Course Overview
Course summary
Project management, as a profession, has undergone rapid transformation in the last 20 years. The ever-growing consumer demand for complex, customised goods and services and the evolution of worldwide competitive markets for their production and distribution have increased the need for agile project managers who understand organisational issues, human behaviour and have the skills to organise the delivery of such products.
Accredited by both the Association of Project Management (APM) and the Project Management Institute (PMI), our Master’s degree recognises that in today’s competitive business environment effective project management is integral to success in all sorts of industries and sectors.
Skills in planning, benefits management, quality management, risk control and communication are essential to the smooth running of projects ranging from large-scale operational changes in multinationals to the running of hospitals and universities, government policies, engineering projects or one-off launches by fashion houses, advertising agencies and film productions.
Studying strategic and practical approaches, this course is designed to equip you with a set of tested skills for planning, delegating, monitoring and controlling projects in a traditional and an agile way. The syllabus is informed by APM’s five dimensions of professionalism and PMI’s Talent Triangle®, which are widely accepted as best practice in the area of project management. It will give you the knowledge and tools to help implement strategies for change, in a responsible and sustainable way, in order to influence progress within a company or organisation. You'll also learn the governance framework of running a project and how to handle the associated risks – with the opportunity to attain the much sought-after PRINCE2® Foundation or AgilePM® Foundation certification at no extra cost.
You’ll be taught by a teaching team which combines academic and professional training skills, most of whom either hold a PhD or are accredited professional trainers on such courses as PRINCE2®, AgilePM®, Management of Risk (M_o_R®) and Managing Successful Programmes (MSP®).
We’ll bring you up-to-date project management practice, trends and issues – in recent months, for example, the coronavirus pandemic has shown how important the profession is in steering the expanding, uncertain, volatile global world we live in. At a time of change, project managers have the skills to ensure this change leads to better, more sustainable, equitable solutions that are beneficial to the widest possible range of stakeholders.
Top reasons to study with us
- Suitable for graduates in business, computing and engineering and those with an affinity for organising or running projects. Taught by staff who are also professionally certified project management trainers
- Opportunity to gain PRINCE2® Foundation or AgilePM® Foundation certification at no extra cost
- Curriculum informed by best practice: APM’s five dimensions of professionalism and PMI’s Talent Triangle®
- Exposure to project management industry standards, including the APM Body of Knowledge 7th edition and PMI’s PMBOK® Guide – Sixth Edition
- We are an active member of the Responsible Project Management community
Course structure
This course aims to develop the specialist knowledge, capabilities and technical skills that you require to respond proactively and creatively to contemporary project management practice and the challenges of the global business environment. You'll study six core modules, including the project, and one option module.
Full-time students study three taught modules in each semester, and one year-long project module. The project module is taught in both semesters, but the bulk of the work is undertaken by students from June to September.
In Foundations, we lay the foundations of project management by focusing on the more technical skills of the profession, like planning, monitoring and controlling. In the Practice module, we concentrate more on the behavioural aspects of project management, such as leadership and teamwork. Together, these two modules provide a critical overview of the project management world.
Additional project management topics, such as risk management, project finance, strategic alignment, procurement and agile practices, are covered in other modules.
To complete your studies, you'll undertake a practical or research project. Past student projects have spanned different activities, sectors and countries – from analysing key project management issues, such as sustainability and success to the use of AI in project management and the communication challenges of virtual teams. Previous students have considered the value of agile project management in the public sector and examined risk management in healthcare projects, while others have focused on practices in Saudi Arabia, India, Latin America and Africa. Some students have set up a business as part of their project.
The following modules are indicative of what you will study on this course.
Core modules
An introduction to the project management bodies of knowledge and an explanation of the key technical principles and themes that inform them.
The sociotechnical dimensions of project management (e.g. leadership, teamwork, problem solving, negotiation, politics, quality, change etc.) are critically evaluated using recent publications as a starting point.
