StudyQA — Master: Management of Complex Projects

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Description Contents Requirements

In today's fast-moving, global marketplace, traditional project management techniques based around strategic planning and control are not enough. Many modern projects are not only complicated (tough technical problems needing co-ordination across many suppliers) but also complex (with unclear requirements). The new Management of Complex Projects MSc has been designed to produce project managers equipped to lead the most challenging of projects.

Students gain a systems view of project management, so they can develop effective technical solutions within a constrained commercial context. We teach students a number of guiding principles to enable them to manage complex projects and help them to develop key skills such as risk management, requirements management, conflict resolution, effective communication and leadership.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core taught modules (60 credits), two research modules (75 credits), two optional taught modules (30 credits) and one compulsory group project (15 credits). Modules are generally taught as intensive five-day 'block weeks' to minimise time spent away from the office for the flexible/modular students.

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time one academic year, or flexible study two to five years) is offered.

A Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits, 12 weeks or flexible study up to three years) is offered.

Core modules

The first four modules are core and must be taken, then two further taught modules should be selected.

The Business Environment
Delivering Complex Projects
Risk, Reliability, Resilience
Systems, Thinking and Engineering Management
Research Modules
All MSc students undertake a structured research programme comprising the following mandatory modules:
Project Management Project Concept
Project Management Research Project
All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 12,000 words and a presentation of 20-30 minutes.

Optional modules

Two modules should be selected from the Optional Module List

Defence and Security Systems
Lifecycle Management
Project Management* (leading to Association for Project Management examination)
Rail Systems
Spacecraft Systems
Systems Design
Technology Strategy

*Delivered in partnership with UCL School of Management

Group project

Students undertake a compulsory group project simulation in which they are confronted with a series of realistic project scenarios and must work together to determine and present their recommended course of action. The scenarios will build on challenges typical of complex projects such as requirements definition, risk management, scope creep and contract and conflict management.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, case-studies, discussion sessions, workshop activity, and project work. Assessment is through a combination of course work, in class tests and written examinations. The research modules are assessed through a written report and a short presentation.

A minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. At least two years' experience working in an engineering or technology project environment is expected.