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Overview
If you're ready to build on your business and management experience and excited to start or continue your successful career in project management, this MSc Project Management degree is for you.
On this Master’s programme you’ll explore the principles and practice of project management. You’ll cover topics including strategic and practical approaches in different business environments, and discover the influence of successful project management on any organisation.
You’ll study key project management themes, including budgets and commercial management, as well as people management, and learn to apply your new knowledge in the workplace.
MSc Project Management is accredited by the Chartered Association for Project Management (APM), the professional body for project management in the UK. During the course you can become a student member of the APM for free and attend APM webinars and events to develop your knowledge and professional network.
This course is delivered on a block basis, which means you’ll study on campus for short periods of time during the year. Whether you’re a busy working professional or an international student, these study blocks give you the ability to stay on campus for a shorter period of time than many other postgraduate degrees so you can complete your studies around your current commitments.
You’ll graduate with the tools you need to become an effective project manager in any size or type of organisation.
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and international students.
Course highlights
- Explore topics including strategic and practical approaches in different business environments, budgets and commercial management, and people management and risk
- Become an effective project manager in any size or type of organisation
- Study on a block basis around your current commitments
- Become a student APM member for free and attend APM webinars and events
- Hear from guest speakers such as:
- Caspar Bartington, Head of Volunteering & Education - Chartered Association of Project Management (APM)
- Rory Burke, Adjunct Professor of Project Management and Author
- Dave Corbin, Senior Director - Head of Programme & Project Management (UK)- Gleeds Management Services
- Jerome Evans, Group Programme Director - UK & Europe - Meggitt
- Duke Harrison, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator - Pompey in the Community
- Willie Vance, Technology Project Management Lead - Howden Technology
- Jonathan Perkins, Senior Project Manager - Mace
Accredited by
This course is fully accredited by the Association for Project Management (APM).
The University of Portsmouth has earned business accreditation from the AACSB in recognition of the outstanding quality of its business and management education. Less than six percent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.
Business and management studies at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 2nd of the modern universities by research power.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Read more about our business and management research
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
January 2025 start
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent, or sufficient evidence of both relevant work experience and academic potential to achieve the award.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
September 2025 / January 2026 start
- A second-class honours degree or equivalent, or sufficient evidence of both relevant work experience and academic potential to achieve the award.
Please get in touch if you're not sure if your undergraduate subject is relevant to this degree.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will also be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work and training courses, including courses and qualifications you didn't complete. Learn more about our Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (January 2025 start)
Tuition fees (September 2025 / January 2026 start)
Scholarships for international students
If you're joining us as an international student, you might be eligible to apply for a scholarship depending on which course you're studying, where you're from and your academic achievement to date.
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government Postgraduate Master's Loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
International student scholarships are available across the University.
International students can apply for our January 2024 Faculty scholarship.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: such photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
What you'll study
All modules on this MSc Project Management course are core.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
-
Promote and enable the development of an organisational culture conducive to the successful management of projects domestically and globally and develop the organisation and team to attain a project's vision and goals
-
Critically examine leadership theories for a range of projects
-
Critically review a sustainable change initiative for projects
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Formulate appropriate Risk Management Strategies and develop effective project risk models, mitigation and contingency plans for appropriate action.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
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Critically review the International/global environment and context in which projects are conceived and realised
-
Evaluate the employment of project management in introducing change and delivering sustainable benefits
-
Review and develop project lifecycles and the overall framework and processes of project management
-
Analyse and review methods for defining the scope/deliverables of a project and project requirements
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Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of standard techniques for planning and scheduling a project and critically evaluate the nature and causes of project success and failure
-
Explain Quality Management requirements and explain quality processes commonly used in the project environment
The learning outcomes for this module will be available soon.
The learning outcomes of this modules will be available soon.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
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Select and use appropriate structured project analysis and research approaches to identify, justify, analyse and diagnose a research problem
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Evaluate existing literature to appreciate existing results and methods to identify suitable research methods and their effectiveness for investigating a chosen project initiative
-
Situate a research problem within a wider strategic project management context to demonstrate the significance of the research question
-
Synthesise project methods and research methods together as a detailed investigation proposal that justifies the choice and significance of a research topic
The learning outcomes for this module will be available soon.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
It is our expectation that all international students will join us here on campus in Portsmouth.
Course structure
This Master's degree will take:
- 1 year full-time if you start in September
- 1 year full-time if you start in January
You can expect:
- to study on campus in study blocks
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree, but the majority of your teaching time will be in-person and face-to-face.
Teaching on this course includes:
- lectures
- seminars
- interactive syndicate work
- self-directed study
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- coursework
- reports
- presentations
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
Term dates
September start
The Master's academic year runs from September to the following September. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter. Over the summer you'll be work towards the assessment for your final module.
January start
The January start for the Project Management course runs for 12 months, beginning and ending in January. There are breaks at Christmas, Easter and in the summer.
Joining us as an international student
Joining us as an international student
You'll feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Career development
The demand for project managers is growing.
This accredited degree shows employers that you have the skills you need to lead in the workplace and be an effective project manager in the commercial sector when you graduate, in any size or type of organisation.
You'll graduate with the ability to lead or be part of a team on strategic projects, and have a solid understanding of project management principles and processes.
During your studies you’ll build your network by attending APM events as a student member, where you'll meet and engage with other APM members and industry professionals.
After graduating you could go onto roles in:
- project management
- consultancy
- project planning
- logistics
- product development
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Business and Law Career-Ready Programme. This support will continue for 5 years after you graduate.
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Regular emails from the Career Ready Programme sharing job opportunities, application tips and events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
The Maths Cafe offers free advice and help with maths skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop, or use our online resources.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing skills
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the start dates in September and January, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
If you're an international student, you can apply directly to us using the same application form as UK students.
You could also get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region. To find out what to include in your application, head to the how to apply page of our international students section.
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in January 2025
Start this course in September 2025
Start this course in January 2026
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2024, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.