MSc
Project Management MSc
Project Management

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Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

September 2025

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Validation Status

Subject to Revalidation

Campus

Brayford Pool

Start Date

January 2025

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Academic Years

Course Overview

Today's global businesses list project management skills as one of the most desirable when hiring new talent. Projects are now ubiquitous for businesses. They formalise the way in which organisations implement the constant improvements required to successfully operate in competitive markets and usually involve high risk and uncertainty.

Our MSc Project Management responds to this by providing an opportunity to engage with fundamental theories and best practices in a systematic, critical, and creative way.

This course has been developed for both recent graduates and those seeking a change in their career path. It is therefore not restricted to students with a business-related background. Irrespective of current levels of project management knowledge or experience, students on this programme have the opportunity to gain the confidence needed to plan complex projects, lead and inspire teams, manage difficult stakeholders, and cope with the most unpleasant or unexpected risks. They are able to develop practical skills relating to design, planning, and execution of projects, in addition to conflict resolution and effective multi-functional project integration.

Course Overview

Today's global businesses list project management skills as one of the most desirable when hiring new talent. MSc Project Management at the University of Lincoln provides an opportunity to engage with fundamental theories and best practices in a systematic, critical, and creative way.

Projects are now ubiquitous for businesses. They formalise the way in which organisations implement the constant improvements required to successfully operate in competitive markets and usually involve high risk and uncertainty. The historical legacy of project management is evident everywhere in the world. Everything that has been constructed, from the Egyptian pyramids and medieval cathedrals to skyscrapers and other prominent examples of contemporary infrastructure, was at some point a project.

Irrespective of current levels of project management knowledge or experience, students on this programme have the opportunity to gain the confidence needed to plan complex projects, lead and inspire teams, manage difficult stakeholders, and cope with the most unpleasant or unexpected risks. They are able to develop practical skills relating to design, planning, and execution of projects, in addition to conflict resolution and effective multi-functional project integration.

This course has been developed for both recent graduates and those seeking a change in their career path. It is therefore not restricted to students with a business-related background. Prizes may be available in the form of funding for students to sit professional exams.

Why Choose Lincoln

Engage with fundamental theories and best practices

Graduates have worked at Sky, Accenture, and BAE Systems

Hear from expert industry speakers

Learn to design, plan, and execute projects

Part-time study available

A group of students working together on a project

How You Study

The comprehensive and intellectually challenging curriculum is informed by professional best practice and is designed to meet the expectations of contemporary global organisations. The curriculum covers a range of project and programme management theory, including effective methods of project initiation, planning, execution, and close-out. The overall aim is to optimally balance the acquisition of both hard and soft skills.

The programme consists of eight core modules and concludes with a dissertation, which encourages innovation and diverse pathways to the final assessed product. In this respect, the dissertation is an extended project that can accommodate a range of independent work.

Students may also have the opportunity to work the whole semester on a real-life project as part of the Teams and Leadership module. Previous projects included working with Network Rail, Lincoln City Council, Doddington Hall, local libraries, churches, and cultural. There may also be opportunities to participate in research projects conducted by academic staff. Recent topics have included Project Leadership, Self-organising Teams, Project Success, PM Methodologies, PMOs, Governance, Risk Management, Irrationality, and Quality

Methods of delivery include lectures, seminars, workshops, IT lab sessions, and external visits. A number of innovative teaching approaches are also used such as flipped classroom, challenges, simulations, and role plays.

Each module typically consists of two weekly teaching hours over a teaching term. Four modules are usually studied per term, equating to eight to 12 hours per week. Part-time students usually study two modules per term, equating to four to six hours of contact time per week. Hours of study can vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and the University aims to timetable all PGT contact hours into two days for full time students.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least three to four hours in independent study.

How You Study

The comprehensive and intellectually challenging curriculum is informed by professional best practice and is designed to meet the expectations of contemporary global organisations. The curriculum covers a range of project and programme management theory, including effective methods of project initiation, planning, execution, and close-out. The overall aim is to optimally balance the acquisition of both hard and soft skills.

The programme consists of eight core modules and concludes with a dissertation, which encourages innovation and diverse pathways to the final assessed product. In this respect, the dissertation is an extended project that can accommodate a range of independent work.

