Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship
The UCQ Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) combines our BA (Hons) Professional Management degree (validated by The Open University) with the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership. Students successfully completing the programme will also receive professional recognition as a Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI).
UCQ is approved by The Open University (OU) as an appropriate organisation to offer higher education programmes leading to Open University validated awards, and an HE partner of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
For existing managers or employees stepping up
The UCQ CMDA is ideal for new or experienced managers or for employees who aspire to move into their first strategic management role. The programme has been specifically developed, and is delivered, by our work-based academic specialists. They understand the realities of business because of their industry experience, gained working “at the coal face” of management; as a result, you can be confident that they will appreciate your needs, challenges and constraints, as well as those of your staff and will be able to deliver a programme to fully meet your organisational and staff needs.
Directly benefits the employer organisation
The UCQ CMDA programme is delivered and assessed using a range of methods and activities using a hybrid model which includes live Teams webinar, academic assignments, projects, case studies, reports, portfolio building, presentations, self- directed study, interactive group work activities and an annual learning fair. The majority of activities focus on the the students’ job role and employer business and are of direct and immediate benefit to the organisation.
The UCQ CMDA at a glance
Awards: UCQ BA (Hons) Professional Management degree (validated by The Open University), CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership, Chartered Manager status (CMgr MCMI) and Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship certificate of completion
Duration: 36 months for the degree +up to 4 months for end point assessment (based on employment of at least 30 hours per week).
Starts: Open multi-employer cohorts in January-February, May-June and September-October, closed single employer cohorts can take place at a date agreed between UCQ and the employer.
Suitable for: Current, new and aspiring strategic managers
Entry requirements: Refer to AD-001 and AD-002 Admissions Policy for full eligibility requirements
“Off the job” element: Live lectures (via Teams) once a month plus activities including research, assignments, reflection, portfolio development, one to ones etc
Support for students: UCQ mentor for duration of the programme, contact with lecturers via video call or phone
Support for employers: UCQ account manager for duration of programme with practical experience of business management and leadership
Eligibility: Individuals holding existing degrees may join, providing they are not business and management degrees. Please refer to AD-001 and AD-002 Admissions Policy for full eligibility requirements
Assessment: There are no exams, successful completion of the UCQ CMDA is entirely based upon the following assessments:
- Knowledge – academic assignments
- Skills and Behaviours – Self reflection, peer and line manager review, assessor observations, work product evidence
- End-point assessment
Key Links
UCQ L6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) – Programme Guide V.1.2022
BA (Hons) Professional Management – Programme Specification
Regulations for Validated Awards of The Open University
The Open University
UCQ is a validated partner institution of The Open University (OU). Under the current system in the UK, an education provider without degree-awarding powers that wants to offer higher education programmes must have a validation agreement with a degree-awarding body. Validation is the process where a degree-awarding body judges a module or programme developed and delivered by another organisation and approves it as being of an appropriate standard and quality to lead to one of its awards. The OU have judged UCQ’s BA (Hons) Professional Management as being the same standard as other UK awards of the same level and can offer the same opportunities and postgraduate study.
If you have any questions you would like to ask about the CMDA you can contact UCQ Director of Executive Education, Stuart Cameron, by…
- Emailing stuart.cameron@ucq.ac.uk
- Calling Stuart on 07483 157555
- Clicking the button below to schedule a call in Stuart’s online calendar
Course Information
Title: Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship – L6 (CMDA)
Duration: 3 years for the degree + up to 4 months for end point assessment
Degree: BA (Hons) Professional Management (validated by The Open University)
Professional Certification and Accreditation: CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership, Chartered Manager status (CMgr MCMI)
There are no opening or closing dates for applications as courses start throughout the year: Courses commence: September-October; January-February and May-June.
Our next induction dates are:
- 12 May 2023: London
- 21 June 2023: Leeds
Course start dates are:
- 19 May 2023: London
- 30 June 2023: Leeds
You must attend induction, in order to join the programme.
There will be further starts in September 2023 and October 2023, please contact us for more information
Location: Face-to-face induction, interactive hybrid learning and annual learning fair
Study format: x1 Monthly lecture, x2 monthly tutorials, x1 monthly professional observation, self directed learning
Course Modules
1. Module 1.1 Academic Writing and Study Skills
;The essential academic writing and study skills required of a higher education student.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Academic Writing and Study Skills by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Identify examples of primary and secondary research sources
- (2) Analyse and evaluate different secondary research sources
- (3) Apply Harvard referencing to assignments
- (4) Demonstrate the skills required of a higher education student
In order to achieve these learning outcomes, you will need to demonstrate your ability to carry out a range of research techniques using various methods. Your tutor is there to guide and support you throughout this module, offering advice and guidance where applicable.</p
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review.
