International Project Management MSc

Study level: Postgraduate
Four people sat in a breakout area in discussion

This course aims to help you gain a modern perspective on project management and use current theories and practices to prepare for a career in this growing profession.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University London (City of London)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
18 months Extended Professional Practice

Course code

LONT077
LONT078 (with Professional Practice)

Start date

September 2023
January 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Contact us

Course overview

In recent years, businesses of all sizes, across all major industry sectors have become project based. This is a stimulating, practical and intensive course which will equip you with practical project management tools and skills, plus an understanding of the academic theories underpinning them to set you up on your future career path.

  • Apply project management principles across a range of disciplines and business sectors from events and construction to the digital sector, from the sciences to working in government.
  • Learn leadership and management skills and apply key techniques, while analysing key concepts and considering different perspectives on managing projects in a supportive environment.
  • Apply to study for our International Project Management MSc with Extended Professional Practice route, an 18-month option (additional fees apply) aimed at individuals who are looking to attain a deeper understanding of business in a very practical way2.
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Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

  • CMI accreditation1
    Gain a professionally recognised Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, subject to the successful completion of the CMI accredited Professional Development module.
  • London location
    Study in the City of London, one of the world’s premier business locations. Our campus is perfectly located for London’s financial district – the Square Mile and Canary Wharf – and you’ll be surrounded by a huge diversity of local and global firms from exciting start-ups to established multi-nationals.
  • Industry insight2
    Our tutors have strong industry backgrounds; many are fellows of the CMI and HEA (staff are subject to change). Your tutors aim to offer additional support wherever needed. You may have opportunities to mix with employers and to build your CV2. Should you wish to start your own business, we offer business start-up advice and support through our Enterprise Hub.
  • Real-world experience2
    Your course is designed to prepare you for the fast-paced but exhilarating world of project management. The course includes real-life scenarios that will test your creative and problem solving abilities. You may decide to apply for our International Project Management MSc course with Extended Professional Practice. This is an 18-month option and is aimed at individuals who are looking to attain a deeper understanding of business in a very practical way. You are expected to spend 22 weeks at one (or more) host employer2 or campus-based setting(s) and will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice. Find out more about our Extended Professional Practice study option.
  • Contemporary course content
    This course is underpinned by the core competencies at the heart of the Association of Project Managers (APM) and covers the key knowledge areas of the prevailing project management bodies of knowledge to make sure the content is contemporary, relevant, and directly applicable in the workplace. Just as you would in business, you will have the chance to work individually and in teams, and could produce reports, pitches, presentations, project plans, research and consulting.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute

Chartered Management Institute

This course has been accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2023/24 intake. Students who successfully pass the integrated CMI Module offered in this course on their way to achieving the full Coventry University qualification will be eligible for a CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership award and assigned the Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) status. Visit the CMI website for further details.

Immerse yourself in Coventry University London’s global community and emerge as a talented, career-ready graduate with an international outlook.

What you'll study

The course explores key concepts and techniques that can be applied across a range of sectors. It offers a modern perspective and uses current theories and practices to prepare you for a career in this growing profession. You’ll aim to learn leadership and management skills and apply key techniques and you will be encouraged to analyse key concepts and consider different perspectives on managing projects. This course can be carried out over one academic year (full-time), or over two academic years (part-time).

Your main study themes are:

  • Professionalism The course aims to prepare graduates for a range of professional project management qualifications if you choose to do so (including PRINCE2, PMP, SCRUM and APM).
  • Change and leadership Those shifting micro trends, coupled with rapidly changing macro issues (global economics, resource availability, digital enterprise, environmental concerns and geo-politics), require fashion leaders to accept and manage the inevitability of change and to be agile in their approach and decision making.
  • Profiling consumers and brands Fashion spans every possible socio-demographic and every culture. Leaders must identify, understand and communicate with the right customers for their brands in a two-way conversation involving both listening and informing in order to sustain strong commercial enterprise.
  • Sustainability and future enhancements Fashion is the second biggest industrial polluter, after oil. Leaders in fashion must therefore find solutions to protect the environment, resources, people and the industry itself. Consumption of luxury and fashion products are the key focus in understanding the complexity of the supply chain and to build on the future of this supply chain for generations to come.

Modules

  • This module focuses on developing, planning, managing and controlling projects successfully in a business environment. This requires an awareness of general project management principles, methodologies and the tools and techniques as applied within multi-disciplined projects.

