Master of Science - Project Management

University of Reading

Project management is traditionally described in terms of the overall planning, control and co-ordination of a project from inception to completion, aimed at meeting a client's requirements and ensuring completion within specified constraints of time, cost and quality. While this definition continues to provide a good starting point, the reality of modern project management is extremely complex. Client organizations are often pluralistic, comprising multiple stakeholders with different objectives. The complexity of the construction process thus leads to inherent uncertainty.

The role of the project manager is to integrate the various sectors of the industry in order to manage key interfaces throughout the project supply chain. Therefore, the successful project manager must have the ability to integrate and lead an interdisciplinary team in uncertainty. Effective leadership and sensitivity to human issues are vital.

In MSc Project Management, students will focus on the strategic management of projects, programmes and portfolios, and become a project leader in construction. Modules can include sessions delivered by leading practitioners, and the course is continually informed not only by the latest developments in industry, but also by on-going international research.

The Project Management Master's degree is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). In addition, the course is recognised by the Association for Project Management (APM) as meeting the Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) standard via route 1.

The course will benefit students who wish to improve their understanding of project management and underpin their practical experience with a robust conceptual framework. Graduates will typically find employment as a project manager with public and private sector clients, consultants, architectural practices or contractors in the building, civil engineering or oil and gas sectors.