Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA)

By studying the CMDA you will develop your understanding of both the theory and practice of business management, whilst focusing on the specific challenges of your workplace. This will prepare you to progress onto more senior management and leadership roles. 

The course uses your experience and the latest research to expand your skills and knowledge of fundamental business concepts such as project management, business finance, and marketing. You’ll explore the functional, operational and strategic aspects of management across five themes: consultancy, leadership, skills, innovation and decision-making.  

The BSc (Hons) Business Management and Leadership, studied as part of the apprenticeship, is designed to complement your role, enabling you to apply your learning and make an impact and you could also achieve Chartered Manager (CMgr) status, the gold standard for the profession. 

The CMDA benefits both the apprentices completing the course and their employers. It gives employers the opportunity to develop their staff. During the course, apprentices will: 

• develop skills and knowledge directly relevant to their business which can be applied from day one. 
• improve forward planning, time management, general communication and reporting 
• increase confidence with technical and managerial abilities  
• enhance strategic thinking, focus, engagement of others and ability to implement new ways of working 
• deliver individual projects and assignments relevant to the apprentice's department or organisation, designed to benefit their business 

The difference the CMDA has had on our employees is phenomenal. For such a large Local Authority, it is vital we support and develop strong Managers and Leaders. This apprenticeship programme has helped prepare our future workforce by enabling them to contribute to the authorities objectives as a strategic level; improving their abilities of solving complex problems; enhancing innovation, creativity and critical thinking skills.

We have seen a fantastic achievement rate with around 80% of apprentices achieving First Class Honours results on the Degree and the same amount achieving Distinctions at End Point Assessment, which is testament to the skillset and experience of the staff at the University.

- Gemma Haynes, Employment and Skills Senior Manager, Leeds City Council and CMDA graduate

The CMDA is relevant for a range of colleagues in a variety of management roles and varied levels of experience – however, the course is aimed at those with line management responsibilities. Full entry requirements are available on the CMDA course overview page. Colleagues in the Lifelong Learning Centre can also talk to you about how you might meet the entry criteria and what support may be available to you.  

Applications for the CMDA are currently closed. Information about applications for the next CMDA will be available on this page in late-June 2024. In the meantime, you can register your interest so that we can contact you once applications are open.

For colleagues from the University of Leeds the fees for the course are paid by the University. More information is available on the CMDA course overview page. 

When applications are open you will be able to attend online information sessions to give you the chance to hear from existing CMDA students about their experiences throughout their study. During the session you can ask questions of either the students or the CMDA Team.

Campus tour events will also run for those who have applied and been accepted for the next course. It gives prospective students the chance to meet the teaching and support teams for the CMDA. You will be shown around campus and have a chance to find out more about the course.