Project Management Masters in UK for International Students in 2024



Pursuing an MSc Project Management in UK prepares you for the responsibility of planning and executing any project that an organisation might require. A niche branch of management studies, a Project Management Masters in UK will take you through the life cycle of a project, its design, the methodologies that can be used, budgeting, crisis management, documentation, and all the other essential skills that one might require to see it from start to finish.

Through practical experiences (internships, case-studies, placements, projects) and theoretical expertise, UK universities for project management (PM) builds professional competencies and networks that will aid you in the process of building a career. You could consider this course, if this is your area of interest, instead of pursuing a simple master’s in marketing.


What is an MSc in Project Management?


“What is a project management degree? Isn’t it a managerial role that one gets with experience?” – these are questions we hear a lot of people ask. Here are some quick answers to these questions.

Yes, it is a managerial role, as the name suggests, but organisations have realised that mere experience or seniority does not always guarantee a successful completion of a project. You need to have a level of dedicated knowledge and expertise to assume responsibility for management of projects.

A degree in project management will teach you, at the outset, the processes of planning, organising and executing projects. You will learn to define the scope of a project, time management skills to plan and stay on schedule, budgeting, principles of HR to manage your teams, documentation, risk assessment, troubleshooting, leadership, and communication skills to ensure smooth progress in any project across industries.

For instance, you can choose any of the following methodologies to manage a project:

  • Agile
  • Kanban
  • Scrum
  • Waterfall
  • Six Sigma
  • Lean manufacturing
  • Rational Unified Process
  • Extreme Programming and many more.

Each of these methodologies will give you a path to plan, organise and execute your project. You can choose one, many, or combine a few and decide the one that would be the best suited for your project and your organisation. As a project manager, this would be one of the first decisions you will be taking.

If you are wondering what these words mean, well, it is part of what you will learn in your project management degree. At the bachelor’s level, coursework typically focuses on skill development including analytical, interpersonal, organisational, and teamwork. An MS in project management in UK will teach you advanced skills in communication, risk analysis, strategy, leadership, and quality control. In some universities, you can even choose to specialise in core areas such as engineering, supply chain management or construction management. As a part of your masters programme, you will also gain practical experience by completing research projects, capstone projects, internships or placements.

MBA vs MSc Project Management UK


For those at the cusp of a decision in choosing their masters degree, this can be challenging – An MBA or a Project Management masters in UK. They are two different degrees of higher education offering specialised knowledge about different aspects of business and management. While a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) is more common, a postgraduate degree in PM can result in an MSc/ MS, MiM or even an MPM. What the degree is called or how it is abbreviated makes no difference in the professional world, as long as you have the required skill sets.

Your choice between the two degrees rests entirely on where you see yourself on your career path. If managing projects plays a significant part in your line of work, then that is the degree to consider. An MBA, on the other hand, gives you a more generalised approach and higher flexibility. However, while you might gain the skill sets to strategise a project, effective implementation might not be your strong suit. That said, let us look into the key differences between an MBA and MS in project management in UK.

MBA MSc in Project Management
Learning Objective Designed for those interested in learning about all aspects of business ranging from HR, finance, law, operations management and a rounded cross-business leadership A niche area of study that delves into portfolio or programme management, risk assessment, resource allocation and all skills required to implement a project.
Scope Broader, allows you to take on leadership roles in different aspects of business Narrower but more specialised
Typical Target Audience Professionals with at least 3 – 5 years of work experience Recent graduates or professionals with 1-2 years of work experience
Average Age of Students 27 – 35 24 – 27
Teaching Methodology Very practise oriented, with a number of case studies or real-world scenarios A combination of theoretical and practical approaches to managing a project
Recognition Worldwide Though more European in its origin, the recognition for project management courses is increasing all over the world.
Tuition Fee £15,000 – £50,000 £15,000 – £35,000
Duration 1 year 10 months – 1 year
Post Graduate Work Opportunities A wide range of different leadership and management roles, depending on your specialisation Graduates are typically hired at beginner or mid-level positions across any industry. Further growth is dependent on performance.
Average Salary ~ £55,000 ~ £43,000

Making a Choice

As mentioned earlier, the choice between an MBA and a project management course depends entirely on where you see yourself in the future.

To summarise, MBA gives you a broad insight into managing different aspects of a business while, as the name suggests, a PM degree delves deeply into planning and implementing the different stages of a project, for a business. From a managerial standpoint, there is bound to be some overlap between the two courses.