The module will give you a working knowledge of agile project management methodologies, tools and techniques. You will develop an understanding of agile methods and practical skills in applying agile tools and techniques in projects using AgilePM. The module critically evaluates various agile methodologies for project management such as Scrum and Kanban. The module will enable you to practice aspects of applying agile principles and methods needed to manage agile projects in IT, digital services and other knowledge-based industries.
The importance of programme management and its fit with corporate strategy is introduced and the challenges of managing programmes and portfolios explored.
The finance skills required by a project or programme manager are exposed and explored and the challenges of procurement in a project environment analysed.
A project dissertation on an approved topic, relevant to the focus of the course. Students are encouraged to use and further evaluate the project management tools, techniques and methods acquired through the taught part of the course. The final project is an important part of the MSc, worth the equivalent of three taught modules. A supervisor is assigned to guide the student into producing a substantive report either about a real deliverable or a dissertation on a current project management research topic, based on the collection of primary data.
Option modules
The module studies the additional challenges faced by international projects from a theoretical and a practical standpoint.
Project management is at a crossroads as projects continue to fail in an increasingly complex environment, so this module will explore new development proposals that look beyond the project lifecycle into the whole product’s life. The shortcomings of agile and DevOps approaches are discussed in light of the disruptions afforded by scaling up in today’s dynamic environments.
Responding to today’s highly complex environment, the module looks at risk management in a contemporary way, highlighting the differences between ordinary and complex projects in relation to risks. Hence, the module provides an understanding of the principles of risk management and governance. It introduces the concept of “project complexity” and its implications to risk management. The module covers risk analysis techniques and how decisions are accordingly made under a highly dynamic and constantly changing context. In this sense, the module looks at “managing change” from the perspective of the risks involved.
Professional accreditation
This course is accredited by the Association of Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession in the UK. This gives you free annual student membership of APM and access to project management knowledge resources, journals and networking opportunities at APM events.
Additionally, the Project Management MSc is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). Graduates of PMI/GAC accredited programme are granted substantial credit toward the experience requirement when they complete an application for any PMI certification. A 12-month reduction for professional experience is applied for PMI certifications in PMP®, PgMP®, PfMP®, PMI-RMP® and PMI-SP®. Our students have access to PMI professional development resources such as online courses, career seminars and network with project professionals during PMI events, some of which are regularly hosted at this University.
Westminster Business School is an Accredited Training Organisation for AgilePM®, PRINCE2®, M_o_R® and MSP.
In 2021, we became a University Partner Program for Scrum.org. Our curriculum integrates the philosophy of Agile and Scrum. Students will have access to the Scrum.org certification assessment in Professional Scrum MasterTM (PSM I) .
For more details on course structure, modules, teaching and assessment Download the programme specification (PDF).
To request an accessible version please email [email protected]
Get your copy of the University of Westminster prospectus and browse the range of courses on offer.
Contact us for general course enquiries:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 EXT 65511
(Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm BST)
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Careers
Projects are one of the most common methods used by organisations and companies in every sector and all over the world to deliver both operational and strategic objectives, which means that having advanced project management skills can open doors to a vast range of career options.
Our course has been designed to produce ‘hands-on’ professionals with career possibilities in project management, either as project managers in their own right or as members of a programme, portfolio or project office. Our focus on planning, resource management, decision-making, leadership, benefits management, sustainability and responsibility will provide you with essential practical skills that can be applied in a multitude of managerial positions. This opens up broader career opportunities to you as a project planner, risk manager, quality manager or estimator, either directing or managing projects. In addition, there is a large freelance contracting project management community. Should you intend to progress to PhD study, you can use the project module as a vehicle to start your research.
The majority of our graduates start their career as project team members in a variety of posts from project support office posts to project team management to project management. A few, depending on their background, become programme managers in the UK and the vibrant global project management market. Many work for large UK or international organisations as consultants or project managers, including Transport for London, local councils and global charities.
With a growing global network of 3,000 employers, our Careers and Employability Service is here to support you to achieve your full potential.
Gain additional qualifications
Opportunity to gain multiple qualifications at the same time – your professionally accredited Master’s degree and a Foundation Certificate in either PRINCE2® or AgilePM®.
