Project Planning and Management MSc

Overview

This course builds knowledge and skills in the planning and management of development projects and programmes. It is designed to deepen critical understanding of the strategies, processes, techniques and issues involved in taking ideas for development and turning them into practical realities with identifiable outcomes and benefits.

The degree provides an excellent basis for career enhancement or conversion for those with interest and experience in projects for development. The focus of the course is on development projects in the public or third (voluntary or community) sectors, but the underlying principles are applicable to all types of project, including those for commercial benefit.

On completion of your course, you will be able to understand and examine critically:

• The discipline of project and programme management, within an overall appreciation of the nature and purpose of projects
• The principles and practice of project planning, design, preparation, and appraisal techniques for projects in a development context
• The theory and practice of management skills for project and programme management, focusing particularly on 'hard' and 'soft' skills for successful project implementation.

Placement

You can choose to include an internship as part of your course, in which case you will study over 15 months rather than a year. To do this, you should initially register for the one-year programme and then transfer to the 15 month programme when you have secured a placement, any time up until the middle of Semester 2.

The internship / placement further enhances the development of professional experience and practical skills during your Masters programme, integrating practitioner community engagement with your academic studies.

Learning and assessment

The course will introduce you to emerging techniques and approaches to project management such as PRINCE2 (TM). We also provide familiarisation with Microsoft Project software for project management.

This MSc provides you with knowledge and skills for successful project design, implementation and management. It provides you with the knowledge base on which to develop your professional skills and recognition in the field of project management.

All BCID students are able to choose an optional placement module, and will be supported by Division staff to find an appropriate placement.

Career prospects

Many BCID postgraduates have experience in development and related areas of the public, private and voluntary sectors. This degree course provides the skills and knowledge required to become a development professional.

A typical application would include a minimum 2:2 Honours degree or equivalent. However the University welcomes applications from all potential students regardless of their previous academic experience; offers are made following detailed consideration of each individual application.