Project Management MSc

Postgraduate

student writing critical path on white board

The globalisation of the business world, coupled with heightened competition, increasing customer expectations and rapid technological advances, has fuelled the demand for projects of all types across almost every industry.

Year of entry

2024-25

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

Course code

FBLT155

Start date

September 2024
January 2025

How to apply

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Course overview

Organisations are looking for professional project managers with the knowledge, skills and expertise to drive forward new ways of working and implement change successfully.

Address a range of complex project management issues
Equip you to lead projects across different geographical boundaries
Aims to prepare you to become a successful leader in the field of project management.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

Why you should study this course

Build upon your existing knowledge of business and management to take on more of a project leadership role.
We aim to provide you with a solid understanding of the strategic value of project management to businesses, focusing not only on the skills required to manage projects effectively, but also the wider application of how projects deliver strategic change and how they interface with different disciplines in organisations.
Holds academic accreditation from the Association for Project Management, the chartered body for the project management profession¹.
Aligned with the APM Body of Knowledge which is a highly recognised set of project management guidelines used by many companies across UK and Europe.
You should obtain the skills and knowledge to achieve a PRINCE2 foundation certificate in project management, subject to passing the required exam, should you wish to take it. (subject to availability and application, and fees apply to undertake PRINCE2 qualifications).

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited¹ and recognised by the following bodies:

Association of Project Management (APM)

This course currently holds academic accreditation¹ from the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project management profession. This ensures that the course has attained a level that meets the standards of the project management profession, and means that successful graduates will graduate from a course recognised by a leading project management institution. The course is compliant with APM ChPP (Association of Project Management Chartered Project Professional)) Assessment, a chartered application process designed for institutions or organisations to have their PM qualification recognised as meeting the standard benchmark of technical knowledge, professional practice and ethical behaviour requirements for Project Professional standard. This implies that students completing the course successfully can fast-track to achieving the ChPP status.

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

The course currently includes the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)  accredited¹ module, Global Professional Development – Creativity, Change and Innovation for the 2024/25 intake. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

What you'll study

During the course, through a variety of mandatory modules, we will not only examine the methodologies of project management, but also the impact of contextual and strategic influences on the management of projects, including investment analysis, governance, risk management, culture and ethical matters, and environmental concerns. We will study contemporary practices, such as sustainability and responsible management, with the aim of developing your appreciation of ethical project governance and its role in delivering successful projects in a repeatable way.

Modules

Business Process Integration - 15 credits

This module aims to introduce you to the complexity of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and how to implement and manage such systems effectively. The process view of business is contrasted with the more traditional functional view and you are encouraged to model existing or innovative processes in case study situations. You will be expected to develop a critical understanding of the techniques for using business practices and methods to create and improve business processes. This module presents a radically different way of thinking about organisations and work in order to create knowledge and skills necessary to develop a programme of process re-engineering, management and process-driven excellence in organisations.

Compulsory

Project Management in Practice - 15 credits

This module aims to prepare you in delivering strategic change and transformation through the management of projects in organisations. It will develop your understanding of the stages, tools and techniques required for project initiation, planning, execution, control and termination. Using a variety of teaching methods, you will understand how to effectively plan and execute a project, whilst considering the wider business context in which the project operates.

Compulsory

Strategic Portfolio and Programme Management - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to focus on the wider context of project management and how programmes (inter-related projects) and portfolios (multiple programmes) contribute towards achieving strategic business objectives. The module, delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, group work and self-directed study, will develop your understanding of programme management processes and their implementation within an organisational setting.

Compulsory

Project Organisation and Culture - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to introduce you to project organisation structures and provide both knowledge and a higher level of understanding in the role that organisational structure plays in the effective management of projects. You will develop an appreciation for the differing organisational types, how they can best be applied to differing environments and understand the relationship between organisation and culture.

