| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-15 | - |
Program Overview
Project Management MSc
Overview
This MSc Project Management course is designed to teach people from any discipline or degree background, unlike other project management courses, whether you are from a business, arts or technical background this course is for you.
The course has been designed in line with the requirements of both the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Association for Project Management (APM).
The taught modules ensure you develop a well-rounded set of project and general management skills, including Project Management Basics, Project Delivery Methods including agile, International Project Management, Managing People and Project Leadership, Understanding Organisations, Project Funding and Tendering, Project Risk Management and Quality Management. Speakers from outside the University also contribute to the course, providing real-world case studies.
Why us?
- Innovative teaching designed to ensure you finish your course with the skills needed to work in real world project management
- We have over two decades of experience teaching Project Management at MSc level here at the University of Sunderland
- Teaching is up to date and based around recent research in the various course subjects
- Masterclasses from various speakers from organisations, government and industry
- All MSc Project Management students get a free copy of the latest Microsoft Project Professional
- Project management is one of the fastest growing professions worldwide
Course structure
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, class discussions, case studies, a project management business game, group work, presentations and applied study.
Your progress will be assessed with individual written reports and research papers, practical assignments and finally your masters dissertation. The course has no assessment by examination.
Compared to an undergraduate course, you will find that this Masters course requires a higher level of independent reading and research.
The course duration for September entry is 12 months. If you choose to start the course in January, the duration will be 15 months.
Course modules
Core modules:
- Project Management and Control (30 credits) Develop the building blocks of successful project management. Study topics such as project selection, feasibility, whole life costing and sustainability; the impact of risk, quality and people; effective monitoring and control to ensure successful delivery; and the use of project management software. Undertake an extensive case study/business game to develop your skills in team working and decision making.
- Project Delivery and International Project Management (30 credits) Consider some of the issues facing project managers who must efficiently and effectively oversee the delivery of projects, to include consideration of a range of international contexts.
- Commercial and Contractual Issues in Project Management (15 credits) Learn about the importance of commercial and contractual issues in projects. Cover the role of Strategy and Strategic Management, Business Plans, Legal Issues, Commercial Relationships and Financial Management and Tendering.
- Leaderships and Management of Project Risk, Quality and People (30 credits) Explore the role of leadership and people management in ensuring a successful outcome to a project. Investigate the issues and strategies in managing risk and quality and how these can be deployed to provide a successful project outcome.
- Understanding Organisations and Systems (15 credits) Explore how organisation and systems can be understood to help facilitate their design, change and management. Investigate various methods of organisational analysis and modelling, including both hard and soft-system modelling.
- Project/Dissertation (60 credits) Using your research and critical analysis skills, draw on the knowledge you have gained during the course to address a real engineering problem or research question at the forefront of the discipline.
Facilities
You’ll be based at The David Goldman Technology Centre, on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter’s. The David Goldman Technology Centre is an impressive, modern, purpose built University building with views of the River Wear, and just a short walk to both Sunderland town centre and Roker beach and the sea.
On the Sir Tom Cowie Campus, you will find all you need for your studies including:
- A range of teaching rooms and spaces that cover all your course needs
- Numerous open access computers
- Free Wi-Fi
- IT help desk
- A comprehensive library
- Various catering options
Entry requirements
Our typical offer is:
- Qualification | Minimum grade
- a bachelor's degree (3 years) | 2:2 classification
If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.
If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.
If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at for further advice.
We usually require applicants to hold at least a 2:2 honours degree in any subject. We will also consider applicants who have other qualifications and substantial work experience.
If English is not your first language, please see our English language requirements.
Fees and finance
- 2025/26 fees are:
- £9,000 if you are from the UK/Europe
- £17,400 if you are an international student
If you're unsure whether you qualify as a UK, EU, or international student, find out more in our Help and Advice article.
See the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
Career ready
A masters degree in project management will open up a wide range of employment opportunities for you. Project Managers can be found in most sectors of industry, governments, consulting, non-profit organisations, the arts and many other sectors. Past graduates of our MSc in Project Management can be found in all of these sectors developing successful and dynamic careers.
Project managers have skills that are relevant to most industries and it is one of the fastest growing professions worldwide.
Guest speakers
We invite experienced project professionals and project managers into the University to share their experiences with students. Past speakers have included the Chief Information Officer of BT, a senior NHS project manager and senior project management consultants.
We also have close links with the PMI and APM in the North East England and the events organised by them provide students with excellent networking opportunities.
Program Outline
MSc Project Management
Degree Overview:
This MSc Project Management course is designed to equip individuals from any background - including business, arts, or technical - with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the field of project management. The program aligns with the requirements of both the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Association for Project Management (APM). This MSc program provides a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and practices, covering essential topics such as project selection, feasibility, risk management, quality management, and people management. The curriculum includes a variety of modules that equip students with the necessary skills to lead and manage projects effectively in diverse environments.
Outline:
The MSc Project Management program consists of a combination of core modules, electives, and a dissertation. The core modules provide a solid foundation in project management principles, while the electives allow students to tailor their studies to their specific interests and career aspirations.
Core Modules:
- Project Management and Control (30 credits): This module covers the fundamentals of project management, including project selection, feasibility analysis, risk and quality management, and project control techniques.
- Project Delivery and International Project Management (30 credits): This module examines the complexities of international project management, including cultural considerations, communication strategies, and risk mitigation techniques.
- Commercial and Contractual Issues in Project Management (15 credits): This module focuses on the legal and contractual aspects of project management, covering topics such as contracts, procurement, and dispute resolution.
- Leaderships and Management of Project Risk, Quality and People (30 credits): This module explores the critical role of leadership and people management in achieving successful project outcomes. It examines strategies for managing risk, quality, and people effectively within project teams.
- Understanding Organisations and Systems (15 credits): This module provides an in-depth understanding of organizational structures, systems, and processes.
- Project/Dissertation (60 credits): This module allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world project or research question in their chosen area of specialization.
Electives:
Students can choose from a range of optional modules to further specialize their studies. Some of the available electives include:
- Managing Project Finance
- Project Procurement and Supply Chain Management
- Project Risk Management
- Project Quality Management
- Project Sustainability
- Project Leadership and Teamwork
Assessment:
The MSc Project Management program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including individual written reports, research papers, practical assignments, presentations, and a final dissertation. The specific assessment methods may vary depending on the chosen modules.
Teaching:
The program employs a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles, including lectures, seminars, class discussions, case studies, group work, presentations, and practical assignments. The program also utilizes a project management business game to provide students with hands-on experience in project management decision-making. The teaching team comprises experienced academics and industry professionals who bring real-world knowledge and insights to the classroom. The program also welcomes guest speakers from various organizations, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.
Careers:
Graduates of the MSc Project Management program are well-equipped to pursue careers in various industries, including construction, engineering, manufacturing, IT, healthcare, finance, and government. Project management skills are highly sought after in today's competitive job market, and graduates can expect to find employment opportunities in various roles such as project manager, project coordinator, project engineer, project consultant, and project analyst.
Other:
The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of project management principles and practices. It also emphasizes the development of essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving. The program is offered full-time and part-time, allowing students to choose the study option that best suits their needs and circumstances. For more information on the MSc Project Management program, please visit the University of Sunderland website or contact the program director directly.
Tuition Fees and Payment Information:
- Current fee: £8,000
- International fee: £17,400
