MSc (Project Management)

Effective project management is vital to organisations of all shapes and sizes. Develop the skills to thrive in this critical area of business. Advanced project management techniques are no longer only for a few large corporations. Today, a vast variety of organisations across a wide range of industries rely on qualified project managers to make the difference between success and failure. 

This course can equip you to make that difference.

• Whether a recent graduate or a professional project manager, this course offers an in-depth understanding of vital tools and techniques that can launch careers and fuel professional progression.

Skills for success

• You will develop the skills and methodologies to plan, organise and control a project’s progression, quality and performance, together with the techniques to sustain its momentum. You’ll master systems thinking and develop essential skills in key areas like managing strategic procurement. Of course, it’s a discipline that is as much about leading people as it is about strategic planning or managing process. You’ll develop the skills to handle a range of leadership issues, from disputes between team members or external stakeholders, to motivating personnel through the complete project lifecycle.
• For organisations in every sector, it’s a business-critical discipline that’s central to growth and continued success, making this qualification a truly transferable asset, whatever your professional ambitions.

Our mission statement

• At Manchester Metropolitan University, our MSc in Project Management programme develops exceptionally qualified, socially and environmentally responsible leaders in project and programme management. Our curriculum blends technical expertise, strategic awareness, cutting-edge research, and ethical practices. This approach equips project managers to lead globally, drive innovation, and contribute to sustainable organisational success and the common good. Guided by values of excellence, creativity, and innovation, our programme fosters a supportive and resilient environment for our academic team and encourages graduates towards professional growth, critical thinking, and a dedication to responsible project management.

Features and benefits

• APM accredited - this course is proudly accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM), a leading professional body for project management in the UK. This accreditation is a testament to the high quality and rigorous standards of this course.
• Taught by experts - this course is delivered by leading academics who bring their experience as project management practitioners into the classroom.
• A global city of opportunities – Manchester has one of the fastest growing economies in the UK, with large capital projects shaping the region’s development. It’s a great lab for your studies.
• Rise programme – all students are eligible to take part in curricular activities with Rise. These might include volunteering, project work and certifications. 
• Triple accredited - our Business School holds the globally recognised trio of accreditations from EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA, placing us among the best business schools in the world. 
• Industry insight – learn from professional guest lecturers. You’ll get a unique insight into a number of different industries.
• Professional development – attend a series of key industry events throughout your course and network with recruiting businesses.
• Boost your employability – develop vital leadership and management skills in demand by employers. This course can open doors to a number of different industries.

Course information

• The business landscape has become more complex than ever. On one hand, the global marketplace has brought both new opportunities and new competition. On the other, technology is ushering in the era of Industry 4.0, environmental issues have climbed high on the agenda and the world’s economies are reeling from natural and public health disasters. Project management offers the skills and methods to guide any organisation through it all.
• Studying this course gives you the opportunity to master the tools and techniques to plan, organise and control a project’s progression. With a practical approach, based on case studies and scenario-based exercises, you will discover how project managers work in the real world. From there, you can move on to a dissertation project that lets you hone your abilities and put your critical thinking to the test.
• This course is accredited by the Association for Project Management, not only reflecting the relevance of the subject matter, but the quality of our teaching too. You’ll learn from experts in the field, with research-active academics who are shaping the way we think about project management, together with experienced professionals who have worked in the field and can offer a valuable perspective from the world of project management.
• Throughout the course, we place a strong emphasis on real-world understanding and experience. As such, we make the most of our extensive industry connections to provide a series of guest lectures, your chance to hear experts from a range of different sectors offering insights into the critical role project managers play in the operation of modern organisations.
• As employers across a broad range of sectors look to navigate an uncertain and digital world, you’ll leave us well-equipped with the strategic awareness, technical expertise and professional skills to be a valuable asset.

Rise with Manchester Met

• Rise is a programme available to all students at Manchester Met giving you the opportunity to earn practice credits on your degree through employment-enhancing activities. During your studies you can collect points for the activities you engage in and if you engage in enough activity you could receive recognition on your degree transcript.
• Postgraduate students can get involved in activities such as project work, workshops, volunteering and certifications. For example, you could gain certifications with the likes of Microsoft, Adobe and the Project Management Institute free of charge. Not only are these fantastic to have on your CV but they are also transferable to a wide range of careers.  
• All Rise activities are organised according to themes of Digital Capabilities, Self-Effectiveness, Sustainability, Internationalisation, Enterprise and Civics. Completing a number of activities within a certain theme will also earn you micro-accreditations in the form of Digital Badges.

Year 1

• You’ll study several core units, covering topics such as industry 4.0, executing projects in uncertainty and systems thinking and sustainability. From there you’ll complete your dissertation. 
• In addition to your core units, you’ll also study business relationship management and strategic procurement and digital leadership transformation as option units. Whilst studying these units is compulsory, the credit-weighting of the units can be substituted for credits gained on the Rise programme in your final transcript.

Core modules

• Industry 4.0
• Project Portfolio Planning and Managing Risk
• Executing Projects in Uncertainty
• Leading and Managing Project Teams
• Systems Thinking and Sustainability
• Dissertation/Project

Option modules

• Business Relationship Management and Strategic Procurement
• Digital Leadership Transformation

Study and assessment breakdown

• Ten credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A masters qualification typically comprises of 180 credits, a PGDip 120 credits, a PGCert 60 credits and an MFA 300 credits. The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning, but it could be:

Study

• Full-time 20% lectures, seminars or similar; 0% placement; 80% independent study

Assessment

• Full-time 85% coursework; 0% practical; 15% examination

Career prospects

• Project management as a strategic business competence focuses on the goals, resources and timeline of workplace activities designed to create unique services and products. The skills to lead people and achieve aims are truly transferable, making you a valuable asset to a huge range of employers looking to navigate an uncertain and digital world. With a practical focus, this course offers the expertise and understanding to chart a path in a wide range of different sectors. From healthcare or engineering, to retail or finance, this course can open the door to a wealth of possibilities.
• Today, you’ll find our graduates working across these areas and more, working as planning engineers, e-business project managers and business analysts. By the time you leave us, you should be ready to join them, whether that means working for an employer, becoming a freelance consultant or starting your own business.