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The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: PG Dip Indicative duration: 16 months
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Higher Education UK For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Are you a civil, mechanical, electrical or software engineer looking to progress into management? Then this postgraduate course is for you.  

Our PG Dip Engineering Management provides the ideal engineering-to-leadership pathway, helping you consolidate your existing knowledge with effective leadership techniques. Not only will you cover key business principles, you’ll also explore common project management techniques and learn how to make sound financial decisions. 

On successful completion of the PG Dip Engineering Management, you could progress on to the full MSc Engineering Management (180 credits).  

Please note, this course is currently undergoing validation and the structure, including module titles, may be subject to change. 

Why we’re great

  • Develop the core skills to progress from engineer to manager. 
  • Gain assessment through a variety of methods including team projects and discussion forums, with no need for exams. 
  • Receive assistance from our Student Support team throughout your studies. 
  • Study 100% online, part-time, around existing commitments. 
  • Graduate in person at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

The PG Dip Engineering Management is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 120 credits. 

Learn the essentials of contemporary management and organisational theory in this career-enhancing module. You'll learn how to manage individuals, teams, groups and cultureswhile studying real-life case studies to provide further background on the wider economic and political landscape shaping management today.  

Have you considered the purpose of financial decision making in business? In this module, you'll cover topics such as principles of costing, performance management and qualitative factors in decision making. You'll also develop the ability to gather business data, and knowledge of the tools and techniques to make effective short-term and long-term decisions.

What insights and skills do leaders need to drive transformative business change? Find out in this exciting module. From business models and strategies to change management and effective communication, you’ll explore a range of core topics to discover how to deliver significant, long-term impact. 

Understand project management techniques with this critical introductory module. You’ll delve into contemporary frameworks and methodologies – while gaining a solid overview of the main principles, process and concepts of project management. Upon completion, you'll have a solid understanding of common techniques such as PRINCE2 and AGIILE thinking. 

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
  • live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
  • there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) time spent preparing and completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our PG Dip Engineering Management has an indicative study duration of 16 months, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards 

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS) 

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Higher Education UK, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

On completion of the PG Dip Engineering Management, you’ll possess the necessary skills to move into management within your field. Roles include Engineering Manager, Technical Programme Manager or Chief Technology Officer – as well as Systems Engineer, Operations Manager or Product Manager. 

If you wish to hone your skills and knowledge even further, you could progress on to our full MSc Engineering Management (180 credits). 

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2024 Career and Employability Survey showed: 

  • 77% of postgraduates agreed their studies helped their earnings potential. 
  • 2 in 5 students feel ready to make a career change. 
  • 90% of students felt better prepared for their career after studying with us. 
  • 3 in 5 postgraduates would highly recommend us to a friend. 

We know many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses. That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You’ll also need to meet our English language requirements. 

Additionally, you’ll need to pass your first assignment set within the two-week induction period of the course in order to continue with your studies. 

 

Academic entry route

To satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our MSc Engineering Management, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum: 

  • an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification 

 

Work experience entry route

At least three years’ relevant work experience. 

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency is required in this language. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.  

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

Full tuition fee:
£8,804 UK / £9,256 (International) (2026-27) Δ 

  • Designated for postgraduate student loans in England. 
  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Partial scholarship available for international students residing in specific regions outside of the UK. 
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you are a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online. 

Please note that a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Subject specialists and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our PG Dip Engineering Management are true experts in the field. 

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