Systems Thinking and Leadership Practitioner Level 7 Apprenticeship

Program Overview

This part-time postgraduate degree apprenticeship, funded by an employer's apprenticeship levy, combines university study with on-the-job training to develop the skills and capabilities needed by middle to senior leaders and project managers to become effective Systems Practitioners capable of leading systemic change. Delivered through a blend of online and in-person sessions, the program is taught by academics and experienced systems thinking practitioners. Upon successful completion of the PgDip, learners have the opportunity to gain a MSc.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is designed to develop the skills, capabilities, and theoretical knowledge needed to support middle to senior leaders and project managers to become effective Systems Practitioners capable of leading systemic change.

Objectives:

• To gain knowledge and competency in the theory and practice of systems thinking.
• To develop leadership skills and capabilities.

Description:

• The program combines the extensive knowledge and experience of the Birmingham Leadership Institute with the expertise of a network of professional systems thinking practitioners and leaders.
• It is a postgraduate degree apprenticeship, funded by an employer's apprenticeship levy.
• The program combines university study with on-the-job training.
• Upon successful completion of the PgDip, learners have the opportunity to gain a MSc.

Outline:

Structure:

• The program is delivered part-time to suit both learner and employer needs.
• Delivery is through a blend of online and in-person sessions.

Course Schedule:

• The program lasts 30 months.

Modules:

• Module 1 - Systems Theory & Systems Leadership in context:
• Introduces foundational concepts, theories, and models.
• Explores the historical development of systems thinking and leadership practice.
• Develops personal and group reflective practices.
• Module 2 - Perspectives, boundaries and relationships, internal and external:
• Deepens understanding of methodologies such as Critical Systems Heuristics and System Dynamics.
• Explores ethics and power.
• Builds on reflective practices from Module 1.
• Supports personal development as a systems thinker and leader.
• Module 3 - Exploring and integrating perspectives in system design, theory and practice:
• Explores systems methodologies for diagnosis, design, and intervention.
• Focuses on Soft Systems Methodology (SSM).
• Investigates complementary theories such as the anticipatory view of systems and systemic intelligence.
• Develops facilitation skills and techniques.
• Module 3a - Systems Practice: Skills, Behaviours and Professional Development:
• Focuses on the knowledge and skills needed for Systems Practitioners.
• Is highly participative.
• Includes two summative assessments.
• Module 4 - Organisation, strategy, and dialogue:
• Introduces the Viable System Model (VSM) and complementary approaches.
• Explores theories of mind and perspective.
• Builds on knowledge and skills from previous modules.
• Develops leadership practices and techniques.
• Module 5 - Systemic Evaluation and deepening leadership practice:
• Develops capacities and knowledge of systems evaluation.
• Introduces how to design systemic evaluation approaches.
• Explores specific evaluation methodologies and methods.
• Encourages application of theory to practice.
• Continues to develop facilitation and leadership skills.
• Module 6 - Systems and leadership practitioner:
• Applies all learned knowledge to a Systemic Intervention project.
• Supports critical reflection on systems methodologies and methods.
• Encourages working effectively with multiple stakeholders.

Teaching:

• The program is delivered through a blend of online and in-person sessions.
• The program is taught by a combination of academics from the Birmingham Leadership Institute and experienced systems thinking practitioners.

Careers:

• This apprenticeship is ideal for middle to senior leaders and project managers to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to understand, design, and deliver systemic interventions.

Other:

• The program is part of the Birmingham Leadership Institute.
• Learners will gain insights from research, leadership and systems practitioners, and public debate.
• Learners will be part of a small cohort, giving them the opportunity to develop closer networks with experts, staff, and fellow participants.
• Learners will engage with alumni working across all sectors and the Birmingham Leadership Institute's inclusive network of Honorary Fellows who have extensive leadership experience in their sectors.

The Degree Apprenticeship will be paid for through your employer, there will be no costs incurred by you.