Overview
Managing international projects presents unique challenges. This Masters programme addresses the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to successfully manage projects that span organisations, national boundaries and cultural differences.
In this programme, you will explore the impact on project management of culture, language variations, religious, contractual, regulatory and legal practices, technology penetration, temporal orientation, gender issues, corruption, ethics, personal liberty and political contexts. We learn how to meet international project challenges through efficient use of practices and technology. The programme will utilise available case studies and examples from global companies to help you sharpen the skills needed to recognise and foster a successful international project environment.
Key facts
- This programme has received the Association for Project Management (APM) academic accreditation.
- Learn how to lead international projects and teams on budget and to a high standard
- Develop your cultural awareness skills and understanding of different legal, social and political norms
- Upon graduating, opt to further develop your skills and employability with Professional Pathways programmes through one of the UK’s leading IT and project management training providers, QA
- Gain real-world experience through an internship or project through the Advanced Practice option
What will I study?
You will learn how culture affects how teams perceive each other, lead, solve problems and execute tasks. Although the world is increasingly connected, the people behind the projects have biases, expectations and a perception of life that impacts all decisions. You will also learn how to effectively manage international teams including how to build trust and collaboration across various cultures, time zones and technological settings. Importantly in an international project management environment, you will learn how to design communication channels and project structures effectively.
You will become familiar with the issues underlying the problem of corruption, which is the abuse of trusted power for private gain. Reducing the risk of corruption strengthens a company’s reputation, builds the respect of employees and raises credibility with key stakeholders. Finally, you will learn how the adoption of collaboration tools can enhance the international project experience. The programme is designed to teach you how to successfully deliver projects in an international environment.
To accelerate your learning, you will be exposed to theories and principles relating to financial and contractual management, leading teams including those that are geographically diverse, strategic leadership and the management of change, risk and opportunities. You will also be exposed to the fundamental concepts, principles of leadership theory, contractual arrangements, budgeting and forecasting and business case analysis.
How will I be taught and assessed?
- Teaching is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars and workshops totalling around 10 hours per week
- You’re expected to engage in independent study, around 28 hours per week
- Assessment is 100% coursework including critical report writing, practical exercises and research project work.
- Taught by experienced lecturers and academics who use their industry experience to demonstrate how theories translate into real-life situations.
- Technology-enhanced learning is embedded throughout the course to guide your preparation for seminars and independent research
- Benefit from weekly academic support sessions designed to build your ability and confidence as an academic learner
- You will be assigned a guidance tutor at induction who you will meet with regularly during your studies
Career and further study
This course will open up opportunities in project management roles in many industries. Past Northumbria University graduates have gone on to work for multinational companies such as BAE Systems, Volvo Car Group, NHS, Siemens, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Shell and Virgin Money. Job roles have included project managers, programme managers, project portfolio managers, management consultants, business developers, entrepreneurs, quality managers and directors.
This programme is also available as MSc International Project Management with Advanced Practice which includes an internship or project.
Upon successfully completing your course, you may undertake further professional development and training through Professional Pathways programmes. These are offered to our graduates for free, from our partner, QA. Find out more about Professional Pathways and your eligibility.
My name is Kavisha Prince Anthony, and I always had a dream of studying abroad. Thankfully, that dream came to life since I applied to the Study Advisor. I was able to receive my visa within four days. I also had some visa refusals in the past; I had about six UK visa refusals in the past, but thankfully, it was not an issue since the Study Advisor was able to make things work this time. I highly recommend Study Advisor for your dreams of going abroad, whether it be the UK or any other European country there is.