Academic requirements We welcome applications from talented candidates from all backgrounds. Candidates are normally high potential, early-career managers with one to five years’ post-qualification experience in any sector. Applicants who do not have a degree are welcome provided they can demonstrate high levels of achievement, exceptional career progression or evidence of financial management potential. Professional experience and personal qualities are equally important to us and each application is considered on its individual merit. To study for a formal award with us you will need to demonstrate that you can communicate effectively in English in an academic environment prior to the start of the course. Most applicants meet our English language requirements by having previously obtained a higher education level qualification from a UK university. Applicants without UK qualifications can usually meet the English requirement through employment in the UK (a minimum of 5 years continuous employment immediately prior to the start of the course is required), providing you can supply a reference from your current employer which explicitly confirms you are able to communicate effectively in English. Full details of how you can meet our requirements can be found on our English language requirements page. Apprenticeship requirements Before an application is submitted for our Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme, prospective students need to have approval from the employer. Students have to be employed and your employer has to agree to provide you with the support and supervision to carry out your job role and your apprenticeship. It is a requirement of the Apprenticeship Funding Rules that you are working at least 50% of your contracted hours in England. A three-way agreement needs to be put in place between Cranfield University, the employer and the student. As part of all Higher-Level Apprenticeships in England (this includes all apprenticeship provision at Cranfield University), it is a requirement by the Education and Skills Funding Agency that an apprentice holds or achieves an approved level 2 qualification in Mathematics and English before they can successfully complete the apprenticeship. Such evidence can include GCSE/O Level grade C/4 or higher. Please see list for details of acceptable qualifications - List of acceptable qualifications, under tab Level_3_Apprenticeships. Please note that Degree certificates (unless the words 'Mathematics' or 'English' are in the title) and secure English language tests, like IELTS, are not deemed acceptable by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. Before an application is submitted for our Senior Leader Apprenticeship programme, prospective students need to have approval from the employer. Students have to be employed and your employer has to agree to provide you with the support and supervision to carry out your job role and your apprenticeship. It is a requirement of the Apprenticeship Funding Rules that you are working at least 50% of your contracted hours in England.