Project Management MSc module details
Block 1: Managing Projects for Success: Lifecycle Optimisation
This module considers the role of project management as a core driver for managing and delivering successful projects. A key feature of the module is for students to understand the concept of project lifecycle and how planning techniques play a role as an instrument of change. In particular, the application of a range of project management tools are critically evaluated for the execution, management and control of project management throughout its phases.
This module draws on the bodies of professional project management knowledge and to ensure connections between theory and practice.
Block 2: Responsible Project Management: Ethics & Sustainability
In this module students consider the growing importance of responsible project management, by which project managers deliver projects ethically and sustainably. A key feature of the module is for students to understand the global political, environmental, economic and social tensions which present challenges to achieving successful project outcomes.
Contemporary project management theory underpins the teaching on responsible project management where students are expected to challenge their individual beliefs and values. Students develop awareness of how change can lead to benefits and disbenefits in the project management process.
Block 3: Organisational Project Management: Dynamic Influence for Governance
In recent decades there has been an increased focus on new types of project organisation including flexible and virtual project teams which are challenging traditional institutional hierarchies. There has additionally been a focus on projectification theory which argues that these traditional structures are being changed by temporary project teams. This is seen in the expansion in project management governance processes, including project management offices (PMOs) and portfolio, programme and project management. This module considers the meaning of organisational project management by considering these features, and how traditional skills of management and leadership are integrated within them. It will help students to understand how to boundary span and negotiate professional practice in complex organisations.
Block 4: Project Management Futures: Emerging Trends and Professional Frameworks
This module offers students the opportunity to horizon scan project management as profession focusing on emerging trends in the sector. Students will develop their understanding by engaging with professional project management bodies as well as the 51Âþ» Careers team.
The module also provides an opportunity for students to reflect on their project management ‘future’ by situating their learning on the MSc Project Management as part of their personal and professional development. In doing so, students focus on ‘project me’ by using project management competence frameworks to link their own career aspirations with the future of project management as a profession.
A core part of the module is for students to identify their own project management knowledge, skills and behaviours in order to develop their personal SWOT analysis for career realisation.
Block 5 and 6: Project Management Dissertation
The final 60 credit Project Management Dissertation (PMD) is an individual and independent extended piece of work. This can be in the format of an extended essay, an individual research project or live project brief. These options will be subject to availability and interest.
First, students will apply their learning about project management to write a 2000-word research proposal. This will analyse a preliminary research problem guided by gaps in existing knowledge, on an issue related to project management. Students will need to engage with research method approaches and pay particular attention to the principles of research ethics in this module.
Secondly, the core 10,000-12,000-word PMD is studied independently with the assistance of a supervisor and is a chance for the student to academically pursue a relevant area of project management of particular interest. The PMD requires the student to put into practice a range of skills developed over the course of the programme such as: researching and critically reviewing national and international literature, applying theoretical frameworks, research design and ethics, data collection and analysis, research writing and dissemination.