If you are clear about your career path and see yourself immersed in project design and implementation, we can tell you that an MSc Project Management in UK is a highly valued degree whose demand has increased by over 200% in the last two years.  A general search on LinkedIn will show you over 25,000+ project manager jobs at any point. While you might start at the entry level, there is a lot of scope for career development.

However, if you are on the fence and are unable to decide, even after all the research, it is more logical to choose the MBA. The reason is simple. Due to its broader scope, it will also allow you to move laterally, should you choose to move into operations or business development.

Another advantage of choosing the MBA is that, due to the increase in demand of project management masters courses, the universities also offer an MBA Project Management UK wherein you can choose to specialise in PM while also gaining a degree. Some of the top UK business schools that offer this degree are

  • University of East London
  • London School of Business and Finance
  • Edinburgh Napier University Business School
  • EU Business School
  • University of London
  • Aberystwyth University

Why study MSc in Project Management in UK?


For international students considering these professional courses for their higher education, the United Kingdom has some of the best business schools that global education has to offer. It is a global hub for postgraduate courses, offering a captivating combination of academic excellence, state-of-the-art research facilities, opportunities for real-world experiences and an updated curriculum that meets industry requirements.

Here are some of the reasons why you should study project management masters in UK.

1. Professional Accreditation

By doing an MS in Project Management in UK, you get access to courses that are accredited by professional bodies or international organisations in order to maintain global standards. These include the Association of Project Management (APM) in UK or the Project Management Institute (PMI). These certifications give you a chartered status, making your degree more valuable to your prospective employers. We have discussed PM certifications in detail in the following sections.

2. Top Universities and Expert Faculty

There is no doubt that the UK is home to some of the top-notch universities in the world, offering some of the best project management courses in UK. These universities/ business schools work in close relation with industry experts and professional bodies to keep up with the ever-changing demands of a dynamic field. The list of top universities for a master’s programme in PM is listed in the next section.

3. Increasing Demand for Project Managers

Based on the research conducted by APM, the average annual revenue generated by project management in the UK is around £160 billion. In 2020, the average salary for PM professionals was £47,500, with an average starting salary of £27,500 with a huge potential for progression (Source: APM Salary and Market Trends Survey). These figures have only increased in the last three years with more projects emphasising on DEI (diverse, equitable and inclusive) plans. Business ethics and sustainability are also important factors when organisations are seeing out managers who can keep up with the demands of the current times.

4. Gain Transferable Skills

Besides professional requirements, a degree in PM in UK will give you a number of transferable skills that can be applied anywhere throughout the course of your professional career. You will learn excellent effective communication, strategising, risk assessment, critical thinking, decision making and problem solving skills, all of which are essential in any aspect of business.

If you are looking for another destination, then you could also consider pursuing project management in Canada as well. It has some great programmes.

Top Universities For Masters Project Management in UK


It is almost impossible to imagine a company without projects. It also means that it is impossible for companies to function without project managers. The following is a list of some of the best project management courses in UK that you can consider applying to.

  • University of Manchester
  • University of Bristol
  • University of Warwick
  • University of Liverpool
  • University of Sussex
  • University of Birmingham
  • Northumbria University
  • Coventry University
  • University of Northampton
  • Leeds Beckett University

1. University of Manchester


Source: University of Manchester

Course
  • MSc Management of Projects
  • MSc Operations, Project and Supply Chain Management (Alliance Manchester Business School)
Duration 12 months full-time, on campus. No part-time option.
Application Deadline February 2024
Start Date September 2024
Fees £33,500/ £28,000 for the Operations and Projects course
Employability Top Employers: Accenture, Arcadis, Atkins, CBRE, EY, IMS Research, KPMG, Mott Macdonald, Network Rail, Tengizchevroil, Worleyparsons and others
Ranking Number 1 for top graduate employers (Times Higher Education Graduate Market rankings, 2023)
Accreditation Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply  (CIPS)

2. University of Bristol


Source: University of Bristol

Course MSc Management (Project Management)
Duration 12 months full-time, on campus. No part-time option.
Application Deadline 24 July 2024
Start Date September 2024
Fees £31,500
Employability The coursework includes undertaking a group project for an industry partner. This has allowed graduates to network with professionals in management consultancy, finance and accounting, energy, software development, construction, manufacturing, and government.
Ranking Ranked 5th for research in the UK by THE where 94% of its research was assessed as world leading
Accreditation Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply  (CIPS)