Methods of delivery include lectures, seminars, workshops, IT lab sessions, and external visits. A number of innovative teaching approaches are also used such as flipped classroom, challenges, simulations, and role plays.

Each module typically consists of two weekly teaching hours over a teaching term. Four modules are usually studied per term, equating to eight to 12 hours per week. Part-time students usually study two modules per term, equating to four to six hours of contact time per week. Hours of study can vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least three to four hours in independent study.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Decision Analysis for Managers 2025-26ECO9040Level 72025-26The aim of this module is to enhance the students’ decision capabilities when confronted with strategic or operational choices. Students will have the opportunity to learn how decision analysis tools can be used to structure and analyse decision problems and how a mix of data and judgement can help decision makers to better achieve their objectives.CoreDelivering Projects, Programmes and Portfolios 2025-26BUS9045MLevel 72025-26A key role in project management relates to the delivery of successful projects, programmes and portfolios. This involves the use of varied techniques to ensure a timely and effective implementation of project plans. The topics covered include project portfolios and programmes, governance, project appraisal and selection, value management as well as some methodologies alternative to the traditional project management.CoreDissertation 2025-26BUS9036MLevel 72025-26The dissertation provides an opportunity for students with a range of experience and interests to apply and develop their existing skills and knowledge to an independent study project, which affords an opportunity for both the expression of original thought and creativity; together with the application of analytical skills and critical reasoning. Our approach to dissertation is to facilitate innovative approaches and diverse pathways to the final assessed piece of work; in effect the dissertation is an extended research project. The dissertation topic should be aligned to students' subject of study.CoreFinance and accounting 2025-26ACC9011MLevel 72025-26This module is designed to introduce concepts and techniques for costing and break-even analysis and brings in the notion of pricing from a larger viewpoint in the market as well as from a strategic management view. Later, the module aims to cover the topics of financial analysis and the sources of finance.CoreGlobal Procurement and Supply Strategy 2025-26LOG9705MLevel 72025-26In order to ensure organisational success, we must seek to manage relationships with upstream and downstream suppliers and customers to deliver increased customer value at less cost to the supply chain overall. It is often argued that an organisation is only as a good as its supply chain and that the global supply chain can be a key source of competitive advantage. In the age of globalisation, many organisations are only as good as their global supply chains. Global supply chains give the organisation access to strategic resources and enable them to compete in global markets. Procurement and Supply Chain Management as a discipline has changed considerably in many companies and organisations in the recent past. Considering the amount of money generally involved in the preparation and execution of procurement and supply decisions, this is not a surprise and it has been argued that an effective and efficient operating purchasing and supply function can make an important contribution to company results and also add significant value. Traditionally, the procurement department has acted as the intermediary which negotiates the agreements and contracts with suppliers and subsequently monitors their compliance to those agreements. However, this ‘traditional’ role is changing rapidly and procurement and supply chain managers are assuming more strategic roles within organisations, focused on achieving better performance from suppliers though approaches such as more active management of supplier relationships.CoreProject and Contract Risk Management 2025-26BUS9044MLevel 72025-26Projects are managed in dynamic environments where prospects for risk and uncertainty need to be appraised and controlled. The module covers the topics of contract law and protection, dispute resolution, uncertainty and risk, complexity as well as risk perception and cognitive biases.CoreProject Planning and Management 2025-26BUS9041MLevel 72025-26With the rapidly changing context of modern business, the process of introducing novel technologies, products, infrastructures, or systems has become vital yet more challenging due to often conflicting stakeholder requirements, irreversible investments, operating constraints, and associated risks. Therefore, any business change has to be project-managed as the current emphasis in business is on flexible, rapid response to customer demands. Managers increasingly require a project competence with a systems-oriented management style that cuts across traditional functional roles throughout the project life-cycle. Project management is thus considered a crucial management philosophy of how organisations manage fluctuating business environments and bring to life something innovative or simply never accomplished before. This module provides students with the opportunity to develop an essential understanding of the fundamentals of project management. It covers a variety of concepts and their practical application including project scope, time, cost, quality, stakeholders, and communication.CoreStrategy Making 2025-26BUS9048MLevel 72025-26Strategy is the heart of every organisation. This module explores how strategy is conceived, how it affects the organisation and how the organisation can be designed to realise its strategy efficiently and effectively. The module aims to support students in developing their strategic thinking skills through a review of diverse theories, models and practical exercises.CoreTeams and Leadership 2025-26MGT9645MLevel 72025-26This module provides students with an understanding of how to create high-performing teams. Through a review of theories and models of leadership, team formation, motivation, communication, power, and diversity, students will gain a theoretically sound understanding of team behaviour and effectiveness. Practical class exercises will enable students to develop their skills as team leaders and members.Core

