About this course

This UK master’s in project management explores key concepts and techniques that can be applied across a range of sectors.

MSc Project Management offers a modern perspective on the subject and uses current theories and practices to prepare you for a career in this growing profession.

On this master’s degree in project management, you’ll learn management skills and apply key techniques. It will prepare you for a career in any organisation across a range of sectors.

Skilled project managers are in demand as more companies are running parts of their business in project form. For example, 95% of UK government policies are run through major projects.

MSc Project Management is a flexible course, you’ll choose modules that are relevant to your interests and career aims. This MSc includes a decision making module, where you’ll study material not taught on other UK based project management degrees.

This master’s encourages you to analyse key concepts and consider different perspectives on managing projects in a supportive environment. We focus on strategic value and relevance when exploring practices in the field.

The programme will develop your critical and analytical skills and strengthen your collaborative team working skills. These are essential in starting a career as a project manager. As part of your learning you’ll plan a real-life project, giving you vital hands-on experience.

You’ll be a part of Southampton’s Business School, taught by leading academics including Professor Chris Chapman, an expert in project risk management.

We welcome students from all academic and professional backgrounds to join our diverse learning community. Typically this course is made up of recent graduates and graduates with work experience, from countries across the world.

Course lead

Dr Ramesh Vahidi created and leads MSc Project Management. She teaches the project management module and supervises dissertations at different levels. Dr Vahidi is an experienced practitioner who has held project manager, project consultant, project auditor and senior analyst positions in a number of industries. Find out more about Dr Vahidi’s work by visiting their staff profile.

Accreditations

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)

MSc Project Management Taster Lecture

Experience a taster lecture on Project Management's Role in the World and Contemporary Approaches to Project Management.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the programme specification

The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.

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Download 2021-22 programme specification

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Entry requirements

You’ll need a 2:1 degree with evidence of essay based study.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.

We do not accept the following subjects:

Language Studies – degrees that focus on learning a language or how to translate, such as 'Business English', 'Applied English', or 'Translation', are not acceptable. However, this restriction does not apply to ‘English’ and ‘English literature’ degrees of the kind taught in the UK.
Art/Design/Vocational Studies – degrees that focus on learning a particular form of art, craft or vocation. These include degrees in art, graphic design, photography, television broadcasting, script writing, or performance/dance.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score: 6.5
reading: 6.5
writing: 6.5
speaking: 6.0
listening: 6.0

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Recognition of professional experience

If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.

Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

You'll study this full-time master’s course over 12 months.

In the first 9 months (semesters 1 and 2) you'll study the taught part of your course.

This is made up of core and compulsory modules that everyone on the course takes. You'll also choose modules from a list of options covering topics like:

complexity, uncertainty and subjectivity
knowledge management or accounting and control
ethics and corporate social responsibility

During semester 2 you’ll begin preparing for your dissertation.

For the last 3 months, you’ll work independently to research and write your dissertation. You’ll have one-to-one meetings with your supervisor during this time to discuss your progress.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

For entry in Academic Year 2021-22

You must study the following modules:

Decision Making and Analysis in Projects

Decision making and analysis are among the most critical skills of successful project managers throughout their career. Significance of these skills and the outcome of decisions in a project’s success or failure have been emphasised in theory and highly a...

Dissertation (Project Management)

The dissertation stage of your Postgraduate programme involves an extended, independent investigation of a topic of your own choosing and the preparation of a 15,000-word dissertation describing your work. You will attend 10 sessions where you will work ...

Project Management - People and Organisations

The specific nature of projects as temporary and unique activities has implications on project leadership, teamwork and managing the human aspects of project-based organisations. The module introduces different aspects of and approaches to managing and le...

Project Management - Processes

This module introduces students to the dynamic environment of projects and the processes used by organisations into to deliver a significant change initiative into their context. As such the module combines an overview of processes combined with a critica...

Project Risk Management

Project risk management has evolved significantly over many years, but there are conflicting views about what constitutes best practice. This course provides an overview of best practice as outlined in the course text with a critical comparison of alterna...

