The MSc, PGDip and PGCert in Project Management is a generalist academic programme which aims to develop a deeper understanding of the theoretical and practical aspects to project management, and to develop the essential skills and competencies necessary to plan, monitor, control and deliver successful projects. The programme is focused on career preparation and relevant pre-experience providing a theoretical approach, but with an emphasis on putting theory into practice.

This award has a particular emphasis on business project environments that bring together resources, skills, technology and ideas to deliver business benefits or achieve business objectives, operating within the multiple project constraints of scope, budget, time and quality requirements. There are a large number of project workers and managers both regionally and nationally for whom this programme will be both beneficial and attractive.

The programme is designed for students who have a first degree in any discipline seeking to develop a career in a project-based role or environment. It provides the requisite knowledge base, organisational and analytical skills for those wishing to pursue a career as a Project/Programme Manager, Project Support Officer, Project Administrator or Project Worker. It is also designed to enhance the necessary applied research skills of those desiring to pursue advanced research study.

In summary the programme provides:

• An appreciation of the fundamental concepts, principles and techniques needed for effective project and programme management;
• An awareness of the roles, responsibilities and competencies of those involved in dynamic project-based environments, and how this relates to effective people, project and change management;
• An understanding of the methodological factors that can be used for selecting, defining, planning, controlling, monitoring and delivering projects;
• Knowledge of the basic concepts and analytical tools that underpin effective financial and resource control decisions in project-based environments;
• An understanding of the issues and approaches to managing risks in the project and programme environment, and in the wider enterprise.

The programme equips students with the appropriate level of analytical, interpersonal, computational and practical skills with respect to the variety of roles and responsibilities that are required when undertaking project activities.

Throughout the programme students are given an opportunity to develop project management skills and capability through the application of knowledge to activities in both real-world and simulated projects. The programme also enables students to use appropriate project management methods and tools, and critically evaluate the existing project management literature.

Each module is designed to enhance the students’ knowledge and understanding of the issues within project-based environments, whist also developing the necessary skills for more effective project management.

For admission to postgraduate business and management programmes, applicants normally need to have either:

• An undergraduate honours degree from a recognised/accredited university with a minimum 2.2 classification, or equivalent
• Pass in a recognised Premaster’s or Master’s Qualifying Programme

In the case of applicants whose first language is not English, then IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education postgraduate programmes.

Students that apply to enter stages of the programme may be admitted through normal Accreditation of Experiential Learning (AEL) or Accreditation of Certificated Learning (ACL) processes. Therefore such applicants must be able to demonstrate and evidence that they have the required learning outcomes as listed in the modules for which they are seeking exemption.

The MSc in Project Management is a 180 credit M Level programme. The structure is based on the University wide framework for a Master’s Programme. The programme will be delivered as four x 30 credit modules, and a 60 credit Postgraduate Dissertation including research methods sessions.

The MSc in Project Management can be offered in both full-time and part-time modes of study depending on viability of student numbers.

The full-time mode normally takes place over one year. In semester A of Year 1, students take the core modules of Managing Successful Projects and Managing Operational Risks, followed in semester B of Year 1 by Accounting & Financial Control, and Managing People & Transformation. Students will normally complete the Postgraduate Dissertation Module during the summer if September entry or spring if February entry, but only if they have completed the taught part of the programme.

The part-time mode normally takes place over two years. In semester A of Year 1 students take the module Managing Successful Projects, followed in semester B of Year 1 by Accounting & Financial Control. In semester A of Year 2 students take Managing Operational Risks, followed in semester B by Managing People & Transformation. Students will normally complete the Postgraduate Dissertation during the summer of Year 2 if September entry, or spring if February entry, but only if they have completed the taught part of the programme.

It should be noted that research methods and project support workshops will be held as part of the Dissertation to ensure that both February and September start students are appropriately supported, in addition to individual supervision and project groups/learning sets.

The programme offers two intermediate awards: a Postgraduate Certificate awarded following successful completion of 60 credits, and a Postgraduate Diploma for achieving 120 credits. However, given the relevance of the content to the named awards, students will need to have passed Managing Successful Projects and Managing Operational Risks to achieve the Postgraduate Certificate, additionally Accounting & Financial Control and Managing People & Transformation to achieve the Postgraduate Diploma.