              Modules

                          † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

                          Decision Analysis for Managers 2024-25ECO9040Level 72024-25The aim of this module is to enhance the students’ decision capabilities when confronted with strategic or operational choices. Students will have the opportunity to learn how decision analysis tools can be used to structure and analyse decision problems and how a mix of data and judgement can help decision makers to better achieve their objectives.CoreDelivering Projects, Programmes and Portfolios 2024-25BUS9045MLevel 72024-25A key role in project management relates to the delivery of successful projects, programmes and portfolios. This involves the use of varied techniques to ensure a timely and effective implementation of project plans. The topics covered include project portfolios and programmes, governance, project appraisal and selection, value management as well as some methodologies alternative to the traditional project management.CoreDissertation 2024-25BUS9036MLevel 72024-25The dissertation provides an opportunity for students with a range of experience and interests to apply and develop their existing skills and knowledge to an independent study project, which affords an opportunity for both the expression of original thought and creativity; together with the application of analytical skills and critical reasoning. Our approach to dissertation is to facilitate innovative approaches and diverse pathways to the final assessed piece of work; in effect the dissertation is an extended research project. The dissertation topic should be aligned to students' subject of study.CoreFinance and accounting 2024-25ACC9011MLevel 72024-25This module is designed to introduce concepts and techniques for costing and break-even analysis and brings in the notion of pricing from a larger viewpoint in the market as well as from a strategic management view. Later, the module aims to cover the topics of financial analysis and the sources of finance.CoreGlobal Procurement and Supply Strategy 2024-25LOG9705MLevel 72024-25This module introduces students to fundamental concepts and techniques associated with the discipline of global procurement and supply chain strategy. There is an interactive approach to this module, with a focus on industry case studies and insights from experienced global procurement and supply leaders and managers. Students may also be challenged to apply their learning to an organisation of their choice and analyse current procurement and supply strategies, providing recommendations for improvement based on relevant academic thought and industry best practice.CoreProject and Contract Risk Management 2024-25BUS9044MLevel 72024-25Projects are managed in dynamic environments where prospects for risk and uncertainty need to be appraised and controlled. The module covers the topics of contract law and protection, dispute resolution, uncertainty and risk, complexity as well as risk perception and cognitive biases.CoreProject Planning and Management 2024-25BUS9041MLevel 72024-25With the rapidly changing context of modern business, the process of introducing novel technologies, products, infrastructures, or systems has become vital yet more challenging due to often conflicting stakeholder requirements, irreversible investments, operating constraints, and associated risks. Therefore, any business change has to be project-managed as the current emphasis in business is on flexible, rapid response to customer demands. Managers increasingly require a project competence with a systems-oriented management style that cuts across traditional functional roles throughout the project life-cycle. Project management is thus considered a crucial management philosophy of how organisations manage fluctuating business environments and bring to life something innovative or simply never accomplished before. This module provides students with the opportunity to develop an essential understanding of the fundamentals of project management. It covers a variety of concepts and their practical application including project scope, time, cost, quality, stakeholders, and communication.CoreStrategy Making 2024-25BUS9048MLevel 72024-25Strategy is the heart of every organisation. This module explores how strategy is conceived, how it affects the organisation and how the organisation can be designed to realise its strategy efficiently and effectively. The module aims to support students in developing their strategic thinking skills through a review of diverse theories, models and practical exercises.CoreTeams and Leadership 2024-25MGT9645MLevel 72024-25This module provides students with an understanding of how to create high-performing teams. Through a review of theories and models of leadership, team formation, motivation, communication, power, and diversity, students will gain a theoretically sound understanding of team behaviour and effectiveness. Practical class exercises will enable students to develop their skills as team leaders and members.Core

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          What You Need to Know

                          We want you to have all the information you need to make an informed decision on where and what you want to study. In addition to the information provided on this course page, our What You Need to Know page offers explanations on key topics including programme validation/revalidation, additional costs, contact hours, and our return to face-to-face teaching.

