Project Management

Project Management is the application of appropriate management strategies in order to effectively coordinate the realisation of complex and dynamic projects. The applied skills and competencies of a project manager are necessary for the successful completion of large and complex projects, particularly within the ever-changing marketplace. This postgraduate programme is aimed at those seeking to acquire the management skills required to progress towards senior management positions. These skills include knowledge and understanding of communication, organization and marketing concepts: both at a strategic level and in people / project team management. The discipline and practice of project management therefore provides exciting challenges and fresh opportunities for management practitioners from a variety of professional backgrounds.

This programme aims to develop knowledge of project management practice in terms of a synergistic and logical approach to defining and achieving project objectives. It engenders a holistic approach to the role of the project management discipline within industry, business and society, and promotes the ability to identify factors that impact most on project success whilst operating in single, multi-disciplinary or multi-cultural project teams. The project management programme is ideally suited to a wide range of professions and is an effective management strategy which presents exciting challenges to ambitious individuals. The development of knowledge and understanding is derived from the study of key areas, including: decision making, risk and value management; financial management and project economics; procurement and business strategies; law and project information systems; and project and people management. Knowledge of these subject areas is developed within the context of differing project environments and the importance of people and project teams in achieving success. The duration of the full-time programme is 1 calendar year (12 months). The programme commences each September and January, with the duration of the January commencement being slightly extended.

The Project Management Dissertation module builds upon the concepts and theories presented during the Applied Research Methods module. The module requires students to further develop, consolidate and apply research skills that are expected from a postgraduate student when investigating a relevant issue in the field of project management. Students are required to undertake a piece of analytical, reflective academic research that results in the production of an original 20,000-word Masters dissertation relevant to the core philosophy of the programme.