Program Overview

Program Overview

The Systems Thinking and Leadership Practitioner Level 7 Apprenticeship PGDip is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with the tools, methods, and leadership skills needed to address complex, systemic challenges. The program focuses on personal development with real-world case studies, small cohorts, and innovative methodologies.

Course Structure

The program is delivered through a blend of online and in-person teaching, with a flexible combination of lectures, seminars, and workshops. The study approach is composed of 11-to-12-week modules, resulting in a total of:

• 6 hours online self-study
• 3 days face-to-face at The Exchange
• 6 hours online study
• Reflection sets and one-to-one coaching session
• Assessment – 2 x assignments, one reflection on practice, one systems practice based

Module Information

The program consists of seven 20-credit modules, leading to the award of a Postgraduate Diploma. The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change:

Year 1

• Systems Theory & Systems Leadership in context (20 credits, Semester 2)
• Perspectives, boundaries and relationships, internal and external (20 credits, Semester 2)
• Exploring and integrating perspectives in system design, theory and practice (20 credits, Semester 2)
• Systems Practice: Skills, Behaviours and Professional Development (20 credits, Semester 2)

Year 2

• Organisation, strategy and dialogue (20 credits, Semester 1)
• Systemic Evaluation and deepening leadership practice (20 credits, Semester 2)
• Systems and leadership practitioner (20 credits, Semester 2)

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham, you will need to meet the general entry requirements, as well as those specific to the course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.

• A 'good’ first degree or equivalent work experience
• Proficiency in English and Math (Certificates)
• At least three to five years of professional experience (negotiable depending on role)

English Language Requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

The Executive Apprenticeship will be paid for through your employer, there will be no costs incurred by you. All employers who have a payroll over £3 million pay an Apprenticeship Levy. They can use this levy to fund your enrolment on the programme.

• This course is fully funded via the employer Apprenticeship Levy, there will be no costs incurred by you

Career Opportunities

Take your career to the next level with our Systems Thinking and Leadership Practitioner PGDip. Ideal for middle to senior leaders and project managers, this programme blends systems theory with practical leadership skills to drive systemic change. Gain insights from the Birmingham Leadership Institute and a network of experts and graduate with a unique qualification, ready to contribute to organisations' success. On successful completion of the PGDip, you will have the opportunity to gain a MSc.