Assessment for this module combines a structured reflection with a forward-looking personal development plan, enabling apprentices to consolidate their journey to date and prepare for progression into programme and portfolio management responsibilities.

Live Debate of a Case Study (75%, Learning Outcomes 1, 2, 3) – in small groups, apprentices will be given a case study upon which a balanced debate must occur. All parties will be given the opportunity to contribute their initial arguments to ensure participation from all, and must all engage in subsequent critical discussion around the topic.

Personal development plan (25%, Learning Outcome 4) – apprentices will develop a structured plan outlining their next steps in professional development. The PDP should consider progression towards programme or portfolio-level responsibilities, or the management of more complex and strategically significant projects. Apprentices are expected to identify opportunities such as advanced qualifications, professional body engagement, mentoring, conference participation and leadership training, demonstrating how these activities will enhance their readiness for senior roles.

Together, these assessments ensure apprentices evidence their impact to date and establish a clear trajectory for continued professional and strategic development.

This module explores programme management as the bridge between individual projects and wider organisational strategy. Apprentices will examine how programmes and portfolios are designed to align with strategic objectives, manage interdependencies, and optimise the delivery of benefits across multiple initiatives. The importance of governance structures, assurance frameworks and strategic risk management will be emphasised, alongside the role of senior leadership in setting direction and maintaining alignment. Apprentices will also consider organisational culture and stakeholder engagement, recognising how these factors influence the success of programmes. Reflection on their apprenticeship journey forms a key component, with apprentices encouraged to evidence the tangible impact of their projects on organisational performance through documentation, feedback and testimonies. Finally, apprentices will develop forward-looking personal development plans, considering pathways into programme or portfolio management and identifying the skills and experiences required to operate effectively at this higher level.

Learning within this module maps to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
* 4: Quality Education
* 5: Gender Equality
* 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
* 10: Reduced Inequalities
* 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Learning within this module maps to the following Fundamental British Values:
* Mutual respect
* Tolerance

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Safeguarding:
* Safeguarding & supporting individuals – recognising accountability and responsibility within programme governance and leadership

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
* Fair and ethical leadership in programme and portfolio contexts
* Embedding EDI in organisational policies and governance frameworks
* Flexibility for different needs when managing interdependent projects and stakeholder engagement

1. Critically evaluate programme management frameworks and governance structures, analysing their suitability for complex, multi-project environments across varying organisational contexts

Apprenticeship standard: K1, K2, K3, K4, K6, K10, K11
University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding, Analysis, Enquiry

2. Apply advanced principles of strategic procurement and contract management to optimise value delivery, supplier performance, and risk mitigation within programme lifecycles

Apprenticeship standard: S1, S2, S3, S4, S7, B1, B3, B4, B5, B6
University Learning Outcome: Application, Problem Solving, Analysis

3. Analyse the interdependencies between projects, resources, and stakeholders within a programme, demonstrating the ability to integrate scope, schedule, and financial controls to achieve strategic alignment

Apprenticeship standard: S1, S2, S3, S4, S7, B1, B3, B4, B5, B6
University Learning Outcome: Reflection, Learning, Communication

4. Critically assess your own leadership and stakeholder engagement approaches that foster collaboration, adaptive decision-making, and benefits realisation in dynamic programme environments.

Apprenticeship standard: S1, S2, S3, S4, S7, B1, B3, B4, B5, B6
University Learning Outcome: Reflection, Application, Communication

This module will be delivered through a combination of face-to-face on campus lectures and online webinars, designed to provide an engaging and interactive learning experience. Face-to-face lectures will incorporate formal teaching, group work, case study analysis, and guest speakers. Apprentices will also be encouraged to share their workplace experiences to enhance peer learning. Meanwhile, online webinars will take the form of recorded content, interactive e-learning, or live tutorials, offering opportunities for group discussion, presentations, flipped-classroom activities, and further group work and case study analysis.

Additional learning activities include:
* Engaging with supplementary online content, including videos and presentations
* Independent reading to reinforce and expand on formal teaching
* Completing formative tasks set by the lecturer to consolidate learning
* Preparing for assessments, writing, and gathering evidence
* Developing and maintaining a portfolio of evidence

In line with DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules, this module includes 100 off-the-job (OTJ) training hours as standard, covering new learning funded by the apprenticeship levy. A total 300 nominal learning hours has been attributed to this module, incorporating OTJ training alongside broader academic development beyond levy-funded new learning. Please refer to your Aptem account to identify your individualised off-the-job hours.

Computer facilities to access online materials.
Access to specialist online databases, appropriate core texts and journals via the library, module leader, and own research.

This module is typically open to apprentices enrolled on the Project Manager (Degree) Apprenticeship programme. The module is also open to those who wish to undertake it as a standalone module. Such candidates should be currently in or working towards project management or support roles.

Amitabh, S. and Gupta, V. (2024) Strategic Program Management for Change and Transformation. London: Routledge.

Brown, K. and Laamanen, M. (2023) Governance, Leadership and Programme Management in Public Sector Transformations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Project Management Institute (2023) The Standard for Program Management. 5th edn. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.

Teter, J. A. (2024) Technical Program Manager’s Handbook. 2nd edn. Birmingham: Packt Publishing.

Zeitoun, A. (2023) Program Management: Going Beyond Project Management to Enable Value-Driven Change. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

This module introduces you to programme management as the link between projects and organisational strategy. You will explore how programmes and portfolios align with long-term objectives, manage interdependencies and optimise the delivery of benefits. Key themes include governance, assurance, strategic risk management and the influence of culture and leadership on programme success. You will reflect on your journey through the apprenticeship, evidencing the tangible impact you have had on your organisation with supporting materials such as feedback and witness testimonies. Alongside this, you will create a personal development plan focused on progressing towards programme or portfolio responsibilities or leading more strategically significant projects. By combining reflection with forward-looking planning, this module ensures you can both demonstrate your contribution to organisational value and prepare for the next stage of your professional career.