Senior Leader Apprenticeship+ Executive MBA: Frequently Asked Questions

Programme Overview

Who is the Senior Leader Apprenticeship+ Executive MBA for?

Our SLA+ Executive MBA, in partnership with Grant Thornton, is designed for professionals ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. It’s ideal for those with a minimum of five years’ post-qualification experience, a strong degree, or equivalent (including a professional certification) and/or a track record of sustained and impactful achievement. This apprenticeship plus top up programme will equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead at a senior level and accelerate your career.

Why should I choose Cranfield University?

Cranfield’s Senior Leader Apprenticeship+ Executive MBA is where academic excellence meets real-world business acumen. Partnered with Grant Thornton, the programme combines first-rate teaching and commercial insights, with a unique focus on business growth, leadership, and innovation. By choosing Cranfield, you’ll be joining a global network of experts and alumni while enhancing your professional profile with a university known for its pioneering research, career support, and prestigious faculty.

How long is the programme?

This part-time 28-month programme is designed to fit around your career, with face-to-face classes held at Cranfield over three consecutive days every month. This structure allows you to maintain a work-life balance while achieving an MBA that will unlock your potential.

The programme comprises of two parts. The first part concentrates on the apprenticeship element and the second part builds towards the Executive MBA award.

Is the programme available outside the UK?

The Apprenticeship Levy funding is for candidates who spend at least 50% of their working hours in England. For those who do not meet the apprenticeship criteria, a self-funded route is available where international students are also welcome. Speak to one of our team to find out more about your eligibility.

Programme Structure

What are the Part II subject pathways, and can I tailor the programme to my career goals?

Yes, you can tailor your Executive MBA through our specialist pathways in Commercial, Entrepreneurship, or Finance in the second part of the programme. This flexibility allows you to focus on areas that best align with your career ambitions.

What facilities are available at the Cranfield campus?

The Cranfield campus is a self-contained hub with everything you need, from leisure facilities to accommodation. With access to a sports complex, two on-campus hotels, and much more, you’ll find an environment designed to support both study and relaxation including a designated MBA study lounge and a dedicated School of Management library.

Where is Cranfield situated?

The location of Cranfield is ideally situated on the Oxford-Cambridge arc with excellent transport links (train, motorway and airport) and Milton Keynes and Bedford a short drive away.

What’s the time commitment, and how are classes structured?

Classes take place over three consecutive days each month (Thursday to Saturday). These three days on campus meet the 20% off-the-job training requirement of the apprenticeship. In addition to these sessions, you can expect to study a minimum of 6 hours per week towards your 20% on-the-job training requirement, however our SLA+ Executive MBA students spend, on average, 10 hours of individual study per week.

Will I have networking opportunities during the programme?

Absolutely. You’ll connect with a diverse cohort and access a vast network of professionals, industry leaders, academics and alumni. This network is an exceptionally valuable resource for the aspiring Leader and will undoubtedly support you throughout your career. Being a student at Cranfield School of Management you will have the chance to network with the full-time MBA students, with EMBA students from other cohorts and with EMBA students from other business schools that form part of the EMBA Consortium.

Support and Resources

How are apprentices supported throughout the programme?

From start to finish, our dedicated teams are here to support you. You’ll benefit from a dedicated Apprenticeship Tutor, a Course Director, your own diverse learning team, and Student and Academic Support (SAS) lead, all designed to enhance your learning and leadership journey. Module Leaders and Academics teaching the modules are also available to meet and discuss any issues as well as your thoughts on how to maximise the impact of your learning.

During the first 15 months, termly Tripartite meetings between your employer, you as an apprentice, and your Apprenticeship tutor will monitor and support your progress.

You will also have the opportunity to be matched with Executive Coaches, provided by Grant Thornton, in part two of the course. Our Coaching support consists of six sessions over 13 months designed to soundboard your aspirations and unlock your potential.

Can I defer modules due to illness or other exceptional circumstances?

Yes. If illness or an exceptional circumstance prevents you from attending, you can defer a module to the next cohort. Simply notify our Student and Academic Support team, and they’ll guide you through the process.

Can I take a break from my studies?

You may take a break (Break in Learning or Suspension of Registration), subject to specific requirements. Contact the Apprenticeships Team or SAS Team for guidance.

 

Application and Admissions

When is the application deadline, and is there a fee?

Applications close eight weeks before the programme start date, and there is no application fee. To apply for the Senior Leader Apprenticeship+ Executive MBA programme, your employer will need to check their eligibility for the apprenticeship levy and complete an Expression of Interest form.

What if I don’t have a degree?

If you don’t hold a degree but have substantial professional achievements or leadership potential, we encourage you to apply. You’ll have the chance to showcase your skills during the interview process.

Are interviews held in person?

Currently, all interviews are conducted online.

When will I know if my application is successful?

You’ll receive regular updates, with most applications processed within 4-8 weeks.

Fees and Funding

What is the cost of the programme?

