MSc / PgDip / PgCert in Project Management

THIS PROGRAMME IS OFFERED PART-TIME, BY DISTANCE LEARNING, ONLY

The programme is studied over a 3 year period leading to a Postgraduate Master of Science Degree in Software Project Management. Fees shown are for the entire course based on studying 10 modules plus the final dissertation. Students graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma (8 modules) or Postgraduate Certificate (4 modules) will be charged pro rata.

Individual modules may be taken as standalone CPD by arrangement.

The Master of Science Degree in Project Management at the University of Aberdeen has been running successfully since 1993 and continues to grow in popularity and accessibility. The programme has been designed to meet the requirements of practicing professionals and is taught in a flexible manner, being offered on a part time basis with teaching at weekends or by distance learning through the University’s online virtual learning environment.

Flexibility and a firm grounding in current practice are the principal features of the programme with teaching by staff of the University and visiting lecturers who are practicing professionals.

Reasons to Study Project Management at Aberdeen

• Well established and well respected course
• Can be studied entirely at a distance
• Convenient campus delivery, every third weekend – no night classes
• Flexible – students can switch between modes when job moves necessitate
• Flexible – students can reduce workload or take time out according to work/home needs
• Three separate exit levels – Certificate, Diploma or MSc
• Taught by combination of academics and practising professionals
• Single modules can be taken for Continuing Professional Development purposes

Entry Requirements

This programme is aimed at people actively engaged in Project Management in industry, and relevant experience is a pre-requisite. In general, applicants are expected to hold a degree in an appropriate subject; however alternative qualifications, combined with an appropriate level of significant and relevant experience, may also be considered as a means for entry. For more advice on this please contact the Graduate School Admissions Team who will be able to advise.

Applicants with no formal higher educational qualifications should not be deterred from applying for this course, but should contact the Graduate School Admissions Team to discuss their suitability.

Association for Project Management

The University is a Corporate Member of the Association for Project Management (APM). For those students who already have relevant APM qualifications, there are exemptions from up to two modules of the programme. Students on the programme are eligible for APM Student Membership rates.

Programme Structure & Content

The flexible nature of the programme allows you to study towards one of three levels of qualifications:

Year 1 Certificate Stage

• Project Management Essentials 1
• Organisations and People
• Project Planning and Control     
• Budgets & Financial Control

Year 2 Diploma Stage

• Project Management Essentials 2
• Commercial and Contractual Issues
• Quality and Risk Management
• Group Project

Year 3 MSc Stage

• Portfolio Project Management   
• Managing Project Teams
• Dissertation in Project Management  

Each level acts as a pre-requisite for the next and takes one year to complete (i.e. Certificate = 1 year of study, Diploma = 2 years of study, MSc = 3 years of study). Students who reach the end of a year of study have the option of graduating with the qualification reached or continuing into the next year of study to enhance their qualification to the next level.

Assessment

The modules are assessed by a combination of coursework and written examination, with some modules being entirely assessed through coursework. The distance learning coursework is submitted to the course tutor through the virtual learning environment with marks and comments being sent back the same way. On-campus submission is either by email or in person at teaching sessions. Each module has a timetable which details when the coursework is due and when the exam is scheduled to take place. Arrangements can be made for examinations to be taken at a convenient place near to you. Campus based students and distance learning students near to Aberdeen are able to take their examinations at the University.

Examinations are usually held on a Tuesday towards the end of January and the end of May. This day has been chosen to ensure maximum accessibility for examination venues across the world. Students sit the examination within their own time zone (e.g. 9am local time).