Get hands-on experience
Hands-on experience of project management technical skills.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
Industry links
Run by the School of Applied Management, this course was first established in 2011. We enjoy strong ties to the main professional bodies which, coupled with our central London location, allows us to provide countless opportunities to visit project management events and conferences.
We have many links with the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession, and the Project Management Institute (PMI), the largest project management institute in the world.
The University is also a life-time member of the Agile Business Consortium (ABC), a not-for-profit professional body whose mission is to lead, promote and enable business agility worldwide. The Agile Business Consortium is responsible for developing AgilePM®, as well as the originators of the Agile Project Framework. The consortium has sponsored an annual prize of £1,000 for the best project dissertation by one of our students.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles such as:
- Consultant
- Programme manager
- Project administrator
- Project coordinator
- Project director
- Project manager
- Project procurement manager
- Quality manager
- Risk manager
Graduate employers
Graduates from this course have found employment at organisations including:
- EY
- GlobalData
- Local government
- Network Rail
- Security Industry Authority
- Transport for London
- Yoox Net-A-Porter
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up to a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.
Read more about our Westminster Employability Award.
What Our Graduates Say
Marco Cuvero
Project Management MSc - 2016
The Project Management MSc enhanced my knowledge of the best practices and qualifications for managing projects. It increased the level and depth of my analysis and discussion around top tier academic journals within the discipline, which, together with training on the implementation of research methodologies and practices, has proven to be indispensable in attaining my doctoral degree.
The experience I gained facilitated my training to become an academic, teaching modules in the University and delivering training to professionals working in the industry. I would recommend this course for anyone interested in extending their knowledge to attain professional mastery or to pursue the development of research at high-level standards.
Martins Toluhi
Project Management MSc - 2014
Enrolling for the Project Management MSc at the University of Westminster was undoubtedly one of the most rewarding career moves I have made. The course enhanced my effectiveness on projects, programmes and portfolio delivery across a wide domain spanning 19 countries within the EMEA.
The skills I gained prepared me for shaping and delivering a wide range of IT infrastructure and transformation projects, enabling me to develop governance for project compliance around cyber security, infrastructure, cloud technology, and IoT at an enterprise level. It gave me a strategic and adaptive approach to project governance and delivery. Overall, I am a better project manager today in an ever-changing business terrain because of the time invested in taking this degree.
Rania Hameed
Project Management MSc - 2021
This course has been very rewarding for my career development! Having an all-rounded project management knowledge has enabled me to be an effective Risk Manager by understanding the wider project team’s functions and help deliver a more holistic risk management approach in a major infrastructure project.
Responsible Project Management
In November 2019, we hosted the launch of Responsible Project Management, a partnership between industry and academia to harness the power of project management towards a better, more sustainable future.
Dr Karen Thompson of Bournemouth University, whose vision led to the creation of Responsible Project Management, led the event by announcing the Manifesto for Responsible Project Management, which is inspired by the United Nations’s Sustainability Development Goals.
It was a great networking opportunity. Students from a number of universities were able to exchange ideas with professionals and current practitioners. The event was supported by the Association for Project Management and PMI UK Chapter.
Course Leader
Dr Dania Issa
Principal Lecturer
Course Team
Teaching and assessment
Your learning experience is designed to develop the capabilities needed by the graduate labour market, integrating practice-based learning and projects alongside academic learning and business theory.
To assist the learning experience, we provide reading lists, lecture and seminar materials in advance via Blackboard, our virtual learning environment. Where possible, lectures are recorded using specialist software and similar tools to make sure you can really listen to what is said in class and don’t miss a thing.
How you’ll be taught
All of our courses are delivered using an enquiry-based, blended learning approach involving workshops, lectures, seminars, tutorials and independent study, in which you will apply your study to real-world experience. This will develop your understanding of the links between the subjects and, equally importantly, your presentation, writing and team-working skills.
