet an English language condition, we offer a number of 'pre-sessional' courses in English for Academic Purposes. You attend these courses before starting your degree programme. 

General entry requirements

Please also see our general entry requirements.

Fees

The 2018/19 annual tuition fees for this programme are:

UK/EU Overseas
Part-time

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

For students continuing on this programme, fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.* 

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

Additional costs

Please refer to the Apprenticeship funding: rules and guidance for employers for information on what costs can and cannot be included within the apprenticeship cost.

Please note that attendance for block teaching sessions held over the length of the apprenticeship by Kent Business School will not be covered by the cost of the apprenticeship, and will come at an additional cost. 

General additional costs

Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Funding

The maximum amount of funding the government will contribute towards this apprenticeship is a funding cap of £27,000, including the end point assessment. As each apprenticeship is tailored to the needs of the employer, please contact with Centre for Higher & Degree Apprenticeship for full costings.

The university is working with levy and non-levy employers to provide apprenticeships and welcome inquiries from interested organisations.