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through an essay analysing and evaluating theories of workplace motivation using a range of prescribed sources. Students will also undertake a self-managed skills check on research sources, citing and referencing, and undertake a reflective review demonstrating practice as a reflective practitioner.
2. Module 1.2 Leadership
This module explores the leadership paradigm and how this impacts individual and organisational performance. Students will review the purpose and values of their organisation and their own leadership styles to support a high-performance work culture and developing others through coaching and mentoring.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Leadership; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Assess leadership styles that can be adopted in different situations
- (2) Evaluate an organisation’s approach to diversity management
- (3) Integrate own organisation’s values and working practices to support a high-performance inclusive work culture
- (4) Recommend coaching and mentoring techniques that can be used to improve individual performance
- (5) Demonstrate the ability to manage and chair meetings, clearly presenting any actions and outcomes
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review. Your tutor is there to guide and support you throughout this module, offering advice and guidance where applicable.
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through a written essay on understanding leadership styles and the impact on organisational performance. Students will also undertake a reflective review on demonstrating diversity management. A portfolio of evidence will start to be developed including an observation and peer feedback with action plan.
3. Module 1.3 Effective Communication
This module explores effective interpersonal and communication skills and gives students the opportunity to understand and develop effective written, verbal, non-verbal and digital communication within a business setting. Students will be empowered to develop skills in effective listening, influencing, negotiation and persuasion.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Effective Communication; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Evaluate methods and channels of communication that can be applied within different workplace situations
- (2) Analyse interpersonal and communication skills across a range of contemporary work related challenges
- (3) Apply influencing and persuasion skills to interactions across a range of work-related activities
In order to achieve these learning outcomes, you will need to demonstrate your knowledge and experience as a manager or leader and provide evidence of reflection. Your tutor is there to guide and support you throughout this module, offering advice and guidance where applicable.
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review.
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through a Teams group presentation on communication within the workplace. Students will also undertake two reflective reviews on: (1) the use of influencing skills; (2) the use of persuasion skills. You will also continue to build your portfolio evidence.
4. Module 1.4 Marketing
(1) on approaches to innovation in products and design within own organisation. Reflective review (2) on market segmentation within own organisation.This module explores marketing strategies and marketing planning within a working environment. It provides students the opportunity to understand and utilise marketing strategies and objectives to improve business performance within their own organisation.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Marketing; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Evaluate theories to inform marketing strategies within an organisation
- (2) Assess methods for setting objectives and monitoring the implementation of a marketing strategy
- (3) Analyse approaches to innovation in product and design within own organisation
- (4) Apply creative approaches to develop a range of solutions to meet customer and organisation needs
- (5) Critically analyse market segmentation in relation to own organisation
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review.
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through a formal presentation of a proposed marketing strategy. You will also undertake two reflective reviews on: (1) approaches to innovation in products and design within own organisation; (2) market segmentation within own organisation. You will also continue to build your portfolio evidence.
5. Module 1.5 Decision Making
This module explores decision making and problem solving models and theories to enable effective decisions to be made within a business setting. Students will analyse complex data to draw sensible conclusions and improve professional performance.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Decision Making; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- 1.5 (1) Evaluate problem solving and decision making models and techniques
- 1.5 (2) Assess complex data to draw conclusions
- 1.5 (3) Evaluate the values, governance and ethics within your own organisation relating to decision making
- 1.5 (4) Demonstrate ethical approaches to problem solving and decision making
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review.
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through a report evaluating different problem solving and decision making models. You will also undertake two reflective reviews on: (1) your own experience of decision making and the communication of these decisions; (2) how decisions made have related to own organisation’s values, governance and ethics. You will also continue to build your portfolio evidence, including peer feedback.
6. Module 1.6 Management in Practice: Developing Self and Others
This module explores the practical skills and competencies required as a leader and manager. Students will be given the opportunity to develop their management competencies through practical activities and reflection on performance.
