Project Management MSc

Course Content

• Course Details

  Our Project Management Masters is designed to address the growing complexity of projects and incorporates key tools and techniques. You’ll gain an understanding of the core competencies required to drive a successful conclusion, as well as an appreciation of using a more holistic, international and ethical stakeholder project management approach.

  When you choose to study MSc Project Management at the University of Northampton, you will benefit from the teaching of supportive and dedicated teaching staff with real industry experience. You will also have the opportunity to gain additional, highly-regarded professional project management qualifications in PRINCE2 Foundation, PRINCE2 Practitioner and Agile Project Management Foundation.

  This course explores project management through a series of progressive modules, developing your knowledge from the fundamentals, through to modules addressing risk, resilience and contingency planning. You will also explore key issues facing project managers such as project finance and procurement, managing project teams, critical perspectives and social impact and responsibility.

  The final stage of the course will include a Project Management consultancy project or Project Management Dissertation. The consultancy project will allow you to undertake a project in one of a number of different industries and will address the varied aspects of project or programme management. You can choose to complete the Project Management Dissertation instead of the consultancy project, which will allow you to explore and critically review literature about issues related to a particular aspect of project management in your chosen area.

  Modules

  The modules below are for the MSc Project Management Non-placement route. To view the modules for the Placement route, please see the MSc Project Management (Placement route) Award Map.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • Fundamentals of Project Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: BSOM071

      Status: Compulsory
      Fast moving dynamic development within organisations means that having a basic `toolkit? of modern and de facto project management techniques, with an emphasis on applying these is a vital requirement for project management students. This module develops students? understanding of theoretical practices, practical tools and techniques, and equips them to face the challenges facing project managers today.
    • Risk and Resilience in Holistic Value Chain Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: BSOM072

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide future business managers with an introduction to risk and resilience. It also enables the students to understand the workings of holistic supply chains and the required managerial decisions and how these intercede with risk mitigation strategies and resilience planning.
    • Finance and Procurement Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: BSOM073

      Status: Compulsory
      This module evaluates finance and procurement governance in a business context providing the learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills of financial and procurement planning using a variety of techniques.
    • Critical Issues in Project Management (20 Credits)
      Module code: BSOM074

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of the module to provide a critical discussion and reflection of the contemporary and emerging issues in project management. Moreover, the students will have the opportunity to evaluate related theories and techniques in project management.
    • Business Research Project (60 Credits)
      Module code: BSOM077

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to offer the opportunity to the learners to develop skills in completing an investigative research project. The students will use their project management skills, their specialist skills gained in other modules and they will work towards successfully completing the capstone project of their masters degree.
    • Managing Project Teams (20 Credits)
      Module code: HRMM068

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to equip learners with critical awareness of practical and theoretical concepts associated with managing high performing project teams by examining the management and leadership of teams working in complex organizational contexts. The module will examine the leadership skills and competencies required to create confident and accomplished project leaders.
    • Social Responsibility and Impact (20 Credits)
      Module code: STRM075

      Status: Compulsory
      This module introduces students to the key issues and debates on Social Responsibility and Impact, providing them with the knowledge, tools and skills to critically evaluate the range of complex ethical and/or sustainability issues that businesses may encounter, and to develop sustainable strategies and/or approaches to project development and management.

  Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme

  MSc Project Management is part of the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELCS). The ELCS is an opportunity for members of the Armed Forces to further or expand on their education. The scheme offers support financially in a maximum of three separate financial years for higher level learning of a nationally recognised qualification at a Level three or above.

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• Entry Requirements

  If you hold a recognised first or second class honours degree (or equivalent), you will be eligible to apply for this Project Management Masters course. If you have relevant work experience in the Project Management field and related professional qualifications, you will also be considered on an individual basis.

  If you would like to make an application as a Home or EU student, please visit our How to Apply page.

  If you are an International student and would like more information on making an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  If English is not your first language, you must meet the following English language requirements:

  IELTS 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in writing and 5.5 in all other skills.

  Equivalent qualifications are considered, for further information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our English Language Requirements page.

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• Fees and Funding

  23/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK: £8,010
  • International: £16,500
  • Year 2 Placement Fee: £1000* (for placements starting in September 2024 or January 2025)

  *The placement fee amount will only be charged to you after you secure a placement and are enrolled on the work based project in year 2 of your course. You will not be charged this fee if you do not secure a work placement.

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

  Additional costs

  There are no additional costs for this course for students beginning their studies in September 2023. Should this change, applicants and students will be contacted by the university with details of the costs.

  22/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK: £7,650
  • International: £15,000
  • Year 2 Placement Fee: £500* (for placements starting in September 2023 or January 2024)

  *The placement fee amount will only be charged to you after you secure a placement and are enrolled on the work based project in year 2 of your course. You will not be charged this fee if you do not secure a work placement.

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• FAQs

  What is Project Management?

  Project management refers to the application of certain knowledge, skills, methods, tools and techniques with the aim to meet specific project requirements and objectives. These deliverables need to be met within agreed parameters, including set budgets and timescales.

  The set deliverables makes these projects temporary, which is a key distinguishing factor between project management and management in general. Due to this, project management roles require a wide range of business, technical and people management skills.

  How much does a Project Manager earn?

  Project management jobs can be found throughout nearly every business sector and across various different projects, meaning these skills are widely in demand. As a result, high pay levels are available, with an average earning of around £62,000 per annum in the UK.

  There is a wide variety when it comes to project management careers, with some positions paying lucrative bonuses worth up to £10,000. Additionally, a minority of those working in this role may also be entitled to receive earnings from profit sharings, which can add up to around £4,000.

  How will I learn?

  You will be taught by experienced academic staff with specialist knowledge of their subject areas. The taught modules on the MSc Project Management are delivered using a combination of lectures and workshop sessions, with an emphasis on participation and discussion.

  If you are wishing to take up the option of a 12 month placement, your course will be 24 months. If you do not take the placement year, then your course will be completed in 12 months.

  You will complete two semesters of 14 weeks, spending 12-15 hours per week in the classroom with your tutors and fellow students. You will be expected to engage in significant additional study, around 20-25 hours per week in self-directed study as well as attending additional workshops to support your achievement of the professional body memberships and awards.

  How will I be assessed?

  You will experience a variety of assessment styles including business reports, essays, research papers, oral presentations, practical work, examinations, case study and context analysis, as well as the dissertation.

  There is an opportunity to take a placement year which will allow you to develop and hone your skills through complex business projects and reflect on your experiences.

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Careers and Employability

This Project Management course will support your career progression by developing your critical thinking and research skills to enhance your business knowledge and understanding. The Masters degree in Project Management will teach you the theory of effective practice and equip you with the essential skills, confidence and competence to assist you when you venture into your chosen industry.

You will learn to think laterally, challenge convention and offer knowledge-based solutions to business issues, which is an advantage that will set you apart from peers and colleagues in the business environment.