Overview

The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: MSc Indicative duration: 2 years
Start date:
Tuition fee: £ For tuition fees see below For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358 Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning

Managing projects effectively is a valuable skill in a wide range of careers. How do you manage the resources and tools at your disposal against challenges such as time, cost and quality constraints in order to produce the optimal outcome?

This course is designed to develop your personal and professional skills in areas such as communication, teamwork, leadership, critical evaluation and time management, alongside giving you practical techniques and in-depth knowledge of best practices when managing projects of any size.

Areas of study include:

  • project management frameworks, methodology and techniques
  • financial decision-making in the short and long term
  • effective leadership and management within project teams
  • the analytical tools available to manage a portfolio of projects

To complete your studies, you will need to create a business and Management Research Report on the commercial or organisation issue of your choice within the scope of the program. You will be encouraged to explore an area that has not been investigated previously and to create an independent study featuring inventive solutions to the problems posed.

Why we’re great

  • No need to take a break – complete this course 100% online and part-time around your existing work.
  • Receive your degree from the University of Essex, a top 40 UK university (Complete University Guide 2023)
  • We achieved the highest student satisfaction rating worldwide for online classroom experience in the Global Student Satisfaction Awards (GSSA 2021)

Course structure

The MSc Project Management is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 180 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 cultures – while studying real-life case studies to provide further background on the wider economic and political landscape shaping management today.  

 Finance is key to keeping a business on-track and how you decide how to use your budget is crucial. With a strong focus on accounting matters in financial decision-making, this helpful module allows you to successfully analyse management control – as well as the conflicting implications of challenging budgeting decisions. 

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. 

Discover the skills and behaviours needed for ethical project management with this stimulating module. You’ll critically analyse project management in action – so that upon completion you’ll have a solid understanding of key issues facing managers today and how they can be resolved in an ethical context. 

Ready to discover the concept of analytics in the deployment of projects? In this insightful module, you’ll gain an understanding of how contemporary data-rich projects are able to draw upon several real-time data sources to inform the decision-making process. Upon completion, you’ll be able to evaluate various data sources in relation to analytics in a project management context. 

How can effective team management facilitate the success of a project? In this helpful module, you’ll explore how team dynamics, conflict and performance all play a part in the workflow process, before reflecting on emotional intelligence within leadership. You’ll also discover how the functions of leaders and managers are essential to providing a clear vision for a project. 

What is SPSS? How’s data gathered in psychology? Get ready to gain knowledge in qualitative and quantitative research methods and apply these skills in a professional setting. By the end of this comprehensive module, you’ll be able to interpret and present your results, while continuing to build your skills portfolio.

This defining module allows you to produce a major piece of academic research on a chosen topic within business and management. You’ll have the opportunity to explore areas that have not been fully investigated previously – incorporating your knowledge of management challenges, or a business scenario that has far-reaching organisational implications. 

Learning and assessments

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 will 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 Q&A sessions with your tutors
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team

To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.

 

Assessment methods

Rather than fretting about exams, you will be assessed exclusively through assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, or by submitting longer written pieces.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

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

 

Study duration

Our MSc Project Management has an indicative study duration of 2 years, 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 of our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.

On successful completion of your degree, you will be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex, Colchester Campus.

Your future

Project management skills are transferable to a wide range of industries and a postgraduate qualification is an ideal way to ensure you’re sought out for high-level roles. As well as direct project management roles, this course would also be of value to those working in management consultancy, finance, marketing and sales – as well as project management in specialist industries such as healthcare or property.

Gaining a postgraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

Entry requirements

We know that 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 will also need to meet our English language requirements.

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

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our MSc Project 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

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our MSc Project Management, you must meet the following criteria:

  • at least five years’ senior level work experience

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. 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.

Fees and funding

Full tuition fee:  

£11,836 UK and International (2022-23) Δ
£12,167 UK / £12,428 International (2023-24) 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. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • 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. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us. 

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. 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.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Our expert staff

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on our MSc Project Management are experts in the field of project management.

What our students say

testimonials

William Annoh - Master of Business Management (MBM)

I was particularly impressed with the way that the online programme was structured. My Student Advisor Rebekah was very helpful in advising me and guiding me through the process. All the faculty who taught the modules were very very helpful; they taught me so much. I've learnt a lot of things and I'm willing and ready to use them in my career path. I particularly loved the discussion forums. It was a platform for us to engage with each other, so it helped us as online participants to get to know each other and think about different things. It helped me open my mind to a lot of different ideas. Now that I've finished my degree, the first thing I plan to do is to better myself in my role at work. I just started a new role last month so I'm looking forward to using my experiences from here to grow that. On the side I do some consultancy as well, and I have helped manage a few...

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Erin Lovell - Essex Online MBA

You are smart, capable, and strong. Repeat that to yourself as many times as you need to per day until you believe it.  

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Things I love: writing, long-distance charity walks, my Jack Russell terrier Jada, virtually all animals, tea, travelling to places I don’t speak the language, and learning. Things I dislike: cooking, butterflies, the sound of forks on teeth and being late.  

Why did you decide to open a sports centre?

My business partner and I had been discussing it for a few years before it all started to come together. We recognized that Bermuda was missing a central, family-friendly, location for practitioners of different martial arts & boxing styles to train. Our goal was to open a purpose-built facility that would be high-quality, affordable, and inclusive. So far, so good!  

Have you always...

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Ezzat Habra - Essex Online MBA

I am in the advertising industry working as a Traffic, Studio and Production manager. I have been in the advertising field for the past 20 years and that has allowed me to work across many organisations and handle different roles to enrich my field experience. I love cars, racing and technology and enjoy photography and sandcastle building.  

Why did you choose to study for an MBA?

I wanted to continue my career and...

Read more

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