Senior People Professional Apprenticeship Level 7 Standard
Course Overview
The Senior People Professional Apprenticeship (Level 7) is designed for experienced HR and people professionals who are working in senior roles and want to develop strategic people leadership capability.
The programme is aligned to the Senior People Professional apprenticeship standard and combines postgraduate-level study with workplace learning. Apprentices remain in employment throughout the programme while developing advanced professional practice.
Who the apprenticeship is for
This apprenticeship is suitable for individuals who:
- Are working in an HR, people management or organisational development role
- Have responsibility for people strategy, culture, employee relations, workforce planning or talent development
- Are supported by their employer to undertake a Level 7 apprenticeship
Apprentices must be employed in a relevant role for the duration of the programme.
Programme content and delivery
The programme will be delivered over 24 months. It is provided by the University in partnership with businesses and organisations using a blended delivery approach, taking account of the seniority of learners and their availability to be on site.
Delivery options are:
- A blended provision of 80% online and 20% face-to-face
Entry requirements
Potential apprentices will need to be employed in the field of study and be 18 or over. Minimum 2:2 (Hons) or a level 5 apprenticeship. In addition, they must have GCSE English and mathematics at A-C, or grade 4 and above. Mature Students will have at least 2 years at a senior level in the field of study, along with a level 5 apprenticeship.
*If any of the above have not been achieved, then we can discuss occupational experience for competency and other routes to entry
Fees per apprentice for the whole duration
Levy employer: £19,000
Non-levy employer: please email degreeapprenticeships@uel.ac.uk or call 020 8223 2337 for more information.
The apprentice will not need to pay any fees for the apprenticeship, but there may be some small fees for CIPD membership.
Progression
On completion, full-time employment and additional CPD as required.
Duration and assessment
The programme is delivered over the published apprenticeship duration and includes:
On-programme learning and assessment
Ongoing progress reviews involving the apprentice, employer and UEL
An end-point assessment (EPA) to confirm occupational competence
Successful completion of all elements is required to achieve the apprenticeship standard.
Qualifications and professional recognition
On successful completion, apprentices will achieve:
A Level 7 qualification aligned to senior people professional practice
Completion of the Senior People Professional apprenticeship standard
The programme aligns with professional body requirements. Where applicable, apprentices may need to meet additional criteria or hold membership with the relevant professional body.
Support for apprentices
Apprentices are supported throughout the programme through:
Academic teaching and guidance from UEL staff
Employer support in the workplace
Regular reviews to monitor progress, wellbeing and development
This shared support model helps apprentices balance work responsibilities with postgraduate-level study.
Information for employers
Employers play a key role in the success of the apprenticeship.
Employer responsibilities include:
Employing the apprentice in a suitable role
Supporting off-the-job training requirements
Engaging in progress reviews and assessment processes
Training costs are covered through apprenticeship funding, subject to eligibility and government rules.
Programmes may be delivered to mixed cohorts or as employer-specific cohorts, depending on demand.
How to apply or enquire
This apprenticeship is offered in partnership with employers.
- Prospective apprentices should discuss opportunities with their employer or contact UEL for advice
- Employers can contact the UEL apprenticeships team to discuss funding, delivery options and next steps
Contact us
Email: degreeapprenticeships@uel.ac.uk
Telephone: 020 8223 2337
University of East London
Academic Partnerships Office
Docklands Campus, University Way
London E16 2RD
The information on this webpage reflects the course details as they are at the time of publication and is subject to change. The information is included as a guide to course content only.
Senior People Professional Apprenticeship FAQs
Who is this apprenticeship aimed at?
It is aimed at experienced HR and people professionals working in senior or strategic roles who want to develop advanced professional practice.
Is this a postgraduate programme?
Yes. The apprenticeship is aligned to Level 7 study, which is equivalent to postgraduate-level learning.
How does off-the-job training work?
A protected portion of the apprentice’s paid working time is used for learning, study, work-based projects and assessment, in line with apprenticeship requirements.
What qualification will I receive?
On successful completion, apprentices achieve a Level 7 qualification aligned to senior people professional practice and complete the apprenticeship standard.
Who funds the apprenticeship?
Training costs are funded through the apprenticeship levy or government funding, subject to eligibility and current funding rules.
