Overview

This programme is designed for those with an undergraduate degree from any discipline, or suitable work experience, who wish to study for a generalist broad-based qualification to further develop their knowledge, skills and careers in Programme and Project Management.

There is a need in the market for those with such qualifications and this programme can allow you to enhance and develop your career in Programme and Project Management. It is anticipated that the wider focus on the management of multiple projects within organisational programmes that the MSc will appeal to those who are aspiring to develop specific project management competencies in the context of leadership and strategic management.

Key facts

  • This programme has received the Association for Project Management (APM) academic accreditation.
  • Demonstrate complex and specialised knowledge and skills in the areas of Programme and Project Management
  • Appreciate and evaluate innovations, advances and major issues at the forefront of Project Management and related technologies and their implications
  • Work related assessment wherever possible, designed to deliver impact into your organisation
  • Delivered over 2 years in Part-Time mode – 15 weekends with supporting online or face to face tuition

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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Applicants should have:

Standard entry requirements

  • A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (2:2 or above)
  • Professional qualifications that are equivalent to an honours degree

Non-standard entry requirements

  • Applicants who are not graduates and do not hold professional qualifications of equivalent standing can also be considered for entry if they show evidence of strong motivation and capability for academic study and personal development (e.g. evidence of attendance at short courses) and/or suitable experience of working in areas which involve a significant amount of Project or Programme Management

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.

Please note: we are not currently able to sponsor international students to study this programme. If you require sponsorship to study as an international student, this course will unfortunately be unavailable to you. For alternative options, have a look at our full-time programmes.

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All modules on this course are core.

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, especially in relation to understanding the employability of various strategies in different situations.

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 Programme and 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.

This module will provide a critical knowledge and understanding of project feasibility and economics as located within the project, programme and portfolio environments including the relevant financial drivers affecting option selection and project selection, procurement and contract strategies. 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 micro environments, and regulatory/legal environments, and (3) stakeholder environments including the Sponsor, Professional, and Contracting environments. This knowledge and understanding is essential for future employment.

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.

It is essential that a programme or project manager is fully equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to be able to face any events that may impact on a project’s products, resources, stages or objectives. This module will enable you to effectively manage the inevitable risks and uncertainty that projects deliver and the multi-faceted challenges that come about as a result of change. In addition to a framework of tools, techniques and processes, a key part of this competence is in understanding the dynamics of change as a socially navigated process.

As part of this module you will experience the practicalities of managing these issues through a simulation that has been developed with input from industry, client experts and academia. You will be able to test the strategies that you have learnt and see the complexities that develop from their implementation.

The impact of the people element of a programme or project are often overlooked. It is this element which is the main focus of this module, which will include a critical review of key theories and concepts suggested by key academics as means of improving the management of programme and project teams. Based on a fundamental understanding of self and the impact of the individual on others it will include aspects and influences of social, cultural and organisational psychology. Your learning journey will also have a very practical basis with examples from a range of industries. The overarching objective is to develop your effective team working and enhance skills required to understand and participate in leading real and virtual programme and 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 and 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 which 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 2024/25:

  • £10,460

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.

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.

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.

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.

Payment plans

We offer an interest free monthly payment plan available to all self-funded students after payment of your deposit.

Please note that self-funded students are required to pay a deposit of £2,450.

Scholarships

For more information on scholarship opportunities, please contact us today.

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

Government Loan for Masters study

If you are a UK/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.

Payment plans and PGL

Early Application Discounts

Our Early Application Discount is awarded to you when you submit your application and holding deposit, before the deadlines specified on our dates and fees page. The discount is applied to your remaining fees after you pay your full deposit. This discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer – please contact us for more details on eligibility.

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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

Once you’re ready to apply, you can apply online to study the MSc Programme and Project Management. This method allows you to upload your supporting documents at the time of application and automatically receive your student application number.

Apply for October 2024
Apply for October

 

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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Course Information

Level of study:

Postgraduate

2024/25 Tuition fee:

UK/Home Fee: £10,460 (24/25)

Entry requirements:

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree or equivalent (2:2 or above) or professional qualifications that are equivalent to an honours degree or work experience may also be acceptable

English language requirements:

IELTS 6.5 with no component less than 5.5

Mode of study:

Part-time classroom and virtual sessions

Duration:

2 years (15 weekends)

Assessment methods:

Coursework

Scholarship or bursaries:

Available

Student finance:

Available

Payment plan:

Available

Starts:

January, October

Next application deadline

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