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The Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship is an innovative work-based programme delivered part-time on a flexible and blended delivery pattern, providing an excellent learning and development platform for aspiring or existing senior managers and leaders.

REF 2021 9th in the UK for Research Power

Senior People Professionals are the in-house experts in people, work and organisations. They champion the people agenda to create working environments and cultures that help get the best out of people and, as a result, build resilient and sustainable high performing workplaces.

Apprentices joining the programme will learn about the strategic management of people, including how to develop strategies and practices to enable performance in employees as well as the development of their own business acumen. Our programme while offers a range of challenging, reflexive self-development opportunities within the context of the Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship standard, and is designed around three pathways which are chosen by the apprentice to enable you to specialise in an area that is aligned to the needs of your organisation and your development the most. Senior People Professionals may specialise in either Human Resources (HR), Learning and Development (L&D) or Organisation Development (OD). This Apprenticeship takes a core and options approach. All apprentices will complete the core modules and are required to select the most appropriate specialism to their role from HR, L&D and OD. This programme is also designed to enable an optional pathway to the MA Human Resource Management, upon completion of the apprenticeship (subject to validation, and fee).

The Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship provides a route to CIPD Chartered Member status. Upon completion, and passing the apprenticeship, you may choose the CIPD as your End Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), or any other appropriate EPAO at that time. The EPAO is selected by you as the employer, with our support, and is independent and will not have been involved in delivering the apprenticeship programme of learning.

Potential apprentices will need to be employed within Human Resource Management and Development (HRM/D) at an appropriate level, either in a new role or in progressing their career path, and will bring their own experiences from the workplace to underpin the learning experience and to inform future personal and professional practice. Through a structured learning strategy, apprentices will embark on a learning journey that values applied learning and a critically reflective approach to developing leadership and management skills and behaviours. Through Northumbria’s curriculum design and assessment strategy apprentices will have opportunities to reflect on their own performance and behaviours. Apprentices will emerge from the Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship as critical thinkers and reflexive practitioners who are self-aware; who can deal with complexity and ambiguity; and who are primed and ready to undertake the final stages of the MA (which you may choose to select).

Apprenticeship programmes at Northumbria University are designed to support apprentices in acquiring the appropriate knowledge, skills and behaviour and retain the integrity of the apprenticeship standard as defined by IFATE. For further details please consult the IFATE Apprenticeship standards / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education webpage here. 

Course Information

Level of Study
Postgraduate

Mode of Study
24 months part-time

Department
Newcastle Business School

Location
City Campus, Northumbria University

City
Newcastle

Start
September 2024 or January 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

Entry Requirements Modules Overview

Entry Requirements 2024/25

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, or at least three years of relevant work experience within Human Resource Management and Development (HRM/D) with responsibility for HRM/D delivery.

Other subject qualifications, including lower level professional qualifications such as the CIPD level 5 Certificate, or other related work experience such as Business Partner, will be considered on an individual basis.

Applicants without formal qualifications but with substantial senior-level HRM/D experience are encouraged to apply and will be considered on an individual basis.

International qualifications:

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit http://www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry

English Language requirements 
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications

If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Modules Overview 2024/25

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three

Year one

HA7018 -

Commencing the SPP Apprenticeship Journey (Core,20 Credits)

This module is the first of five designed to enhance your development and in so doing ensure your progress towards the End Point Assessment (EPA) that is the culmination of your Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship.

Your learning will be designed around the 12 core duties that underpin the HA standard but will be tailored by you to reflect how knowledge, skills and behaviours are constructed and enacted within the context of your employment.

Your performance on this module (and hence the award of academic credits) will depend upon your engagement with the HA standards and your ability to demonstrate the progress of your learning and development towards the fulfillment of these standards. Completion of this module and progress to the next stage of your studies will depend upon:

• The production of a reflective log demonstrates your continuing commitment to your own continuing professional development and your engagement with programme learning materials.
• Satisfactory performance in the regular tripartite reviews convened between you, your coach and your workplace mentor.
• Satisfactory progress in the development of your portfolio of learning as evidenced by the production of a minimum number of draft portfolio evidence components as agreed during your tripartite reviews.

