MSc Project Management

Designed to meet the growing demand for project management expertise, this programme empowers ambitious project leaders with the skills and knowledge to excel in dynamic organisational settings. Covering project management principles and methodologies, the curriculum ensures you are well-equipped to navigate contemporary project environments with confidence. By combining theory with practical application, you will develop competencies in communication, strategic planning, risk mitigation, and team leadership. Whether you are a seasoned professional seeking career advancement or a recent graduate passionate about project management, our MSc programme offers a transformative educational journey tailored to your career goals.

Locations: Aberdeen, Edinburgh
Study mode:
Start date: September 2025
Duration: 1 years
Agency code: IPM1

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Course Overview

The MSc Project Management provides a comprehensive education in managing complex projects across various industries. You'll master essential project management skills, including planning, execution, risk management, and strategic leadership. The curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, focusing on real-world scenarios and case studies to develop effective project management strategies.

Key topics include resource allocation, budget management, and stakeholder communication. The programme also emphasises adaptive leadership and problem-solving techniques to address project challenges. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to lead successful projects and drive organisational success with confidence and expertise.

Please note: This course is subject to validation

Additional Information

: You can apply for this course using the apply now button located at the top and bottom of this page. Detailed information on how to apply can be found on our applications instructions page.

International students can also speak with a local authorised agent in their country who can assist you in applying for this course. Find your local agent by visiting our SRUC in your country page.
: This postgraduate degree is suitable for graduates who have completed a bachelor’s degree in any subject.

Specific academic and English language requirements may apply for international students. For country-specific details, please see our dedicated international entry criteria page.
: Take a look around the SRUC Virtual Experience for lots of great student videos and examples of what it’s like to study our courses, along with campus and facility tours.
: SRUC holds open days regularly. Visit our listings page for details of our up-coming events.
: Scotland has so much to offer, it’s no wonder that each year thousands of students from across the globe make it their number one choice for their study destination.

Learn more about studying at SRUC in Scotland
: SRUC offers a choice of campus locations and accommodation options. Learn more about each campus, including its facilities and accommodation options, by visiting our campus pages.
: Phone:

From inside the UK: 0800 269 453
British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact us through an interpreter via Contact Scotland BSL

From outside the UK: +44 (0) 131 535 4000

Email:

Scottish, Irish, and UK students: study@sruc.ac.uk

International students: internationalstudents@sruc.ac.uk

Online:

All prospective students are welcome to contact us by filling in our online enquiry form
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What you'll learn

Project Planning: Develop Comprehensive Project Plans, including scope, objectives, timelines, and resource allocation, to effectively guide project execution and ensure alignment with organisational goals.
Risk Management: Identify, analyse, and mitigate potential risks throughout the project lifecycle, using established methodologies to manage uncertainties and ensure project stability.
Advanced Project Management: Employ a range of project management software and tools to streamline project processes, track progress, and facilitate communication among team members.
Leadership and Team Management: Develop the skills to lead and motivate project teams, resolve conflicts, and manage stakeholder expectations to ensure collaborative and successful project outcomes.
Performance Analysis: Evaluate project performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics, and apply continuous improvement techniques to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Ethical and Sustainability Practices: Incorporate ethical considerations and sustainability practices into project planning and execution, addressing social and environmental impacts to support responsible project management.

