Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship - Level 6

A Project manager is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of a project or a subset of a project and support organisations to manage projects efficiently.

They have responsibility for delivering a project in line with defined objectives, taking decisions to manage stakeholder expectations by leading a multi-skilled, cross-disciplinary team to deliver the project to time, cost and quality requirements. They also contribute to benefits management by tracking performance metrics and ensuring expected business benefits are achieved.

Their role includes applying project management methods, governance, and decision-making to keep projects on track and aligned with organisational strategy. They also manage risks, resources, budgets, and reporting, while coordinating with wider programme and portfolio structures where required.

Strong leadership is essential, as they must guide teams through change, build collaboration across internal and external stakeholders, and develop people where needed. They are expected to adapt their approach depending on project complexity, industry sector, and organisational needs, while maintaining a clear focus on successful project delivery and long-term value.

Who is it for?

This programme is for individuals who are in a position that is actively contributing to organisational change or significant projects that support strategic objectives. Specific job roles may include: Project Manager; Project Assistant; Programme Manager; Portfolio Manager.

Location: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Duration: 3 years plus 6 months for the Apprenticeship Assessment
Start date(s): September / October

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Course content

This apprenticeship has been designed to develop skills required to lead projects successfully within private, public or voluntary organisations, ensuring alignment with wider organisational strategy and sector priorities.

Apprentices will graduate with a creative approach to problem-solving, be able to understand and plan for risk management, have teamworking and persuasive communication skills, and show confidence in managing time, projects and resources.

Our staff also bring a wealth of business experience and research expertise. Some have run their own businesses, worked as change managers or brand managers.

What qualification will be achieved?

BSc (Hons) Project Management
Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship Certificate
Prince2 Foundation and Practitioner

Modules

Year 1:

Professional Skills for Project Management
Applied Project Management Practice
Project Fundamentals
Understanding the Project Environment

Year 2:

Risk and Issue Management
Benefit Planning and Realisation
Procurement and Finance

Year 3:

Programme Management
Organisational Change and Transformation
Research Methods for Project Management

Entry requirements

To be eligible, apprentices will need to provide evidence of the following:

Achievement of Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent) OR demonstrate ability at Level 2 in both Maths and English, this would be determined by an initial assessment conducted by University of Staffordshire.

Fees

For levy-paying organisations the cost is paid from their digital account at a rate of £22,000 per apprentice.

For non-levy paying organisations there may be a financial contribution on 5% which equates to £1,100 per apprentice.

Delivery and assessment

Delivery

This programme is delivered using a blended learning model including face-to-face sessions on campus, complemented by online webinars.

Assessment

There will be a variety of assessment methods used for formative and summative assessment. This could include:

Written assignments
Examinations
Reflective activities
Group assessments
Presentations
Professional discussions
Academic assignments
Critical analysis

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support provided by the course teaching team, our central Academic Skills Team provide resources, group and one-to-one help to support learning in a number of areas. These include:

study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
academic writing (including how to reference)
research skills
critical thinking and understanding arguments
revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

The Student Life Team offer support, advice and guidance to apprentices with inclusion requirements. The team can arrange reasonable adjustments to support with learning needs, long term health condition, mental health condition or disabilities

Feedback

Progress feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, written feedback will be made available to all apprentices who take written examinations or assessments.

Responsibilities

Employers must not ask the apprentice to contribute financially to the direct cost of learning.
Ensure apprentices spend at least 6 hours per week of their time on off-the-job training.
Enter into a contract with University of Staffordshire.
Participate in reviews with the apprentice and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones.
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice.
Provide apprentices with a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning.
Provide the apprentice with paid time to attend off-the-job training, including additional support for English and Maths, or support accessed for learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
Recognise that apprentices must complete the apprenticeship within their working hours.
Support the apprentice to gain new skills.

If they are a citizen of the UK or a citizen of a country within the European Economic Area with Pre-settled or Settled status, they must have been an ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.
If they are a non UK national or EEA National without pre-settled or settled status, they must hold a visa (not for educational purposes) for the full duration of the apprenticeship at the start of the programme and been an ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.
Able to complete the apprenticeship in contracted working hours.
Be an employee (have a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship) on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning.
Be in a job role relevant for the apprenticeship where significant new knowledge and skills are required.
Be in full-time employment for typically 30 hours a week.
Has the right to work in England.
Maintain a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets your needs.
Not enrolled on another apprenticeship or accessing other government funding at the same time.
Participate in reviews with the employer and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones.

Administer the funding and running of the Apprenticeship Standard to an acceptable level of quality and in compliance with the DfE’s requirements.
Agree jointly between the University, the Employer and Apprentice, an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) ensuring that satisfactory progress is achieved and to ensure that the contents of the ILP fulfil the requirements of the Apprenticeship Standard.
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment, which meets the needs of the Apprentice.
Provide off-the-job learning and assessment and oversee the on-the-job skills development as detailed in the ILP.
Provide support on selection of the apprenticeship assessor, if applicable. The apprenticeship assessment will be completed by University of Staffordshire for all integrated degrees.

Careers

Upon completion apprentices will have gained the comprehensive knowledge, skills and behaviours to be a highly competent project manager and ready to continue work as a skilled professional in their organisation with new developed abilities.

Apprentices may wish to undertake further study at Postgraduate level or seek further development opportunities.

Apprentices will also have access to career support, our dedicated careers team can support with professional branding, career mapping and accessing potential.

Facilities

The Catalyst

The building will combine business, networking and apprenticeship opportunities with dynamic teaching spaces and state-of-the-art digital facilities – the perfect launchpad for you future career. Read more

The Catalyst brings together the delivery of apprenticeships and skills, in a flexible, high-quality, digitally enabled space. It offers open, social and flexible learning spaces, emulating real world working environments and opportunities for digital engagement. The Catalyst is a unified building, bringing together social, study, teaching and support functions, where students can browse digital and physical resources, including books and a number of special collections.

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Think Tank

Business is not all about rushing around, mindfulness and thinking time is important to innovation. Use our Think Tank to come up with the next big thing – designed for entrepreneurs of the future.

Transition Room

A space dedicated to you. The room has all the tech you need to work in groups on assignments, project plan and talk through your ideas.

Collaboratory

A cleverly designed room to allow you to work together in teams, communication is key in business and this space allows you to practice team dynamics in a safe space.

Enquire

To begin an apprenticeship, you must be employed in a role that aligns with the apprenticeship you wish to undertake.

If you are currently in a suitable position with an employer who is willing to support you or if you are an employer looking to recruit or enrol an existing member of staff onto an apprenticeship, please enquire with us.

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