Course Summary

Overview

This course builds knowledge and skills in the planning and management of development projects and programmes. 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 are applicable to all types of project, including those for commercial benefit.

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

• The discipline of project and programme 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 programme management, focusing particularly on ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ skills for successful project implementation.

Placement

You can choose to include an internship as part of your course. The internship / placement further enhances the development of professional experience and practical skills during your Masters programme, integrating practitioner community engagement with your academic studies.

Learning and assessment

The course will introduce you to emerging techniques and approaches to project management. 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 students are able to choose an optional placement module, and will be supported by Division staff to find an appropriate placement.

Career prospects

Many 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.

Modules

Community Based Participatory Action research (20 Credits) – Foundation Course

Community Based Participatory Action Research (CBPAR) is a collaborative approach to research that involves all stakeholders throughout the research process, from establishing the research question, to developing data collection tools, to analysis and dissemination of findings. It is a research
framework that aims to address the practical concerns of people in a community and fundamentally changes the roles of researcher and who is being researched.

Project Planning and Design (20 Credits) – Core

This module aims to develop an advanced and in depth understanding of the principles and practice of project planning and design, within the overall context of an appreciation of the nature and purpose of development projects.

Project Appraisal (20 Credits) – Core

This module aims to develop an advanced understanding of the principles and practice of project appraisal within the overall context of an appreciation of the nature and purpose of development projects; and of applying these techniques in different contexts.

Project Implementation and Management (20 Credits) – Core

This module aims to provide you with an advanced understanding of the theory and practice of project implementation and management skills.

Dissertation (60 Credits) – Core

To give you the opportunity to design and execute a self-directed research project of their choice. To provide a supportive learning environment that encourages peer support, sharing of ideas and formative feedback at different stages of the process.

Professional Experience – Core

To provide you with an opportunity to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills gained on your taught postgraduate course in a professional setting; to help you develop autonomy and initiative, and work effectively as a member of a professional team; to help you gain experience of the working environment and assess career opportunities available on graduation; to encourage critical reflection on your personal and skills development.