Overview

Managing international projects presents unique challenges. This Masters programme addresses the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to successfully manage projects that span organisations, national boundaries and cultural differences.

In this programme, you will explore the impact on project management of culture, language variations, religious, contractual, regulatory and legal practices, technology penetration, temporal orientation, gender issues, corruption, ethics, personal liberty and political contexts. We learn how to meet international project challenges through efficient use of practices and technology. The programme will utilise available case studies and examples from global companies to help you sharpen the skills needed to recognise and foster a successful international project environment.

Key facts

  • This programme has received the Association for Project Management (APM) academic accreditation.
  • Learn how to lead international projects and teams on budget and to a high standard
  • Develop your cultural awareness skills and understanding of different legal, social and political norms
  • Upon graduating, opt to further develop your skills and employability with Professional Pathways programmes through one of the UK’s leading IT and project management training providers, QA
  • Gain real-world experience through an internship or project through the Advanced Practice option

What will I study?

You will learn how culture affects how teams perceive each other, lead, solve problems and execute tasks. Although the world is increasingly connected, the people behind the projects have biases, expectations and a perception of life that impacts all decisions. You will also learn how to effectively manage international teams including how to build trust and collaboration across various cultures, time zones and technological settings. Importantly in an international project management environment, you will learn how to design communication channels and project structures effectively.

You will become familiar with the issues underlying the problem of corruption, which is the abuse of trusted power for private gain. Reducing the risk of corruption strengthens a company’s reputation, builds the respect of employees and raises credibility with key stakeholders. Finally, you will learn how the adoption of collaboration tools can enhance the international project experience. The programme is designed to teach you how to successfully deliver projects in an international environment.

To accelerate your learning, you will be exposed to theories and principles relating to financial and contractual management, leading teams including those that are geographically diverse, strategic leadership and the management of change, risk and opportunities. You will also be exposed to the fundamental concepts, principles of leadership theory, contractual arrangements, budgeting and forecasting and business case analysis.

How will I be taught and assessed?

  • Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars and workshops totalling around 10 hours per week
  • You’re expected to engage in independent study, around 28 hours per week
  • Assessment is 100% coursework including critical report writing, practical exercises and research project work.
  • Taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their industry experience to demonstrate how theories translate into real-life situations.
  • Technology-enhanced learning is embedded throughout the course to guide your preparation for seminars and independent research
  • Benefit from weekly academic support sessions designed to build your ability and confidence as an academic learner
  • You will be assigned a guidance tutor at induction who you will meet with regularly during your studies

Career and further study

This course will open up opportunities in project management roles in many industries. Past Northumbria University graduates have gone on to work for multinational companies such as BAE Systems, Volvo Car Group, NHS, Siemens, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Shell and Virgin Money. Job roles have included project managers, programme managers, project portfolio managers, management consultants, business developers, entrepreneurs, quality managers and directors.

This programme is also available as MSc International Project Management with Advanced Practice which includes an internship or project.

Upon successfully completing your course, you may undertake further professional development and training through Professional Pathways programmes. These are offered to our graduates for free, from our partner, QA. Find out more about Professional Pathways and your eligibility.

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  • 1 year MSc
  • Advanced Practice

Academic requirements

  • Minimum 2:2 (second class) honours degree from a UK university or equivalent

English language requirements

  • IELTS 6.5, with no single element below 5.5, or equivalent.

If you don’t meet the academic requirements

Applicants who do not meet the academic requirements but who do have substantial experience of working in a business organisation and/or possess a relevant professional qualification will also be considered. If you are unsure if you meet the entry criteria, please contact us and our team will be able to advise you.

International entry equivalencies

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Please visit our entry requirements page for country-specific qualifications.

Please note that if your qualifications are not in English, we might need certified translations in order to proceed with your application.

Masters Foundation programme

Alternatively, you may also be eligible for one of our Pre-Masters courses. These are pathway programmes designed specifically for students who require additional support to meet the entry requirements of their chosen Masters degree.

Pre-Sessional English and Study Skills

If you have IELTS 5.5 – 6.0, you may be eligible to join our Pre-Sessional English before starting this programme. This programme will help you develop language skills in a content-based approach to learning involving critical thinking, questioning, discussion, reflection and analysis.

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All modules on this course are core and 20 credits unless otherwise stated.

It is very important for future Project and Programme Managers to understand Strategic Management and how projects deliver the strategy of an organisation.