3. University of Warwick


Source: University of Warwick

Course
  • MSc Programme and Project Management (PPM)
Duration 12 months full-time, on campus. No part-time option.
Application Deadline Rolling admissions, early application is recommended
Start Date 30 September 2024
Fees £33,340
Employability Graduates have gone on to diverse sectors including

  • Architecture and Design (Reliance, Architectural Services Dept, Arup)
  • Consultancy (Deloitte, KPMG, PWC, Reed)
  • Finance (HSBC, Bank of China, Central Bank of Oman)
  • Healthcare (IMS Health, Legato Health Technologies)
  • Manufacturing (Siemens, Whirlpool)
  • NGOs (World Food Programme)
Ranking Ranked 10th in top universities in the UK by QS World University Rankings
Accreditation Association for Project Management (APM)

4. University of Liverpool


Source: University of Liverpool

Course MSc Project Management
Duration 12 months full-time, on campus. Part-time: 2 years
Application Deadline August 2024 (It is recommended for international students to apply earlier)
Start Date September 2024
Fees £29,000
Employability Top Employers: ExxonMobil, Grayce, IBM, BAE Systems, China National Machinery Industry Corporation, BP plc, Amazon
Accreditation
  • APM
  • ‘Triple-crown’ accreditation from AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

5. University of Sussex


Source: University of Sussex

Course MSc Project Management
Duration 12 months full-time, on campus or 2 years part-time
Application Deadline August 2024
Start Date September 2024
Fees £25,000
Employability Graduates have gone on to build careers in

  • project and programme management in the public and private sector
  • management or business consultancy
  • business or technology analysis
  • R&D and innovation management
  • entrepreneurship
  • management in large, multinational organisations.
Ranking One of the top 15 in the UK for Business and Economics (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
Accreditation
  • APM
  • EQUIS and AMBA-accredited University of Sussex Business School

6. University of Birmingham


Source: University of Birmingham

Course MSc Industrial Project Management
Duration 3 year part-time online course, with annual in-person hub workshops (Not eligible for UK student visa or the Graduate Route)
Application Deadline August and December
Start Date Your academic year can being September or January
Fees £10,620 for January 2024 entry and £11,340 for September 2024 entry (Total fees for the entire duration)
Employability The course is designed for people who currently work in an industrial setting for their career development. You will also have complete access to the University Careers Network
Accreditation Chartered Association for Project Management (APM)

7. Northumbria University


Source: Northumbria University

Course
  • MSc Project Management with Advanced Practice
  • MSc International Project Management with Advanced Practice
Duration
  • 1 year full-time, without placement
  • 18 months full-time (January start)
  • 2 years full-time
  • 3 years distance learning
Application Deadline August
Start Date September and January
Fees £19,000 – £22,000
Employability Recruiters: BAE Systems, Volvo Car Group, NHS, Siemens, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Shell and Virgin Money.

Roles: Project managers, programme managers, project portfolio managers, management consultants, business developers, entrepreneurs, quality managers and directors.

Accreditation APM

8. Coventry University


Source: Coventry University

Course
  • MSc Project Management
  • International Project Management
Duration 1 year full-time, no part-time option for overseas students
Application Deadline Rolling admissions
Start Date September and January
Fees £24,050 with professional experience
Employability Gain experience to handle complex projects across industries and organisational settings
Ranking Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects (Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022)
Accreditation
  • Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
  • APM

9. University of Northampton


Source: University of Northampton

Course MSc Project Management
Duration 1 year/ 2 years full-time with placement
Application Deadline Year round applications
Start Date January, June and September
Fees £16,500 plus £1,000 for placement
Employability You will learn the theory of effective practice that is highly sought after by organisations all over the globe
Ranking Prepares you for PRINCE2 Foundation, PRINCE2 Practitioner, and Agile Project Management Foundation
Accreditation APM

10. Leeds Beckett University


Source: Leeds Beckett

Course MSc Project Management
Duration 1 year full-time
Application Deadline No fixed application deadline but early submission is recommended
Start Date September and January
Fees £19,000
Employability Graduates have gone on to work in a range of industries, including oil exploration, consulting, local government, banking and marketing. Typical roles include Project Manager, Quality Manager and Finance Manager
Accreditation APM

Specialisations in MSc in Project Management in UK


The biggest advantage of a general project management masters programme is its ability to be applied across fields and industries. However, if you are certain that your interests lie in a particular industry, then you can choose to specialise in a niche area and develop competencies, both professional and technical, that are particular to the industry.