There will be curated technology enabled learning (TEL) to support remaining 20% off the job learning including Zoom/Teams/Blackboard collaborate in addition to the following to support your learning:
• Practice and Academic reading lists
• Video lecture content
• Professional memberships

More information

HA7019 -

Developing the SPP Apprenticeship Journey (Core,20 Credits)

This module is the second of five designed to enhance your development and in so doing to ensure your progress towards the End Point Assessment (EPA) that is the culmination of your SPP Higher Apprenticeship.

Your learning will be designed around the 12 core duties that underpin the SPP HA standard but will be tailored by you to reflect how knowledge, skills and behaviours are constructed and enacted within the context of your employment.

Your performance on this module (and hence the award of academic credits) will depend upon your engagement with the HA standards and your ability to demonstrate the progress of your learning and development towards the fulfillment of these standards. Completion of this module and progress to the next stage of your studies will depend upon:

• The production of a reflective log demonstrates your continuing commitment to your own continuing professional development and your engagement with programme learning materials.
• Satisfactory performance in the regular tripartite reviews convened between you, your coach and your workplace mentor.
• Satisfactory progress in the development of your portfolio of learning as evidenced by the production of a minimum number of draft portfolio evidence components as agreed during your tripartite reviews.

There will be curated technology enabled learning (TEL) to support remaining 20% off the job learning including Zoom/Teams/Blackboard collaborate in addition to the following to support your learning:
• Practice and Academic reading lists
• Video lecture content
• Professional memberships.

More information

Year two

HA7020 -

Focusing on the SPP Apprenticeship Journey (Core,20 Credits)

This module is the third of five designed to enhance your development and in so doing to ensure your progress towards the End Point Assessment (EPA) that is the culmination of your Higher Apprenticeship.

Your learning will be designed around the 12 core duties that underpin the HA standard but will be tailored by you to reflect how knowledge, skills and behaviours are constructed and enacted within the context of your employment, via your specialist route.

Your performance on this module (and hence the award of academic credits) will depend upon your engagement with the HA standards and your ability to demonstrate the progress of your learning and development towards the fulfillment of these standards. Completion of this module and progress to the next stage of your studies will depend upon:

• The production of a reflective log demonstrates your continuing commitment to your own continuing professional development and your engagement with programme learning materials.
• Satisfactory performance in the regular tripartite reviews convened between you, your coach and your workplace mentor.
• Satisfactory progress in the development of your portfolio of learning as evidenced by the production of a minimum number of draft portfolio evidence components as agreed during your tripartite reviews.

There will be curated technology enabled learning (TEL) to support remaining 20% off the job learning including Zoom/Teams/Blackboard collaborate in addition to the following to support your learning:
• Practice and Academic reading lists
• Video lecture content
• Professional memberships.

More information

HA7021 -

Completing the SPP Apprenticeship Journey (Core,20 Credits)

This module is the fourth of five designed to enhance your development and in so doing ensure your progress towards the End Point Assessment (EPA) that is the culmination of your Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship.

Your learning will be designed around the 12 core and your choice of 6 specialist duties that underpin the SPP HA standard but will be tailored by you to reflect how knowledge, skills and behaviours are constructed and enacted within the context of your employment, via your specialist route.

Your performance on this module (and hence the award of academic credits) will depend upon your engagement with the HA standards and your ability to demonstrate the progress of your learning and development towards the fulfillment of these standards. Completion of this module and progress to the next stage of your studies will depend upon:
• The production of a reflective log demonstrates your continuing commitment to your own continuing professional development and your engagement with programme learning materials.
• Satisfactory performance in the regular tripartite reviews convened between you, your workplace coach and your workplace mentor.
• Satisfactory progress in the development of your portfolio of learning as evidenced by the production of a minimum number of draft portfolio evidence components as agreed during your tripartite reviews.

There will be curated technology enabled learning (TEL) to support remaining 20% off the job learning including Zoom/Teams/Blackboard collaborate in addition to the following to support your learning:
• Practice and Academic reading lists
• Video lecture content
• Professional memberships.

More information

Year three

HA7022 -

SPP Apprenticeship End Point (Core,40 Credits)

This module is the final of five designed to support your progress towards the End Point Assessment (EPA) that is the culmination of your Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship.

