Program Overview

Introduction to the Strategic Management of Projects MSc

The Strategic Management of Projects MSc at University College London (UCL) is an executive development course designed for professionals aiming to lead complex projects and programmes. This postgraduate course combines management theory, systems thinking, and real-world application, preparing graduates for leadership roles across industries by focusing on innovation, collaboration, and long-term value creation.

Entry Requirements

The normal minimum qualifications are a lower second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Candidates with significant relevant experience and impact in their industry may be exempted from this requirement. A minimum of two years of experience in project-based work or project-based organisation is required, along with evidence of achievement and/or impact in the industry.

English Language Requirements

The English language level for this course is Level 2. UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. These courses develop academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Course Overview

The MSc in Strategic Management of Projects helps develop a critical understanding of the challenges that project executives face in designing and implementing strategy. It explores how the Management of Projects approach leads to improved value creation and effective outcomes, providing tailored, one-to-one professional advice focusing on career development. Through this unique executive development master's course, students learn how to make difficult decisions while developing lifelong relationships with peers who will move into executive roles in project-based organisations worldwide.

Who This Course Is For

The programme is designed for those who currently design and deliver project-based work and aspire to develop their own unique competitive approach to the management of projects. It helps transform careers and the way individuals think about business and projects.

What This Course Will Give You

• Expert guidance from distinguished professionals, academics, and policymakers across sectors and industries.
• Opportunities to share knowledge and experience through a reflective and inclusive classroom environment.
• Leadership skills, as this is an MSc designed for developing the project and programme leaders of tomorrow.
• Unique learning sessions delivered by leading academics, practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and students.
• A location in London, the centre of excellence for the management of projects, with a progressive teaching and learning culture.
• Expansion of your professional network, as you become part of the SMP Alumni, a strong community of professionals.

Careers

Graduates of the Strategic Management of Projects MSc pursue dynamic and impactful careers across a wide range of industries. They typically go on to roles such as project and programme managers, strategy consultants, transformation leads, and innovation specialists in sectors including construction, infrastructure, technology, finance, and government. Many also join leading global firms or launch their own ventures, applying their strategic thinking, leadership skills, and systems-based approach to drive complex projects and organisational change.

Employability

This postgraduate degree equips students with a dynamic blend of leadership, analytical, and organisational skills essential for navigating complex project environments. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students develop the ability to align projects with strategic goals, manage stakeholder expectations, and lead transformative initiatives across sectors. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, real-world problem-solving, and understanding the broader socio-economic context of projects, preparing graduates to drive value and innovation in their organisations.

Networking

Following graduation, students join the Strategic Management of Projects MSc (SMP) Alumni, a community of established, experienced, and aspiring project executives. The Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction hosts numerous events throughout the year featuring industry guests and networking opportunities, including lectures, seminars, and workshops. Additionally, there are university-wide career events to help current students and recent graduates develop their employability skills, explore different sectors, increase commercial awareness, build professional networks, and more.

Teaching and Learning

The course is seminar-based with an emphasis on case and problem-based learning, supported through readings and class exercises in the taught modules. It is delivered through a combination of case-based learning, interviews, peer-based learning, and lectures and workshops from leading practitioners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and academics. Students are required to have sufficient breadth and depth of knowledge to challenge and inform others. Assessment is through a combination of written coursework, examinations, presentations, and a dissertation.

Modules

The MSc comprises six compulsory modules in three categories and two optional modules. All modules must be attended, and students are assessed on these eight modules and a dissertation.

• Capstone Modules: Explore themes at the heart of the MSc, such as Management of Projects.
• Project Lifecycle Topics: Deal with management issues at particular stages of project development and delivery.
• Key Knowledge Areas: Encompass topics that permeate project management throughout the lifecycle, such as supply chain management, marketing, and innovation.
• Dissertation: An independent piece of research supported by tutorials.

Compulsory Modules

• Governance and Control
• Management of Design
• Managing Innovation and Technology
• School of Construction and Project Management Dissertation
• Supply Chain Management
• The Management of Projects
• Tomorrow's Company

Optional Modules

• The Project Operational Legacy
• Procurement of Construction, Engineering, and Professional Services
• Organisations and People in Projects
• Social Networks in Project and Enterprise Organisations
• Economics and Finance
• Data Analytics for Project Managers

Fees and Funding

• UK students: Ł25,300 (full-time), Ł12,650 (part-time) for the 2026/27 academic year.
• International students: Ł50,600 (full-time), Ł25,300 (part-time) for the 2026/27 academic year.
• The programme is also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
• Additional costs may include a fee deposit, and students are expected to have their own laptop. UCL's main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East), with associated travel costs.

Funding Your Studies

UCL offers a range of financial awards aimed at assisting both prospective and current students with their studies. The Bartlett Promise Scholarship enables students from underrepresented backgrounds in the built environment to pursue master's studies. Further information on eligibility criteria, selection processes, and FAQs can be found on the UK Master's scholarship and Sub-Saharan Africa Master's scholarship pages.

Next Steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding, particularly overseas applicants, should note application deadlines. There is an application processing fee for this course. When assessing applications, the admissions team is interested in the type of projects applicants have been involved in, their role in project management, and how the MSc in Strategic Management of Projects will help them achieve their goals.