Project Management Practice

MSc

  • Entry year 2025
  • Duration Part time 2 - 5 years
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Overview

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    72nd for Business and Management in the world

    QS World University Rankings (2024)

  • Lancaster University is top 10 in The Complete University Guide 2025

Introduction

The Project Management Practice MSc is an advanced programme tailored for professionals seeking to deepen their project management skills and theoretical knowledge. This programme is ideal for current project managers aiming to enhance their capabilities, experienced professionals transitioning into project management roles, and graduates eager to enter this dynamic field. It encompasses a comprehensive curriculum that covers the latest advancements in project management theory and practice, focusing on both technical skills and behavioural competencies.

Programme outcomes

Enrolling in this programme will equip you with a robust set of skills essential for effectively leading strategically important projects in your organisation. You will develop:

  • Advanced knowledge in project management principles including quality, time, cost, benefits, and risk management.
  • Enhanced leadership skills, including negotiation, decision-making, motivation, problem-solving, and conflict management.
  • Practical experience through work-based projects, enabling immediate application of learning in your workplace.
  • Improved ability to manage and lead teams in complex and changing environments.
  • Expertise in utilising personal strengths and developing individual learning plans for continuous professional growth.

Upon completing the master's programme, you will be well-prepared to advance your career in various project management roles such as project manager, programme manager, project director, or project consultant. The skills and knowledge acquired will open doors to leadership positions. They can also serve as a stepping stone towards further academic pursuits, such as a Professional Doctorate in Project Management.

Programme delivery

The MSc Project Management Practice is delivered through a flexible, blended learning approach that includes online content complemented by face-to-face workshops and seminars. The programme structure supports working professionals, allowing them to balance their studies with their job responsibilities. Learning methods include lectures, case studies, group work, simulations, and reflective journaling, all designed to provide practical, hands-on experience.

Assessment

The programme employs a diverse range of assessment methods to ensure comprehensive evaluation of student progress. These include:

  • Essay assignments and reflective papers that integrate theory with practice.
  • Company reports and practical project work to demonstrate real-world application.
  • A substantial dissertation project focused on an area of interest, or business needs within your workplace.
  • Portfolios, oral presentations, and reflective assignments to showcase continuous professional development and learning outcomes.

By successfully completing these assessments, you will demonstrate your ability to apply project management principles effectively and lead projects to successful outcomes.

Programme duration

This programme will take three to five years to complete.

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

A first degree or equivalent professional qualification.

We will also consider applicants with non-standard qualifications, please contact us for information.

Applicants will usually have at least three years of experience in a role which allows for the scope for you to apply your learning in the workplace.

If you have studied outside of the UK, we would advise you to check our list of international qualifications before submitting your application.

English language requirements

We may ask you to provide a recognised English language qualification, dependent upon your nationality and where you have studied previously.

We normally require an IELTS (Academic) Test with an overall score of at least 6.5, and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test. We also consider other English language qualifications.

Pre-master’s programmes

Delivered in partnership with INTO Lancaster University, our one-year tailored pre-master’s pathways are designed to improve your subject knowledge and English language skills to the level required by a range of Lancaster University master’s degrees. Visit the INTO Lancaster University website for more details and a list of eligible degrees you can progress onto.

Course structure

Detailed module information for this postgraduate programme will follow shortly. However, if you have any questions please contact the department.

Fees and funding

The total fee for the course is £9,360, with the option to pay per module

£1040 per 20-credit module (UK and international)

General fees and funding information

Additional fees and funding information accordion

Scholarships and bursaries

You may be eligible for the following funding opportunities, depending on your fee status and course. You will be automatically considered for our main scholarships and bursaries when you apply, so there's nothing extra that you need to do.

Unfortunately no scholarships and bursaries match your selection, but there are more listed on scholarships and bursaries page.

If you're considering postgraduate research you should look at our funded PhD opportunities.

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We also have other, more specialised scholarships and bursaries - such as those for students from specific countries.

Browse Lancaster University's scholarships and bursaries.

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Important Information

The information on this site relates primarily to 2025/2026 entry to the University and every effort has been taken to ensure the information is correct at the time of publication.

The University will use all reasonable effort to deliver the courses as described, but the University reserves the right to make changes to advertised courses. In exceptional circumstances that are beyond the University’s reasonable control (Force Majeure Events), we may need to amend the programmes and provision advertised. In this event, the University will take reasonable steps to minimise the disruption to your studies. If a course is withdrawn or if there are any fundamental changes to your course, we will give you reasonable notice and you will be entitled to request that you are considered for an alternative course or withdraw your application. You are advised to revisit our website for up-to-date course information before you submit your application.

More information on limits to the University’s liability can be found in our legal information.

Our Students’ Charter

We believe in the importance of a strong and productive partnership between our students and staff. In order to ensure your time at Lancaster is a positive experience we have worked with the Students’ Union to articulate this relationship and the standards to which the University and its students aspire. View our Charter and other policies.

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