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship+ Executive MBA costs £27,650. Candidates should also allow for additional expenses which include:

• The cost of an International Business trip (if the learner chooses to participate in this module) which is currently priced at c. £3,000.
• The cost of technological equipment (e.g. laptop, other equipment as deemed necessary) at the student’s discretion.

How are payments structured?

The programme fee is split into two payments:

1. Part I (£14,000) can be funded by the Apprenticeship Levy and is paid monthly via your company’s DAS system.
2. Part II (£13,650), is payable in two equal instalments of £6,825 each, the first at registration and the second at month 16.

Are there scholarships or bursaries?

There is only one type of bursary that can be offered to exceptional SLA+ Executive MBA students who work in the Not-for-profit sector. Find out more here.

Are there additional funding options or financial support available?

Employers may fund Part II independently or offer shared cost options with the apprentice. Cranfield can also provide guidance on managing Apprenticeship Levy funding for maximum benefit.

Programme Overview

What are the benefits to my organisation of sponsoring an employee through a Level 7 apprenticeship?

Sponsoring an employee on the Cranfield Senior Leader Apprenticeship+ Executive MBA brings measurable value to your organisation:

• Leadership development: Apprentices gain expertise in strategic thinking, leadership, and complex problem-solving, equipping them to assume greater responsibilities and lead high-impact projects.
  
  
• Immediate business impact: Real-world business challenges are brought into the classroom, where faculty and peer feedback enable employees to generate solutions for urgent issues, improving their decision-making abilities.
  
  
• Future-ready skills: Exposure to emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and forward-thinking concepts prepares employees to drive innovation, identify new opportunities, and adapt swiftly to change.
  
  
• Increased retention and satisfaction: Investment in your employee's growth demonstrates commitment to their advancement, boosting motivation and loyalty, and fostering social mobility within your organisation.

What does the Cranfield Senior Leader Apprenticeship+ Executive MBA deliver beyond standard business skills?

Cranfield’s partnership with Grant Thornton ensures that apprentices gain unique insights into diverse sectors, benefiting from faculty expertise, industry connections, and a collaborative learning environment that extends beyond the classroom. This enhances their capacity to contribute strategically within your organisation.

Programme Structure

How often will my employee be away from work?

Participants attend on-campus sessions at Cranfield once a month, over three consecutive days (Thursday to Saturday). This scheduling minimises work disruption and allows participants to apply their learning immediately back on the job. Employers are encouraged to provide study leave allowances as part of supporting their apprentice’s development.

Is there a limit to the number of employees we can sponsor per intake?

There is no limit on the number of apprentices an organisation can enrol, allowing you to develop multiple leaders simultaneously.

How is the programme structured to support workplace application?

The Senior Leader Apprenticeship+ Executive MBA combines taught modules with practical, applied projects, enabling students to address relevant challenges within your organisation. Apprentices receive one-on-one guidance from faculty and Apprenticeship Tutors, ensuring that their learning directly aligns with organisational objectives. Projects and assignments are designed to offer maximum applicability to the learner and most of our learners are using their current professional questions as a platform to understand theory, apply the new knowledge and bring impact to their companies by developing workable solutions.

Application Process and Employer Involvement

What role does the employer play in the application and onboarding process?

Employers contribute actively to the process:

Initial Assessment: Employers participate in assessing the candidate’s eligibility and confirm their commitment through an Expression of Interest form.

Mentorship Support: Each apprentice needs a Mentor or Reviewer, often their line manager, who provides guidance and reviews their progress.

Onboarding Session: Employers attend an onboarding session to gain a full understanding of the programme requirements and benefits.

Formal Requirements: Organisations must designate a key contact for Apprenticeship Levy queries, complete ESFA-required contracts, and connect with Cranfield through the Apprenticeship Service portal.

Will our organisation need a dedicated HR or Finance contact for the programme?

Yes, having a designated HR or Finance contact is essential to manage Levy funding, compliance, and any contractual matters.

What reporting and feedback will we receive on the apprentice’s progress?

Employers receive regular progress updates and are involved in termly Tripartite Review meetings with the apprentice and an Apprenticeship Tutor to discuss achievements, areas of development, and next steps.

Programme Support and Practicalities

What types of support will my employee receive throughout the programme?

Each apprentice has access to a dedicated Apprenticeship Tutor, module leaders, Academic staff and Cranfield’s Student and Academic Support team. The structure includes regular mentoring, real-time feedback, and tripartite meetings that ensure support aligns with both the apprentice’s needs and the organisation’s goals.

How will my organisation be involved in the apprentice’s learning journey?

Employers play an integral role in the apprentice’s development through scheduled feedback sessions, project input, and involvement in practical, workplace-based assignments. This collaboration ensures the learning outcomes align with your strategic needs, creating direct, measurable value.

What if our organisation faces an unexpected need to pause the apprenticeship?

In certain cases, apprentices can take a “Break in Learning” or a Suspension of Registration. Contact the Apprenticeships Team to discuss flexible options for pausing and resuming studies in line with organisational needs.