Your learning will support demonstration of some of the core duties that underpin the SPP standard and will be tailored by you to reflect how knowledge, skills and behaviours are constructed and enacted within the context of your employment. It will focus on Duty 1 - Lead the design, creation, implementation and review of people policies and practices aligned to the needs of the organisation

Your performance on this module (and hence the award of academic credits) will depend upon your engagement with the HA standards and completion of the end point project. Completion of this module and progress to the next stage of your studies will depend upon:
• Successful completion of professional discussion during the End Point Assessment process.
• Successful submission of a 7000-word project proposal to satisfy the requirements of End Point Assessment.
• Successful completion of presentation and questioning during the End Point Assessment process.

More information

Modules Overview 2025/26

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

Year one Year two Year three

Year one

HA7018 -

Commencing the SPP Apprenticeship Journey (Core,20 Credits)

This module is the first of five designed to enhance your development and in so doing ensure your progress towards the End Point Assessment (EPA) that is the culmination of your Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship.

Your learning will be designed around the 12 core duties that underpin the HA standard but will be tailored by you to reflect how knowledge, skills and behaviours are constructed and enacted within the context of your employment.

Your performance on this module (and hence the award of academic credits) will depend upon your engagement with the HA standards and your ability to demonstrate the progress of your learning and development towards the fulfillment of these standards. Completion of this module and progress to the next stage of your studies will depend upon:

• The production of a reflective log demonstrates your continuing commitment to your own continuing professional development and your engagement with programme learning materials.
• Satisfactory performance in the regular tripartite reviews convened between you, your coach and your workplace mentor.
• Satisfactory progress in the development of your portfolio of learning as evidenced by the production of a minimum number of draft portfolio evidence components as agreed during your tripartite reviews.

There will be curated technology enabled learning (TEL) to support remaining 20% off the job learning including Zoom/Teams/Blackboard collaborate in addition to the following to support your learning:
• Practice and Academic reading lists
• Video lecture content
• Professional memberships

More information

HA7019 -

Developing the SPP Apprenticeship Journey (Core,20 Credits)

This module is the second of five designed to enhance your development and in so doing to ensure your progress towards the End Point Assessment (EPA) that is the culmination of your SPP Higher Apprenticeship.

Your learning will be designed around the 12 core duties that underpin the SPP HA standard but will be tailored by you to reflect how knowledge, skills and behaviours are constructed and enacted within the context of your employment.

Your performance on this module (and hence the award of academic credits) will depend upon your engagement with the HA standards and your ability to demonstrate the progress of your learning and development towards the fulfillment of these standards. Completion of this module and progress to the next stage of your studies will depend upon:

• The production of a reflective log demonstrates your continuing commitment to your own continuing professional development and your engagement with programme learning materials.
• Satisfactory performance in the regular tripartite reviews convened between you, your coach and your workplace mentor.
• Satisfactory progress in the development of your portfolio of learning as evidenced by the production of a minimum number of draft portfolio evidence components as agreed during your tripartite reviews.

There will be curated technology enabled learning (TEL) to support remaining 20% off the job learning including Zoom/Teams/Blackboard collaborate in addition to the following to support your learning:
• Practice and Academic reading lists
• Video lecture content
• Professional memberships.

More information

Year two

HA7020 -

Focusing on the SPP Apprenticeship Journey (Core,20 Credits)

This module is the third of five designed to enhance your development and in so doing to ensure your progress towards the End Point Assessment (EPA) that is the culmination of your Higher Apprenticeship.

Your learning will be designed around the 12 core duties that underpin the HA standard but will be tailored by you to reflect how knowledge, skills and behaviours are constructed and enacted within the context of your employment, via your specialist route.

Your performance on this module (and hence the award of academic credits) will depend upon your engagement with the HA standards and your ability to demonstrate the progress of your learning and development towards the fulfillment of these standards. Completion of this module and progress to the next stage of your studies will depend upon:

• The production of a reflective log demonstrates your continuing commitment to your own continuing professional development and your engagement with programme learning materials.
• Satisfactory performance in the regular tripartite reviews convened between you, your coach and your workplace mentor.
• Satisfactory progress in the development of your portfolio of learning as evidenced by the production of a minimum number of draft portfolio evidence components as agreed during your tripartite reviews.

