


The programme is taught with an emphasis on experiential learning that relates directly to the role


Course outline and modules
About the course
The Business to Business Sales Professional Degree Apprenticeship will create confident sales professionals that can deliver value to their customers and organisation. A B2B Sales Professional is responsible for delivering value to business customers. It is a multi-facteted role which includes leading on long term, complex propositions, and requires them to be insightful, commercially astute, and influential
Apprentices will benefit from teaching covering communications, change management and innovation that supports their practical experience learning on the job. The programme focuses on empowering apprentices to have a creative approach to problem solving and delivering clear and credible sales pitches that get results.
Qualifications
By completing this programme you will be awarded with:
- BSc in Business to Business Sales Professional
- Certificate from the Association of Professional Sales
- Apprenticeship certificate
Who is this apprenticeship for?
This Level 6 degree apprenticeship will provide the practical and theoretical training for aspiring business to business sales experts who want to gain new skills and a formal degree qualification. This includes those early in their career and school leavers applying for degree apprenticeship roles. Apprentices can work for organisations of all sizes that bring value to customers across a broad spectrum of industry and includes corporate, public sector, SMEs and not-for-profit organisations. Typical job descriptions for apprentices on this programme include: account management, sales specialist, new business development and channel sales.
Course outline
The apprenticeship is taught at undergraduate level over three years, covering the essentials of business to business sales. Successful completion of the three years of study will lead to the award of a full Level 6 Degree, provided the apprenticeship is also completed in all parts.
- Stage one
The first stage of the apprenticeship is taught at Level 4 over 12 months and includes:
- Financial Management
- Marketing
- Strategic Management
- Principles of Sales and Selling.
- Stage two
The second stage is taught at Level 5 over 12 months and includes:
- Marketing Communications
- Services and Events Marketing
- Excellence in Business Project Management
- The Business Sales Professional.
- Stage three
The final stage of the degree apprenticeship is taught at Level 6 over 12 months and includes:
- Big Data and Analytics
- Driving Innovation
- Negotiation and Pitching Skills
- Project Proposal
- Final Project.
Entry requirements
Start date September, January and April
You will need to apply for a degree apprenticeship role or already be employed in a job in England with responsibilities aligned with the degree content. Please see the how to apply section below for more information.
Entry requirements are set by the hiring business and not Aston University so they vary between organisations. Apprentices are selected based on their applications, an interview and an assessment process which is tailored to your apprenticeship position.
You will need:
- Three A Levels (or equivalent)
- At least Grade 4 or C GCSE Maths and English.
You will also need to meet the government's eligibility criteria:
- Have been a UK/EU/EAA resident for the past three years or more prior to starting this course
- Have left full time education when the apprenticeship you are applying for is due to start
- Be aged at least 16 years old to meet government funding criteria.
Learning, teaching and assessment
Learning and teaching
The course is delivered through blended learning. Most teaching is delivered through our virtual learning environment, Blackboard. This platform allows apprentices access to a comprehensive range of study materials, recorded lectures, online tutorials, e-journals and much more. Online teaching gives apprentices the flexibility to study from any location without the need to frequently travel to the Aston University campus.
Apprentices will also attend a two day session on campus once per term in the middle of each module where they will network with other apprentices, have one-to-one sessions with their apprenticeship coach and learn from their subject specialists.
Assessment
Learners will be assessed through two applied assignments per module that relate directly to their role in the organisation, adding immediate value for both the apprentice and their employer. While there are no traditional examinations, assessments will give apprentices the opportunity to demonstrate how they have implemented their learning and had a positive impact in their organisation.
In the final year, apprentices will complete a large work-based project requiring them to apply all of the theory and skills gained throughout the apprenticeship. For example, this could take the form of a customer case study, a project to create a customer proposal or a strategic plan for a new customer.
The portfolio
Throughout the programme, apprentices will complete a weekly learning journal that will create a portfolio showcasing the application of skills, knowledge and behaviours learned through the programme in their day-to-day role.
Apprentices are supported by a dedicated degree apprenticeship skills coach to support their learning and skills development. They help apprentices translate their theoretical learning into practical application in the workplace.
The end point assessment
The apprenticeship concludes with the end point assessment (EPA). The EPA gives the apprentices the opportunity to showcase their academic, personal and professional development achievements throughout the apprenticeship.
The apprentice will present their work-based project to an interview panel explaining what was delivered, how they have implemented the skills, knowledge and behaviours gained through the apprenticeship and the impact their work has had for the organisation. Next they will give a sales pitch to the panel based on a set task such as gain repeat business, promoting a new product line or a competitive tender. Finally, the apprentice will take part in a professional discussion to demonstrate their competencies and how they have applied their learning in the workplace. After the EPA, the assessors consider what grade should be awarded for the apprenticeship – fail, pass, merit or distinction.
Fees
You will not have to pay tuition fees as a degree apprentice as the costs are met by the UK government and your employer*. In addition to your fees being paid, you will also earn a salary while you study, so there is no need to apply for Student Finance.
The funding band for this degree apprenticeship is £21,000.
This is the full cost of your apprenticeship which will be paid for using your employer's apprenticeship levy.
*Employers may require students to pay the fees for resits.
Chat with Current Students
The information you provide will be used by Aston University to contact you about the University, courses you may be interested in and events you may wish to attend, for anything outside of this purpose we will obtain your consent. Your data is subject to Aston University’s privacy policy and cookie policy. For further information, please visit www.aston.ac.uk/dataprotection