MSc Project Planning and Management

This course builds knowledge and skills in the planning and management of development projects and programs. It is designed to deepen critical understanding of the strategies, processes, techniques, and issues involved in taking ideas for development and turning them into practical realities with identifiable outcomes and benefits.

The degree provides an excellent basis for career enhancement or conversion for those with interest and experience in projects for development. The focus of the course is on development projects in the public or third (voluntary or community) sectors, but the underlying principles apply to all types of projects, including those for commercial benefit.

On completion of your course, you will be able to understand and examine critically:

• The discipline of project and program management, within an overall appreciation of the nature and purpose of projects
• The principles and practice of project planning, design, preparation, and appraisal techniques for projects in a development context
• The theory and practice of management skills for project and program management, focusing particularly on 'hard' and 'soft' skills for successful project implementation

Professional bodies relations

Once registered for the MSc in Project Planning and Management, you will be eligible for student membership in the Association of Project Management. You will be supported to create links to professional bodies in project management as well as industry experts through industry-related events, guest speakers, panel discussions, and residential days.

The project management academic team in Bradford consists of full members of professional bodies, elected members of SIG committees, as well as accreditation assessors and provides academic support throughout your study.

What you will study

All module information is for 2023 entry, and is subject to change.

First year

Core

• Project Planning and Design
• Project Finance and Appraisal
• Project Implementation Management
• Dissertation
• Professional Experience (Rotary Peace Fellows Applied Field Experience)
• Voluntary Placement/Internship

Option

• Issues in Development Theory
• Economic Growth for Development
• Critical Perspectives on Sustainable Development
• Policy Analysis for Governance and Development
• Theories and Practices of Conflict Resolution
• Security and Development in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Areas
• The International System in Theory and Context
• Sustainable Cities
• Africa Study Visit
• Assessing Development Practices, Needs and Outcomes
• Finance for Development
• Human Resource Development
• Leading and Managing Change in Organisations
• University Elective

* Subject to availability. Not all options are offered in all semesters.

Learning and assessment

The course will introduce you to various approaches to project management methodologies such as Waterfall, PRINCE2 (TM), Agile, etc. We also provide familiarisation with Microsoft Project software for project management.

This MSc provides you with knowledge and skills for successful project design, implementation and management. It provides you with the knowledge base on which to develop your professional skills and recognition in the field of project management.

All BCID students are able to choose an optional placement module, and will be supported by Division staff to find an appropriate placement.

Placement

You can choose to include an internship as part of your course, in which case you will study over 15 months rather than a year. To do this, you should initially register for the one-year program and then transfer to the 15-month program when you have secured a placement, any time up until the middle of Semester 2.

The internship/placement further enhances the development of professional experience and practical skills during your master's program, integrating practitioner community engagement with your academic studies.

This element is student-centered and student-led, and therefore the initiative for identifying and applying for internships is driven by you. Academic staff can facilitate and support the identification of suitable opportunities with leads and suggestions, help with the writing of applications, and provide supporting letters of reference. They provide customized preparatory training before, and mentoring support during, the placement or internship.

The internship/placement can be taken with an organization anywhere in the world. You'll need to detail your proposed activities and receive approval before the opportunity is finalized.

Once the internship/placement is complete you'll return to the program, submit a completion report summarising key learning points, and then undertake your Master's dissertation. Students often use their placement period and experience to inform and shape their dissertation.

Career support

The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programs. Specialist support is available throughout the course from Career and Employability Services including help to find part-time work while studying, placements, vacation work, and graduate vacancies. Students are encouraged to access this support at an early stage and to use the extensive resources on the Careers website.

Discussing options with specialist advisers helps to clarify plans through exploring options and refining skills of job-hunting. In most of our programs, there is direct input by Career Development Advisers into the curriculum or through specially arranged workshops.

Career prospects

Many BCID postgraduates have experience in development and related areas of the public, private, and voluntary sectors. This degree course provides the skills and knowledge required to become a development professional.