Business Management (Apprenticeship) - BA (Hons)

Combining a degree with on-the-job training, the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) has been jointly developed by employers, universities and the Chartered Management Institute.

At Birmingham City University, the CMDA will provide the opportunity to gain a degree in BA (Hons) Business Management, a professional qualification and paid relevant work experience.

As an approved apprenticeship standard, it allows employers to use the apprenticeship levy and gives apprentices a head start in their management career.

Our CMDA is a three-year work-based learning course, offering flexible delivery options including day release and block release, using blended learning to suit employees in a wide variety of management roles at companies of all sizes.

Topics covered include Contemporary HR for Managers, Marketing Foundations, Finance for Managers, Operations for Managers, Supply Chain Management, Applied Management and Contemporary Global Management Issues. There will also be opportunities for negotiated work-based learning.

Why study on a higher or degree apprenticeship?

Essentially, you get the best of both worlds – all the academic challenge of a highly regarded degree, alongside a full-time wage and your first step on the career ladder with a prestigious employer.

You will work with and make connections with people in your chosen industry who can help you achieve your career goals in the future. And at the end of the course, you will have between three and six years' work experience, a degree-level qualification, and you won’t owe any tuition fees.

How to Apply - Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited

There are five apprenticeships available every year with our partners Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited.

Part of the Daimler group of companies, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited is a leading Financial Services provider within the automotive world, growing through innovation, great products and a range of initiatives to give customers the very best.

At the heart of their business is a desire to offer customers finance offers which make the ownership of a Mercedes-Benz an affordable reality whilst providing industry leading service throughout their customer’s journey.

Through a series of placements throughout the three year programme, you’ll work across a number of different teams within Mercedes-Benz Financial Services UK Limited giving you an invaluable insight into how they work. In each placement you will get involved in day-to day activities with real objectives and a chance to innovate. This will enable you to transfer your academic learning directly into the workplace. The best bit is your university fees are covered whilst you are earning a competitive salary.

Entry Requirements

You will have to have (or be predicted to achieve) at least 112 UCAS points at A-Level in any discipline excluding General Studies. You will also have GCSE grade C in Maths and English Language (or equivalent).

Applicants should also have great organisation skills, be IT literate and have a good attention to detail. Additionally, you will need to have some work and/or volunteer experience under your belt. 

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• This degree course is aligned with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).This means that the course is as professionally relevant and up-to-date as possible, taking into account the very latest developments in the profession.
• You’ll be involved in real world business projects and hear from leading industry speakers, who will share current thinking around business and management. 
• Recognising the global scope of business, all our courses have an international focus. This is embedded throughout the curriculum, giving you the opportunity to transform your experience with us into a global one.
• We put a heavy emphasis on the hands-on skills needed in modern business management, with practical assessments as well as exams.
• You will study in our state-of-the-art City Centre Campus, ideally located for you to take advantage of our links to Birmingham’s business district, one of the largest in the UK

Student Profile - Amelia Rose

Amelia always wanted to complete a degree apprenticeship and had aspirations of working with students within a University. She successfully completed the BA (Hons) Business Management Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship and has continued on with her employer, taking on more responsibility and challenging herself within new areas.

During my apprenticeship I worked within the Student Recruitment team at Birmingham City University focusing on ‘Widening Participation’ projects and supporting the wider team. I had so many opportunities to build collaborative relationships, manage projects and raise the aspirations of students. Having these varied responsibilities enabled me to challenge myself and develop in new areas.

I’ve always enjoyed active learning so the idea of combining studying and employment excited me. It’s so interesting to see scenarios play out within the workplace and then have the ability to discuss and analyse the links to theory, giving you the knowledge to respond effectively to future scenarios.

The teaching staff were very supportive, and students were easily able to develop a rapport with lecturers. This was reflected throughout the University with support from staff within student services and the library who were always happy to help. The tutors had significant industry experience and were able to share this within seminars leading to great discussions, case studies and more. I truly valued the learning aspect of my apprenticeship at BCU.

Upon successfully completing the CMDA apprenticeship, I achieved Chartered Manager status and my degree. During the apprenticeship, I had the opportunity to enrol on the PRINCE2 Project Management course which I thoroughly enjoyed. Although I was only on campus fortnightly as a student, I still felt a sense of belonging at the University.

I love working in education where you are able to support young people with their personal and professional development. I have continued my employment with BCU as a Graduate+ Project Officer and enjoying the new opportunities. This apprenticeship has taught me that you can achieve your dreams and challenges are opportunities for growth.

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• Our Placements
• Our Students
• Our Trips

Our Facilities

We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.

The Curzon Building

This course is based at our City Centre Campus – and specifically The Curzon Building, alongside other Social Sciences, Law, Business and English students.

The £63m building offers students a unique social learning space, including a dedicated student hub incorporating student support services, in the heart of Birmingham’s Eastside development.

The Business floors house an extensive number of IT facilities, breakout areas, and specialised rooms. The Marketing Link Agency is designed to replicate a modern marketing firm, allowing students to get real-life experience of working in the marketing sector. There is also the City Trading Room, which features state of the art stock market tracking equipment, keeping you up to date with all the financial comings and goings of the London Stock Exchange and Wall Street.

The Curzon building is also conveniently close to Birmingham’s business and financial centre, allowing for strong links between your studies and the real world.

The Curzon Building also features:

• An impressive new library with access to over 65 million full text items and stunning views of Eastside City Park
• Your Students’ Union which is located in a beautifully restored 19th century pub, The Eagle and Ball
• A modern 300-seat food court with space to study and socialise
• Brand new, accessible IT facilities with full Office365 for all students for free
• Shared facilities with the wider campus including the recently opened Parkside Building and Millennium Point