The job title of Project Manager is found in nearly every business sector and while the specifics of the role may vary, most PMs work to standard methodologies and frameworks ensuring that projects of all sizes are delivered on-time and on-budget.
For those who love to see tasks through to completion and thrive on organising resources and leading people, a role within Project Management could be ideal. To get a glimpse at where studying a full-time MSc International Project Management or part-time MSc Programme and Project Management can take you, we look at some project management roles within three diverse industries looking for highly qualified individuals.
The UK’s aerospace industry is the second largest in Europe and third largest globally, with its trade association, the ADS Group, reporting sales of £82bn in 2022. Combining high-tech engineering, manufacturing and travel, this is a fast-paced and challenging industry in which to work.
Aerospace Project Managers oversee the management and delivery of projects with complex, critical bids relating to land, air, sea or space systems. Key responsibilities include the delivery of the project or product whilst remaining within budget, on schedule and maintaining quality.
Due to the nature of space travel and exploration, the projects are usually high risk and require the communication and management of multiple teams and inclusion of many stakeholders.
What qualifications and skills are needed?
A Masters postgraduate degree, or Undergraduate degree, preferably in Engineering or similar is often required. Candidates qualified in standard project management certifications such as PRINCE2 or APM are advantageous, as well as those with other higher project management qualifications such as an MSc.
Skills you need
Salary expectations
A Junior Project Manager in aerospace can earn an annual salary between £20,000 to £35,000 (depending on their experience) whilst an experienced mid-level Project Manager could earn between £45,000 to £55,000. The industry average is currently around £57,500. An aerospace senior/lead Project Manager’s salary ranges between £45,000 right up to £90,000 per year.
Potential employers
A Project Manager for governmental departments works closely with a wide range of suppliers and stakeholders. This role’s purpose is to enable the successful implementation of government policy as well as organisational change in the public sector.
Roles like this provide the opportunity to work on and deliver essential projects across the UK. Due to the nature of this industry, a Project Manager will often be privy to highly sensitive information of the public, key government figures such as MPs and business leaders. Other roles see Project Mangers working within anti-terror units, such as M16, M15 and UK Border Force.
Skills you need
Salary expectations
Depending on seniority, entry level salaries for Project Managers within Government run from between £25,000 to £30,000 annually, experienced PMs can command salaries of £30,000 to £50,000, and highly experienced/senior PMs,  £40,000 – £60,000.
Potential employers
A role as a Project Manager within a broadcasting company can vary greatly from working on the technical delivery or release of programming, through to the production of the actual programmes themselves. Responsibilities could include managing the successful design, build and implementation of a new streaming platform or working on the company’s coverage of key events such as royal weddings, Olympics or political summits. As with all project management roles the key focus is to deliver a project within the brief, without breaking constraints of time, cost and functionality.
Due to the fast-paced nature of broadcasting, the orchestrating and delegation of tasks within any project is essential to guaranteeing its ultimate success, making Project Managers ability to lead and direct teams crucial to the organisation’s success.
Skills you need
Salary expectations
A graduate Project Manager in broadcasting can start on around £25,000 annually, whilst an experienced broadcast Project Manager can earn in the region of £60,000 to £95,000.
Potential employers
Roles in broadcasting as a Project Manager can be found almost anywhere, from radio breakfast shows to news programmes. Potential employers include:
If you’re looking to enter a career in Project Management or perhaps are already in the field and want to enhance your professional profile, then studying a full-time MSc International Project Management or part-time MSc Programme and Project Management at Northumbria University London could be the next step you’re looking for.
Our part-time MSc Programme and Project Management is designed for working professionals and allows you to continue studying while you build your existing career. All taught sessions are delivered in 15-weekend blocks spread over a two-year period – download our example timetable for more information on programme structure.
Contact our team today to find out more.