                          PM4.0 Innovation Challenge

                          Students may have the opportunity to participate in the PM4.0 Innovation Challenge. Run in collaboration with industry partners, students tackle real-life problems with creative and innovative thinking related to the use of Industry 4.0 technologies.

                          How you are assessed

                          A variety of assessment methods are used during this course including reports, tests, oral presentations, portfolios, and practical projects. These assessments are designed to develop the skills needed for a career in business.

                          There is a focus on action learning as well as immediate practical application of any learned skill or technique, which helps students to critically appraise various solutions to a real-life problem and make a robust managerial decision.

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

                          How you are assessed

                          A variety of assessment methods are used during this course including reports, tests, oral presentations, portfolios, and practical projects. These assessments are designed to develop the skills needed for a career in business.

                          There is a focus on action learning as well as immediate practical application of any learned skill or technique, which helps students to critically appraise various solutions to a real-life problem and make a robust managerial decision.

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

                          From conventional theories of project management to present day and experimental approaches, a wide and informative overview was presented in the programme in a way that inspires confidence and prepares you for entering the workplace as a project professional.

                          David Lawrence-Ayres

                          MSc Project Management graduate

                          Industry Expertise

                          Students on this programme can benefit from working alongside an experienced team of staff consisting of academically and professionally qualified lecturers with relevant industrial experience and wide-ranging research interests.

                          The programme has links with project management teams (PMOs) in the University’s Estates and ICT departments. It also invites practising project managers and consultants as guest speakers and career advisors from the Association for Project Management, BBC, Export Development Canada, BAE Systems, Jacobs, and Siemens. 

                          The School hosts a series of visiting speakers each year, enabling students to hear and learn from industry experts. Previous speakers have included representatives from organisations such as Deloitte, Santander, HSBC, Innocent, The Institute of Internal Auditors, and Sir David Tweedie (ex-Chairman of the IASB).

                          Students can also participate in real-life projects within local, project-based organisations. There may also be opportunities to explore research areas such as project leadership, self-organising teams, project success, governance, and risk management.

                          How to Apply

                          Postgraduate Application Support

                          Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

                          A student listening in a seminar

                          January Starts 2025

                          Please note that this course is also available for a January 2025 start. View a full list of courses with January start dates.

                          Entry Requirements 2025-26

                          Entry Requirements

                          Lower second class honours (2:2) degree or equivalent professional experience in project management.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          January Starts 2025

                          Please note that this course is also available for a January 2025 start. View a full list of courses with January start dates.

                          Entry Requirements 2024-25

                          Entry Requirements

                          Lower second class honours (2:2) degree or equivalent professional experience.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

                          Course Fees

                          You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below.

                          Course Fees

                          The University offers a range of merit-based, subject-specific, and country-focused scholarships for UK and international students. To help support students from outside of the UK, we offer a number of international scholarships which range from £1,000 up to the value of 50 per cent of tuition fees. For full details and information about eligibility, visit our scholarships and bursaries pages.

                          Funding Your Study

                          Postgraduate Funding Options

                          Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate study, from Master's Loans to scholarship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.

                          Two students working on a laptop in a study space

                          Career Development

                          Although specific responsibilities will vary dependent on an industry, the role of a project manager always requires the same practical skills to deal with design, planning, and execution, while being able to resolve conflicts and integrate across a range of functional areas.

                          Previous graduates from MSc Project Management have taken up roles at BAE Systems, Accenture, Nottingham Trent University, Network Rail, Sky, Mace, Nuclear AMRC, Defence and Security Accelerator, and ESL.

                          Academic Contact

                          For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

                          Dr Artem Khudenko
                          akhudenko@lincoln.ac.uk

                          Working in Partnership

                          Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders.

                          AACSB logo

                          Postgraduate Events

                          To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

                          A group of students sat around a table, working together on a project
                          The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.