We live in a time where nearly everyone will eventually be involved in a project, whether by initiating it, contributing to its delivery, or benefiting from its outcomes. Effective project management is critical on a global scale, with the GDP of many countries fuelled through projects.

Purpose-driven projects are being implemented to deal with huge challenges and transformations – from achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to meeting climate change and net zero targets. As a result, many organisations depend on successful projects run by knowledgeable and skilled project managers.

This MSc offers a unique blend of academic rigour and practical experience, preparing you for a successful career in the management of projects, programmes and portfolios. You will learn how to define, develop and deliver projects that meet organisational strategic goals while advancing your career prospects through a hands-on consultancy project.

Taking an interdisciplinary approach, you will be taught by leading experts across three academic departments at Loughborough University:

• Loughborough Business School
• School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
• Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering

If you are looking to enter or advance in the project management field, leading both inter and intra-organisational projects across diverse industries, this programme is for you.

Master the core elements of project management

The programme offers an in-depth understanding of project management across dynamic organisational environments, with a strong emphasis on current issues in cross-cultural and global contexts.

You will gain the necessary skills to define, develop, adapt and deliver projects to meet changing organisational strategic goals across business environments. In addition, you will develop detailed knowledge of a variety of analytical methods, techniques and tools, enabling data-driven decision-making at the operational, tactical and strategic planning levels.

With guidance from our expert academics, you will explore the strategic role of projects within organisations. You will also gain insight into the importance of aligning project objectives with broader business goals and the impact of the project economy on organisational success.

Students will examine the ethical, legal and professional responsibilities of project managers in the contexts of procurement, contract management, governance and leadership in multi-stakeholder environments, ensuring projects are delivered ethically and sustainably.

Put theory into practice in the world beyond the classroom

This programme includes an outdoor experiential learning component, giving you the opportunity to build practical leadership and management knowledge, while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills for the next stage of your career.

You will engage with a mixture of workshop sessions looking at theories and ideas, practical exercises putting these concepts into practice, and reflective review sessions examining individual and group performance, relating the learning to your real-world experiences. Practical exercises will make use of the outdoor environment and may include activities such as rock climbing, raft building, abseiling, orienteering and camping expeditions. Other exercises may involve problem solving tasks, presentations and debates.​

You will be given responsibility for organising yourself throughout, providing the opportunity to learn from your own successes and failures. The aim is to provide you with learning experiences in a challenging and supportive environment that will provide you with knowledge and understanding of the key fundamental management principles and their relation to real-life situations.

Enhance your practical experience through the Project Management Consultancy Project

A key feature of this MSc is the opportunity to undertake a project management consultancy project. This project is designed to provide high-quality, work-related experience, where you will apply the project management knowledge and skills from semesters one and two to real-world challenges. The Consultancy Project will enhance your employability by demonstrating your ability to manage complex projects, solve problems, and make meaningful contributions to organisations.

Prepare for a dynamic career in project management

Whether your focus is on the commercial or behavioural pathway of project management, by the end of this MSc, you will have developed a rigorous understanding of project management methodologies. You will also be able to build the essential interpersonal skills required to lead teams and deliver successful projects in organisations spanning a variety of industries.

The focus on real-world application will ensure that you graduate with the practical experience and strategic thinking needed to excel in today’s competitive job market. Additionally, the programme will prepare you to gain industry-recognised certifications and micro-credentials to further enhance your CV and employability. For example, you might pursue certifications offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification, or the APM Project Professional Qualification (APM PPQ) offered by the Association for Project Management (APM).