The MSc Project Management was the first of its kind in Wales to be officially approved by the Association for Project Management (APM).
Our Project Management course develops a deeper understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of project, programme and portfolio management. It facilitates the essential skills and competences necessary to plan, monitor, control and deliver successful projects.
It focuses on developing skills for careers in project management, including both theory and applied aspects, and is mapped against key professional body competencies.
If you have a relevant professional qualification and have three to five years' industry experience, you may be eligible for exemptions to fast track your studies. Please note that the fast track route does not attract government student finance as you will need to be sitting the whole course, not a lesser amount of credits due to previous study/experience.
The wellbeing and health and safety of our students and staff is paramount to us. We are committed to delivering all of our courses and services as safely as possible. Due to the pandemic, the methods and activities adopted for the coming year may differ from those previously published and may be subject to further change through the course of your study if such change is necessary due to public health concerns, health and safety guidance or in response to Government Guidelines. USW is committed to providing you with a fantastic student experience and a wealth of support, and you can hear how students have benefitted from this approach here: Learn more about blended learning.
The knowledge, understanding and skills gained during the MSc Project Management course can be applied to a range of environments. It brings together resources, skills, technology and ideas, to realise benefits or achieve objectives, and operates within the multiple project constraints of cost, scope, time and quality requirements. Students on the MSc Project Management course will become familiar with leading thinking and emerging research in the field of project management to benefit their continued professional development.
The course structure for the MSc Project Management consists of a number of core modules in addition to a dissertation or business research project.
Core Modules
Dissertation (60 credits)
The dissertation or business research project will involve extensive independent research into a relevant topic within project, programme and portfolio management, allowing you to apply and reflect on your skills and knowledge in the subject area.
APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ)
Students on the MSc Project Management degree have the option to compliment their studies by undertaking the five day APM Project Management qualification at the University.
Subject to revalidation from 2021
This course is subject to revalidation, this means it is under review as part of the University’s standard quality assurance and enhancement processes. Course and module content is indicative and may change through the revalidation process. As soon as the course is revalidated, the details will be confirmed and published on the University website.
In the unlikely event the course does not go ahead as planned, or is significantly amended, we will write to inform you. If this happens, we’ll help you to find a suitable alternative course either at USW or at another provider.
Students will attend a combination of taught lectures and tutorials.
A mix of assessment methods are used, including individual essays and reports, group projects and reports, presentations, seminars and an individual dissertation or project.
Chris Lee – Course Leader, MSc Project Management
APM Accreditation
APM academic accreditation is the mapping of course content against the APM Body of Knowledge (BoK). The APM BoK is widely used within industry, and is a key resource for all corporate organisations accredited by the APM and is the primary resource referenced in the APM IC and APMP qualifications.
APM Accreditation is a mark of quality which means that the content for this course is of industry standard and with learning content that actually relates to how project management is practiced within industry.
An undergraduate honours degree from a recognised or accredited university with a minimum 2:2 or equivalent
Relevant project management related work experience will also be considered
MSc Project Management (Exemption route)
If you can demonstrate extensive practitioner experience in managing and delivering projects coupled with the APMP level 7 qualification, you may be able to study the exemption route for this course.
Eligible students will be required to complete the Managing Projects and Programmes and Research Methods modules, plus a dissertation or business research project in order to gain the full Masters qualification.
The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component or equivalent.
Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course.
Students have access to a wide range of resources including textbooks, publications, and computers in the University’s library and via online resources. In most cases they are more than sufficient to complete a course of study. Where there are additional costs, either obligatory or optional, these are detailed below. Of course students may choose to purchase their own additional personal resources/tools over and above those listed to support their studies at their own expense. All stationery and printing costs are at a student’s own expense.
Whilst you’re studying you’ll have two main costs – tuition fees and living costs. You can get a range of funding to help with these costs.
There are a number of ways to fund your postgraduate study. This can be through student finance, bursaries or help from grants, trusts and charities (see Alternative Funding), or a combination of all three.
Click here to find out more about funding your postgraduate tuition fees and living costs.
The University of South Wales is offering a 20% reduction in tuition fees for all University of South Wales graduates studying a postgraduate course from September 2021 (this includes students starting their course in January/ February 2022). T's and C's apply.
Click here for more information about the USW Alumni Postgraduate Discount
Graduates from this MSc Project Management course may:
Graduates can also progress to a PhD or research degree.
As a USW student, you will have access to advice from the Careers and Employability Service throughout your studies and after you graduate.
This includes: one-to-one appointments from faculty based Career Advisers, in person, over the phone or even on Skype and through email via the "Ask a Question" service. We also have extensive online resources for help with considering your career options and presenting yourself well to employers. Resources include psychometric tests, career assessments, a CV builder, interview simulator and application help. Our employer database has over 2,000 registered employers targeting USW students, you can receive weekly email alerts for jobs.
Our Careers service has dedicated teams: A central work experience team to help you find relevant placements; an employability development team which includes an employability programme called Grad Edge; and an Enterprise team focused on new business ideas and entrepreneurship.
The Pontypridd Campus is made up of two sites: Treforest and Glyntaff. Our students love the community atmosphere, as well as living and studying in the same place. It’s quieter than the cities, with green open spaces and views across the valley.
It’s the community and friendships you’ll build that make this place special. Outside your studies you can experience our amazing sport facilities and Students’ Union.
Living in Halls is a great way to meet new people and make friends. We have high quality accommodation in Treforest, Cardiff and Newport.
