MSc Strategic Project Management
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Key information
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Mode of delivery
- On-campus
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- September, January
- Duration
- 1 year
- Qualification
- MSc
Contact
Contact our enquiries team
Contact usOverview
Edinburgh Business School's MSc Strategic Project Management is designed and taught by experts in strategy, management and organisational performance. It will equip you with the skills to become a successful leader in a global project-based environment.
MSc in Strategic Project Management is designed with industry in mind. Our course aims to offer practitioners in project management with an advanced level set of courses culminated by a final research-based dissertation that combines strategy with project management.
Our mission is to equip graduates with the best available tools, techniques and expertise to further and strengthen the practice of strategic project management across all industries.
Our unique combination should equip you with the necessary concepts, tools and techniques to enhance your project management skills based on up-to-date theory, best practice standards and methodologies.
The strategic management component of our the degree will help you to develop an additional skill which is essential for senior managers; the ability to to formulate strategy and then implement it through a strategic project management vehicle that comprises portfolios, programmes and projects.
Throughout our degree programme, the industry-relevant courses aim to stimulate your understanding, critical thinking and develop experience of enterprise-wide applications of strategic project management.
This is a conversion MSc
MSc Strategic Project Management is a conversion degree programme led by academics from Edinburgh Business School.
This programme introduces project management and strategic management to those who have not yet studied the subjects in-depth, making it suitable for individuals with undergraduate degrees from different disciplines such as engineering, construction, business, or finance.
As with all of our MScs, this programme re-introduces the principals of higher education to professionals who have been in work for some time and wish to advance their career by acquiring sought after management expertise.
The Edinburgh Business School approach
Our MSc in Strategic Project Management develops strategic awareness and the relevant competencies to form and implement competitive strategies for organisations within the public and private sectors.
From a strategic management perspective, particular focus is placed on learning how to build sustainable competitive advantage by finding opportunity in uncertain or growing economic environments.
Within the subject of project management, you will learn how to establish quality and monitor performance of projects through the latest applied project management and leadership techniques.
You will learn through a combination of individual and group work, and demonstrate your expertise through written reports, presentations, and exams – ensuring that you develop advanced skills across:
- Analysis
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Conflict resolution
- Business reporting
- Presentation delivery.
This master's degree in Strategic Project Management will expose you to best practices and the latest ideas around strategic thinking, innovation, and project and programme management.
Guest lectures and internship opportunities
As a student of our programme, you will have the opportunity to learn from, and interact with, senior members of staff such as directors and chief operating officers from leading organisations.
On Business Models your learning will be illuminated by industry with guest lectures from managing directors and CEOs, organisation case-studies, and site visits to businesses such as Mackie's Engine Transmissions, Glenmorangie Whisky, and Leonardos Aerospace and Defence organisation.
You will also have opportunities to apply for internships, participate in industry projects and network with potential employers through social events and career-focused activities which are integrated into the programme throughout the year.
As a result of our industry-led approach and the opportunities our links to businesses offer, many students gain employment prior to graduation, and overall employability from the programme is very high.
Programme duration
- MSc - 12 months (full-time), 24 months (part-time)
- PG Diploma - 9 months (full-time), 21 months (part-time)
September 2024 entry
The deadline for applications from UK students is 30 August 2024. For EU and overseas applicants, we guarantee to consider applications submitted by 2 August 2024.
Course content
Year 1
Semester 1
Mandatory Courses
- Strategic Project Management
- Leadership
Choose two courses from:
- Competitive Strategy
- Operations Management
- Strategic Change
- Strategic Innovation Management
- Organisational Behaviour
Semester 2
Mandatory Courses
- Project Management
- Research Philosophy and Practice
Choose two courses from:
- Finance
- Green and Sustainable Logistics
- Human Resource Management
- International Marketing
- Managing Diversity in Business
- Quality Management
- Systems Thinking and Analysis
Students will complete their MSc dissertation in Semester 3.
