Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This master's focuses on the principles, tools and behaviours required to manage projects from initiation to closure. Teaching combines core theory with applied practice so you learn to plan, control and evaluate projects while developing leadership, commercial and stakeholder management capabilities.

Typical modules and structure

• Project Management Practice – fundamentals of the project lifecycle, scope and stakeholder management.
• Project Planning and Control – scheduling, resource planning, earned value, critical path and monitoring techniques.
• Risk, Quality and Change Management – risk identification and mitigation, quality assurance and managing change in project environments.
• Strategic and Programme Management – alignment of projects to organisational strategy and managing multiple related projects.
• Leadership, Teams and Professional Practice – developing leadership styles, team dynamics and professional ethics for project contexts.
• Procurement, Contracts and Commercial Management – procurement strategies, contracting basics and supplier relationship management.
• Research Methods – research design, data collection and analysis approaches for applied project research.
• Major Project or Dissertation – an extended piece of applied research or professional project demonstrating your ability to address a real-world problem.
• Optional modules commonly include agile approaches, sustainability in projects, digital project tools and industry-specific topics depending on availability.

Delivery typically includes lectures, workshops, case studies, simulation exercises and guest lectures from industry. Assessment methods are a mix of individual and group coursework, presentations, practical assignments and the final project.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a UK honours degree, typically at least a lower second-class (2:2) level, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution. Candidates with substantial and relevant professional experience in a project environment may also be considered through mature entry routes. All applicants who do not have English as their first language will need to provide evidence of their English proficiency in line with the university's requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates go on to roles across private, public and third-sector organisations. Typical job titles include:

• Project Manager / Senior Project Manager
• Programme Manager / PMO Analyst
• Change Manager and Business Transformation Specialist
• Delivery Manager in IT, construction, engineering, healthcare or professional services
• Consultant specialising in project controls, procurement or risk management

The programme develops transferable skills sought by employers—planning and negotiation, commercial awareness, stakeholder engagement and evidence-based decision making—helping graduates move into management and leadership positions or to obtain professional project management qualifications and chartered status pathways.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

The MSc is delivered within Nottingham Trent University's business and management environment, combining academic staff with experienced practitioners to give a career-focused curriculum. Students benefit from applied learning opportunities such as live projects, industry guest speakers and access to resources that support professional development and employability. The university also provides tailored careers support, networking events with local and national employers, and facilities that support group work and simulation-based learning—helping you build a portfolio of practical experience to demonstrate to future employers.