Compulsory

Risk Management - 15 credits

This module aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of Risk Management. You will discover numerous techniques to identify, analyse, respond to, and monitor risk at various stages of the project life cycle. You will be able to discuss their applicability and trade-offs. The module will focus on the Project Management Institute and Association for Project Management methods of risk management.

Compulsory

International Leadership and Management - 15 credits

This module gives you an introduction to the key issues, theories and debates in international leadership. You will consider and debate the differences between leadership and management and will study a range of different perspectives to give a critical understanding of the theory and practice of leadership and management. Subjects studied will include trait theory, situational leadership, followership, transactional and transformational leadership. As well as viewing the positives of leadership and management, the dark side of leadership will also be considered, including destructive leadership and how leaders and managers can break trust in organisations.

Compulsory

Project Management Methodologies - 15 credits

The aim of this module is to introduce you to several Project Management (PM) methodologies. The module will enable you to evaluate PM methodologies and their implementation in an organisational setting. Through a mix of lectures, group work and self-directed study you will be able to identify good practice and areas for development within you own PM capability and that of organisations in general.

The module will develop your knowledge of Agile, the Project Management Institute Body of Knowledge and PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments). On completion of the module, you may wish to go onto study the PRINCE2 Foundation qualification (at an additional cost, and subject to availability), as you will have focussed on the principles and themes of this internationally recognised approach to the management of projects part of the module.

Compulsory

Project Governance and Responsible Management - 15 credits

Sustainability and project governance are current topics in project management reflected both in industry and the literature. The module is aimed at those who need an appreciation of project governance and its role in delivering successful projects in a repeatable way. Project governance provides an essential framework for all project activities and is therefore important for all those working in, or interfacing with, projects. At the end of the module you should understand the role and scope of project governance and its application throughout a project lifecycle as well as acknowledge the responsibilities involved in managing projects in an ethical and professional manner.

Compulsory

Professional Management Development – Creativity, Change and Innovation - 10 credits

The aim of this module is to give you the opportunity to apply a range of strategy and leadership problem-solving techniques to situations where change is required. You will critically evaluate and develop solutions to complex, inter-related, multi-faceted issues that can be found in a variety of organisations and professional contexts. They will consider how tools can be used to analyse, implement and monitor change initiatives. You will also learn about strategic leadership: the role of vision, mission and values will be studied as well as topics such as leadership style and ethics. In doing so, you will consider how leaders shape the environment for change.

Compulsory

Postgraduate Business Project - 50 credits

In this module, you will carry out a substantive piece of independent research into a business issue relevant to your course of study. You will draw upon your knowledge, understanding and ability to critically analyse in a specialist area of interest. You will choose an academic area related to your programme of study and apply your independent learning skills to research this area in depth. You will receive academic support through a series of group supervisions and will be allocated a project supervisor.

The module includes three routes, and you will be given the opportunity to select your preferred route, although all project titles must be approved by the project supervisor in advance of commencing the project. The three routes are:

Route 1: An individual research-based dissertation

Route 2: An individual project report

Route 3: A group project report. Where work is completed as part of a group, each group may have no more than five members. Subject to availability and competitive application, the project may be undertaken as part of an internship in a business environment².

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

The teaching on this course uses a wide range of technologies designed to enhance your digital fluency, including Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, interactive quizzes and databases used to identify and analyse different data sources. Methods can include:

Lectures
Seminars
Face-to-face teaching
Online classes and tutorials
Case studies
Field trips and industry visits² at home or abroad
Work on projects using real-life business scenarios and simulation

This course can be offered on a part-time basis. Whilst we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Request further information about part-time study.

Teaching contact hours

We set out below the typical teaching contact hours that you will receive on this course. In addition to the contact hours below, we offer the opportunity to attend additional optional sessions, such as guest lectures (subject to availability), or to meet with staff during their advice and feedback hours.

Within your first and second semester, you should have around 13 contact hours of teaching a week. The contact hours may be made up of a combination of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, and online classes and tutorials.

