MSc Commercial Project Management / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course description

The MSc in Commercial Project Management prepares students for a professional role in the management of commercial projects by providing students with an understanding of both the people-related and technical requirements necessary for the successful management of projects, as well as the organisational and strategic aspects; it also stresses the commercial aspects of project management: for example, marketing and sales, financial management, procurement, bidding and contract management.

This MSc is one of four MSc courses within the Management of Projects Group of Programmes. The other MSc courses are: Management of Projects, Construction Project Management and Engineering Project Management.

The Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering has a long history of delivering project management related masters courses and the staff who deliver the programme are drawn for a wide variety of backgrounds and industrial experience.

Manchester Engineering Campus Development (MECD), the University of Manchester's new  £400m purpose built home for engineering and material science , is nearing completion. The physical move to the new development is scheduled to take place between January 2022 and December 2022. Whilst it is anticipated there may be some disruption due to power shutdowns, areas of buildings closing and reduced access during the period of the move, extensive plans are in place to ensure there is minimal interference and excellent student experience remains pivotal. If you have any questions about how the move may affect you, please contact  mop.admissions@manchester.ac.uk  

Teaching and learning

The Commercial Project Management MSc is a full time course which is studied over 12 months, starting in September each year. The course comprises eight taught course units, each worth 15 credits, and a research dissertation worth 60 credits. Students on this particular MSc study four core units fundamental to project management, and which are shared by students on the other MSc courses. In addition, students on this course study Contract Management and programme specific unit, Commercial Management, where students work in teams to produce documents related to the buying and selling side of a case study activity. Students must also select two optional units and carry out a Commercial Project Management based dissertation.

Assessment of the taught part of the programme is via a combination of formal written examinations and coursework assignments, which will include group work and oral presentations. Some assessment is based on online material provided by the Association for Project Management (APM) and PRINCE2 (a process-based method for effective project management).

Course unit list

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
People and Organisations ENGM60011 15 Mandatory
Project Management Research Methods ENGM60050 15 Mandatory
Management of Projects ENGM60061 15 Mandatory
Project Planning and Control ENGM62012 15 Mandatory
Risk Management ENGM60032 15 Optional
Project Finance for Infrastructure Projects ENGM64011 15 Optional
Conflict Management & Dispute Resolution ENGM66061 15 Optional
Managing Projects with ICT ENGM67061 15 Optional

Additional fee information

Deposit to accept your offer

Due to the competition for places and limited availability, if you are made an offer to study this course we require a deposit of £1,000 to secure your place. The deposit amount will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register on the course.

You will have 6 weeks from the date on your offer letter to log in and accept your offer and make the £1,000 deposit payment to secure your place.

Refund Policy

The deposit is non-refundable, except in the following situations:

  • you fail to meet the conditions of your offer (see below for further information); and/or
  • you are refused a visa or entry clearance to enter the UK (proof must be submitted)

Proof required for Refund

If an offer has been made specifying an English Language condition which you do not meet, the Admissions Team will require the official certificate of an English Language test taken  after  the date of offer as evidence that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions for a refund to be approved. Any English Language certificate provided with your initial application (which is below our minimum requirement) will not be accepted as proof that you have attempted to meet your offer conditions, as this certificate will predate the offer.

If an offer has been made specifying an academic condition, the Admissions Team will require an official transcript/document showing that you have not met this academic condition, as evidence for a refund to be approved.

The Admissions Team reserves the right to refuse to refund any deposit payments that do not fall within the exceptions outlined above.

Scholarships and bursaries

Across our institution, we offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year.

The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. Our Manchester Masters Bursaries are aimed at widening access to master's courses by removing barriers to postgraduate education for students from underrepresented groups.

For more information, see the Fees and funding page or visit the University of Manchester funding for masters courses website for more information.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk