International Project Management MSc/PGDip/PGCert

Study level: Postgraduate
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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

2024-25

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 2024
January 2025


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.
  • Study the 18-month Extended Professional Practice route, to gain more practical insights and in-depth experience. See the module section for more details.
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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 experience

    For more in-depth experience, you can also choose to study this course over 18 months which includes a period of Extended Professional Practice. You will explore what you’ve learnt in more detail through professional experiences with a host organisation or in a campus-based professional experience2.

    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:

Association of Project Management

Association of Project Management

The MSc International Project Management is accredited by the Association of Project Management (APM) for the 2024/2025 intake. This means students on this course will be studying a course accredited by the UK’s leading project management professional body. Students who successfully complete this course and meet the experience criteria set out by APM will be eligible to apply for the APM Full Membership (Route 1) (additional fees/criteria may apply).


Chartered Management Institute

Chartered Management Institute

As part of this course, you will undertake a professional development module currently accredited by the Chartered Management Institute for the 2024-25 intake. Upon successful completion of this module (achieving a pass grade), you will be eligible for the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost.

Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through its quality systems.


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 industry leaders to accept and manage the inevitability of change and to be agile in their approach to decision making.
  • Profiling consumer and brands Customer focused management spans every possible socio-demographic and every culture. Leaders must identify, understand and communicate with the right customers for their products in a two-way conversation involving both listening and informing in order to sustain strong commercial enterprise.
  • Sustainability and future enhancements Sustainability and social responsibility are important factors in project success. Clients are increasingly looking for partners who are aware of social responsibility and environmental standards. Sustainable project management results in a long-term organisational performance, value creation, and economic growth, resources are conserved, and a more sustainable planet is preserved for future generations.

Courses

    • 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 Planning and Budgeting - 15 credits
      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.
    • 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 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.
    • Project Management Simulation - 15 credits
      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.
    • 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 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.
    • 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. You can use this opportunity to develop strategic priorities for entrepreneurial leadership.
    • Final Semester Project Options
      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

    • 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 Planning and Budgeting - 15 credits
      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.
    • 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 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.
    • Project Management Simulation - 15 credits
      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.
    • 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 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

    • 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 Planning and Budgeting - 15 credits
      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.
    • 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.

    Compulsory

  • Modules: All mandatory modules as listed for the MSc, plus:

    MSc with Extended Professional Practice

    This route integrates theory and practice by engaging in a substantive professional experience or a campus-based project related to your subject2. The EPP extends the full-time MSc from 12 to 18 months. You will organise your own internship.

    You will work within a host organisation2 in the form of an internship or in a campus-based professional experience, addressing an issue or project brief in an area relevant to the subject you have studied. You will look to build on your prior course knowledge and skills to enhance your professional experience and expertise, with the aim of improving your employability.

    You will study two compulsory non-credit bearing modules:

    • Postgraduate Professional Practice 1 (0 credits)
    • Postgraduate Professional Practice 2 (0 credits)

    These provide on-campus activity time to enable you to get the most out of your Extended Professional Practice.

    You must also complete:

    • Postgraduate Professional Practice Project (50 credits )

    This module applies your learning in a real business setting to enable you to reflect on and consolidate your knowledge, skills and experience into a final project report.

    Discover more about our Extended Professional Practice study option

    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.

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 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 2024/25 entry.

  • An honours undergraduate degree (minimum 2:2)
    OR
  • Appropriate work experience in private, public and third sectors (a minimum of two years)
    OR
  • Relevant professional qualifications would be desirable.

Careful monitoring of applications to ensure that applicants are suited to the course takes place. Where necessary, applicants are interviewed, especially those who still need to meet standard admissions criteria. If it's 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:

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 and third sectors (a minimum of two years)
    OR
  • Relevant professional qualifications would be desirable.

Careful monitoring of applications to ensure that applicants are suited to the course takes place. Where necessary, applicants are interviewed, especially those who still need to meet standard admissions criteria. If it's 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

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £15,400 | £21,250 (extended prof experience)   Request fee information

EU £15,400 | £21,250 (extended prof experience) per year with EU support bursary**
£20,050 | £21,250 (with prof. experience) per year without EU support bursary**
Not available
International £20,050 | £21,250 (with prof. experience)   Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

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.

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

  • Additional 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.

  • 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.

large room with tables and chairs

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, 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 2023/2024 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2024/25 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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