Barclays: First UK bank to offer Master’s Apprenticeship

Barclays has announced it is launching a Master’s Apprenticeship in Leadership, the first UK bank to offer this level of apprenticeship. The two-year programme will allow eligible candidates to further their studies whilst continuing to earn in their current role, completely free of charge. 

This announcement follows the 2017 introduction by Barclays of the first Banking Degree Apprenticeship, as the business continues to increase accessibility to higher education through its award-winning apprenticeship programmes.   

In partnership with postgraduate specialists, Cranfield University, the Master’s Apprenticeship will see an initial intake of 30 Barclays employees study for an MSc in Business and Strategic Leadership.

The two-year scheme will allow candidates to gain a Master’s level qualification whilst working and earning, to help further their career, increase potential earning power and become future leaders within the business. 

Mike Thompson, Head of Apprenticeships for Barclays comments:

“We’re thrilled to be the first UK bank to offer apprentices the chance to undertake a Master’s Degree, whilst continuing the great work they do at Barclays.” 

“The apprenticeship will allow candidates to gain a Master’s level qualification whilst continuing to apply the skills and knowledge learned in a workplace environment.

“On top of this, the scheme will enable us to create senior leaders of the future and make these positions within the business more accessible to people who may not have previously had the opportunity.

“Furthermore, our apprentices will be able to continue earning whilst they learn without incurring the debt traditionally associated with a Master’s Degree, opening up postgraduate education to a people from a wider range of socio-economic backgrounds.” 

As well as working on modules such as Organisational Behaviour, Strategy and Finance, apprentices will be able to learn vital on-the job skills that will equip them for senior leadership roles within various sectors of the business.

Additionally, apprentices who successfully complete the programme will achieve CMI Chartered Fellow Status. 

The new Master’s Apprenticeship will be open to employees in February who have gone through the Barclays Graduate programmes, Higher Apprenticeships, graduate programmes outside of Barclays and long-term Barclays colleagues who don’t have an undergraduate level degree*.  

Professor Lynette Ryals, Director of Cranfield School of Management, said:

“We are delighted to have been chosen to partner Barclays on its Master’s-level apprenticeship. 

“At Cranfield, we pride ourselves on staying close to business, both by preparing our students for the world of work, and through working closely with world-renowned organisations to tailor our educational offering to their specific needs. 

“As the first University to offer Master’s level apprenticeships, Cranfield is once again leading the way, in partnership with Barclays, to provide the first postgraduate apprenticeship for the banking sector.” 

With over 3,000 participants since launching its award-winning Apprenticeship programme in April 2012, Barclays offers a variety of schemes to suit a range of levels, interests and ages – including Traineeships, Foundation, Advanced, Bolder, Higher & Degree Apprenticeships.

Through these programmes, Barclays offers candidates from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to achieve far-reaching skills, experience and insight.

Enabling candidates to earn while they learn, Barclays Higher and Degree Apprentices receive 100 per cent funding, along with a competitive salary and benefits.