Educational Leadership Level 7 Apprenticeship PGDip

Through our course, aligned to the Senior Leader Apprenticeship Standard, you'll gain a PGDip in Educational Leadership. Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you'll be in an ideal position to inform future improvement and make a difference to the overall performance of your school. You'll become a transformative leader by using research and evidence to develop, and in some cases challenge, current educational practices.

This course will run over 18 months in a blended learning mode. The programme combines 'on-the-job' learning from your employer and 'off-the-job' learning from the University.

• Build new networks and connections with leading academics and expert local school leaders
• Work with new ideas and approaches to solve organisational challenges
• Develop specialist areas of expertise through research, leadership enquiry and other practice-focused assignments
• Fully levy-funding compliant with advice and guidance from our Apprenticeships team
• The option to gain a full Masters qualification by completing a dissertation 
• Flexible mode of delivery, blending online and on-campus learning
• Be part of the Education Leadership Academy which supports inclusive, values-driven leadership in schools across the world.

• Work-based learning: supported by the employer, who provides the equivalent of 6 hours per week ‘off-the-job’ learning time
• Eight formal meetings with a Leadership Mentor from the University
• Course programme: supported by the University’s virtual learning environment (Canvas) and E-Portfolio facility, PebblePad
• Academic modules are assessed by the University of Birmingham and work-based learning elements are assessed by an external End Point Assesment Organisation (currently Chartered Management Institute)

Year 1

Year 2

This is a ‘fast track’ professional learning programme which requires students to have prior experience and understanding of educational leadership.

All applicants are required to:

• be working in a leadership role that enables meeting of the Senior Leader standards
• have a National Professional Qualification (NPQ), equivalent professional experience, or equivalent M-level credits related to school improvement and educational leadership;
• hold a good first degree, diplomas or other relevant qualifications.

We recognise that the knowledge and skills required for educational leadership are varied and educational leadership experience and learning comes in many forms.

We are accepting the NASENCo award as an NPQ equivalent as standard. Examples of other relevant qualifications and programmes include the leadership pathways and programmes offered by SSAT and by the former National College. You may have completed a series of shorter courses or received ‘in-house’ training. We also are considering experiential learning and any achievements, experiences or duties which demonstrate the applicant has met the NPQ standards and has experience and understanding of leadership practice.

• An NPQ which was achieved more than 5 years ago is typically suitable, especially if you have been working in a leadership role following your NPQ award.
• If you are currently undertaking but yet to complete an NPQ, National SENCO award or another relevant programme you should include details of your learning to date and any indications that you are on track to complete the award. Examples include transcripts, details in a personal statement or CV, and references from programme tutors or directors.  Importantly, government funded programmessuch as an NPQ must be completed before you can start this programme.

In all cases, prior learning is assessed against the programme aims and the NPQSL standards to ensure that you have the experience and understanding of education and senior leadership required to benefit from this postgraduate diploma qualification in Educational Leadership.

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.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• 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

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.

For all enquiries relating to this Apprenticeship programme please contact our Degree Apprenticeships Team:

Email: degreeapps@contacts.bham.ac.uk

You'll be supported by a fantastic network of new connections with leading academics and expert school leaders, and our practice-focused assignments will prepare you for the real-world challenges of school leadership and driving change. Students also have the opportunity to achieve a full Masters level qualification through completion of a 60-credit dissertation.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.