Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
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.
Your learning will embrace the development and operation of business markets, the management of key resources including human capital, financial management, strategic management and cultural awareness. In addition, you’ll gain an insight into digital business exploring how technology has remodelled the business world, and reflect on the accompanying issues around social responsibility and ethical behaviour.
Our accreditation by the CMI ensures you’ll be provided with the latest information and knowledge, as well as providing key industry links and insight.
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.
There are five apprenticeships available every year with our partners Mercedes Benz Financial Services.
Part of the Daimler group of companies, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services 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 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.
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.
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.
From A/AS Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £340 million on new learning facilities.
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.
Our staff have worked in managerial roles for some of the biggest brands in the world, including the likes of Tesco and Selfridges.
Balvinder Plaha joined Birmingham City University in 2015 and currently teaches the finance and corporate governance modules on the MSc Internal Audit, Governance and Risk Management and risk response and risk leadership on the MSc Risk Management course.