You must also choose from the following modules:

Accounting and Control

The module has been designed to provide you with a basic understanding of published financial statements and how such statements can be analysed, in order to draw inferences concerning the financial performance and viability of an organisation. The mo...

Accounting and Finance for Actuarial Science

This module is designed to provide an introduction to financial accounting, corporate finance and financial management of organisations. The module is intended for students from any academic discipline who have an interest in accounting and finance as an ...

Data and Knowledge Management

This module is intended to provide you with a blend of theory and current practice in knowledge management and business intelligence. The module identifies various concepts and theories of knowledge management. Existing models for analysing decision makin...

Enterprise, Entrepreneurship and New Business Venturing

The module discusses key elements of new business venturing and provides a broad understanding of the entrepreneurship process.

Extended Project Management Knowledge

As a Project Management (PM) MSc student, you have developed your understanding of the fundamental areas of PM through your two compulsory modules in the first semester: i.e. MANG6310 and MANG6311 and are learning more through MANG6312 and MANG6143 in sec...

Information Systems and Digital Technologies

The module aims to introduce you to the fields of information systems and the digital aspects of management in the contemporary organisations. You will be introduced to the key definitions and conceptualisations of information systems. The distincti...

International Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics

This module gives an overview of moral philosophy and shows how such ethical theories apply in a business context. This module also covers the development of the concept and the meaning of the terms ‘corporate social responsibility’ (CSR) in a business co...

International and Comparative Human Resource Management

Consideration of people management must increasingly be cross-national comparative and international in complexion. This exciting new agenda is challenging and problematic. This module examines international developments and comparative difference in the ...

Managing Complexity, Uncertainty and Subjectivity

This module addresses the inter-related activities of defining, developing, exploring and working with ill-structured organisational problems. Such activities are often classed as problem structuring activities, and they can be contrasted with activities...

Managing within a Global Context

It focuses on the challenges of managing people within a global context. The module will provide you with a practical grounding in the skills necessary to present a clear and concise business report in global human resource management.

Strategic Management

Strategic management is central to the operation of a variety of businesses in different sectors and environments. The creation of a strategy and the management of its implementation are important in developing businesses that can create and sustain a com...

Learning and assessment

Learning

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, group work and practical exercises. Our academics use real-world case studies for you to analyse encouraging you to explore new concepts and apply your learning.

Guest speakers from the private and public sector and from professional bodies will give you an insight into current practice and career options.

You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in a unique Project Management competition with APM.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary depending on your chosen modules, typical methods include:

exams
coursework
group presentations and projects
dissertation project

Dissertation

As part of this course, you’ll complete a 15,000 word dissertation project on a topic of your choice. This will enable you to specialise in an area of interest and put research skills into practice with the support of an academic.

You academic support will begin in semester two and the final project should be submitted in September.

Academic Support

Every student is allocated a personal academic tutor who can advise on course-related matters, and you’ll be invited to information-giving meetings at key stages of the course.

Careers

Project management has become an essential skill across many sectors and this degree prepares you to enter a career in several fields.

Popular careers students go on to include management consultancy or a project management role in the following sectors:

financial
IT
construction
retail
manufacturing
public
healthcare
education
arts

Our graduates have gone on to work for organisations such as:

Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Avon
The Oxford Group
Dassault Systèmes
Peter Charles Limited
Finning South America
Galaxy Futures
Costco

Careers services at Southampton

We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV/resume and interview skills workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:

our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £12,608.
EU and international students pay £24,060.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

When you accept your offer to study on this course you’ll be asked to pay a deposit. This is non-refundable. The deposit amount is:

UK students: £250
EU and international students: £1,000

Full terms and conditions and details of how to pay this deposit will be sent to you in your offer letter.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding your postgraduate studies

A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
Search for the course you want to apply for.
Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
Submit your application.

Application deadlines

UK students

Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.

International students

We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.

We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

your knowledge of the subject area
why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to send 2 academic references.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.