Introduction
Welcome to this Management in Practice module; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- 1.6 (1) Assess your own learning, management and leadership styles and recommend areas for improvement
- 1.6 (2) Evaluate goal setting theories/models and time management techniques relevant to your own organisation
- 1.6 (3) Demonstrate the skills required of a higher education student
- 1.6 (4) Demonstrate management skills across a work related project
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through a literature review based on a contemporary management issue. You will also complete knowledge questions relating to goal setting and time management. You will also continue to build your portfolio evidence including PDP, performance review and digital CPD journal.
7. Module 2.1 Managing People
Reflective review demonstrating team building skills used to develop and motivate team members.This module gives students the opportunity to understand how to recruit, manage, develop, engage and retain people using various talent management approaches. The module will support students to understand how to manage team and individual performance.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Managing People; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Analyse talent management practice in organisations
- (2) Evaluate talent management practice in organisations
- (3) Demonstrate team building skills to develop and motivate team members
- (4) Demonstrate a range of management competencies to manage and monitor individual and team performance
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through a Teams presentation supported with notes on talent management. You will undertake a reflective review demonstrating team building skills used to develop and motivate team members, and continue to build your portfolio evidence.
8. Module 2.2 Finance for Managers
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Finance for Managers; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Evaluate financial management strategies and financial planning tools that can be used by organisations
- (2) Analyse organisation’s financial data to produce financial reports within a selected area of an organisation
- (3) Demonstrate effective management of budget and accounting activities
- (4) Assess procurement and contracting processes within the commercial context of own organisation
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review.
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through a report demonstrating your understanding of financial management strategies, financial management tools and analysis of financial data. You will also undertake a reflective review on how the procurement and contracting process is used within own organisation, and continue to build your portfolio evidence.
9. Module 2.3 New Technologies
This module will provide understanding of new technologies available to organisations and their impact on current and future business developments. Students will understand how knowledge management is critical to business survival and will generate ideas for improvements to products and services using innovative approaches.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on New Technologies; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Evaluate the impact of current and predicted future digital technologies on organisations
- (2) Assess innovation and enterprise within own organisation
- (3) Evaluate knowledge management culture within own organisation
- (4) Research creative and innovative improvements to existing products and services based on benchmarking techniques
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review.
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through creating an illustrated blog with data representation evaluating the extent to which own organisation demonstrates the use of current and predicted new technologies and meets the criteria for a learning organisation. You will undertake a reflective review on assessment of innovation and enterprise within your own organisation, and undertake reflective research on creative and innovative improvements to existing products and services, and continue to build your portfolio evidence.
10. Module 2.4 Digital Business
This module provides understanding of future and predicted trends relevant to digital business and their place within the changing business landscape. Students will understand the complexities of digital business, how it can be used for competitive advantage and how this links to organisational strategy.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Digital Business; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Critically evaluate digital technologies and strategies used in organisations
- (2) Analyse the links between digital business and organisational strategy
- (3) Research digital technologies improvements within own organisation
- (4) Create a digital business solution linked to organisational strategy based on identified improvements
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review.
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through a Teams presentation supported by an electronic academic poster with embedded multi-media on a digital business solution. You will also undertake a reflective review on recommended improvements based on digital business research, and continue to build your portfolio evidence.
11. Module 2.5 Stakeholder Relationship Development
This module will provide knowledge and skills to improve and develop relationships with key stakeholders, including those of different cultures, backgrounds and levels within their organisation. Students will learn about strategies for negotiation, influencing and managing conflict, and understand effective supplier engagement and management.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Stakeholder Relationship Development; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Evaluate the principles of stakeholder management, customer engagement and supplier engagement used in organisations
- 2) Assess the benefits and challenges of cross-functional working and identify areas for improvement
- (3) Demonstrate building rapport and trust through developing and maintaining networks and relationships with a range of people from diverse backgrounds
- (4) Demonstrate collaborative working with internal and external stakeholders using negotiation and conflict resolution techniques.
Learning strategy
You will evaluate the principles of stakeholder, customer, supplier engagement and management and assess the benefits of cross-functional working. Your tutor is there to guide and support you throughout this module, offering advice and guidance where applicable.
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through a report demonstrating understanding of the principles of stakeholder management and engagement and cross-functional working. You will also undertake a reflective review on the use of negotiation and conflict resolution techniques with stakeholders, and will continue to build your portfolio evidence.
12. Module 2.6 Management in Practice: Developing Self and Others
This module explores the practical skills and competencies required as a leader and manager. Students will be given the opportunity to develop their management competencies through practical activities and reflection on performance. Students will learn about emotional and social intelligence to improve their performance and be supported to develop commercial acumen and sound judgement competencies.
