What will I study?
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. You will subsequently be able to apply this knowledge and skill in your own context, and subsequently critically analyse the implementation and recommend potential future improvements in the context of leading projects and programmes.
Recognising that stakeholder management, risk assessment and management of projects and portfolios are critical to achieving business objectives that in term achieve enhanced organisational performance, you will also cover fundamental concepts, principles, techniques and tools of how to manage projects from the perspectives of time, costs and quality.
The programmes framework acknowledges the value of ‘research informed, applied learning’ as a means of developing and transferring knowledge about project and programmes and in doing so develop your own personal capability and future career prospects. To enable this, your learning will enable reflection on any past and current work related experiences and through practical assessment develop your ability to apply learning to your organisation.
For example, during the core module Managing Programmes and Projects you will develop a conceptual understanding of projects and their characteristics to enable definition, planning and control. You will also develop an understanding of the project management roles, and the relevant approaches, skills, tools and techniques available to the project manager and the project team as a whole. You will also be introduced to the dynamics associated with project teams and stakeholders. The module will consider projects within the wider context of programmes and project and the relationship to portfolio management which are collectively often referred to as P3 management. This will provide a basic understanding of complex scenarios consisting of single, multiple and major programmes consisting of supporting projects.
How will I be taught and assessed?
You will be taught through a mix of lectures, workshops, simulations and seminars, totalling 36 hours per module, to enable you to grow your knowledge of project management frameworks and skills. In addition, you will also be expected to engage in independent study involving directed and self-directed learning, totalling 164 hours per module.
Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) is embedded throughout the course with tools such as the ‘Blackboard’ eLearning Portal and electronic reading lists that will guide your preparation for seminars and independent research.
You will be assessed via 100% coursework including critical report writing, practical exercises and research project work. You are encouraged draw on your own work experience and link assessment to your own personal and organisational context to deepen your ability to apply what you learn during the programme to your work and, vice versa.
Careers 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.
This qualification is designed to accelerate your skills and competence in a range of job roles, including the specific roles of:
- Project Manager
- Senior Project Manager
- Programme Manager
- Programme / Project Director
- Head of Programmes/Projects
- or in more hybrid positions such as IT Project Director (Programme Manager)
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