Core modules

: This non-credit bearing Leadership Programme is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective leadership in today's dynamic business environment. Through a blend of theoretical insights and practical exercises, you will explore key leadership concepts, strategies, and styles. The module emphasises personal development, ethical decision-making, and effective communication. You will engage in team-building activities, case studies, and real-world projects to enhance you leadership capabilities. By the end of the programme, you will be well-prepared to lead diverse teams, drive organisational change, and navigate complex challenges with confidence and integrity.
: This module prepares you to navigate the complexities of marketing in an ethical and socially responsible manner, covering essential marketing principles while emphasising the importance of sustainability, consumer well-being, and ethical decision-making. You will analyse case studies, engage in discussions on contemporary issues, and develop strategies that balance profitability with social responsibility. Through practical projects and real-world scenarios, you will learn to create marketing campaigns that are both effective and ethical. By the end of the module, you will have the skills to implement marketing practices that foster trust, transparency, and long-term success.
: This module equips you with the skills and knowledge necessary to develop and implement effective business and financial strategies. Covering core topics such as budgeting, financial forecasting, risk management, and strategic planning, this course emphasises practical application and real-world scenarios. You will learn to analyse financial statements, create comprehensive business plans, and make informed decisions to drive organisational growth. Through case studies and hands-on projects, you’ll gain a thorough understanding of how to align financial planning with business objectives and craft robust financial strategies for sustainable success.
: This module delves into the dynamics of how individuals and groups interact within organisations. We'll explore key concepts such as motivation, leadership, team dynamics, communication, and organisational culture. You'll examine theoretical frameworks and apply them to real-world situations to understand and improve workplace behaviour. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and practical projects, you'll develop the skills to analyse and influence organisational practices. By the end of the module, you'll be equipped to foster positive organisational environments, enhance employee performance, and lead effectively in diverse and complex settings.
: The Operations and Project Management module offers a comprehensive approach to managing both operational processes and projects within organisations. We'll cover key concepts such as process optimisation, quality management, and resource allocation, alongside essential project management skills like planning, execution, and monitoring. You'll explore strategies for enhancing operational efficiency and aligning project goals with organisational objectives. Through practical case studies, simulations, and hands-on projects, you'll develop the ability to streamline operations while effectively managing projects from start to finish. By integrating operational excellence with project management principles, you'll be well-prepared to drive success in dynamic business environments.
: This module offers an in-depth exploration of strategic planning and governance frameworks essential for successful project management. We will cover the development and implementation of effective project strategies, including alignment with organisational objectives, stakeholder management, and risk assessment. You'll learn to design robust governance structures that ensure accountability, compliance, and efficient decision-making throughout the project lifecycle. Through case studies, practical exercises, and real-world scenarios, you'll develop the skills to create and manage strategic project plans and governance policies. By the end of the module, you'll be equipped to lead projects with a strategic vision and strong oversight.
: This module delivers the essential skills for designing, conducting, and analysing research in a business context. Covering both qualitative and quantitative techniques, this course provides a comprehensive understanding of research methodologies, data collection, and analysis. You will learn to formulate research questions, select appropriate methods, and interpret results to make informed decisions. Through hands-on projects and case studies, you’ll develop practical experience in applying research methods to solve real-world business problems.
: The MSc concludes with an opportunity to undertake an in-depth investigative or research project on a topic closely related to the programme. You'll collaborate with a Project Supervisor to choose a relevant research topic. Throughout the project, you'll critically evaluate and present novel information, demonstrating your ability to synthesise and interpret complex data. This project will build on the knowledge and skills you've acquired during the programme, fostering your ability to conduct independent research and contribute original insights to your field of study.

Student experience

When Carolina Berman decided to take the plunge and move to Scotland to study Applied Animal Science at SRUC she knew without doubt that she wanted to work in the animal industry for the rest of her life. Born in Argentina to parents in the professional horse-riding industry, Carolina grew up in the countryside surrounded by animals and spent much of her free time attending horse riding events.

At the age of 17 she moved to Switzerland and undertook volunteer work on farms. She learnt the habits of wild goats in Spain, before moving on to work at an Equestrian centre in Ireland.

Carolina wanted to study with SRUC because the course had a strong practical element involving genetic laboratory work. But it was the family feeling at SRUC that really sticks in her mind: "All the lecturers know your name, you form close friendship bonds with people I am still connected with now. It was a very enjoyable place to be a student."

Highlights of her time at SRUC include the ten-day field excursion to the Scottish Highlands where she was able to sample haggis, visit various farms and examine good animal welfare practices, something which she states is an issue in Argentina: "Animal welfare is not good in Argentina; it is well structured here in Scotland, animals are looked after properly and humanely."

Carolina also speaks highly of her teachers at SRUC, in particular her 4th year Supervisor Tom McEvoy who she described as “so helpful, going above and beyond to assist students”. Tom helped her choose her honours topic, looking at milk production in cattle (factors influencing conception rates and performance of high-yielding dairy herds on a local and global scale).