The programme will utilise various teaching and learning strategies, including:

• Formal lectures to present the theoretical concepts, models and theories necessary to understand Project Management at the appropriate level;
• Seminars and workshops where the students have an opportunity to investigate and understand specific areas of interest within Project Management, and discuss these with their peers and tutors;
• Analytical and “applied” skills-based activities, including case studies, where students have the opportunity to contextualise and apply their knowledge;
• Practical laboratory sessions to equip students with the necessary research skills to access the growing bodies of knowledge relating to Project Management;
• Guest lecturers and sessions to enable students to network within the Project Management community and enhance their future career opportunities;
• The explicit use of IT and e-learning materials to familiarise students with project support tools and integrated project learning environments.

The assessment strategy takes into account the different needs of each individual module on the programme. The assessment strategy therefore employs a range of assessment methods, such as individual coursework (essays, reports, and portfolio work), group projects (reports, presentations, case studies, and assessed seminars), formal examinations, and a final applied project/dissertation with a written product/deliverable of about 15,000 words, and a Progress Portfolio including a reflective element.

The range of assessment is designed to reflect the learning outcomes of each module. The planning team has been careful to ensure that the assessment weighting/burden for each 30 credit core module is roughly equivalent. More detailed assessment criteria will be made available in each Module Handbook.

The MSc in Project Management is a generalist programme designed to enhance employability and understanding of project management issues, activities and roles within organisations, and enable students to develop a career within those roles. Project success factors include effective change management, risk management, financial management, people management and resource management as essential aspects within organisations, and there is a need to develop graduates with the knowledge and skills to meet the demand for improved capability within those aspects at national and international levels.

The 60 credit module Postgraduate Dissertation is an integrated module which aims to enhance student capability through the application of the knowledge gained from the programme, as well as providing the key skills required to initiate and produce a significant piece of applied research.

The Postgraduate Dissertation includes a 14,000 word written submission that is related to Project Management. This provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific/applied area of individual interest. They should demonstrate extensive knowledge of their selected topic, problem area or project, adopting a critical approach, alongside use of appropriate and relevant research methods/project management tools. The rationale behind this applied research is to use it as a showcase for the student to display their abilities to third parties, and as an initiating statement for their professional experience. Students are encouraged to select project/dissertation topics which will have value to them in the future or on returning to employment. There are a variety of project-based organisations that work closely with UEL, and these may help to facilitate ideas and topics. Students will be appropriately matched to a dedicated supervisor who is likely to be familiar with the topic area and is there to advise and guide the student during this stage of focused research and application of knowledge.

The added value for this programme comes from its vocational and applied focus, combined with the underpinning academic knowledge and development of experience. The programme displays currency in terms of content (knowledge, understanding and skills) and prepares the student for immediate and active employment in a project-based environment. This includes the opportunity to attain Prince 2 Foundation and Practitioner certification. The MSc in Project Management should attract students from a variety of backgrounds and disciplines. This is an important added value, as it familiarises and prepares students to work in teams with people from diverse cultural backgrounds and differing competencies in their working career.  The programme is also accredited by the Association for Project Management.

We expect that the qualification will gain national and international recognition and become an established passport to either starting a career in Project Management, or facilitate promotion opportunities for someone already working in that area. In addition we will facilitate the opportunity to achieve recognised certification in project management, through the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) Prince 2 Foundation and Practitioner Level certificate as part of this programme, which will be invaluable for entry and continued progression within the profession. We will also be able to advise students on additional certification and skills relevant to individual career aspirations and goals.

• A full and relevant Induction Programme to help you get settled in
• Accessible and supportive module tutors
• Substantial learning and research resources accessible on and off campus
• Computer labs and self study areas, as well as online materials
• A dedicated student support centre with friendly and efficient staff
• Ongoing parallel support programme of English language and study skills
• Student friendly comprehensive lecture notes and handouts
• Personal Development Planning (PDP) and a personal tutor in accordance with UEL policy
• A dedicated project supervisor who is familiar with the topic area and is there to guide and supervise during the specialist research stage
• Training in academic skills and research methods
• UELPlus resources to interact with lecturers and other students

• Exposure to networks within the dynamic area of project management
• Opportunity to acquire additional certification as part of the programme
• Learning points taken from real case studies and project examples