Graduate Diploma in Project Management

Program Overview

---

Graduate Diploma - Project Management

Course Overview

This Graduate Diploma in Project Management has been designed for existing graduates who are either new to, or looking to pursue a career in a project, programme or portfolio environment. Through this programme, you will study a range of core topics developing an understanding of project planning, development and implementation from project governance and establishing a business case, to using effective communication to engage internal and external stakeholders.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Online, Various
• Institute: Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership
• Delivery Style: Online
• Course Duration: Part-time: 18 Months
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: Graduate Diploma

Minimum Entry Requirements

• 1st or 2nd class degree
• Honours degree

Tuition Fees

• £9,535: UK | Fee for whole course (18 months)
• £14,900: International | Fee for whole course (18 months)

Course Structure

What you will learn

In the first year of the programme, you will explore the essential building blocks of project management, gaining understanding of project management methodologies and key activities within each stage of the Project Life Cycle including: project planning, scope and requirements management; monitoring and reporting progress; and identifying and managing risks. You will also evaluate approaches to project, programme and portfolio management and explore the relationship between these and project governance structures.

In the second year, you will explore the key role of teamwork and communication in effective project delivery, exploring theories of leadership and collaboration and developing skills in critical reflection which you will be able to apply to a simulated project environment, and to your own industry research project.

Modules

The Graduate Diploma in Project Management incorporates six 20-credit modules designed to develop your technical knowledge of project management concepts and activities through all stages of the Project Lifecycle. Modules are delivered sequentially in six-week blocks (with a study week in between) and you will study one module at a time.

Students on this programme will develop and demonstrate a graduate-level understanding of Project Management fundamentals, exploring key topics including:

• Project planning and business case development
• Project scope management
• Progress monitoring and change control
• The Project Environment
• Project Life Cycles
• Governance of Programmes and Projects
• Project leadership and team work
• Communication and stakeholder engagement
• Procurement
• Identifying and managing risks and opportunities

Year one

• Project Management Fundamentals
• Project, Programme and Portfolio Management
• Management and Control of Projects
• People and Projects

Year two

• Applied Project Management
• Industry Workplace Study

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

Our Graduate Diploma in Project Management programme has been designed to be delivered fully online, with opportunities for a blended delivery model to be utilised where possible. This allows you to study from any location and plan your studies around other commitments.

A highly interactive student experience, our online learning sessions are delivered live by our expert tutors, and you are encouraged to contribute your thoughts, knowledge and experience to all the information that is being presented. Interaction continues after the scheduled live sessions with tools embedded into Blackboard, our Virtual learning Environment. Between taught sessions you can upload your work, observations and critical reflections to an online journal which your tutor can then read and provide feedback on, allowing you to progress at your own pace and pull out and focus on the aspects of learning that are most appropriate for your context and situation. Additional discussions can also take place with the teaching team utilising online tools such as Blackboard Collaborate or MS Teams. Where possible, cohorts will be able to supplement their learning with scheduled face-to-face sessions on campus using our blended delivery model, maximising opportunities for networking and collaboration. These sessions will be limited in number in order to accommodate and make most effective use of any travel and accommodation requirements.

As a student on a programme, you will have access to a range of informative and interactive online resources. In addition, students on the programme are able to make use of the resources and facilities for self-study and extra-curricular activities at our University campuses.

How you will be assessed

Each module usually involves two pieces of assessment with the exception of your final Industry Workplace Study Project. Full details can be found in the programme specification.

Overview

Applicants for this course will have a first or second class degree in a non-Project Management related subject area.

This course has been designed to enable existing graduates who are new to the area of Project Management to develop a core knowledge of Project Management theory, tools and techniques. Applicants for this course will have a first degree but with little or no prior experience of Project Management to date.

Qualifications

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs: GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4/C or above.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

• £9,535 - UK
• £14,900 - International

The modular fee (per 20 credit module) for this course is:

• £1,589 per module - UK
• £2,483 per module - International

Your second year modules may be subject to a fee increase in line with the tuition fees policy.

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

The fee for this programme is £9,535.

More Information

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us. This includes the Cumbria Bursary - a non-repayable bursary designed to support first year students with a household income of less than £25,000.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.