The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: Online professional course (20 credits) Study duration: 13 weeks
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

Master key project management techniques with this informative online professional course.   

You’ll develop a strong understanding of key aspects of project planning, including PRINCE2 and AGILE thinking. By analysing common methodologies and contemporary frameworks, you’ll become adept at planning, reporting and resources – while building on your communication and analytical skills.   

You’ll explore:  

  • common techniques, process and frameworks  
  • governance structures and conflicts with stakeholder needs   
  • the use of Gannt charts and Critical Path Analysis (CPA) 

At the end of the course, you have the opportunity to study one of our popular postgraduate business courses.  

This course is accredited by The CPD Certification Service, which provides independent CPD accreditation used to formally record CPD learning. Recognised in over 100 countries, the accreditation is compatible with international requirements and confirms our courses achieve qualitative standards required by professional bodies, institutional associations and education providers.

Why we’re great

  • Learn how to think reflexively throughout the whole project life cycle. 
  • Develop your analytical, critical and organisation skills. 
  • Study 100% online, part-time without a career break. 
  • Gain 20 academic credits on successful completion, which you can transfer onto a PG Cert, PG Dip or full Masters degree. 
  • Receive your online professional courses certificate from the University of Essex, a top 40 UK university (Complete University Guide 2025). 

You’ll study the following topics as part of the online professional course: 

  • exploration of PRINCE2 Agile key components 
  • review of the hybrid of both AGILE and PRINCE2 methodologies 
  • developing business case into a Project Initiation Document 
  • developing project plans, task delegation and project teams’ roles and responsibilities  
  • Gantt charts and Critical Path Analysis (CPA) 
  • highlight reports contents 
  • stakeholder and communications in large organisations 
  • evaluation of project methodologies and approaches  

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or in a café. 

Our online professional 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 module 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 high-quality tutor support, each class is capped at 20 students. 

 

Assessment methods  

You’ll be assessed exclusively through assignments. These include assessed discussion forums, written assignments and journal entries. 

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 
  • you’ll be able to clearly view your marks in your gradebook whenever you log on to the learning platform 
  • there’s a seven-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 

 

Study duration 

Our Project Management Techniques online professional course has a study duration of 13 weeks, including a one-week induction to help you settle into online study. 

The Project Management Techniques online professional course offers a whole host of opportunities. On successful completion, you’ll receive a digital certificate confirming you’ve achieved 20 academic credits at postgraduate level. This will be beneficial whether you’re looking to climb the career ladder or take the first step into business or project management – helping you stand out amongst the competition.  

If you wish to continue your studies and boost your prospects, you could choose additional business online professional courses, such as Management: Principles and Practices, and Marketing Strategy and Management. Alternatively, you could progress on to a PG Cert Project Management (60 credits); PG Dip Project Management (120 credits) or the full MSc Project Management (180 credits).   

Please note, acceptance on to a postgraduate qualification is subject to meeting the entry requirements of your chosen programme.  

No formal qualifications or experience is necessary.  

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency of English is required. If English isn’t your first language, your 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’re a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries. 

Full tuition fee: £1,386 UK / £1,455 International (2024-25) Δ

  • Our online professional courses are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included.   
  • Alumni discount of 10% of the tuition fee available if you’re a previous graduate with the University of Essex or University of Essex Online.
  • We offer a 14-day moneyback guarantee, so if you decide your course isn’t for you during the first 14 days, we’ll give you a full refund. Terms and conditions apply. 

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. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach on our Management: Principles and Practices course are experts in the field of business.

What our students say

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