GCSEs and equivalents: Given the general nature of assessment, candidates will have at least 3 years managerial experience and have one of the following: -A degree from a recognised University or equivalent awarding institution at second class honours level or above; -A professional qualification recognised as equivalent to the above; or -An award which the University has agreed to accept as equivalent to the above. Mature entry: The programme team has a strong commitment to widening participation and positively welcomes non-standard applicants. Candidates with some management experience or those who are about to enter a managerial role and have demonstrated an aptitude for study can be accepted without previous experience of higher education. Additional apprenticeship requirements: Due diligence of potential apprentice employers must be undertaken during the admissions process in line with the requirements of the ESFA. During the application phase, applicants must have an initial meeting with relevant staff and undertake a skill scanning exercise (LJMU Apprenticeship Policy, 2022) RPL: In line with the UK Quality Code (2018) fairness and reliability are embedded principles within admissions and recruitment, and inclusivity pervades throughout the process from outreach activity to processes and practices to enrolment. Recognition of prior learning for apprenticeship applications to the programme will be in alignment with the present LJMU Recognition of Prior (Experiential) Policy acknowledging: Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) However not excluding other details from the policy for the purposes of this document it is important to note that the policy will be used for application for credit to be awarded and Apprentices may be awarded credits at the appropriate level and when suitably mapped against the programme and/or module learning outcomes. In addition, Apprentices joining the programme the award of Recognition of Prior Learning and Experience (RPLE), a new category for Apprenticeship programmes only, is permitted after assessment but the award of RPLE will not result in the release of credit (LJMU Apprenticeship Policy, 2022). The process, which will include apprenticeship applicants undertaking a self-assessment followed by an interview with the LJMU tutor, will compare the individual’s existing knowledge, skills, and behaviours with those required in the relevant apprenticeship standard to achieve occupational competence. The finalised agreement on the amount of RPLE to be awarded must be endorsed by the apprentice employer. It will then result in an individual training plan (ILP) that accounts for relevant prior learning and experience, reducing the content, duration, and cost where training is not required (LJMU Apprenticeship Policy, 2022).