Overview
Project management is essential across a wide range of organisations to support change and growth.
It enables organisations and professionals to:
- plan, execute, and oversee projects with efficiency and precision
- manage risks, budgets, and stakeholder expectations effectively
- drive innovation and deliver measurable impact across industries
The Project Management MSc will give you a comprehensive foundation in project management principles. These include:
- strategic planning
- scheduling
- risk assessment
- resource allocation
- stakeholder engagement
It will give you a heightened awareness of:
- project management methodologies and best practices
- global and cross-sector challenges in project execution
- ethical and sustainability considerations in project leadership
It provides you with a firm foundation in areas such as:
- strategic planning and decision-making
- analytical and critical evaluation skills
- leadership, teamwork, and communication in project settings
As well as technical proficiency, the programme emphasises the development of essential leadership and decision-making capabilities. It will foster competencies in:
- team collaboration
- consultancy
- problem-solving
- communication
All of these are integral to successful project execution.
You’ll gain exposure to leading project management frameworks and industry standards.
The programme integrates theoretical frameworks with applied practice. By doing this, it ensures that you can:
- navigate uncertainties
- optimise project outcomes
- contribute to sustainable business and organisational growth
You’ll develop into a highly skilled and adaptable project management professional. You will be:
- equipped to lead and deliver projects globally
- able to demonstrate strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- well-prepared to address the complexities of modern project environments
- able to manage projects in any organisation, regardless of industry or scale
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
Throughout the course, you will:
- master the project life cycle. You will gain practical insights into key project management themes. These range from initiation and planning to execution, monitoring, and closure
- develop critical problem-solving skills. You will learn to navigate uncertainties, risks, and challenges in project environments across diverse business domains
- enhance your research and analytical abilities. You will gain advanced research skills. These will help you to assess emerging project management issues and devise evidence-based solutions
- refine your leadership and teamwork capabilities. You will cultivate the ability to operate effectively in different team roles. You will demonstrate self-direction and adaptability
- strengthen your communication and stakeholder management abilities. You will learn to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, resolve conflicts, and optimise project resources
- apply strategic decision-making. You will develop creativity and enterprise skills to lead projects in complex and unpredictable situations
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Project Management MSc modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Project Management | 10 |
Managing Organizations and People | 10 |
Managing Project Uncertainty and Complexity | 20 |
Business Context and Operations | 10 |
Research Methods | 20 |
Quality Management, Tools and Techniques | 20 |
Group Consultancy Project Management | 10 |
Dissertation | 60 |
How you’ll learn
You’ll be taught using a range of methods, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- practical workshop /real-life industrial case analysis
- group work
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Reflective log
- Research proposal
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Additional assessment information
You will have the opportunity to work with companies and institutions for real-world cases. You will be able to undertake a consultancy report that can enhance your professional skills and profile in project management.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your development
Professional skills
You will:
- gain a comprehensive understanding of project management principles. These include strategic planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement
- develop leadership and teamwork abilities. Learn to manage diverse teams and collaborate effectively in professional settings
- enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills to address challenges and uncertainties in project execution
- cultivate strong communication and negotiation skills for effective stakeholder management and conflict resolution
Research skills
You will:
- acquire advanced research methodologies to analyse emerging project management trends and challenges
- develop critical assessment and analytical skills. You will learn to evaluate project performance and propose data-driven improvements
- learn to apply evidence-based decision-making in project planning and execution
Practical skills
You will:
- master project planning and execution tools, including scheduling, budgeting, and resource management techniques
- gain expertise in agile and traditional project management frameworks. Learn to adapt to different organisational needs
- engage in real-world project management experiences. Take part in industry collaborations and live case studies
- apply your skills in practical consultancy projects. Work alongside professionals on real business challenges
Your future
Project Management MSc graduates will be well-equipped for a wide range of leadership roles across industries. This programme provides the knowledge, skills, and practical expertise necessary to excel in managing complex projects in a dynamic global environment.
Career Opportunities
Upon completion, you will be prepared for roles such as:
- project manager – oversee project planning, execution, and delivery across various industries
- programme manager – manage multiple projects within an organisation, ensuring alignment with strategic goals
- consultant in project management – provide expert advice on project strategies, risk management, and process optimisation
- operations manager – lead business operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in project execution
- risk and compliance manager – identify and mitigate risks in project planning and execution
- supply chain or logistics manager – apply project management expertise to optimise supply chain and logistics operations
- innovation and change manager – drive organisational change and implement innovative project solutions
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
Newcastle University Business School is one of the largest Schools in the University. We have over 3,500 students representing over 80 nationalities. This valuable network extends beyond our current students to include:
- regional, national and international leaders
- over 34,000 alumni in our network, spanning over 150 countries
- leading professionals and practitioners from industry
The Business School is the gateway to Newcastle Helix – an innovation hub and community that brings together industry leaders, businesses and top researchers.
Our facilities include:
- flexible conference room with panoramic views across the city
- Wi-Fi enabled connectivity throughout the building, including three computer clusters housing over 120 PCs
- four large lecture theatres and over 25 seminar and teaching spaces, providing comfortable teaching and group study space
- dedicated Student Hub and Quiet Space, providing a balanced mix of study space for group work or quiet, individual study
- contemporary café
- employability hub to support your career aspirations
- Bloomberg Room to give you a real feel for the trading room floor
- Experimental and Behavioural Economics Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility for conducting studies in experimental economics and economic psychology
The Frederick Douglass Centre at Newcastle Helix also offers further study and learning spaces. This includes a 750 seat auditorium – the largest in the University.
Find out more about Newcastle University Business School
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent, in any subject.