Some of the project management specialisations offered by UK universities are

  • MSc Advanced Engineering Management
  • MSc International Project Management
  • MSc Commercial Project Management
  • MSc Engineering Management
  • MSc Construction Project Management
  • MSc Project and Enterprise Management (UC London)

However, the entry requirements for these super specialised courses might be different from those of the general programme. It might require you to have a bachelors honours degree in a field that is directly related to your specialisation.

Eligibility Criteria For Masters in Project Management in UK


Let us take a look at the entry requirements for project management courses in UK for international students.

Academic Qualification:

You must have a bachelors degree or a bachelors honours degree from a recognised university. The cut-off ranges from 55 – 75%, depending on university standards. Most universities are not particular about the discipline since PM is open to students across faculties. A few universities require you to have an undergraduate degree in a related field such as business management, economics, mathematics, computer science and so on.

English Language Requirements:

As international students, you must meet English language requirements by taking either the IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT. Minimum scores of 6.0 – 7.0 (IELTS) or 88 – 105 (TOEFL) are required. The scores should not be older than two years from the date of admission.

Work Experience:

A PM masters course is designed for fresh graduates or for professionals just starting out in the industry. Therefore work experience is not mandatory. For those who have worked earlier, a maximum of 1-3 years of experience will be considered. The proof of employment is submitted through your CV and is reflected in your statement of purpose and LORs.

Cost of Studying MS in Project Management in UK


If you are thinking: “How much does it cost to pursue a masters degree in project management in UK as an Indian student?”, then here’s a rough estimate.

It is important to note that the figures shown are average costs and approximations to give you a general idea. The actual costs can vary depending on your selection of courses, the universities and the city that you will be living in.

Cost Amount in Pounds
(Approx figures per year)
Amount in INR
(Approx figures per year)
Tuition (Range) £19,000 – £35,000 Rs 25 – 40 lakhs
Additional Costs
Rent (On Campus) £4,000 – £7,000 Rs 4 – 7 lakhs
Rent (Off campus, shared living) London – £9,000
Rest of UK – £6,700
London – Rs 9 lakhs
Rest of UK – Rs 6.7 lakhs
Food £1,800 – £2,200 Rs 1 – 2.5 lakhs
Transport £1,000 Rs 1 lakh
Health Insurance £470 Rs 50,000
Utilities £650 – £800 Rs 65,000 – 80,000
Average Total Living Expenses £14,400 – £16,800 Rs 14 – 17 lakhs

Scholarships to Study Project Management Masters in UK


Financial aid is another important aspect when considering higher education in UK. So, while planning for your application, you should also plan for scholarship awards or bursaries that will help with your finances as you apply to some of the best project management colleges in the world. Typically, a scholarship is awarded based on merit while a bursary is offered on the basis of financial need.

As an international student, it is important to look at four sources of financial aid

  • Scholarships from home government
  • UK government scholarships for international students
  • Department/ University scholarships
  • Awards/ grants/ scholarships from external charitable organisations.

That said, here are some you can consider for your masters in project management in UK.

  • Agile Business Consortium Scholarships
  • Aziz Foundation Scholarships
  • British Council Scholarships
  • Chevening Scholarships
  • Commonwealth Scholarships
  • Rhodes Scholarship
  • Felix Scholarships
  • Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships
  • Dr Manmohan Singh Scholarships
  • Global Study Awards
  • Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships

Career Opportunities After Project Management in Courses in UK


As a project manager, your role is to plan, manage, execute and deliver a project. That includes allocation of resources, strategising, budgeting, risk assessment, time management, personnel allocation and so on. Freshers typically start out working on one project and with experience, become the project leads for a few simultaneously, depending on the nature of the organisation. That said, it is impossible to imagine a business without projects and therefore project managers, whatever they might be called.

Average Salary: Juniors/ freshers earn between £25,000 and £35,000, depending on the sector. For instance, marketing project management generally pays less than IT. With experience, project managers can earn between £40,000 and £80,000. For those working freelance (subject to visa provisions), the average rates vary between £300 and £500 a day.

Industries hiring project managers:

  • Architecture
  • Construction
  • Engineering
  • IT
  • Manufacturing
  • Retail

Demand for project managers in UK: Irrespective of industry, there is great pressure to optimise and put out projects with the least wastage. Study shows that companies that invest in project management techniques waste 28 times less money than companies that do not (Source: The Telegraph).

With the rapid technological advancement that is changing the face of projects and their management, companies are scrounging to employ well-rounded individuals who can maximise outputs while minimising costs. The infrastructure industry alone requires millions of project management professionals in the UK. By 2027, employers will require 87.7 million employees working in project management roles.