The business world today is considerably different and more complex than it was in the previous years. Both the challenges and opportunities facing organizations of all sizes today are greater than ever. Organizations are required to continuously find better ways to compete in the rapidly changing global business environment. Survival and competition have become imperative for organizations in the current global scenario.

In this context, the module develops the strategic thinking and decision-making abilities of students, for you to effectively deliver strategic programmes and projects in different cultural and country situations.

It is very important for International Project Managers to possess the knowledge and understanding as to how projects are successfully delivered in an international context.

The international business world today is considerably different and more complex than it was in previous years with many global multi-national organisations delivering projects in up to 150 different countries. The challenges and opportunities facing global organizations to deliver successful projects in order to deliver their strategy require project managers with a knowledge and understanding of the key issues when working in an international environment. Organisations are required to continuously find better ways to compete in the rapidly changing global business environment. Survival and competition have become imperative for organizations in the current global scenario.

In this context, the module develops the thinking and decision making abilities of students, especially in relation to understanding the employability of various Strategic and Project Management strategies in different cultural and country situations.

This module will provide a general introduction to the subject matter of international project feasibility and economics as located within the project, programme and portfolio environments of global organisations including the relevant financial drivers affecting option selection and project selection, procurement and contract strategies in international markets. It will also explore the key features of contracting, performance monitoring and the management of claims and disputes.

You will achieve an understanding of

  1. the different facets of feasibility including financial, economic, environmental, and social feasibility;
  2. the different economic environments surrounding projects including, macro and microenvironments, and regulatory/legal environments, and
  3. stakeholder environments including the Sponsor, Professional, and Contracting environments, all contextualised in an internationalised project management environment.

This knowledge and understanding are essential for future employment working on international programmes and projects. Employers are looking for graduates with project feasibility and economics skills who can work individually and as members of a team in tackling problems and at the same time being able to make difficult decisions relating to projects.

The module has been designed to satisfy several of the programme learning outcomes related to technical knowledge, employability, critical thinking and problem-solving innovation.

A ‘project’ is a temporary undertaking of some uniqueness, whose likelihood of success is enhanced if carried out using Project Management knowledge, methods, and processes, to accomplish planned objectives, such as outputs, outcomes or benefits. Programmes are collections of such projects which are also targeted at higher-level deliverables that will often require greater levels of coordination and present different types of opportunities and risks.

This module explores aspects of ‘P3 management’, the management of projects, programmes and portfolios, in this wider context. Taught content is constructed around a research-led curriculum (i.e. current knowledge in the field), and through its study, you will gain knowledge and develop a conceptual understanding around P3 Management, including the relevant approaches available to a project manager and the project team as a whole.

You will also critically evaluate project management knowledge and competencies, reflect on lessons from project case studies, and embrace the relevant ethical and professional standards associated with competent P3 management.

This module is designed to ensure you have the skills and knowledge to complete a postgraduate research project which is relevant to International Project Management and career or future aspirations. As such, in the early part of your studies, you will work closely with careers and professional development specialists to consider your career or future learning opportunities post completion of your degree. You will subsequently develop a career plan and reflective log considering how your learning from the programme can accelerate the achievement of this plan.

The impact of the people element of a project is often overlooked. It is this element that is the main focus of this module, which will include theories and concepts suggested by key academics as means of improving the management of international project teams. Based on a fundamental understanding of self and the impact of the individual on others it will include aspects and influences of international social, cultural and organisational psychology and international human resource management (IHRM). It will also have a very practical basis with examples from a range of industries, countries and cultures. The overarching objective is to develop effective team working and enhance skills required to understand and participate in leading real and virtual international project teams.

The aim of this module is to support your study, language and communication skills for academic purposes in the study in your chosen discipline. The module is designed to enable you to become an independent learner.

The module is supported by a teaching and learning plan which outlines the formal sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent reading. Interactive seminars will be tailored to address some of the specific issues that you meet within your discipline. Directed learning will require a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of the e-learning platform. You will be expected to identify those skills which you need within your programme, and to develop these independently through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading and reflection.

This module provides a process that will enable you to use and extend the knowledge and skills you have acquired during your programme of study. Using appropriate research methodologies and data collection methods, you will critically synthesise a body of knowledge relevant to the taught programme and apply this to an area relevant to your continued career development in the area of project management.

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The course information displayed on this page is correct for the academic year 2023/24. We aim to run the course as advertised however, changes may be necessary due to updates to the curriculum (due to academic or industry developments), student demand or UK compliance reasons.

