Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship
24 months part time | September start

The Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship provides a distinctive work-based learning experience, based on application of knowledge within the workplace context, and assessed not by conventional essays or exams, but through a portfolio of learning; a log of continuing professional development; and an independent project.

This supports learning whilst recognising the demands of being in full-time employment.  Apprentices will study five modules, each focusing progressively on gathering evidence of developing practice as related to the standard laid down in Senior People Professional Apprenticeship. Each unit will be offered on a block-release basis with additional independent off the job learning. These will encompass a range of approaches to learning and teaching including knowledge masterclasses, research symposia and professorial lecture, practice focus sessions, practice focus guest speakers, and asynchronous curated learning, all of which is further enhanced by workplace learning.

This programme aims to develop your knowledge and understanding in key areas of HR, as well as an understanding of HR in a business context. On completion of the programme, you will have a sound understanding of the knowledge, skills and behaviours required of a senior HR professional and be able to demonstrate these at a strategic level. The programme is designed to enable apprentices to develop the ability to: critically reflect on own work and that of others; present and justify work in the context of wider theories and practice to both specialist and non-specialist audiences:  and display and critically apply expert knowledge within areas of specific discipline and / or practice. Learning is structured around eight core and four specialist themes, which relate directly to the standard. All apprentices will complete the core topics which explore the principles and practices of Human Resource Management and working lives in the contemporary workplace. Apprentices must then select the one most appropriate option to their role, either taking the HR, L&D or OD specialist route where they will focus on four additional topics relevant to their chosen route.

Each of these themes is supported by a Teaching and Learning Plan which outlines the structure, activities, and independent learning recommended to support achievement of the apprenticeship standard. Additionally, each unit has a dedicated site on our eLearning Portal with online resources in the form of webcasts, videos, and guidance notes provided to support and enhance learning. Northumbria’s Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship programme has been designed by academics who are nationally and internationally renowned in their areas of expertise. This enables the latest thinking and practice to be embedded into our programme design. Modules within the programme are grounded on building knowledge from research and critical analysis of practice.

End Point Assessment

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (2020) state that - Rigorous, robust and independent End Point Assessment (EPA) gives employers confidence that apprentices can actually perform in the occupation they have been trained in and can demonstrate the duties, and knowledge, skills and behaviours set out in the occupational standard. For details of the current EPA for your standard please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage here. This Higher Apprenticeship normally takes 24 months part-time, followed by the endpoint assessment which will typically be completed within 3-12 months. Full details are available on the IFATE website.

Newcastle Business School has an innovative and challenging approach to learning, combining world-class research with contemporary business practice.

Apprentices are fully supported throughout the Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship programme. Most significantly, Northumbria recognises that apprentices are work-based learners, and in some cases, have had significant time away from academic studies. Therefore, emphasis will be placed on developing reflective learning skills and confidence. This will commence at induction and continue throughout the programme, with timetabled reflective learning and professional skills development sessions for on-going support. These sessions will be facilitated by the programme leader and are specifically designed to support and enhance development.

Learning from others is integral to the Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship and to the pathway to the MA Human Resource Management. Through engagement with a variety of tutor-led activities apprentices will be encouraged to share experiences and thinking with peers. This will be important when working towards your Chartered Membership of the CIPD, which recognises people professionals who use their expertise in people, work and change to create value for organisations and the profession. Becoming a Chartered Member is extremely valuable in your HR career – Chartered Members inspire confidence within their businesses, and the status may help to further your own career and promotion opportunities. Importantly through the CIPD you will have exclusive access to senior networks, a platform to have real influence and inspire the next generation, access to CIPD’s leading edge research and policy reports and be eligible to use the professional designation Chartered MCIPD.

In partnership with Northumbria University, the organisation will support the learner at work to achieve their apprenticeship. Whilst studying the apprentice will be required to work full-time, for at least 30 hours a week, and will be supported through learning at work to achieve the requirements of the apprenticeship standard.

The Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship has been designed to offer a distinctive work-based learning experience for those who wish to learn whilst continuing in full-time employment. The programme demands the application of knowledge within the workplace context. It is not therefore assessed by conventional means but is instead founded upon a portfolio of learning; a log of continuing professional development; and an independent project.

The programme is designed to enable apprentices to develop the ability to: critically reflect on own work and that of others; present and justify work in the context of wider theories and practice to both specialist and non-specialist audiences:  and display and critically apply expert knowledge within areas of specific discipline and / or practice.

Recognising the busy lifestyles of our apprentices, our Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship is delivered over a block delivery pattern. This will include a mix of taught workshops which are supported by a range of blended learning activities that will be completed at home or in the workplace. The programme is work-focused and is assessed based on a portfolio of learning that will be developed and organised to demonstrate that apprentices meet, fully, the knowledge, skills and behavioural requirements laid down by the standard. As apprentices develop this portfolio, they will be supported by a workplace coach and a workplace mentor allowing for learning to be translated into meaningful and sustainable practice.

The employer covers all tuition fees for the apprentice, the total payment required depends on the organisation’s apprenticeship levy status.

Apprentices studying an apprenticeship do not pay any tuition fees, however, as they are in full-time employment they do not have student status and therefore are not entitled to apply for student finance.  

To discuss the fees for this apprenticeship in detail or to explore signing an agreement with the university, complete the enquiry form below and someone from our Business Development team will be in touch shortly.

We guide both employer and apprentice through the application and funding process and will be on hand to assist you during the apprenticeship journey.

Before entry onto the programme, all apprenticeship applicants must complete an Initial Skills Assessment which maps their prior knowledge against the apprenticeship standard. This is part of the University’s regulatory funding obligations. The purpose of an apprenticeship is to provide new learning and the skills assessment will be used to establish whether we need to tailor your programme in any way to account for your previous qualifications or experience. It also provides a benchmark against which to map your progress on the programme.

To start the application process for either current employees or new recruits contact our Business Development team today by email or complete our online enquiry form. Alternatively, you can call 0191 215 6300.

All apprentices are required to be in full-time employment to study this apprenticeship. If you are interested in studying this apprenticeship and you are in current full-time employment complete our online enquiry form.

If you are not in full-time employment but would like to study this apprenticeship programme, discover our recruitment opportunities below. Alternatively, visit our vacancies page for information on all apprenticeship opportunities currently available.