    Compulsory

  • This module will develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of both classical and current project planning and budgeting techniques used in business today at an international level. You will be guided into selecting, formulating, building, solving, and analysing project management scheduling and budgeting problems.

    Compulsory

  • You will explore international project risk management, within the business context, as a function of project management, as a project management process and as an area of knowledge, underpinned by existing and emerging theory and practice. You will explore attitudes to risk and the relationship between risk attitudes and behaviour and the identification, analysis and management of project risk.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with a thorough knowledge of practices, processes and theories of leadership and communication within projects in an international context. It focuses on encouraging you to critically engage with the principal ideas within these areas of study and apply them to relevant and diverse business contexts to enhance your understanding of how to lead people within a project in an international context.

    Compulsory

  • You will explore the role of the customer in the project environment and how customer focus may be maintained at various stages in the project lifecycle, as the project environment, variables and constraints within the project change.

    Compulsory

  • This module will seek to provide you with the tools, framework and techniques essential for developing the practical skill set and theoretical understanding for delivering successful digital transformation projects.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to give you real-life experience on your learning journey by introducing you to an environment where you actively engage in deep learning through anticipating outcomes and observing the effects of the decisions you make.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to engage you in a critical appraisal of the research process from problem definition to the construction of a fully justified research proposal for a business and management project. You would also learn how to plan, organise, present and write-up a research proposal for a research project in both written and verbal forms with confidence.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategic and entrepreneurial way. You can use this opportunity to develop strategic priorities for entrepreneurial leadership.

    Compulsory

  • Choose one from the following:

    Dissertation - 50 credits
    The dissertation module provides you with the opportunity to consolidate your learning by conducting a comprehensive study of a chosen research topic. The module is structured around taught Research Methods classes aimed to build your knowledge of the research process to work independently on your research project. An academic supervisor (a member of the academic team) will support and guide you through the process.

    Internship Project2 - 50 credits
    The internship module offers you the opportunity for practical, meaningful and hands-on work experience2. It is designed to foster the development of entrepreneurial competences such as the ability to work in teams, the ability to demonstrate initiative and original thought, in addition to self-discipline in starting and completing tasks to a given deadline. An academic supervisor (a member of the academic team) will support and guide you through the process.

    Compulsory

  • This pathway includes the option to study for the MSc with Extended Professional Practice (EPP), with an extended period of internship2. This is an 18-month option and is aimed at individuals who are looking to attain a deeper understanding of business in a very practical way. You are expected to spend 22 weeks at one (or more) host employer(s) or campus-based setting(s) and will have the opportunity to apply theory to practice. Find out more about our Extended Professional Practice study option.

    Optional

  • Principles of Project Management - 15 credits
    This module focuses on developing, planning, managing and controlling projects successfully in a business environment. This requires an awareness of general project management principles, methodologies and the tools and techniques as applied within multi-disciplined projects.

    Project Risk Management - 15 credits
    You will explore international project risk management, within the business context, as a function of project management, as a project management process and as an area of knowledge, underpinned by existing and emerging theory and practice. You will explore attitudes to risk and the relationship between risk attitudes and behaviour and the identification, analysis and management of project risk.

    Leadership in Project Management - 15 credits
    This module aims to provide you with a thorough knowledge of practices, processes and theories of leadership and communication within projects in an international context. It focuses on encouraging you to critically engage with the principal ideas within these areas of study and apply them to relevant and diverse business contexts to enhance your understanding of how to lead people within a project in an international context.

    Quality and Change Control in Project Environment - 15 credits
    You will explore the role of the customer in the project environment and how customer focus may be maintained at various stages in the project lifecycle, as the project environment, variables and constraints within the project change.

    Project Management in the Digital Era - 15 credits
    This module will provide you with the tools, framework and techniques essential for developing the practical skill set and theoretical understanding for delivering successful digital transformation projects.

    Project Management Simulation - 15 credits
    This module creates a platform that affords you real-life experience on your learning journey by introducing you to an environment where you actively engage in deep learning through anticipating outcomes and observing the effects of the decisions you make.

    Research Methods - 15 credits
    This module aims to engage you in a critical appraisal of the research process from problem definition to the construction of a fully justified research proposal for a business and management project. You will learn how to plan, organise, present and write-up a research proposal for a research project in both written and verbal forms with confidence.

    Entrepreneurial Practice - 10 credits
    This module aims to provide you with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategic and entrepreneurial way. Ultimately, you will be given the opportunity to develop strategic priorities for entrepreneurial leadership.