Carolina is currently working as a Radiochemical Controller at Charles River Laboratories, in a team evaluating the safety of new pharmaceutical drugs and has ambitions to progress into research.

Graduate employability
91% of our graduates are in work or full-time employment within six months of graduation (DLHE survey 2023)

Research excellence
The research power of Agriculture, Food and Veterinary Sciences at SRUC and the University of Edinburgh is ranked No.1 in the UK based on the quality and breadth of work (REF2021)

Global impact
SRUC is ranked in the top 200 in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

"All the lecturers know your name, you form close friendship bonds with people I am still connected with now. It was a very enjoyable place to be a student."

Carolina Berman, BSc (Hons) Applied Animal Science

Meet the lecturer

Bill Mackay

Senior Lecturer

Before becoming a lecturer, Bill’s career was in management, working with three multinational PLCs and three regional private limited companies, working in Glasgow, Edinburgh and London, including being an Operations Manager and Marketing Director. He then switched to an academic career in 2005 starting at Langside College lecturing mostly in financial management, business planning and marketing before joining SRUC in 2008.

"My style of teaching is experiential. I like to use a variety of activities in the classroom including games and simulations. My lecturing style suits active learners with a focus on visits to real rural businesses and taking those experiences back into the classroom. I’m lucky in that I work with terrific students and excellent colleagues.

SRUC is about creating and mobilising knowledge and talent to benefit Scotland’s natural economy. That is something that I buy into and take satisfaction from contributing to."

View Bill's Pure profile

Rachael Stark

Senior Lecturer

Rachael graduated from Robert Gordon University with a degree in Publishing where she particularly focussed on marketing during her work placement. Prior to SRUC, Rachael worked in marketing roles across various different industries including oil and gas, and as Faculty Marketing Officer for a Higher Education institution.

Rachael joined SRUC’s commercial arm (SAC Consulting) as Marketing Co-ordinator in 2012 and that’s where the interest in becoming a lecturer began and so joined the education arm of the organisation in 2015.

Rachael says: “The most rewarding thing in the world is attending graduation day and watching students who enrolled as nervous, shy first years accept their awards as the confident, accomplished professionals that they have matured into.”

“I am passionate about dynamic marketing and branding – I enjoy trying to understand consumer behaviour and what makes people tick. My teaching style involves using lots of case studies and examples to contextualise theory and to stimulate interactive debate. My most popular lecture involved analysing (and tasting) a variety of chocolate brands!”

Fiona Malone

Senior Lecturer

Fiona graduated with a degree in commerce and accounting from Edinburgh University before working in the health service. After a role involving training new recruits, she then moved into education, completing a post graduate certificate in education at Strathclyde University. Before joining SRUC 12 years ago, she taught at Napier University and Edinburgh College while also delivering the teacher training and assessor courses for internal staff and writing many study packages for students and staff across Scotland.

Fiona developed an interest in delivering not only the theory involved in management but the practical application to specific contexts and moved into delivering commercial courses, vocational qualifications and professional training to a wide range of Scottish financial institutions including Baillie Gifford, Scottish Widows and Standard Life.

Fiona says “Over the years I developed an interest into teaching methods and learning styles which is reflected in my approach to teaching – making sometimes complex subjects as simple as possible. I am particularly focussed on the financial and business development subjects and teach in such a way that students gain the confidence to tackle subjects (like maths!) that they might have struggled with at school. I love seeing how students’ progress through their years with us and evolve into the successful graduates who can make a real contribution to the rural economy”.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for this course:

Scottish students: £9,700
RUK students: £11,300
International students: £19,000

More detailed information about these fees can be found on our higher education fees page.

Funding available:

Scottish students: you may be eligible to apply for a tuition fee loan through SAAS. Learn more
RUK students: you may be eligible to have your tuition fees paid as part of a bursary through your local government department. Learn more
International students: you may be eligible for international student scholarships through SRUC. Learn more

Enterprise Academy for the Rural & Natural Economy

Our Enterprise Academy was established to champion sustainable thinking and entrepreneurial action across education, business and research at SRUC and in our wider communities.