A strong emphasis is placed on the Postgraduate Business Project module in your final semester and therefore total teaching contact hours may be reduced.

In addition, you will be expected to undertake roughly 12 hours of self-directed studying and revising in your own time each week, including some guided study using handouts, online activities etc.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

Postgraduate Business Project
Reports
Presentations
Formal examinations
Practical Coursework
Face tests

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

International experience opportunities

Coventry Business School organises a number of national and international field visits, which have previously included trips to Paris, Brussels, South Korea, India, and New York, to mention but a few, to visit such institutions as UNESCO and other multinational enterprises to tour their facilities and learn about their operations (subject to availability, additional costs, and meeting relevant visa requirements)².

You will also have the chance to collaborate with students from other international universities on online international learning projects. We use international case studies and examples throughout the programme; you will have the opportunity to learn direct from international business leaders from across the world, who are invited as guest lecturers on modules to share their knowledge and experience (subject to availability).

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Applicants should hold an honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline, such as business management, or project management.

Applications from candidates who can demonstrate experience at an appropriate professional level but who do not have formal academic entry qualifications may also be admitted on an individual basis. Please contact us to discuss any relevant experience through our enquiry form.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Russia and Central Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

If you do not have the typical entry requirements, you may want to consider studying this course with an international pre-master's. Upon successful completion our International Pre-Master's - Business will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to progress onto this postgraduate degree.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

Applicants should hold an honours degree 2:2 or above in a relevant academic discipline, such as business management, or project management.

Applications from candidates who can demonstrate experience at an appropriate professional level but who do not have formal academic entry qualifications may also be admitted on an individual basis.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

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Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£11,200 \| £15,200 (with prof. experience)	Request fee information
EU	£11,200 \| £15,200 (with prof. experience) per year with EU Support Bursary £20,050 \| £24,050 (with prof. experience) per year without EU Support Bursary	Not available
International	£20,050 \| £24,050 (with prof. experience)	Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees³and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

Any optional overseas ﬁeld trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

This course will take place primarily in the College of Business and Law building and with that you have access to a number of innovative learning spaces. Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities⁴.

The Simulation Centre

You can use the Business Simulation Centre on specific courses. It aims to provide you with some of the hands-on skills needed to succeed and stand out in business.

Talent Team

Our dedicated Talent Team can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate-level jobs and offer skills development workshops. They also organise networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts.

sigma centre

The sigma Centre is housed in our Lanchester Library and offers maths and statistics support through drop-in sessions and bookable appointments.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you will be able to:

Understand and critically evaluate the role of project management in different organisations at a strategic level in an evolving global environment.
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the current concepts, principles and methodologies available in planning and managing a wide variety of projects from a global perspective.
Critically analyse a range of different issues and challenges in the implementation and management of projects, to include people, processes and culture, developing reasoned recommendations and solutions.
Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders involved in a variety of international projects to include developing written plans, reports and delivering professional oral presentations.
Develop transferable professional and practical skills that will demonstrate a responsible, ethical and sustainable approach to managing projects both individually and as part of a team.
Systematically analyse and critically evaluate sources of data and information to synthesise business research.

The course aims to help prepare you for a variety of project management career options, upon successful completion, by exploring how to be an effective leader in the field of project management, and how to address the complex issues currently facing project managers in a variety of organisational settings, whether in the public, private or voluntary sector. We recognise the importance of preparing students for the working environment and have invested heavily in providing the support and opportunities for our students to help to enhance their graduate employment prospects.

How to apply

UK students

To apply to study for a postgraduate course at Coventry University, you can apply online.

Full-time applications

Part-time applications

For further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2222

ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form.

International students

Full-time international students should apply directly to the university. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for postgraduate degree view our International hub.

You can also download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation and tips for travel.

Get in touch with us today for further advice and guidance.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

applications.io@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team.

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2024/2025 contract is available on the website. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.