Project Management MSc

The PM PDP is an industry led partnership concerned with practice based learning for project management development. The course embodies critical thinking and reflective practice, both through the dissertation phase and throughout the taught modules. PM PDP promotes and supports a community of practice (CoP) for delegates, enabling networking and communication with their peers; sharing experiences and practices across a wide array of project environments. The course is increasingly becoming sustainable across various sectors with the curriculum and delivery methodology continuously improving.

The Taught Component

Throughout the taught component of the course there are two study cycles per year April - October and October - April. In each six month period there is a plenary session and 2 midterm sessions.

The Dissertation Component

After all the 8 taught modules are completed, delegates start the dissertation. This takes 12 months to complete. There are 2 routes: Research or Reflective.

The dissertation delegates that choose the traditional research route will be allocated a research supervisor. Delegates maintain contact with their supervisor through the year on a one to one basis. The alternative route is the reflective dissertation route. In this option the supervisor arranges meetings or workshops normally three times during the dissertation phase.

• To provide education in the management of projects.
• To improve continuously the competence profiles of both delegates and their organisations.
• To support professional career development in the management of projects.
• To raise the profile of Project Management in participating organisations.
• To create a group of project management professionals and develop and sustain communities of learning and practice.

1. Foundation
2. Strategy
3. Planning and Resource Management
4. Cost and Value Management
5. Commercial and Procurement
6. Systems Engineering and Project Management
7. People, Organisation and Culture
8. Managing Research Projects

Following the successful completion all 8 modules delegates undertake the dissertation.

PM PDP Consortium

The industrial consortium started with Rolls-Royce in 1999. Since then it has grown to comprise now of: Rolls-Royce, AMEC, Goodrich, EDS, Sellafield Ltd, QinetiQ, E.on and ECITB. All of which have put students through the PM PDP. This group clearly indicates industrial leadership in partnership with academia.

Academic entry qualification overview:

Once potential delegates have been approved by their company, The University of Manchester admissions policy applies:  For Direct MSc entry to the course delegates must have an Upper Second Class Degree or international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

Delegates with no first degree, but with additional relevant qualifications or professional experience may be offered a Certificate or Diploma level registration initially.

English language: If English is not your first language The University of Manchester may require applicants to demonstrate competency in the English language. Applicants who do not already possess a recognised English Language qualification will need to take a recognised test such as IELTS or TOEFL and attain a minimum of IELTS 6.5 (with no sub test less than 5.5), TOEFL 570 with 5.0 in the TWE (Computer-based 230 or above or Internet-based 88-89 or above).  Other English Language qualifications/tests can be considered including those offered by the University's Language Teaching Centre.

In any six month study period delegates can study one or two modules. Module 1 must be taken first and Module 8 last, but Modules 2 through to 7 can be taken in any order, subject to advice on combinations. The taught modules are either assessed by 100% coursework (modules 3, 6 & 8) or by a combination of coursework and an examination (modules 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7).

The coursework assignment/s for each Module are issued, submitted and marked during the 6 month study period. Examinations take place at the end of the 6 month study period.

Following successful completion of 4 taught Modules, delegates may exit the course with a Post Graduate Certificate in Project Management (60 credits). Successful completion of all 8 taught Modules will give delegates sufficient credits for the Post Graduate Diploma award in Project Management (120 credits). Successful completion of the 8 taught modules and a dissertation (worth 60 credits) will give delegates an MSc award in Project Management (180 credits).

Grading Bands

The pass mark for coursework, examinations and dissertation at Masters Level is 50%. For course units (modules) which contain both a coursework component and an examination component, the final mark for that course unit is obtained by combining the marks from each component according to their relative weighting.

Delegates that exit the programme with a Certificate or Diploma regardless of their overall average being 60% or greater achieve the award of Pass. There is no other level of award. For the MSc however, the following grading bands apply.

• MSc Pass - at least 50% in the taught and dissertation element is required
• MSc Merit - at least 60% in the taught and dissertation element is required
• MSc Distinction - at least 70% in the taught and dissertation element is required

The School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering has modern facilities and a strong professional support staff. The delegates on this programme are not based at the University but do attend for plenary and midterm events. 

Plenary and midterm events normally take place in the Manchester Conference Centre (MCC) which is located adjacent to the School. The delegates have access to the University's librarys both when they are here and remotely.  They have full access to any information on the University 's and School   web and The School of MACE intranet. Additionally all student facilities are available to PM PDP students when they are in attendance at the University.

More information on facilities and research in engineering management in our School can be found on Management of Projects special interest group pages.

School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering

See: About Us.

Management of Projects Specialist Interest Group

Contact name: PM PDP Programme Manager

Telephone: +44 (0) 161 306 8779

Email: pmpdp-enquiries@manchester.ac.uk

Website: www.mace.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/distance/index.html