MSc in Project and Programme Management 2 year, part time, fully online About the Course The MSc in Project and Programme Management is aimed at experienced professionals anywhere in the world who are responsible for delivering business benefits through portfolios of projects and programmes. The overall aim of the MSc is to equip project professionals with the skills, knowledge and understanding of project and programme management to deliver sustainable benefits to contemporary organisations. The MSc programme provides a valuable learning opportunity for project professionals on a career progression path towards senior management. It provides the learner with valuable skills and with knowledge of project and programme management as a discipline the delivers organisational level benefits. Graduates will be well positioned to take a lead role as a programme manager in any organisation, with responsibility for achieving sustainable long term growth through portfolios of projects & programmes. 100% Online - Designed to Fit Demanding Schedules Project management professionals need the best education they can find and they need the recognition that comes with a high level, international, university accreditation. But the challenge is how to fit such study in around the demands of work and family life. To help meet this challenge we created one of the world s most advanced, flexible, practical and effective online Masters courses in project and programme management. A central interactive platform hosts the complete syllabus, and through this, students can access course materials anytime and anywhere. The course is delivered through a blend of online interaction, dialogue and reflection. Key features include: On-going engagement with academics and industry professionals Paced asynchronous learning Group project work Fully supported and user friendly learner management system Specific learning path design Flexibility of access to materials. Entry Requirements Normally a 2.2 honours primary degree (level 8) and a minimum of 4 years experience working in a project related environment.
In exceptional cases Recognition of Prior Learning may be taken into account where minimum academic requirements are not met. In order to recognise applicants prior learning (in accordance with the University s policy on accreditation of prior learning), these candidates will be required to submit a written portfolio of business learning outcomes with accompanying testimonials. The course board also reserves the right to interview candidates as it deems necessary as part of the selection process. Where candidates are non-native English language speakers, certified demonstrable achievement in a Standard English Language Competency Test will be required. Objectives The specific objectives of the MSc programme are; To develop an in-depth understanding of the principle underpinning discipline of project & programme management and a critical awareness of the on-going developments in this domain To develop the core personal and professional competencies needed to manage and lead people and behaviour in project & programme contexts To provide the opportunity to integrate key concepts and frameworks within a real-world setting and critically evaluate and synthesise key learning s To appreciate the strategic scope, direction and governance of the organisation at a macro level To explore commercial management of projects & programme management including capital budgeting, project and programme appraisal, and robust business case development To introduce the concepts and theories of project s and programme management maturity and show how this provides direction for individual and organisational development To provide a broad understanding of the challenges surrounding the management of technology, data information and knowledge for project and programme managers and concepts/frameworks to facilitate organisational learning To introduce the concepts and theories of corporate and social responsibility and provide a framework for planning and evaluating the actions and performance of a project/programme in the context of sustainable and socially responsible activity To develop the conceptual, methodological and analytical skills necessary to conduct independent empirical research in a domain area of project and programme management Course Structure The programme is fully aligned with the University of Limerick standard course structure. There are two 'taught' semesters per year, with 2 modules in the first and 3 modules in the second. Each of these modules is 5 weeks long. Project work is undertaken in the third semester of each year. Prior to starting the programme, learners participate in a two week on-line induction.
Year 1 Semester 1 Module 1 [6 ECTS] PROJECT & PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT SCIENCE & PRINCIPLES Provides insights into fundamental principles and how they might apply within various settings. Module 2 [6 ECTS] PEOPLE & BEHAVIOUR IN PROJECTS Focuses on the soft skills needed to successfully manage and lead projects. Semester 2 Module 3 [6 ECTS] PROJECT & PROGRAMME PLANNING & CONTROL Applies goal directed methods & tracking, aimed at achieving future sustainable benefits through projects and programmes. Module 4 [6 ECTS] PROJECT LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE Raises awareness of the importance of effective leadership, having clear roles, responsibilities and appropriate governance structures in place. Module 5 [6 ECTS] PROGRAMME VALUE, RISK & DECISION MAKING Explains how to develop business models and value solutions that are implemented through programmes, with a focus on long term sustainable benefits.
Semester 3 Module 6 [12 ECTS] Year 2 Semester 1 IN-COMPANY PROJECT This is a "cap stone" that provides the opportunity to apply many of the learnings from the first year of the MSc. in a real project setting. Module 7 [6 ECTS] STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT & PROGRAMMES Provides a critical overview of corporate strategy and strategy implementation with a focus on programme management competence as levers for strategic renewal. Module 8 [6 ECTS] KNOWLEDGE & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN PROJECT ENVIRONMENTS Shows how good management of knowledge and information resources can contribute to enhanced organisational performance through projects. Semester 2 Module 9 [6 ECTS] COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT OF PROJECTS Includes project evaluation and selection with specific emphasis on commercial aspects that effect project investment decisions. Module 10 [6 ECTS] INTERNATIONAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT Addresses the challenges of global projects including leading, communicating and collaborating with virtual teams with diverse cultural backgrounds. Module 11 [6 ECTS] RESEARCH IN PROJECTS AND ORGANISATIONS Explains various research methods and how they can be applied to investigate industry related problems and phenomena with particular emphasis on the management of projects. Semester 3 Module 12 [18 ECTS] RESEARCH PAPER Provides an opportunity to explore project management as a discipline and use the latest research and conduct an empirical study into issues and phenomena that arise on projects.
What Our Graduates Say The programme has developed my ability to critically evaluate situations, taking account of the bigger picture... I believe that it will add to my ability and experience for future positions. The online delivery allows for flexible learning and provides the opportunity to discuss material with other professionals across various disciplines in the industry. The knowledge gained from the discussion with peers is invaluable as it provides a more solid perspective on the material. This programme enhanced and focused my knowledge in a way that allowed me to actively and positively add to organisational knowledge through the existing program and project management forums within my company. The practical application of several of the topic areas covered allowed me and my teams to make adjustments and additions to how we worked, leading to significant impacts on success. Podcasts, access to the library online, voiceover presentations... I found all the methods of providing information useful and easy to use. Also, it s easy to refer back as the course and the individual modules are arranged in good order. Need More Information? Web: www3.ul.ie/masters-project-and-programme-management/ You can apply online here. Email: EnquiriesCPM@ul.ie Follow us on Twitter: @CPMUL Course Director Dr John Lannon. Email: john.lannon@ul.ie Telephone: +353 61 234656 Course Administrator Maria O Connell. Email: maria.oconnell@ul.ie Telephone: +353 61 202982