Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship

The Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship is for professionals who want to acquire high-level project management knowledge, capabilities and skills (both human and technical) that enable them to work within or lead a project team. The programme will prepare its participants to take on and strategically, and financially, manage small- or large-scale projects, lead cross-functional teams and deliver projects that meet their targets. By the end of the degree, participants will be adept at understanding the needs of customers and developing strong stakeholder relationships whilst demonstrating strong, ethical practice.

Who is this apprenticeship for?

This Level 6 degree apprenticeship will provide the practical and theoretical training for developing project managers 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 should be in a role where they are responsible for overseeing projects in their organisation or for clients.

Course outline

Stage 1

The first stage of the apprenticeship is taught at Level 4 over 12 months and includes:

• Financial Management
• Marketing
• Strategic Management
• Principles of Project Management.

Stage two

The second stage is taught at Level 5 over 12 months and includes:

• Operations Management
• Leadership and Change Management
• Excellence in Business Project Management

Stage 3

The final stage of the degree apprenticeship is
taught at Level 6 over 12 months and includes:

• Advanced Project Management
• Governance and Quality Assurance
• Project Proposal
• Final Project including End Point Assessment.

Start date September, January and April 

To be considered for this programme, Aston University expects that applicants will have/are predicted to achieve three A Levels at CCC or above, or equivalent BTECs.* Other qualifications may be considered on a case by case basis.

Apprentices must also meet the following criteria set by the government:

• Be employed in a job in England with responsibilities aligned with the apprenticeship.
• Have a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including Mathematics and English.
• Be a UK/EU/EAA resident for at least three years prior to starting the course.
• Have left full-time education when the apprenticeship starts.
• Be at least 16 years old.

*Please note:

Employers may specify their own entry criteria that can exceed this. 
Candidates who do not have three A Levels at CCC may be considered on a case by case basis with aptitude and experience taken into consideration.
Qualifications

By successfully completing this programme you will be awarded a BSc in Project Management Professional, as well as an apprenticeship certificate.

How to apply

If you are already employed in this industry, you should discuss with your manager if your organisation is working in partnership with Aston University. If they are, you will make an application through your employer.

If your employer is not yet an Aston partner, they can get in touch with our Apprenticeships Team to find out more information about working with us.

Learning and teaching

This programme is taught through blended distance learning. Formal teaching takes place using our virtual learning environment, Blackboard, where apprentices will take part in bi-monthly webinars. This platform allows apprentices to access a comprehensive range of study materials, academic journals, e-journals, databases and much more. Online learning gives apprentices the flexibility to study from any location without the need to frequently travel to the Aston University campus.

In addition to online learning, all apprentices are supported by an academic and professional supervisor. The supervisors will meet with apprentices on a monthly basis either in person or online to provide advice and help bridge the gap between theory and practice.

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

Apprentices 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.
 
The portfolio 

Throughout the programme, apprentices will complete a 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. The apprentice will then 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.

You will not have to pay tuition fees as a degree apprenticeships, 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 £22,000. 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.

I am a student

You will need to be in employment to start this degree apprenticeship. If you’ve not started your career yet, the best way to join us is to apply for a suitable degree apprenticeship vacancy with one of our partner employers. Find out more about the application process: aston.ac.uk/da-apply

I have started my career

Applications should be made through your employer who will need to be in partnership with Aston University. You should check this with your line manager who can get in touch with our Apprenticeship Team by emailing apprenticeships@aston.ac.uk to find out more about working with us.

I am an employer

Our team of degree apprenticeship experts are on hand to advise you on your options and answer your questions. Whether you are interested in training existing staff or hiring new talent, our team can support you through the process.

Or get in touch with the Apprenticeship Team to ask a question or register an interest in the programme.

apprenticeships@aston.ac.uk
+44 (0)121 204 4397

Learn more about this programme or our other Level 6 business degree apprenticeship programmes by watching this webinar, hosted by the Programme Directors.