Tuition fees 2023/24

  • UK/Home students: £9,960
  • International students: £19,000

Tuition fees 2024/25

  • UK/Home: £10,460
  • International students: £19,750

Please note that your tuition fees do not include the cost of course books that you may choose to purchase, stationery, printing and photocopying, accommodation, living expenses, travel or any other extracurricular activities. As a Northumbria University London Campus student, you will have full access to our online digital library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

The modules you will study do not require you to purchase additional textbooks although we recommend you allow an additional £120 for the duration of your studies should you choose to purchase any additional reading materials.

Information for international students

Northumbria University is committed to providing the best possible experience to all our students. To ensure you secure your place with us, we require our international students to pay a deposit towards their fees. More information can be found here.

Your tuition fees cover far more than your time in class with our expert academics, it covers the cost of providing you with excellent services and student experience.

  • Contact time in class – typically in lectures, seminars and tutorials
  • Access to facilities, including computers, on-campus Wi-Fi, printers, vending machines, quiet study spaces
  • The support of our Careers & Employment Service who help you to become more employable, secure placements and run workshops
  • Academic support – our ACE Team run multiple sessions on academic writing, presenting, exam techniques throughout the semester, as well as 1-2-1 appointments and drop-in sessions
  • Student support services such as our Ask4Help Service. Find out more about the services available to you on our Student Support page
  • Access to online resources, including 24/ 7 Library with over 400,000 e-books and 50,000 electronic journals.

Scholarships and bursaries for international students

Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for a country bursary and/or scholarship when studying the MSc International Project Management programme.

All of our scholarships and bursaries are automatically applied when we process your application and one of our team will be able to confirm your eligibility.

London Cost of Living Bursary

Eligible international students will receive an automatic bursary for £1,334, covering one month’s living costs in London*, applied at the Conditional Offer as a fee discount. This bursary is effective for intakes in May 2024, September 2024, January 2025 and May 2025. This offer excludes Pre-sessional English, standalone Graduate Certificate programmes and sponsored applicants.

If you receive this bursary, you may still be eligible for additional bursaries and scholarships, these will be confirmed at the Unconditional Offer stage. Full maintenance costs still need to be evidenced when applying for your visa.

This bursary is only available for international students from specific countries. Please visit our Scholarships page for more information.

*As defined by UKVI

Scholarships and bursaries

Payment plans for self-funded students

If you need support to spread the cost of your tuition, you may be eligible for our payment plan.

Payment plans

Government Loan for Masters study

If you are a UK or Home student, you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan of up to £10,000+ from the UK Government. Click here to find out more about the loan and whether you are eligible to receive it.

Postgraduate Loan

How to find out more

Enquire now to find out more information about the course, studying with us, the application process, and to ask any other questions you may have.

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How to apply

Students can apply online for the 1 year MSc International Project Management course by clicking the button below.

Apply for May 2024
Apply for 1 year MSc

 

Apply for September 2024
Apply for 1 year MSc

 

We strongly recommend that you submit your application as early as possible to allow you to complete all of the preparations needed to study your programme. Please refer to the Dates and Fees page.

You can check more information on how to apply here, including guidelines for the application forms.

Information For Disabled Applicants

At Northumbria University London we welcome applications from disabled students and are committed to ensuring an equal and accessible application journey. Your application will be considered on an equal basis to all other applications. Please contact us if you require any assistance. This website is continually optimised to adhere to accessibility best practice guidelines; tools to assist users with specific accessibility requirements have also been provided. More information is available in our accessibility statement.

 

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  • 1 year MSc
  • Advanced Practice

1 year MSc

Level of study:

Postgraduate

2023/24 Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: £9,960
International Fee: £19,000

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5, with no single element below 5.5, or equivalent

Mode of study:

Full-time classroom

Duration:

1 year (up to 2 years with advanced practice)

Assessment methods:

Coursework

Scholarship or bursaries:

Available

Student finance:

Available

Payment plan:

Available

Starts:

January, May, September

Next application deadline

Advanced Practice

Level of study:

Postgraduate

2023/24 Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: £12,960
International Fee: £22,000

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5, with no single element below 5.5, or equivalent

Mode of study:

advanced-practice

Duration:

16 - 24 months

Assessment methods:

Coursework

Scholarship or bursaries:

Not available

Student finance:

Available

Payment plan:

Available

Starts:

January, May, September

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