Strategic project management
Semester 1 (mandatory)
Evaluating project success through strategic alignment and developing knowledge to translate and implement business strategy through portfolio management, programme management and projects.
Leadership
Semester 1 (mandatory)
Understand the role of leadership in business, and specifically in commercial projects. Examines the linkages between effective & appropriate leadership and organisational strategy.
Project Management
Semester 2 (mandatory)
Examines monitoring and controlling projects. Develops competence in use of quantitative and qualitative project planning and control tools and techniques.
Research Philosophy and Practice
Semester 2 (mandatory)
Provides an understanding of the social science research process, as well as theory and approaches to research. Develops practical skills (quantitative and qualitative techniques) in data analysis to transform the raw data into information that guides marketing management valuations.
Go Global
Some of our Postgraduate Taught Masters Programmes are eligible for Inter-Campus Transfer. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for further information.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Status [footnote 1] | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| UK | 10736 | 5368 |
| Overseas [footnote 2] | 23248 | 11624 |
Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Our Postgraduate Scholarship for Academic Excellence in MSc Strategic Project Management offers a £1,000 tuition fee reduction.
Scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
View our full range of postgraduate scholarships.
Entry requirements
Entry
A good Honours degree (first or second class), or its non-UK equivalent, in a relevant subject from a recognised British or overseas university.
Work or project experience in a related role will be of further advantage.
Global College - successful completion of our one-year Pre-Masters Graduate Diploma in Business Studies or the four-month Pre-Masters (Accelerated).
English language requirements
If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.
The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component lower than 6.0.
If you do not have IELTS 6.5, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies:
- 20 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with no skill lower than 4.5)
- 14 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.0 with minimum of 5.0 in writing and no skill lower than 4.5)
- 10 weeks English (for IELTS of 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.0)
- 6 weeks English (for IELTS 5.5 with no skill lower than 5.5)
Why Heriot-Watt?
Lifelong connections
Upon completing your studies you will automatically join the UK's oldest alumni association The Watt Club, with 147k members worldwide.
Clubs and activities
At Heriot-Watt we have an extensive programme of over 90 sports clubs and societies to get involved in. You can try as many as you like or start one of your own!
Edinburgh campus accommodation
Living on our beautiful Edinburgh campus is a great way to meet others from all over the world. Our student accommodation is within easy reach of the teaching buildings, sports facilities, catering venues and the Student Union
Edinburgh Campus facilities
At Heriot-Watt University, we offer a wide range of services to help you deal with all aspects of your life with us, whether these be academic, personal, technical, financial or just plain fun!
Health and wellbeing
Student Wellbeing Services aim to provide a range of support, guidance, activities and advice to help students to be their best, and get the most from their university experience. From counselling to coaching we'll sure you are fully supported.
Heriot-Watt Student Union
There's more to university life than simply getting your degree, and Heriot-Watt University Student Union is all about helping you to have the best possible experience while you study here.
Living in Edinburgh
Historic and beautiful, a cultural capital that fuels the senses whether you love the arts or nature, nightlife or study life, Edinburgh is stimulating and inspirational and never, ever boring.
Sport facilities
Oriam, Scotland Sports Performance Centre offers state-of-the-art sports facilities, for all levels of sport and ability
Your career
Employers around the world actively seek out our graduates because they are work-ready. All our degrees are career-focused and relevant to the needs of industry. Around 95% of our students are in employment or further study within six months of graduating.
We are accredited by the following organisations
At Heriot-Watt University we develop degrees that are relevant for the world of work. We work with Professional bodies and Institutes to gain appropriate Accreditations and Professional Memberships for your industry. Find out below how this degree aligns to industry.
Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Global Accreditation Center
The programme is accredited by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC), the world's leading specialised accrediting body for project management higher education degree programmes. PMI has recognised the programme's commitment to educational excellence and continuous improvement in the area of project management.