Project Management MSc

Our online MSc Project Management recognises that every individual’s approach to management is personal and unique, and every manager handles the innate challenges of leading teams and projects in their own way. Consequently, we encourage and enable you to develop your own individual approach to managing projects, based on good management practices as well as specialist project management skills.

In addition to developing your own unique management style, you will also learn how to lead and manage projects and project teams effectively, as well as mastering a range of specialist project management principles, systems and techniques.

Project Managers are highly sought after in many industries and organisations, both nationally and internationally. We'll provide you with the supported learning you need to develop the necessary knowledge, transferable skills and confidence to access these exciting career opportunities.

Project Management skills are transferable across multiple industries, making graduates of this course highly desired by a wide range of organisations, and our Project Management MSc is accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM) who are the chartered body for the project profession.

While studying on this course you will be eligible for a free student membership of the APM. Being a member offers you a range of benefits designed to help you get the most out of the project management community.

Benefits include

• Knowledge resources
• Project journal archive
• Networking at events
• Involvement in APM branches and Specific Interest Groups (SIG)
• Preferential rates on APM qualifications
• Digital badge

Modules

Due to the structure of this course, there will be instances where you will study two modules simultaneously during a trimester. You will be supported by your tutors to help manage your workload and assessment deadlines.

Please contact one of our advisers to discuss the pacing of this course and the options available to match your circumstances.

Management Theory

This module is designed to build your knowledge of management and help you develop your own unique approach to managing projects and teams. You will learn about the key principles and practices of management, including organisational structures and leadership. You will also explore the principles and practices of management and organisational success.

Management Practice

Organisational performance is largely dependent on the performance of people, which in turn is determined by the quality and effectiveness of their management. Therefore, it is crucial that managers are able to effectively manage teams and individuals. You will learn about people management, HR policy and practices, and how managing performance, motivation empowerment and the development of commitment are crucial to organisational success.

Project Management Systems

You will develop a thorough understanding of the process of project management, together with the diverse range of resources and activities that the project manager must plan, co-ordinate and control to achieve a successful project. This module establishes a framework for the management of projects through a comprehensive understanding of the role and functions of project management throughout the project life cycle, from inception through all its stages to completion and use.

Project Management Context

This module will give you a sound understanding of the context for project management and how projects relate to organisations and the larger organisational environment. You will explore contemporary project management by looking at examples from a wide range of organisations and industries.

Project Management Techniques

You will develop a systematic understanding of a number of key tools and techniques used in the management of projects, enabling you to critically evaluate project needs and to select and apply appropriate techniques for your project. With the demand for continuous improvement, production systems such as lean and agile will be explored as well as other performance improvement tools and techniques, including risk and risk management, to identify and manage risk throughout the project life cycle.

Cost and Financial Management

You will gain an in-depth understanding of the financial, commercial and cost aspects of projects and project management. You'll explore the business and commercial environment in which projects exist, and critically evaluate the factors that influence the strategic and financial rationale for projects. You will learn how the business case for projects is developed, established and evaluated, together with the processes involved, supported by an understanding of financial and accounting protocols and practices.

Project Planning and Control

You'll develop a systematic understanding of the principles, practices and systems used to plan and control projects. You'll develop a critical insight into integrated planning and programming software and information systems and the potential of Project Management Information Systems [PMIS] to provide effective management of all aspects of a project, especially resources, time and cost.

Research Design and Methods

This module is designed to equip you with an in-depth understanding of the theories and methods of research and research design. You'll develop a theoretical and practical foundation from which to develop your Master's Level Major Project/Dissertation.

Major Project/Dissertation

This module provides the opportunity for you to undertake a significant piece of independent research using appropriate, recognised methods. You will identify and pursue a topic relevant to project management that is of interest and in which you wish to develop a significant level of expertise. You'll develop and refine the theme for the project together with your course tutor, who will support you during the research and writing process. This module is your opportunity to put your newly acquired skills and knowledge into practice and to showcase them to current and prospective employers.

Assessment

You’ll be assessed in a number of different ways including research projects and reports, written coursework including essays and case studies, group work and presentations, examinations and a dissertation.

Our Project Management degree is studied 100% online.

Your course will be taught through the FutureLearn platform, and you'll be fully supported by ARU teaching staff.

FutureLearn offers you a powerful new way to learn online. Every course has been designed according to principles of effective learning, through storytelling, discussion, visible learning, and using community support to celebrate progress. It provides a secure environment for setting tasks, accessing learning resources and communicating with fellow students and your tutors. Throughout the course, you'll also have access to a dedicated Distance Learning Facilitator who will help orientate you around the platform and other areas of support. You’ll also have regular one-to-one correspondence with and feedback from your tutor.

On successful completion of your studies you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony on campus. If attending the ceremony in person is not possible then we’ll arrange to have your certificate sent to you.