There will be curated technology enabled learning (TEL) to support remaining 20% off the job learning including Zoom/Teams/Blackboard collaborate in addition to the following to support your learning:
• Practice and Academic reading lists
• Video lecture content
• Professional memberships.

More information

HA7021 -

Completing the SPP Apprenticeship Journey (Core,20 Credits)

This module is the fourth of five designed to enhance your development and in so doing ensure your progress towards the End Point Assessment (EPA) that is the culmination of your Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship.

Your learning will be designed around the 12 core and your choice of 6 specialist duties that underpin the SPP HA standard but will be tailored by you to reflect how knowledge, skills and behaviours are constructed and enacted within the context of your employment, via your specialist route.

Your performance on this module (and hence the award of academic credits) will depend upon your engagement with the HA standards and your ability to demonstrate the progress of your learning and development towards the fulfillment of these standards. Completion of this module and progress to the next stage of your studies will depend upon:
• The production of a reflective log demonstrates your continuing commitment to your own continuing professional development and your engagement with programme learning materials.
• Satisfactory performance in the regular tripartite reviews convened between you, your workplace coach and your workplace mentor.
• Satisfactory progress in the development of your portfolio of learning as evidenced by the production of a minimum number of draft portfolio evidence components as agreed during your tripartite reviews.

There will be curated technology enabled learning (TEL) to support remaining 20% off the job learning including Zoom/Teams/Blackboard collaborate in addition to the following to support your learning:
• Practice and Academic reading lists
• Video lecture content
• Professional memberships.

More information

Year three

HA7022 -

SPP Apprenticeship End Point (Core,40 Credits)

This module is the final of five designed to support your progress towards the End Point Assessment (EPA) that is the culmination of your Senior People Professional Higher Apprenticeship.

Your learning will support demonstration of some of the core duties that underpin the SPP standard and will be tailored by you to reflect how knowledge, skills and behaviours are constructed and enacted within the context of your employment. It will focus on Duty 1 - Lead the design, creation, implementation and review of people policies and practices aligned to the needs of the organisation

Your performance on this module (and hence the award of academic credits) will depend upon your engagement with the HA standards and completion of the end point project. Completion of this module and progress to the next stage of your studies will depend upon:
• Successful completion of professional discussion during the End Point Assessment process.
• Successful submission of a 7000-word project proposal to satisfy the requirements of End Point Assessment.
• Successful completion of presentation and questioning during the End Point Assessment process.

More information

Any Questions?

Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help.  They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.



Accessibility and Student Inclusion

Northumbria University is committed to developing an inclusive, diverse and accessible campus and wider University community and are determined to ensure that opportunities we provide are open to all.

We are proud to work in partnership with AccessAble to provide Detailed Access Guides to our buildings and facilities across our City, Coach Lane and London Campuses. A Detailed Access Guide lets you know what access will be like when you visit somewhere. It looks at the route you will use getting in and what is available inside. All guides have Accessibility Symbols that give you a quick overview of what is available, and photographs to show you what to expect. The guides are produced by trained surveyors who visit our campuses annually to ensure you have trusted and accurate information.

You can use Northumbria’s AccessAble Guides anytime to check the accessibility of a building or facility and to plan your routes and journeys. Search by location, building or accessibility feature to find the information you need. 

We are dedicated to helping students who may require additional support during their student journey and offer 1-1 advice and guidance appropriate to individual requirements. If you feel you may need additional support you can find out more about what we offer here where you can also contact us with any questions you may have:

Accessibility support

Student Inclusion support




All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Your Learning Experience

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms
Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees
Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints


If you’d like to receive the latest updates from Northumbria about our courses, events, finance & funding then enter your details below.

* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here

Higher and Degree Apprenticeships
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Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

At Northumbria University, our higher and degree apprenticeships are more than a learning programme; they are a partnership. We work with organisations to create courses that meet the demands of businesses.

 

CPD
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CPD and Short Courses

Our Continual Professional Development (CPD) courses are designed to open up exciting new possibilities for individuals and organisations. By increasing skills and knowledge and introducing new ways of thinking and working we create impact in performance at all levels.

Is your business ready to take on tomorrow?
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#TakeonTomorrow

The world is changing faster than ever before. The future is there to be won by organisations who find ways to turn today’s possibilities into tomorrow’s competitive edge.

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