Introduction
Welcome to this Management in Practice: module; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Evaluate models of emotional and social intelligence
- (2) Assess factors that impact on own, team and organisational performance
- (3) Demonstrate commercial acumen and sound judgement based on new opportunities
- (4) Demonstrate positive impact on own and others performance, respecting the people with whom they work
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through a Literature Review based on models of emotional and social intelligence. You will also undertake a reflective review on factors that have impacted on own, team and organisational performance, and continue to build your portfolio evidence.
13. Module 3.1 Strategy and Change
This module will provide students the knowledge and skills to develop and implement an organisational strategy and manage change effectively within their organisations. Students will also be able to assess key principles of sustainability, workforce development, supply chain management and quality assurance within their own organisation.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Strategy and Change; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Evaluate models and theories of strategy formulation, change and risk management used by organisations
- (2) Assess key principles of sustainability, workforce development and supply chain management within own organisation
- (3) Assess quality assurance within own organisation using theoretical models and industry standards
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review.
Assessment guidance
This module will be assessed through a report evaluating models and theories of strategy and change. You will also prepare a reflective review on assessment of principles of sustainability, workforce development and supply chain management, and will continue to build your portfolio evidence.
14. Module 3.2 Project Management
This module will provide students the knowledge and skills required to manage a project through the planning, design, development and implementation stages. Students will be able to use and evaluate project management tools and apply risk management models to manage projects effectively within their organisation.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Project Management; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Evaluate project management tools and techniques that can be used to deliver successful projects
- (2) Assess risk management models that can be applied to a project
- (3) Demonstrate the use of a wide range of project management tools during the planning, design, development and implementation of a project
- (4) Design and lead a change programme within a specific area of own organisation
- (5) Demonstrate effective development, delivery and monitoring of an implementation plan, delivering successful outcomes
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflection.
Assessment Guidance
This module will be assessed through a report on a managed project and the process used to deliver successful project outcomes. You will also prepare a reflective review with supporting evidence on the development, delivery and monitoring of an implementation plan, and will continue to build your portflio evidence.
15. Module 3.3 Management in Practice: Developing Self and Others
This module explores the practical skills and competencies required as a leader and manager. Students will be given the opportunity to develop their management competencies through practical activities and reflection on performance. Students will learn about managing team well-being and using creative, innovative and enterprising competencies to improve performance.
Introduction
Welcome to this module on Management in Practice; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Review and monitor own and team’s personal well-being using a range of tools and techniques
- (2) Evaluate how own management practice is aligned to own organisation’s values
- (3) Critically assess own and team’s creative, innovative and enterprising competencies
- (4) Evaluate new ways of working, to address the current business challenges, using the latest management models
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review.
Assessment Guidance
This module will be assessed through a critical reflective review related to your own performance throughout the programme, demonstrating new ways of working and linked to contemporary management models. The review will be supported by a Personal Development Plan (PDP).
16. Module 3.4 Management Research Project
This module will provide students the opportunity to carry out a management research project to solve a business challenge. Students will use appropriate academic literature, work related information and primary data sources to present their findings and reflect critically on the journey undertaken.
Students will be able to utilise their project management skills from the Stage 3 Project Management module to effectively manage their research project.
Introduction
Welcome to the Management Research Project; by successfully completing this module, you will be able to:
- (1) Produce a viable project proposal on an agreed business challenge, to include a justified choice of research methods and consideration of ethical issues
- (2) Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise primary and secondary data, in order to generate solutions to complex problems
- (3) Present the research outcomes which link theory with praxis, and include developmental recommendations for organisation’s contemporary business challenge
- (4) Carry out timely, independent and effective research and communicate its findings in an appropriate format
- (5) Critically reflect on the management research project experience and identify areas for improvement in professional goals and aspirations
Learning strategy
The learning outcomes will be achieved through a combination of seminars, workshops, tutorials, self-directed study, professional practice and reflective review.
Assessment Guidance
This module will be assessed through an assignment demonstrating your understanding of current academic literature, work-related information and data sources; in order to complete this module, you will be required to provide the following:
- A two-part written assignment, comprising of a project proposal followed by a management research project academic report on resolving an agreed business problem or need
- A reflective review on the journey taken during the management research project
- Reflective review on the strengths and weaknesses of approaches taken to solve the business problem or need.