About this Programme

The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship was developed with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and top employers to equip graduates with the leadership skills needed to succeed in the modern world.

The programme blends academic learning with on-the-job training, enabling apprentices to become confident, capable and independent Chartered Managers (CMgr), the industry gold standard for management professionals.

Taught units are supported by work-based projects that focus on live business scenarios and real-world problem-solving.

Teaching is based in the University’s acclaimed Business School, which holds a prestigious triple international accreditation. 

We offer the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship with a retail pathway that is designed to equip apprentices for a leadership and management career in the retail sector. 

To find out more about how you can partner with us to offer degree apprenticeships within your organisation, fill out our contact form, email apprenticeships-employer@mmu.ac.uk, or call 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday). 

  • Programme content

    Apprentices will develop skills in communication, presentation and team working, quickly building the confidence to work successfully with clients and colleagues.

    The core curriculum focuses on organisational performance, personal effectiveness and project skills.

    Year one
    • Managing Customer and Stakeholder Relations
    • Dynamic Business and Digital Context
    • Introduction to Projects and Portfolio
    Year two
    • Initial Business Project
    • Operations and Technology Management
    • Managing and Leading People
    Year three
    • Sales and Marketing
    • Finance and Accounting for Managers
    • Strategic Management
    Year four
    • Project Development
    • Sustainability and Innovation
    • Synoptic Business Project

    Retail Pathway: All above units are tailored for retail, and delivered by our dedicated retail team.

  • Programme length and approach

    The programme is taught over four years at our Business School in central Manchester, with 18 university days in year one.

    In years two, three and four apprentices have 12 days a year in university and attend additional online webinars

    There is also an induction to help apprentices get to know each other and to balance undergraduate-level study with working full-time.

    As well as lectures on campus, apprentices complete projects in their workplace, tackling challenges relevant to their employer. A skills coach at the University and a workplace supervisor undertake regular progress reviews and support apprentices in their work and studies.

  • Qualifications awarded

    All successful graduates are awarded a BA (Hons) Business Management Professional degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as a Level 6 degree apprenticeship.

    Apprentices also gain Chartered Manager (CMgr) status if they successfully complete their end-point assessment.

  • Entry requirements

    Applicants can be existing employees looking to develop their careers or new recruits aiming to get working life off to a flying start.

    They must:

    • Be 18 or older
    • Have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding
    • Meet programme entry requirements

    Applicants should have a minimum of 104 UCAS points at A-level (grades BCC) or an equivalent (eg BTEC DMM).

    They also need GCSE Mathematics and English Language (grade A*-C / 9-4) or equivalent – or must complete Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications alongside the apprenticeship. There are no additional costs for these qualifications.

    We will evaluate any applicants who do not have these qualifications, but have relevant workplace experience.

  • Funding

    Degree apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

    Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.

    Any business with a payroll below £3 million is eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship course.

    Additional incentives are also available to employers who recruit new apprentices into their business.

    Find out more about funding

  • Next steps

    If you are an employer

    We will support you every step of the way to offer apprenticeships at your organisation, whether you intend to upskill current employees or attract new recruits.

    You can speak to us via our contact form, by emailing   apprenticeships-employer@mmu.ac.uk, or by calling 0161 247 3720 (9:30am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday).

    If you are an employee

    If you are already employed, encourage your employer to contact us to discuss offering an apprenticeship.

    If you are a student

    Sign up to our Degree Apprenticeship mailing list to get alerts about vacancies and events.

    For more information and advice on applying for an apprenticeship, visit our guide.

Current vacancies

Apprenticeship vacancies with our partner employers are advertised below.

Sign up to our Degree Apprenticeship mailing list to get alerts about vacancies and events.

My work on the ‘Workington Skills Fair’ has been fundamental in growing my confidence as a future manager, allowing me freedoms to make choices on instinct, but also be supported by a team who each have their own area of expertise and wisdom to offer.
Kate Walker
Chartered Manager degree apprentice, Parliament UK - Workington
My work on the ‘Workington Skills Fair’ has been fundamental in growing my confidence as a future manager, allowing me freedoms to make choices on instinct, but also be supported by a team who each have their own area of expertise and wisdom to offer.
Kate Walker
Chartered Manager degree apprentice, Parliament UK - Workington

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