What will I learn?
The MSc in Project Management develops students’ practical and conceptual knowledge of the activities and techniques required for the management of projects and project-based organizations. During the programme students apply these in both commercial and non-profit projects giving them real experience to bring to the market. Application and practice of skills is a key element of this programme. You gain:
an understanding of the activities, skills, techniques, and best practices required for the effective planning, organisation, and execution of projects in a wide range of organisations and industries.
how to leverage and apply modern AI tools to improve project efficiency, planning and execution.
consolidation of any prior project management knowledge and skills, and valuable market-relevant experience via two company projects in the profit and non-profit sectors.
the ability to manage the environmental, sustainable and social aspects of the life cycle of a project's resources, processes, and objectives in addition to economic aspects.
How will I benefit?
- A balance of practice and theory within the MSc in Project Management makes it a highly attractive option for students looking to boost their recruitment opportunities after graduation.
- The programme delivers cutting-edge knowledge facilitated by globally experienced project managers, leading academics as well as external industry speakers. You will also experience the reality of the management of projects in a broad range of organisational and industry contexts.
- You develop the ability to make effective decisions in project planning, organising, executing, and reporting using a broad and flexible toolkit of up-to-date techniques.
- You apply this knowledge, mastering the strategic, organisational, and human issues involved in managing projects before the completion of the course via two applied projects working with real company and charity issues.
- Graduates secure sought-after job opportunities as project managers and business consultants in a range of prestigious companies, including Accenture, Bank of Ireland, Deloitte, PwC and Salesforce.
Curriculum
The curriculum is built around a theoretical and practical grounding in management of projects and is taught via a cluster of core modules and a Capstone project.
In each of the autumn and spring trimesters, students complete 3 core modules.
In the summer trimester, students complete 2 core modules including the Capstone Project research report, (registration in March).
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Please be advised that the above reflects the 2024/2025 curriculum structure and is subject to change each year. Note that module descriptors are updated in advance of each academic term.
The Smurfit MSc in Project Management equips our graduates with the essential skills and tools to excel as professional project managers. We immerse students in cutting-edge academic and business literature, empowering them to leverage these insights throughout their careers. We're all about learning by doing, so students complete real projects, practicing and mastering project management tools & techniques to confidently apply them in the real world.
Crucially, the programme trains students in, and encourages the use of ethical and responsible AI, preparing them for the rapidly evolving landscape of project management. Many of the assignments during the programme are real projects with external companies or charities, tackling current global issues such as the UN SDGs, sustainability, and ethical practice. We provide a safe yet challenging learning environment where students can experiment with new skills, knowledge, thought processes, and cultural awareness.
We hold dear values like honesty, integrity, hard graft, a collaborative and open-minded approach to innovation, teamwork, a relentless pursuit of excellence, and a laser focus on delivering tangible business benefits and value (education and subject / discipline / professional values). Our learning environment immerses students in realistic project scenarios, allowing them to navigate the complexities of competing interests and forces (the nature of the learning environment for students).
As a practical discipline based around people and communication, our focus is on building efficient, usable skills and thought processes, drawing from a rich tapestry of academic and business sources, to manage projects effectively and deliver real value for all stakeholders. We employ a diverse range of teaching, learning, and assessment methods, including workshop sessions, individual and group projects, case studies, and service-learning projects.
Experiential learning is at the heart of our programme, alongside collaborative group work and individual assignments, all informed by Universal Design for Learning and other teaching & learning best practices.
On successful completion of the programme students should be able to:
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Programme Goals: |
Programme Learning Outcomes: |
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Programme Goal 1: Core Business Knowledge - our graduates will be current in their knowledge of the theory and practice of business management |
Critically assess the theory and practice underpinning project definition, operations and management. Employ suitable theoretical and business models including the use of AI to assist the identification and resolution of operational business problems |
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Programme Goal 2: Communication skills - our graduates will be effective communicators in a variety of business settings |
Synthesize and summarize data and information and professionally communicate outcomes of the analysis & their recommendations to key stakeholders. Select and use appropriate communication strategies (oral, written & visual) to communicate organizational challenges and to define projects to meet these challenges. |
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Programme Goal 3: Analytical skills - our graduates will be able to analyse industries, markets and competitors to design and implement appropriate competitive strategies |
Undertake and present a detailed analysis with actionable recommendations of a core business/industry situation in written, media and oral forms. Utilise appropriate online databases and primary data gathering to effectively research business environment issues and trends to recommend appropriate strategies to inform the business decision-making process. |
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Programme Goal 4: Global Perspective - our graduates will be able to work and interact ethically & professionally with others from diverse cultures and backgrounds |
Employ appropriate negotiation skills for working with individuals across differing cultures and disciplinary backgrounds. Demonstrate an awareness of industry frameworks to promote effective and ethical business practices. |
Global Leadership Programme (GLP)
Our optional Global Leadership Programme (GLP) offers you a unique opportunity to engage in a diverse range of co-curricular professional development activities alongside the modules you take on the Master's programme. Participation in the GLP can give you an advantage over similarly qualified job candidates and increase your readiness for success in the workplace.
Sustainable Development Goals
As part of the curriculum, students are engaged with issues related to sustainability in all of its many facets, including responsible leadership, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and inclusive business practices. As educators, we believe in the value of exposing our students to a variety of perspectives on the role of business in society and equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle even the most intractable problems. Our programmes seek to develop informed and imaginative leaders that are mindful of responsible and sustainable business objectives and practices and embed a number of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the curriculum.
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