    Compulsory

  • Choose one from the following:

    Postgraduate Professional Practice 1 - 0 credits
    This is a compulsory module on MSc courses with Extended Professional Practice. This non-credit bearing module, together with Extended Professional Practice 2, will provide students on Extended Professional Practice MSc courses with professional experience. This will take the form of either an internship with a host organisation2, or a campus-based professional experience. This experience will support the development of your personal and professional skills, such as communication, team-working, self-management, project management and critical reflection to enhance their future employability. You will be expected to augment your previous learning and experiences to develop your knowledge and skills of professional practice in your chosen subject area. This module will also provide you with the necessary experience and focus on completing the project report for Extended Professional Practice Project.

    Please note: It is recommended that work experience during Extended Professional Practice 1 module should be at least 11 weeks in length and full time. Approval of work settings by the Talent Team beforehand is mandatory to be evaluated on its own individual merit, and achievement of the professional practice’s learning and development objectives. All students, regardless of internship length, must adhere to attendance monitoring requirements throughout the course.

    Postgraduate Professional Practice 2 - 0 credits
    This is a compulsory module on MSc courses with Extended Professional Practice. This non-credit bearing module is a continuation of Extended Professional Practice 1, providing students on an Extended Professional Practice MSc courses with a substantive professional experience. This will take the form of either a continuation of the internship with a host organisation2, or the campus-based professional experience. This module aims to provide you with further professional experiences, building on knowledge and skills, previously gained, consolidating and refining your personal and professional skills, theory and practice and further enhance your future employability. You will be expected to augment your previous learning and experiences to develop additional knowledge and skills of professional practice in your chosen subject area. As with the Extended Professional Practice 1, this module will also provide you with the necessary experience and focus on completing the project report for Extended Professional Practice Project.

    Please note: It is recommended that work experience during Extended Professional Practice 2 module should be at least 11 weeks in length and full time. Approval of work settings by the Talent Team beforehand is mandatory, to be evaluated on its own individual merit, and achievement of the professional practice’s learning and development objectives. All students, regardless of internship length, must adhere to attendance monitoring requirements throughout the course.

    Postgraduate Professional Practice Project - 50 credits
    This is a compulsory module on MSc courses with Extended Professional Practice. This module aims to integrate theory and practice either through undertaking an Extended Professional Practice or campus-based project in an area relevant to the subject being studied. This will have involved you working on an organisational issue either within a host organisation or on campus addressing a project brief, as part of the Extended Professional Practice modules 1 and 2.

    The module fits with the individual courses’ aims and learning outcomes in that it helps you to integrate your learning across subject specific taught modules within a real business setting. Moreover, the knowledge and understanding gained within the organisational setting will help you to further develop your subject knowledge and understanding when writing the final report. Apart from increasing your knowledge and understanding, this module also aims to develop you into an ethical, responsible individual that collaborates successfully with and leads others from diverse cultures and backgrounds to achieve shared goals, demonstrating global citizenship and social responsibility.

    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.

Experienced academics

Teodora did her undergraduate degree at Coventry University London and decided to also do her postgraduate degree here because she enjoyed learning from experienced academics.

Hear from Teodora
student - Teodora Kaneva

How you'll learn

You’ll have the opportunity to learn traditional and innovative project management tools and techniques and how to apply them to real-life projects.

  • Alongside timetabled learning, you will be able to benefit from access to a range of other career-building activities such as guest lectures, simulations, extra-curricular workshops and seminars, and participation in internal and external competitions2 (subject to availability).
  • Take part in extra-curricular activities such as our Student Enterprise Business society, student mentoring programmes and volunteering opportunities to develop your personal and professional skills2.
  • You could also take part in our High Flyers programme, (subject to availability) to help you develop the personal and professional skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world, through a suite of extra curricula, non-course specific workshops.

The International Project Management MSc (without Extended Professional Practice) can be offered on a part-time basis. While 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. Please contact registry.london@coventry.ac.uk for more information about studying this course part-time.

Teaching contact hours

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester; however, on average, it is likely to be around 10 contact hours per 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.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 10 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

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.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with government and public health guidance. 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 may include:

  • Business reports
  • Pitches
  • Case studies
  • Conference presentations (video and speech)
  • Board papers
  • Business plans
  • Debates
  • Quizzes
  • Project performance reviews
  • Online portfolios
  • Podcasts
  • Blogs
  • Research proposals
  • Exams

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

Every module on this course takes a global perspective, so you will have the chance to consider projects and organisations from an internationalised viewpoint. Your lecturers and fellow students may be from other countries, offering the potential opportunity for diverse contributions to your understanding of global business issues.

