Course description
COURSE INFORMATION
Project Management is the application of appropriate management strategies in order to effectively coordinate the realisation of complex and dynamic projects. The applied skills and competencies of a project manager are necessary for the successful completion of large and complex projects, particularly within the ever-changing marketplace. This postgraduate programme is aimed at those seeking to acquire the management skills required to progress towards senior management positions. These skills include knowledge and understanding of communication, organization and marketing concepts: both at a strategic level and in people / project team management. The discipline and practice of project management therefore provides exciting challenges and fresh opportunities for management practitioners from a variety of professional backgrounds.
This programme aims to develop knowledge of project management practice in terms of a synergistic and logical approach to defining and achieving project objectives. It engenders a holistic approach to the role of the project management discipline within industry, business and society, and promotes the ability to identify factors that impact most on project success whilst operating in single, multi-disciplinary or multi-cultural project teams. The project management programme is ideally suited to a wide range of professions and is an effective management strategy which presents exciting challenges to ambitious individuals. The development of knowledge and understanding is derived from the study of key areas, including: decision making, risk and value management; financial management and project economics; procurement and business strategies; law and project information systems; and project and people management. Knowledge of these subject areas is developed within the context of differing project environments and the importance of people and project teams in achieving success. The duration of the full-time programme is 1 calendar year (12 months). The programme commences each September and January, with the duration of the January commencement being slightly extended.
Students enrolled on the programme will study the following Level 7 modules:
* Project Management (Process & People)
* Resource Management (Human & Financial)
* Change Management (Business & Organizational)
* Decision Making, Risk and Value Management
* Partnerships & Collaborative Working
* Project Sustainability
* Applied Research Methods
* Project Information Systems (Option Module)
* Law & Contract Strategy (Option Module)
* Project Management Dissertation
The Project Management Dissertation module builds upon the concepts and theories presented during the Applied Research Methods module. The module requires students to further develop, consolidate and apply research skills that are expected from a postgraduate student when investigating a relevant issue in the field of project management. Students are required to undertake a piece of analytical, reflective academic research that results in the production of an original 20,000-word Masters dissertation relevant to the core philosophy of the programme.
MODULE INFORMATION
Year 1 Modules
BE0317 Project Information Systems (OPTION, 10 Credits)
BE0331 Law and Contract Strategy (OPTION, 10 Credits)
BE0332 Dissertation (Taught Masters Programmes) (CORE, 60 Credits)
BE0938 Applied Research Methods (CORE, 10 Credits)
BE0964 Partnership and Collaborative Working (CORE, 10 Credits)
BE1013 Decison Making, Risk and Value (CORE, 20 Credits)
BE1018 Project Management (Process and People) (CORE, 20 Credits)
BE1022 Change Management (CORE, 20 Credits)
BE1024 Resource Management (Human and Financial) (CORE, 20 Credits)
BE1103 Project Sustainability (CORE, 10 Credits)
COURSEWORK AND ASSESSMENT
The assessment of the learning outcomes of individual modules reflects the varying subject-related needs of those modules, and focuses upon the relationship between theory and professional practice. The programme consists of 120 Level 7 credit points of taught modules and 60 Level 7 credit points from the Project Management Dissertation module. The taught modules are assessed by a combination of examinations, assignments, time-constrained assignments and presentations.
ACCREDITATION
For those project managers wanting to follow a career within the built environment, the MSc Project Management programme is an integral part of the School's University Partnership Agreement with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). As a result, graduates from the programme are exempt from the RICS's membership examinations.
TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES
Opportunity exists for students to transfer between MSc Project Management and MSc Construction Project Management.
CAREERS
This is an ideal postgraduate programme for graduates who want to progress within generic project-based industries. It is ideally suited to relatively new graduates with restricted work experience and also highly experienced practitioners. The programme may be followed to enhance existing career opportunities within many industrial sectors; as preparation for transfer from one industrial sector to another; or as preparation for further postgraduate study, i.e. Ph.D. Demand for managers who can demonstrate the skills to effectively management projects continues to grow both nationally and internationally. Indeed, opportunities for a varied, well-paid, challenging and international career are significant.
