Through study of a Postgraduate Diploma and work place application, apprentices will gain a broad knowledge of management and leadership topics, covering areas such as strategy, financial management, human resource management and leadership, all viewed from the perspective of strategic management of the supply chain and explored in the company of fellow supply chain professionals. With the option to progress from the Postgraduate Diploma to an MSc in Supply Chain Leadership & Management, learners will be able to further specialise their learning and add value to their organisations through in-depth exploration of a business issue or opportunity.
Supply Chain Leadership & Management Degree Apprenticeship
This postgraduate apprenticeship offers in-depth personal and professional development programme, transforming you into a confident and informed supply chain leader.
Course overview
Facilities
At Aston University, apprentices enjoy full access to all the facilities available to regular students. This inclusive approach ensures that apprentices can take advantage of the university's library, labs, study spaces, cafes and more. By providing equal access to these facilities, Aston University supports apprentices in their educational journey, enabling them to thrive in both academic and practical aspects of their chosen fields.
Course objectives
- Enable emerging supply chain leaders to build on their previous specialist skills, experiences, and training to develop their leadership skills and ability to work both collaboratively and independently to meet organisational objectives.
- Enable supply chain managers to develop their knowledge of the business environment, key business functions and processes and their ability to apply knowledge, together with their previous experience, to complex organisational issues.
- Develop the ability to manage projects, to make financial, strategic and operational decisions under conditions of risk and to contribute to the organisation’s performance at board level.
- Develop the intellectual and professional skills (including analytical, critical thinking, problem solving, research and communication skills) required to perform as a senior supply chain leader.
- Develop students’ ability to reflect on their own performance and behaviours to enable proactive identification of professional development opportunities.
Modules and learning outcomes
Entry requirements
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.
Indicative entry requirements are given below, but please note that each employer may set their own criteria.
To be considered for this programme, Aston University expects that applications will have at least five years in a management position plus one of the following:
A UK honours degree, or an equivalent overseas degree recognised by Aston University, or a degree-level professional qualification. Candidates without one of the above but with extensive management experience and clear evidence of career progression will be considered on a case by case basis.
Apprentices must also meet the following criteria:
- Be employed in a job in England with responsibilities aligned with the degree content.
- Have a minimum of Grade C/4 in GCSE Mathematics and English (or Level 2 equivalent) by the end of the programme.
- Be a UK/EU/EAA resident for at least three years prior to starting the course.
- To progress onto an MSc, applications must complete all 120 credits of the apprenticeship programme.
Course fees
The cost of the apprenticeship is £14,000 covered by the apprenticeship levy. The progression to an MSc costs £4,000 and is not covered by the apprenticeship levy. This can be self-funded, funded by the employer, or co-funded.
Assessment
Learners will be assessed through applied assignments. While there are no traditional examinations, candidates will be assessed through work-based projects that give them the opportunity to implement their learning and make a positive impact in their organisation. In the final year, apprentices will complete a Strategic Business Proposal, requiring them to apply all the theory and skills gained throughout the apprenticeship.
The portfolio
Throughout the programme apprentices will curate a personal and professional development portfolio. The purpose of the portfolio is to showcase the skills, knowledge and behaviours develop through the programme and how the apprentice has applied them to their role in the organisation.
Every apprentice is allocated a skills coach who will support their learning and skills development and provide advice and guidance on the development of the portfolio.
The end point assessment
The final stage of the apprenticeship is the end point assessment. The apprentice will meet with an independent assessor from the CMI to discuss their Strategic Business Proposal and the impact it had on their organisation. They will also review their development journey and how their portfolio has documented it. Finally there will be a short interview allowing the candidate time to share how the programme has helped them to grow and develop. After the interview, based both on the apprentice’s performance and portfolio, the assessors will award the apprentice either a fail, pass, merit or distinction for the apprenticeship.
Progression to an MSc
This programme enables candidates who have completed the apprenticeship to progress to an MSc inSupply Chain Leadership & Management. Apprentices can apply to progress to this pathway during the apprenticeship and will automatically be accepted as long as they complete the apprenticeship stage. MSc students will be allocated a research supervisor to support their learning.
The MSc programme features an in-depth project, typically completed over a 12 month period, which focuses on a current business challenge or opportunity within the field of supply chain.
Career prospects
The Supply Chain Leadership and Management Apprenticeship is for supply chain specialists or managers with a desire to further their knowledge and skill base, develop their careers and to progress to senior leadership positions.