Course overview
Learners gain a deep understanding of the principles and practices of sustainability, as well as how they can be effectively integrated into business. They explore topics such as environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic sustainability, learning how to develop and implement sustainable strategies within organisations.
Apprentices also develop a strong foundation in business management and leadership skills, enabling them to drive positive change in their organisations. They learn to analyse and evaluate the environmental and social impacts of business operations, and develop innovative solutions to address sustainability challenges.
This programme aims to:
- develop apprentices’ understanding of sustainability and gain a solid foundation in sustainability theory, frameworks, and best practices. Learners also gain a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
- foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Apprentices cultivate critical and analytical skills when assessing sustainability issues. Through case studies, projects, and research, apprentices develop skills in identifying, analysing, and proposing innovative solutions to sustainability challenges.
- promote interdisciplinary learning. Sustainability is a multidisciplinary field, and the course aims to encourage collaboration and integration of knowledge from various disciplines. Apprentices engage with diverse perspectives, incorporating insights from environmental sciences, social sciences, economics, and business management.
- enhance practical skills, apprentices focus on practical skills that can be applied in real-world sustainability contexts. This includes skills such as sustainability assessment, environmental impact analysis, stakeholder engagement, sustainable project management, and communication for sustainability.
- cultivate leadership and change management abilities, apprentices develop leadership skills, to drive sustainability initiatives within organisations and communities. They learn how to effectively communicate sustainability goals, engage stakeholders, and implement sustainability strategies at different levels.
- encourage ethical and responsible decision-making, the course instils ethical values and a sense of responsibility towards promoting sustainability. Apprentices explore the ethical dimensions of sustainability and understand the importance of considering social and environmental justice in decision-making processes.
- foster research and innovation. The course nurtures apprentices' research skills and encourages innovative thinking. Apprentices will conduct independent research, contribute to sustainability knowledge, and explore emerging trends and technologies in the field.
Delivered in partnership with Grant Thornton
Please note, we can only respond to enquiries from employers, or individuals with agreement from their employer to undertake an apprenticeship.
Course details
Course structure
Core modules
Driving Sustainable Change Strategies
Learners explore innovative ways for organisations to thrive in economic and environmental landscapes. They draw on real-world scenarios from various domains, sectors and contexts, and think critically about the intersection of business and sustainability.
Apprentices develop an understanding of the need to transform organisations into catalysts for change, delving into topics such as corporate social responsibility, strategic direction, ethical leadership, stakeholder engagement and organisational behaviour. They engage with industry experts, discussing current trends and best practice in sustainable business strategies.
Apprentices develop an understanding of how businesses can drive positive change while maximising profits. They also learn how to navigate the challenges of modern-day business, manage organisational change, and lead the way towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Evaluating Sustainable Global Operations
Over the past two decades, the importance of managing environmental impact has become increasingly paramount to business success. This has led many organisations across the globe to explore their impact at an operational level and across their extended value chain, identifying areas for improvement and the development of more efficient, sustainable management practices.
Learners identify key operational challenges in value/supply chain management and explore the tools available to organisations in achieving their sustainability objectives through Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Value Chain Analysis (VCA) and lean management tools linked to process improvement and identification of waste.
Sustainability and Regulatory Frameworks
Learners are introduced to international, European and UK sustainability regulatory frameworks, with an understanding of the relationship between sustainability and regulation, laws, treaties, reporting rules and guidelines. They also gain an understanding of how organisations can embrace and adhere to the various sustainability regulations, to accelerate the transition to a low carbon economy.
Sustainability Principles and Data Reporting
Learners familiarise themselves with the principles, theories and policies underpinning sustainability, and how they apply to different sectors of business and society. They gain an understanding of the risks posed by climate change to businesses, and the skills needed to effectively measure and report on the impact of these risks.
Sustainable Finance and Legislation
Learners focus on the complex relationship between climate change, businesses, financial decisions and legislation, looking at the origin, content, scale and scope of sustainable finance, and its implications internationally.
They explore the theory, history, practice and relevance of sustainable finance, considering the laws and regulations. Apprentices also examine how sustainable finance is essential for businesses to accelerate the transition to a low carbon, environmentally sustainable and resilient economy.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
Apprentices learn through a mixture of in-person workshops and online seminars, and they are supported through our digital learning platform. This flexible learning approach fits around busy work and life schedules.
The apprentice learns authentically with their peers to develop solutions to strategic challenges in organisations. They also actively participate in online discussion groups and virtual seminars, with access to a variety of other digital materials to shape their learning.
How you are assessed
Assessments are innovative and engaging, allowing the apprentice to develop their skills and qualities. They are assessed through business reports, case study analysis, presentations, self-diagnostic assessments, reflective reports, research proposal and dissertation.
Apprentices also complete an end-point assessment (EPA) to assess them against the apprenticeship standards requirement of skills, knowledge and behaviours. The EPA has two assessment methods:
- work-based project, consisting of a report, presentation and questioning
- technical interview, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
Entry requirements
To be accepted on to an apprenticeship course you must have support from your employer and meet the course entry requirements.
You must:
- meet the standard entry requirements for master's level study, which are normally one of the following:
a good honours degree (at least a 2:2) in a subject related to the field of study
a post-experience or professional qualifications
equivalent qualifications (including internal qualifications).
- hold and evidence level 2 qualifications including English and maths
- be employed and working at least 50% of contracted hours in England, in a senior role that supports you in achieving the apprenticeship duties
- have approval from your employer and commitment that they can support you to carry out your job role and the apprenticeship.
Applicants without an honours degree who have significant management experience are also encouraged to apply. This is managed on a case by case basis following the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning process.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
Employability
Career opportunities
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, graduates have the skills and knowledge to play a crucial role in driving sustainable practices within organisations, preparing them for a successful career in sustainability management, corporate social responsibility, environmental consulting and other related fields.
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