From the very beginning, you’ll be encouraged to produce well-structured reports, construct sound arguments and communicate clearly and in non-technical language the meaning of technical results. Presentation and teamwork skills are embedded in some of the modules. The Project Management in Practice core module specifically studies the skills, such as leadership, motivation, openness, results orientation, efficiency, negotiation, conflict resolution, values appreciation, ethics and the like, required to set up or work as part of a modern project management team.
A major feature of this course is its extensive exposure to the project management skills, as defined by the leading professional project management bodies to facilitate learning and equip you with both technical and analytical skills. You’ll have lots of opportunities to see how the theory you learn relates to real-world practice. For example, we regularly invite guest speakers, who are practitioners in their chosen project management field, to lecture on a regular basis. In the past, our students have heard from the CEO of Agile Business Consortium about business agility, an experienced programme manager on project tools, and heard all about the project management profession and its future direction from the Project Management Institute (PMI).
We also try to organise site visits and field trips so you can see project management in action. Recently, for example, a group of students visited Tideway London to look at the Thames Tideway Tunnel project. This particular field trip was linked to the study of risk management and allowed students to identify, evaluate and assess risks in a real project. Seminar activities were built around the trip and the module assessment included questions related to learning undertaken as a result.
We’ll encourage you to keep up-to-date with the latest project management professional news and views, by signing up to project management magazines, many of which are free online, such as ProjectManager.com and PM Today.
In the following graph you'll find examples of how study time has been distributed in the past (data from the academic year 2022/23). Changes to division of study time may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions. Learning typically falls into three broad categories:
- Scheduled hours: examples include lectures, seminars, practical classes, workshops, supervised time in a studio
- Placement: placement hours normally include placement opportunities, but may also include live projects or virtual activity involving employers
- Independent study: non-scheduled time in which students are expected to study independently. This may include preparation for scheduled sessions, follow-up work, wider reading or practice, completion of assessment tasks, or revision
How you’ll be assessed
We have tried to put in place an assessment regime that emulates the problems faced by a project manager in real-world settings. As a consequence, there are a variety of assessments including group work, individual work, tests and examinations. For example, in the Agile Project Management module, students sit an online test on the agile framework and tools, which mimics the industry-standard professional certification exam. They also write a well-researched individual report on the benefits and pitfalls of applying agile methods to projects in a variety of industries, ranging from construction, IT healthcare and marketing.
In the following graph you'll find an indication of what you can expect (data from the academic year 2022/23). Changes to assessment weights may be made in response to feedback and in accordance with our terms and conditions. Assessments typically fall into three broad categories:
- Practical: examples include presentations, podcasts, blogs
- Written exams: end of semester exams
- Coursework: examples include essays, in-class tests, portfolios, dissertation
Why study this course?
Develop the key skills
Experience a variety of industry-standard project management tools and gain PRINCE2® Foundation or AgilePM® Foundation certification.
Combine theory and practice
Link theory to global practice through real-life case studies and guest lectures.
Taught by experts
Learn from expert staff who are themselves professional certified project management trainers.
Entry Requirements
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Relevant degree disciplines include business studies, economics, events management, and operations research. However, students with qualifications in other disciplines such as engineering, IT, environmental sciences, the humanities and languages are also encouraged to apply. Alternative professional qualifications with at least three years' relevant professional experience will also be considered. CV, Personal Statement and references are expected. Interview may be required for non-standard applications either in-person or virtually.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one reference.
View more information about our entry requirements and the application process
A minimum of a lower second class honours degree (2:2). Relevant degree disciplines include business studies, economics, events management, and operations research. However, students with qualifications in other disciplines such as engineering, IT, environmental sciences, the humanities and languages are also encouraged to apply. Alternative professional qualifications with at least three years' relevant professional experience will also be considered. CV, Personal Statement and references are expected. Interview may be required for non-standard applications either in-person or virtually.
If your first language is not English, you should have an IELTS 6.5 with at least 6.5 in writing and no element below 6.0.
Applicants are required to submit one reference.
