What will I learn?
Students will learn about management of projects via real-life examples, as well as having the opportunity to develop and test their own knowledge and skills via a wide variety of projects.
A blend of concrete skills, theoretical grounding, and best practices designed to train students for effective planning, organisation, and execution in the project context.
how to leverage and apply modern AI tools to improve project efficiency, planning and execution. The Programme Director has authored 3 books on AI and Education.
A thorough acquisition of essential interpersonal, leadership, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills via group and case based learning, presentations, simulation exercises, and real-life projects to deliver services and products.
The acquisition and development of vital presentational, communication, and reporting skills and analytical techniques.
How will I benefit?
- The curriculum has been devised to either kick-start graduates at the beginning of their career or accelerate the trajectory of those already working in practice.
- The programme favours an academically-grounded hands-on experience, facilitated by leading academics, globally experienced project managers and industry speakers, enabling students to experience the reality of management of projects and the skills and knowledge required in all kinds of organisational contexts.
- Students gain first-hand insight into how to communicate with stakeholders at all levels, and master the organisational and human issues involved in managing projects.
- Students are entitled to Graduate Membership of the IMCA (Institute of Management Consultants & Advisors in Ireland) for the duration of the course and one-year post-qualification. All students are also entitled to register as student members of the APM (Association for Project Management) for the duration of their studies.
- A springboard to employment by a range of prestigious companies, including Accenture, Microsoft, PwC and Vodafone, promotion, or changes in career paths.
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.
Year 1
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Year 2
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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:
| Programme Goals | Programme Learning Outcomes |
| 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 |
| 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. |
| Programme Goal 3: Analytical skills - our graduates will be able to analyze 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. |
| 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.
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