Program Overview

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Project Management

Course Fact File

• Code: PDPJM
• Duration: 2 Years Part-Time
• Teaching Mode: Part-Time
• Qualifications: PG Dip
• NFQ Level: Level 9
• Start Date: Not on offer 2025/2026

Course Outline

The Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management aims to equip participants with a broad perspective of project and programme management including technical, managerial and business skills. The programme is supported by academic and expert practitioners who deliver a curriculum that is relevant, current and research-informed.

The use of interactive seminar and workshop formats, case studies, group and individual exercises support the development of decision-making and problem-solving skills. The programme ensures that participants understand project management in an organisational context through the emphasis on strategic alignment and the management of resources.

Course Structure

Students take 60 credits as follows:

Year 1

• MG6810 Project Management Principles (10 credits)
• MG6811 Strategy, leadership and change (10 credits)
• MG6812 Innovative problem-solving and decision-making (10 credits)

Year 2

• MG6813 Current Issues in Project Management (10 credits)
• MG6814 Realising Strategy through Program Management (5 credits)
• MG6815 Management and Organisation (5 credits)
• MG6816 Research Methods (5 credits)
• MG6817 Project Management Professional (PMP Certification) Boot Camp (5 credits)

Course Practicalities

This is a 2-year part-time programme. The programme combines university-level modules on Project Management, Strategy, and Leadership in addition to preparing candidates for PMP accreditation. Students are exposed to cutting-edge research, critical thinking and toolsets. It also provides a balance of technical, managerial and interpersonal skills that maximises the impact of project managers in private, public and not-for-profit organisations.

Classes are scheduled to run for a full day every second Friday and every second Saturday (some) [9 a.m. to 1 p.m. approximately] from September to June each year (full timetable provided in advance). Online seminars and activities are also utilized.

Why Choose This Course

This programme covers key competencies in:

• Technical and people focused project management knowledge, skills and abilities.
• The application of management frameworks to strategic decision making and resource appraisal
• Managerial, interpersonal and technical skills that maximise the impact of project managers in private, public and not-for-profit organisations.
• Using interactive seminar and workshop formats, participants engage in case studies, group and individual exercises in order to develop their decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ensures that project management is understood in its organisational context by emphasising strategic alignment and the management of resources.

Skills and Careers Information

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced analytical and problem-solving skills associated with effective project management practice.
• Apply practical tools, techniques and conceptual models in order to maximise the value of the project management process.
• Critically appraise how projects contribute to an organisation’s ability to realise its strategic goals and business benefits.
• Appreciate the use of management and leadership skills in the conduct of projects of various size, scope and complexity.
• Critically appraise current issues, trends and challenges in Project Management theory and practice.
• Prepare a viable research proposal for future research.
• Communicate and work effectively to a high professional standard.

Graduates to date have tended to move onto/continue to work in technical areas including medical devices and pharmaceuticals, mid-level management roles in the food and beverage sector, public sector and charities.

Requirements

Applications are invited from experienced professionals with:

1. A Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or equivalent (e.g. Higher Diploma) AND
2. At least 2 years of professional work experience

Consideration under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be given to applicants who do not fully meet the above criteria but who have significant senior professional experience in a related field such as engineering, construction, operations and software development.

All applicants are required to complete a supplementary form. Participants will be selected on the basis of the information supplied in their application and supplementary information. The University reserve the right to interview applicants to help make determinations.

Fees and Costs

Postgraduate EU and International Fees 2025/2026

See our Postgraduate EU and Non-EU (International) Fee Schedule for the latest information.

Deposits

If your course requires a deposit, that figure will be deducted from your second-semester fee payment in January.

Fee payment

Fees are payable in two equal instalments. First payment is at registration and the balance usually by the end of January.

How can I pay?

See different options on our How Do I Pay My Fees? page.

Additional Requirements

Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

• You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.
• Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.
• What is your current occupation/speciality?