More information
University preparation courses
Our partner college, Kaplan International College London, offers Pre-Master’s courses that may help you gain a place on a postgraduate degree at Westminster.
To find out more, visit University preparation courses.
Student work
For the Project Management in Practice module, students are required to run a fundraising project for an official charity of their choice. Putting their project management skills and techniques to the test and for a good cause, they seek to raise as many funds as possible.
In 2019, students adopted Plastic Oceans UK as their chosen charity and collected over £4,000. During the experience, they demonstrated project management skills, such as planning, leadership and team-working.
In 2020, the chosen charity is War child and the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic meant the students had to be especially creative, raising money through online activities. Students set up justgiving.com fundraising pages, held online bingo and quiz events, provided masterclasses and created video content that promoted fundraising activities on a variety of social media platforms. They raised over £5,000.
Learn new skills
Develop planning and strategy skills
Learn to critically evaluate project plans and devise project strategies.
Build communication and leadership skills
Improve your team communication and leadership skills.
Enhance your problem-solving skills
Develop problem-solving skills to recognise and resolve potential risks and barriers.
Fees and Funding
UK tuition fee: £16,500 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There is a range of funding available that may help you fund your studies, including Student Finance England (SFE).
Find out more about postgraduate student funding options.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs information
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
International tuition fee: £19,000 (Price per academic year)
When you have enrolled with us, your annual tuition fees will remain the same throughout your studies with us. We do not increase your tuition fees each year.
Find out how we set our tuition fees.
Paying your fees
If you don't wish to pay the whole amount of your fees at once, you may be able to pay by instalments. This opportunity is available if you have a personal tuition fee liability of £2,000 or more and if you are self-funded or funded by the Student Loans Company.
Find out more about paying your fees.
Alumni discount
This course is eligible for an alumni discount. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply by visiting our Alumni discounts page.
Funding
There are a number of funding schemes available to help you fund your studies with us.
Find out more about funding for international students.
Scholarships
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible postgraduate students.
Find out if you qualify for one of our scholarships.
Additional costs information
See what you may need to pay for separately and what your tuition fees cover.
Student Highlight
Debora Castro Rodriguez
Project Management MSc
I chose the Project Management MSc at the University of Westminster because of its accreditation by PMI and strong links with the main project management certifying bodies, and for its location in the heart of London, a city that has always significantly contributed to the project management field. In addition to all the networking opportunities this course provided, I enjoyed it for the relevant, pertinent, and up-to-date knowledge I received from a truly diverse cohort of experienced professionals.
I enjoyed the course for the relevant, pertinent, and up-to-date knowledge I received from a truly diverse cohort of experienced professionals."
Westminster Business School blog
Read our blog and get an insight into life and studies at Westminster Business School.
Facilities
The Learning Platform
Lecture theatres
Library
Bloomberg Financial Market Suite
Digital Marketing Lab
Meeting spaces
Cafe
Supporting you
Our Student Hub is where you’ll find out about the services and support we offer, helping you get the best out of your time with us.
- Study support — workshops, 1-2-1 support and online resources to help improve your academic and research skills
- Personal tutors — support you in fulfilling your academic and personal potential
- Student advice team — provide specialist advice on a range of issues including funding, benefits and visas
- Extra-curricular activities — volunteering opportunities, sports and fitness activities, student events and more
Course Location
Our Marylebone Campus has benefitted from a multi-million pound refurbishment resulting in new workshops, digital studios and development of the Marylebone Library. The campus is home to Westminster Business School and our award-winning Architecture, Planning and Tourism courses. For more details, visit our Marylebone Campus page.
Westminster Business School
Based in the heart of London's political, media and financial services, Westminster Business School has excellent industry links and a strong commitment to social enterprise.
Our courses are accredited by professional bodies including the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Our practical teaching relates learning to the real world, and we develop graduates who are ready to respond to contemporary business challenges.
Contact us
Call our dedicated team on:
+44 (0)20 7911 5000 ext 65511
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
Opening hours (GMT): 10am–4pm Monday to Friday
More information
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