Coventry University Group aims to give you the global opportunities needed to become a truly global graduate, enhancing your employability on a global scale. Choose from language classes, studying or working abroad, international field trips, summer schools, leadership development or work experience2. Opportunities such as these have enabled previous students to obtain higher starting salaries and develop the global skills employers require and achieve better career progression.

Effective project management is the backbone of many successful projects around us. It will be my pleasure to welcome students onto this course, where I'll be sharing insights from my career in project management, as well as exploring new trends in project management. 

Dr Khaled Abu Awwad, International Project Management MSc course director, quoted in 2022
Group of students sitting in a booth

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

An honours undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2) or appropriate work experience in private, public or third sectors (a minimum of two years would be desirable), or relevant professional qualifications.

Careful monitoring of applications to ensure that applicants are suited to the course takes place. Where necessary, applicants are interviewed, especially those that do not appear to meet standard admissions criteria. Where deemed appropriate, a written exercise may be administered to establish suitability.

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:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

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 the International Pathways Programme. 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.

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

An honours undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2) or appropriate work experience in private, public or third sectors (a minimum of two years would be desirable), or relevant professional qualifications.

Careful monitoring of applications to ensure that applicants are suited to the course takes place. Where necessary, applicants are interviewed, especially those that do not appear to meet standard admissions criteria. Where deemed appropriate, a written exercise may be administered to establish suitability.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: This course requires IELTS of 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

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £15,400 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice)   Request fee information
International £20,050 | £21,250 (extended prof. practice)   Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Fees and Finance page.

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).

  • 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 government's 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

Our International Project Management MSc students have access to a wide range of facilities4 to help them become fully rounded project managers who can think strategically and drive organisations forward with various projects.

Take a virtual tour of our campus to explore all of the facilities available to you.

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Enterprise Hub

Our Enterprise Hub supports student entrepreneurs by providing extensive industry knowledge and guidance to help develop ideas into viable ventures. It is a dedicated space for enterprising students and professionals to solve problems, network professionally and collaborate on projects.

recruitment session two ladies and one man

The Talent Team

Need employability support? Our dedicated Talent Team is on hand to help. It can assist you in applying for work placements, graduate level jobs and offer skills development workshops. It also organises networking events to introduce you to potential employers and industry contacts.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:

  • Critically analyse and evaluate the role of project management and entrepreneurial practice in organisations at a strategic level and in a changing global context.
  • Synthesise and apply the contemporary philosophies, methodologies, concepts and principles of planning, budgeting, and managing resources in a wide variety of projects in a global context.
  • Critically assess a range of issues and challenges in the implementation and management of international projects including people and processes and develop reasoned recommendations and solutions.
  • Work effectively with multiple teams or lead teams to formulate appropriate project strategies and solutions within a changing context, effectively implement them and evaluate performance.
  • Independently research, design and undertake substantial investigations to address significant areas of theory and practice in project management using appropriate advanced methodological approaches.
  • Communicate effectively, using a range of appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise, including communicating, negotiating in a professional context, and managing conflicts within the project team and amongst stakeholders.
  • Critically evaluate the principles for leading and developing people and entrepreneurial practice in strategic contexts.

During the course, you will seek to develop a range of management and technical skills to help you develop as an independent learner and thinker who is comfortable tackling the two key issues in modern Business Project Management: choosing the right project and doing the project right. You will be able to identify, critically evaluate and select projects that are going to benefit an organisation, and then deliver them within the scope required, to the budget and on schedule.

The course aims to develop you as an individual who is well-equipped to meet the business challenges of the future. Project management associated skills such as planning and controlling, risk management, leadership, quality management, team management, communication and negotiation are essential to control the increasingly complex projects that allow top organisations to remain competitive in the global market. Along with the knowledge and experience in technology, innovation and project leadership, the course aims to develop fully rounded project managers who can think strategically and drive organisations forward with various projects.

Typical career routes for graduates from this course may include:

  • Graduate jobs in project management positions in construction, technological and logistics companies
  • Entrepreneur route as they start up their own business
  • Research route as they seek higher degree as PhD

Where our graduates work

Previous graduates of our International Project Management MSc course have gone on to work at Amazon, Balfour Beatty and Accenture Technologies.

Further study

As part of the journey of professional and role development, students are encouraged to continue their academic journey through access to a range of higher degrees, including PhD and other taught doctorates.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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), 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

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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.

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