PG Dip Senior Leader Apprenticeship—Leadership and Management Practice

About this course

LJMU's Leadership and Management programme supports career progression for managers or those with ambitions to take up a management role.

Please note: Government funding for Level 7 apprenticeships will cease from January 2026. **No applications will be accepted for any Level 7 programmes starting in 2026, even if they currently appear in our programme calendar. For further information, please refer to the official guidance on the Government’s apprenticeship webpages.

Specialist routes in Leadership or Organisational development to focus on areas of interest

Designed with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) to meet employer training needs for leaders

Taught by academics who are respected experts, academics, consultants and business practitioners with strong business links

Offers an alternative leadership and management development programme to the MBA, focusing on practice rather than function

Ideal for strategic leaders or middle managers looking to improve results or advance in their career

Specialist options allow you to focus on areas of particular relevance to your role or organisation

Course content has a real world focus and is based on current practice

The programme is personalised to individuals and customised for businesses so that they can apply the necessary management practices to ensure that:

• students make an immediate impact in their job
• skills are practiced and knowledge applied
• time away from work is kept to a minimum with learning happening in the workplace

Liverpool Business School at Liverpool John Moores University is a member of AACSB International — The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide. Through membership, accreditation, research, thought leadership, professional development, and advocacy, AACSB partners with over 1,500 organizations, from more than 90 countries globally. Membership or participation in the Global Education Alliance does not imply accreditation.

Course modules

Discover the building blocks of your programme

In order to gain the PgCert, all core modules must be completed. If modules from one of the specialist pathways are completed along with the core modules the PgDip can be obtained. To gain the MSc, the business consultancy module must be completed along with the core modules and the chosen pathway modules.

We offer two sector specific pathways so that you can tailor the course to your specific professional learning requirements. The pathways offered are Leadership and Organisational Development. Please note that the specific option modules relating to each pathway are detailed in the option module list below.

Further guidance on modules

Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.

Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.

Core modules

• Applied Business Research 10 credits
• Individual Development and Reflection 10 credits
• Leadership and Leader Development 20 credits
• Behaviour in Organisations 10 credits
• Leading the Business 20 credits
• Strategy and Change 20 credits
• Leading Innovation 10 credits
• Integrated Leadership Strategies 10 credits
• Learning and Leadership 10 credits

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Assessment

An insight into teaching on your course

Study hours

Apart from the consultancy project, each taught module will consist of three full day face to face sessions per 10 credits. For example, Leadership and Leader Development (20 credits) will be taught across six days. In addition to the taught elements, students will spend time preparing for the session and will also engage in follow up activities. An example is shown below:

Leadership and Leader Development (7200LODMS)

Credits: 20

Total learning hours: 200

Taught element: 48 hours

Private study: 152 hours

The private study element comprises of independent research, further reading, preparation for taught sessions, follow-up activities and assignment preparation and write-up.

Teaching methods

Each module comprises of a number of workshops relating to the credit tariff. This programme uses a flipped learning approach; students will be sent resources via our virtual learning environment (VLE) in advance of the session in order to be able to discuss key themes and concepts alongside their peers. The VLE is also used as a key communication tool in between sessions and follow up reading and activities are shared.

Teaching follows a seminar model and shared learning and peer learning is strongly advocated. We promote the use of Action Learning Sets in order to provide ongoing peer support throughout the programme and beyond.

As this is a Level 7 course we encourage criticality and provide students with key texts for further discussion in sessions. We critically examine case studies, look at examples of successes and challenges within the real world and engage in simulation activities. We use a variety of tools to encourage self reflection.

Applied Learning

All aspects of this programme aim to blend theory with practice. This is a theme which runs through all modules. The final module of the programme is a Consultancy Project. This is a 60 credit module and is the culmination of two years of study. The project is focused on a'real' issue or theme from the workplace. The Applied Business Research module lays the foundation for this extended piece of independent research.

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

On graduation you can expect to see a marked improvement in day-to-day performance, confidence, decision-making and idea generation as you start to apply your learning to the workplace. This will all contribute towards wider business improvement.