Project Management Certifications


Besides your master’s degree, there are a number of certifications that can add to your credentials. They are internationally recognised and will help you take on more management roles. These certifications are open to both graduates with a PM degree or those trying for other disciplines. They have their own eligibility criteria, fees and requirements to be met. The choice of certification is dependent on your area of expertise and the industry that you will be working in.

Here are some of the popular project management certifications:

  • Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP)
  • Associate in Project Management (APM)
  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)
  • Certified Project Director (CPD)
  • Certified Project Manager (CPM-IAPM)
  • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)
  • PRINCE2 Foundation/PRINCE2 Practitioner
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)

Of this list, we are going to be looking at two main certifications: PRINCE2 and PMP.

PMP Certification UK

PMP is the gold standard when it comes to project management certifications. It stands for Project Management Professional and is offered by PMI. It is a rigorous test that you undertake after completing a bachelor’s degree, plus 3 years of PM experience, 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours PM education or CAPM certification.

It is a standalone certification with a descriptive framework. It also requires you to complete 60 professional development units every three years to recertify. It is the most popular certification, especially in the US, Canada and the Middle East.

PRINCE2

Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) is the most sought after certification in the UK, especially if you want to work with government entities. It comes in two levels: Foundation and Practitioner. It is more prescriptive and teaches you to apply PRINCE2 to run and manage projects supporting PRINCE2. This is preferred in Australia, Europe and the United Kingdom.

Simply put, the PRINCE2 certification focuses more on processes and frameworks, but the PMP certification focuses more on broad knowledge and techniques of project management.

Difference Between PMP Certification and Masters


Prospective students have a lot of questions comparing the value of a PMP certification and a masters degree.

Here are some answers.

Can an undergraduate do PMP certification?

Yes, you can. You should have a 4 year degree and another three years of professional experience where you have led projects. Then you can apply for a PMP.

Is PMP course equivalent to a degree?

No. It is a certification that can augment your degree. It says that you have project management skills that can meet international standards.

What is the minimum experience required for PMP certification?

4,500 hours of project management experience spread over 3 or 4 years.

Is PMP equivalent to MBA?

No. A PMP is a specialised certificate that shows your expertise in the field of PM. An MBA is generic business management degree.

What is the salary after PMP exam?

Depending on your experience and the sector, the salary ranges from £32k – £77k, with the average around £50,424.

Which is higher, a PMP or MBA?

Depends on the industry. Within the narrower scope of project management, a PMP is highly valued. But in the larger context of business, an MBA is widely recognised and gives you a greater scope.

Is a PMP better than a Masters?

Within the field of PM, a PMP is considered superior since it involves over 4,500 hours of actual work experience followed by a rigorous test. However, a combination of masters and PMP will place you above other candidates.

Is PMP really tough?

The qualifying exam has a reputation of being difficult since it tests you on the varied aspects of project management. However, with the required work experience and proper preparation, it is not impossible.

Frequently asked questions


What is the best course for project management in UK?

An MSc in Project Management is one of the best courses. Do check out our section on “Top Universities for Masters in PM” to get a detailed answer to this question.

Is project management a good course in UK?

Yes, since there is a high demand for project managers and an employment rate of over 95%. Besides, it is a masters degree that you can complete in 1 year.

What is the cost of a project management course in UK?

You can expect to spend anywhere from 39 – 50 lakhs.

Is project management in demand in UK?

Yes. By 2027, employers will require 87.7 million employees working in project management roles.

What job can I get after completing MSc in project management in UK?

Graduates are hired across industries in fields including manufacturing and service sectors, supply chain management, purchasing, logistics, healthcare, retail, IT and governmental agencies.

What qualifications do I need to be a project manager?

Unlike medicine or engineering, there is no law that defines that a particular set of qualifications are required. However, prospective employers look for bachelors or masters degrees, PMP/ PRINCE2 certifications and also emphasise on relevant work experience.

How to apply to UK universities with TC Global?


While studying an MSc Project Management in UK can be very thrilling, the prep and paperwork of it all can get overwhelming. The easiest way to reduce your stress is to sign up with TC Global.

We simplify international education, learning, and mobility through connecting students, universities, and a global community on a single platform where there are over 1000+ education providers and over 80,000+ courses.

Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to the application process, student visas and departure – we see you through it all.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! 🚀

Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member.

Let’s shape your future together.



Date added
09.11.2023

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