MSc - Project Leadership

How you will learn

In order to allow our students to continue to engage in, and apply their learning to, the workplace environment, the MSc Project Leadership programme has been designed to be delivered (following a two-day in-person induction) with all tuition online and opportunities for a blended delivery model taken where possible. This allows you to study from any location and plan your studies around workplace commitments.

Students will engage in two x 1.5 hour taught sessions per week and will typically complete an independent study task prior to each session. 

In the first year of the programme, you will begin to enhance your professional practices, exploring the concepts and theories behind both leadership and transformative reflection. You will expand on this learning through the exploration of leading project teams - exploring the tools and methodologies for forming and managing high performing teams, negotiating and resolving conflicts, and employing effective communication techniques to engage internal and external stakeholders. In addition, you will explore the role and impact of project leaders at both the strategic and operational levels in developing a project Business Case, and monitoring the progress of projects throughout the Project Life Cycle with particular focus on managing quality, risks, and opportunities.

In the second year, you will study the different approaches to delivery of a complex project and the impact on governance and change control processes. You will also continue to apply and embed your learning into the workplace environment, culminating in the completion of an industry project where you will explore how changes in leadership approaches can bring about beneficial transformation in the workplace.

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 based around the APM Chartered Standard, and each module will contribute appropriate evidence to support an application for ChPP status. Full details can be found in the programme specification.

Online delivery

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 MS Teams.

Blended Delivery

Where possible, cohorts will be able to supplement their learning with scheduled face-to-face sessions on campus (such as the Induction and Return to Study sessions at the beginning of each academic year and leadership coaching sessions) 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.

Individual Leadership and Management Coaching

The MSc in Project Leadership offers an additional unique opportunity to enhance your professional development.  Concurrent with your academic studies, you will receive specialist intensive coaching to develop your leadership and team management competences.  Following an initial assessment and in-person review of your skills during the induction period, experienced coaches, who are external to the teaching team, will provide focused sessions throughout the course with instruction and opportunities to practise specific skills alongside fellow students in a safe online environment.  Your progress is then reviewed on completion of the course so that you will see how your leadership competence – and your self-confidence – has tangibly developed during the course.

Tuition Fees

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.

Funding

The stated fee for the MSc programme  is split with 50% billed in year 1 and 50% in year 2. This covers all tuition and assessment for the MSc, and all support in preparation for application to APM for ChPP on completion. It does not include fees payable to APM for an application for Chartership.

Additional Costs

In addition to the key accommodation and travel costs mentioned above (and depending on where you live) there will be some minor additional costs. For example all students will need to have permanent access to a computer with camera and an internet network that enables video conferencing including MS Teams, the use of the Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment and access to University of Cumbria email & allocated One Drive.

Books and Journals

Although the on-line library facility, with quick access to recommended reading, is extensive, you may wish to purchase text books. Extra costs may also be applicable for membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course and student membership of the APM is normally available for project professionals who are not already full members.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in online classes if digital note-taking is not possible. Students should also budget for the occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Assessments are submitted online but acquisition of a USB pen drive might be helpful for personal use. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40, although if you wish to purchase additional software(eg for project or presentational purposes) beyond the adequate range available through university IT facilities, you should make provision for this.