It is expected that course graduates will have an improved career trajectory and be able to move more quickly and with confidence up the career ladder.

Another benefit of studying for your MSc or PgCert at the Liverpool Business School is the network it enables you to join. This enables alumni and staff to continue building meaningful, long-term relationships beyond the classroom.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

Fees

The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus wifi.

Financial Support

There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages. The University offers a range of financial support for students. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist financial support pages including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.

Additional Costs

In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:

• Accommodation
• Travel costs and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
• Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire

Entry requirements

You will need:

Home

Qualification requirements

• a minimum 2:2 honours degree or equivalent
• or
• a professional qualification recognised as equivalent to the above

GCSEs and equivalents

Prior to starting any of our Degree Apprenticeships, applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:

• Key Skills Level 2 in English/ Maths
• NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
• Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
• Higher Diploma in Maths/ English
• Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/ English
• Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
• Welsh GCSE Maths Numeracy

Further information

• Extra Requirements

The course team has a strong commitment to widening participation and positively welcomes non-standard applicants. Candidates with some management experience or are about to enter a managerial role and have a demonstrated aptitude for study can be accepted without previous experience of higher education. Admission will normally be by interview, after formal application in order to assess their aptitude for study.

• RPL

Credits may be awarded for learning already undertaken in the University or elsewhere for which you have received qualifications or certificates. You may also submit a claim for recognition of unaccredited prior learning (RP(E)L). This may be for work you have accomplished in a professional, paid or voluntary capacity. This has to be submitted via an RPL form with supporting evidence. You will also be liable to pay an administration fee and charge per credit.

All RP(E)L claims must be applied for at the point ofadmission and cannot be considered at a later stage**

International requirements

IELTS

• Where English is not the candidate's first language, or their first degree was not taught and assessed wholly in English an IELTS score of 6.5 must be achieved, with no individual score of less than 5.5.

Further information

• Extra Requirements

The course team has a strong commitment to widening participation and positively welcomes non-standard applicants. Candidates with some management experience or are about to enter a managerial role and have a demonstrated aptitude for study can be accepted without previous experience of higher education. Admission will normally be by interview, after formal application in order to assess their aptitude for study.

• RPL

Credits may be awarded for learning already undertaken in the University or elsewhere for which you have received qualifications or certificates. You may also submit a claim for recognition of unaccredited prior learning (RP(E)L). This may be for work you have accomplished in a professional, paid or voluntary capacity. This has to be submitted via an RPL form with supporting evidence. You will also be liable to pay an administration fee and charge per credit.

All RP(E)L claims must be applied for at the point ofadmission and cannot be considered at a later stage**

Find your country

Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.

How to apply

Securing your place at LJMU

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU Degree Apprenticeship form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.

---

Overview:

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a public university located in Liverpool, England. It is a large and diverse institution with a strong focus on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

---

Services Offered:

LJMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available for students.

Student Support:

The university provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and mental health resources.

Library:

LJMU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

Student Futures:

This service helps students with career planning, job searching, and employability skills development.

International Student Support:

Dedicated support is available for international students, including visa guidance and cultural adjustment programs.

---

Student Life and Campus Experience:

LJMU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:

Sports, Societies, and Lifestyle:

Students can participate in a wide range of sports clubs, societies, and social events.

Campus:

The university has multiple campuses located in Liverpool, providing a diverse and stimulating environment.

Go Abroad:

LJMU offers opportunities for students to study abroad and gain international experience.

Volunteering:

Students can engage in volunteering activities and contribute to the local community.

---

Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

LJMU is known for its high-quality teaching and research.

Diverse Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Location:

Liverpool is a vibrant and culturally rich city, providing students with a stimulating and enjoyable living experience.

Student Support:

LJMU provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success.

---

Academic Programs:

LJMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including business, law, health sciences, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees, PhD programs, and other postgraduate qualifications.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Programs that combine work experience with academic study.

Continuing Professional Development:

Short courses and programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.