To help you land your dream job, our Employability Service will work with you throughout your time at ARU and after you graduate.

We offer:

• careers advice, including one-to-one online and telephone appointments with our experienced advisers
• help with your CV, job searches, applications and interview preparation
• an online portal packed with useful careers resources
• our Employability Programme, which helps you hone the skills employers say they want in graduates.

Fees

The full tuition fee for this course is £7,701.

The tuition fees you pay each year will be £2,567.  The course will take 3 years to complete for September starters and 2 years 8 months for students starting in January or May.

Accredited Prior Learning may reduce the tuition fees. This will be confirmed once your application has been submitted.

Funding

Your course may be eligible to be fully funded by the Postgraduate Student Loans now available (subject to start date and eligibility).

We offer payment by instalments, so you can spread the cost of studying with us.

For military students: You can use your ELCs towards this course. Anglia Ruskin University is a recognised ELCAS provider (number 1007). Please contact your Learning Centre for details of ELC, eligibility and how to apply.

For more information on how you fund your studies please see our funding page or contact us.

A Project Management MSc with ARU Distance Learning will equip you with the skills to thrive in any project management environment. You’ll learn about organisational structure as well as approaches to management, research, costing and planning amongst other essential skills.

Our course also makes you eligible for a free student membership of the APM (Association of Project Managers), which offers you a range of benefits including access to useful resources and project journal archives, networking opportunities, involvement in APM branches and preferential rates on future APM qualifications.

In addition to these benefits, you’ll also study with an experienced distance learning provider and enjoy flexible study which allows you to learn at your own pace.

A degree in Project Management can open doors in your career, boost your salary and unlock your potential – it all starts here.

By their nature, our distance learning degrees are designed to fit around your life. We understand that a rigid schedule doesn’t work for everyone, which is why our courses give you the opportunity to study at a pace that’s right for you. Our non-traditional approach to education has been hugely successful with countless graduates who have gone on to achieve incredible things in their careers. Whether you’re juggling a full-time job, family commitments or any other responsibilities, distance learning with ARU gives you the opportunity to grow and learn at a time and place that suits you.

You’ll study through FutureLearn, a cutting-edge learning platform which gives you access to our outstanding educational resources and enables communication with your tutors and fellow learners, so you can receive study support whenever you need it. You will also have a Distance Learning Facilitator who will provide orientation to help you make the most of FutureLearn.

In addition to this, you’ll have one-to-one correspondence with your course tutor, who will provide feedback throughout the curriculum to help you track your progress at all times.

In short, our course offers you full flexibility so you can study independently whilst providing support whenever you need it.

A Project Management MSc will teach you the essentials of management theory, systems, practices and techniques to give you a firm foundation for your future career. You’ll master essential leadership skills to mobilise teams and make the most of the talent at your disposal and learn how to structure projects and navigate the challenges that come with your role.

As well as studying up-to-date project management theory, you’ll also learn how to form your own approaches and bring your unique experience and insight to any role. You’ll examine case studies which will provide problem-solving inspiration and teach you to devise innovative solutions in your career.

Thanks to the innate flexibility of remote learning, you’ll also learn how to work independently, manage your time and perfect your organisation, essential skills which are at the top of any employer’s priority list. You’ll master these soft skills and more, and learn how to apply them within the context of project management to maximise efficiency and bring projects to life.

Project Management is itself a valuable industry and skilled project managers are in high demand in a range of fields. It takes a high level of skill to successfully orchestrate projects of any size and scale, and with a project management degree from ARU, you’ll gain the necessary knowledge and experience required to manage teams and bring projects to fruition.

A Project Management MSc can open doors across industries. Construction and engineering are amongst the most common fields for project managers, and in these industries, you may be managing projects such as residential building, industrial and commercial construction, and renovation.

However, industries such as healthcare, information technology and finance are also seeing a rising need for talented project managers to handle large-scale projects – from the creation of new services to the implementation of digital systems, project managers are driving transformative change that shapes the future.

With project managers in demand across industries, this degree will open doors to a variety of rich and varied opportunities .

This course is ideal for those with experience in project management looking to further their career. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build on your existing skills and take your progression to the next level.

It’s also ideal for graduates embarking on a new career journey – a Project Management MSc will help you stand out from the crowd and carve your path in an exciting industry.

And with flexible learning, our Project Management MSc is ideal for those with hectic lifestyles and packed schedules who otherwise wouldn’t be able to study – whether you’re a parent or carer, a mature learner with a full-time role, or military personnel preparing for civilian life, this course could be right for you.

We’ll consider applicants with a good honours degree from a recognised university, a degree equivalent qualification and/or appropriate work experience.

Find out more about distance learning and our Project Management MSc on our blog:

• 5 Reasons It’s the Right Time to Become a Project Manager
• What Support Will I Get on A Distance Learning Course?
• 5 Types of Students That Thrive as Distance Learners