Loughborough launches new Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship pathway focused on sports leadership

A purple Loughborough University banner in front of the Business School building

Loughborough University has recently announced a new sports leadership-specific pathway option for the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship, launching in October 2025.

This innovative programme is tailored specifically for the sports sector. The new apprenticeship pathway combines our extensive experience in strategic leadership education with our world-class sporting research and facilities, giving students real-world industry insights and developing leadership capabilities.

Drawing on our unique business and sporting heritage and expertise, this state-of-the-art programme is designed for existing employees who hold managerial roles within sport, and who are now seeking to extend their influence by becoming the next sport leaders.

This part-time programme is delivered in a flexible, blended learning format, enabling participants to work full-time alongside their studies. Our aim is to develop innovative, self–assured, resilient, and purpose-driven leaders who are ready to overcome the challenges of today’s business environment

This new programme pathway offers:

  • Sport-contextualised modules - Strategic People Management, Financial Management, and Marketing
  • Guest lectures and case studies from leading sporting professionals
  • Full funding via the Apprenticeship Levy
  • A Postgraduate Diploma with the option to progress to a full MSc in Strategic Leadership
  • A blended, part-time format designed to fit around work commitments
Professor David Fletcher
Professor David Fletcher

Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Sport, Health and Well-Being, Professor David Fletcher said: “Sport has a unique power to create a better future. Sport can inspire the next generation, bring people together, and create positive change in ways that transcend the most challenging of societal barriers.

“At Loughborough University, we believe that great leadership is required to fully leverage and realise the positive power of sport. We are proud to provide the Senior Leader Apprenticeship – Sports Leadership Pathway for those who share our belief.

“We are particularly proud to partner with Sky Sports to offer scholarships for talented people from underrepresented backgrounds, and also delighted to collaborate with other leading sports organisations, such as Leaders in Sport. Collectively, these organisations are helping us shape the sport-specific content, opportunities, and experiences from this programme, so that we create the sport leaders of the future.”

Learn more about our programme

Since the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy, Loughborough Business School has been supporting organisations to provide Senior Leader Apprenticeships.

We are a leading university provider of apprenticeships with a proven record of success. This is based on our strong partnerships with employers, creating programmes to meet specific business needs. To date we have partnered with over 100 employers to deliver Senior Leader Apprenticeships.

We provide:

  • Dedicated account managers to support both employers and employees throughout the apprenticeship process
  • Apprenticeship mentors to provide apprentices with both academic and work-based learning support
  • Assistance with recruitment and selection for the apprenticeship programme
  • Advice about funding and financial help

To find out more about the Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship – Sports Leadership Pathway, contact our dedicated Executive Education team at exec@lboro.ac.uk.

Please note: Due to the recent government announcement of the end of apprenticeship levy funding for Level 7 Apprenticeships for those over the age of 22, the cohort due to start their studies in October 2025 will be the final opportunity to enrol staff on this programme. Applications will remain open until 31 August 2025.