Bournemouth University

What you'll study

This master's combines theory and applied practice to give you a rounded understanding of project, programme and portfolio management in organisational settings. Teaching covers the lifecycle of projects, strategic alignment, governance, benefits realisation and the people and behavioural dimensions of change.

• Core project management principles – methodologies, lifecycle stages, planning, scheduling and resource management.
• Programme and portfolio management – aligning projects to organisational strategy, prioritisation and governance frameworks.
• Leadership, teams and organisational behaviour – stakeholder engagement, negotiation, leadership styles and managing change.
• Risk, quality and procurement – risk identification and mitigation, quality assurance and contract/ procurement considerations.
• Benefits realisation and performance measurement – evaluating outcomes, business case development and post-project review.
• Research methods – research design, data collection and analysis techniques relevant to organisational projects.
• Applied project or dissertation – an extended piece of individual research or a practice-based project working with an organisation to solve a real-world issue.

Delivery typically combines lectures, workshops, live-case studies, group work and industry-led guest sessions. Assessment methods include written assignments, project plans, presentations, reflective portfolios and the final applied project or dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. Bournemouth University accepts a range of academic and professional backgrounds; applicants with substantial professional experience in project-related roles may also be considered. You will need to meet the University's English language requirements if your previous study was not in English, and international applicants should check specific evidence requirements for proof of proficiency.

Typical application materials include transcripts, a CV, and a personal statement outlining your motivation and relevant experience. If you have professional qualifications or employer support for study, reference(s) that describe your role and responsibilities are helpful.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles such as project manager, programme or portfolio manager, PMO lead, change manager, delivery manager or management consultant. The programme develops transferable skills in planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement and business case development that are valued across sectors including IT and digital, construction, healthcare, public services, finance and professional services.

Alumni commonly progress into leadership positions within organisations, move into specialist functions such as benefits realisation or risk, or use the qualification as a step towards chartered professional status with recognised project management bodies.

Why study at Bournemouth University

Bournemouth University emphasises practice-informed teaching and close links with industry, so the course integrates applied projects and employer engagement to enhance professional readiness. You will study in an environment that combines research expertise in organisational and project studies with a curriculum designed for contemporary organisational challenges.

The University offers access to specialist facilities, academic support for postgraduate researchers and opportunities to network with local and national employers. The course is geared towards building both technical project skills and the leadership and reflective practice required for managerial roles in complex organisational contexts.