BSc (Hons) Project Management

Course Overview

Project management is used in sectors including engineering, technology, education, healthcare, events management, community and environmental programmes, as well as tourism and many more creative and service industries. This means your degree in project management from Arden will provide you with the skills and knowledge to enter the industry of your choice, with the ability to make an immediate impact on the design, deployment, and success of a wide range of projects. On the course you’ll study contemporary subjects and themes which will demonstrate to employers that you possess broad knowledge in the latest project management concepts. And, as modern projects are becoming increasingly dynamic and challenging, your studies will have a digital-first focus, giving you the knowledge and critical understanding of business solutions to deliver real impact in the workplace.

The hard truth in the project management sector is, only 22% of projects fully meet their original objectives according to a recent Association of Project Management survey. Conversely, in the same study, 87% of businesses rated competent project teams as being critical to success. This means there is an enormous skills gap in the project management sector currently, which your degree studies, guided by our dedicated team at Arden’s School of Project Management, will help you fill. 

This degree is accredited by the Association of Project Management (APM), which tells employers that your knowledge meets latest standards of the project management industry, helping to enhance your future career options.

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn’t a clear pathway to this degree – we are more than happy to discuss your application.

What do you need to study with us?

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.

That’s why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you’ll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and our online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively. 

We’ll also support you with getting access to the design resources you need, wherever you study from, including assistance with obtaining any design software you need to successfully complete the course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the BSc (Hons) Project Management course, you must normally have:

  • Two subjects at GCE A-Level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent.

Course fee

BlendedFee
Fee Per Year£ 9,250
Distance LearningFee
Fee Per Year£ 6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

English proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or TOEFL iBT 80; or equivalent
  • Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Course details and modules

Because of our extensive industry links in project management, including with member organisations of the UK’s NOVUS Trust network, we’re able to present you with real business problems during your degree. This will allow you to develop a thorough and in-depth understanding of the industry and the real-world challenges you’ll face in your future career. Importantly, you’ll find that the course takes a systematic view to developing your knowledge in project management, with each module building on the skills gained in the previous one, and with interconnected content that helps you accumulate new abilities in a logical sequence.

How do we assess you? 

Assessments

Unlike on more traditional degree courses, you won’t be sitting any exams on this course. Assessments on our bachelor’s in project management have been designed to help you apply your learning to real-world scenarios. This means you’ll have the opportunity to align your studies to how you’ll help transform your future employer’s project management functions once you have completed the course. 

Industry led assessment

You’ll have the opportunity to apply knowledge and theories explored in the modules and produce assessments that focus on real business situations, such as implementation of a live case study, a project plan, or building project strategies to demonstrate the high levels of practical, critical, and diagnostic thinking skills. 

Final Project

The BSc (Hons) Project Management concludes with an independent study assessment which forms your Final Project module. Here you’ll have the opportunity to work on a live topic provided by one of Arden University’s industry network partners – presenting your findings and solutions to a project management scenario to a real-world organisation. This will give you highly advantageous networking opportunities alongside assessment, as you’ll be able to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers even before you graduate. 

PMQ Qualification and Chartered Project Professional (CHPP) status

As part of your degree studies, you’ll also undertake the internationally recognised PMQ Qualification. Furthermore, the School of Project Management are in the process of gaining APM Recognised Assessments for the Chartered Project Professional (CHPP). This means that once you’ve successfully passed the CHPP assessments, you’ll be eligible to apply for CHPP status. Having these assessments automatically recognised as part of your studies makes your degree at Arden University unique, as to date no other university in the world has achieved this prestigious CHPP alignment as part of an undergraduate degree programme. 

Modules

You have 3-9 years to complete this course, which means you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of our students, however, aim to complete the course within 3 to 6 years.

Level 4

  • Business Research Methods and Analysis (20 credits)
  • Business Consulting (20 credits)
  • Principles of Procurement, Financial Control and Contract Management (20 credits)
  • Governance in a Global Business Environment (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Project Management (20 credits)
  • Elective: Digital skills & professional development (20 credits)
  • Elective:  Technology and Innovation (20 credits)

Level 5

  • Advanced Project Management (20 credits)
  • Project Justification (20 credits)
  • Project Planning (20 credits)
  • Agile and Hybrid Project Management (20 credits)
  • AI and Big Data Analytics in Project Management (20 credits)
  • Elective: Operations & Supply chain management (20 credits)
  • Elective: Digital & Social Media Marketing (20 credits)

Level 6

  • Project Change and Control (20 credits)
  • Quality Management (20 credits)
  • Project Risk and Issue Management (20 credits)
  • Developing People and Capabilities (20 credits)
  • Final Project including End Point Assessment (40 credits)
 

Please note: course content and modules may vary subject to validation. 

Other assessment methods

Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning through additional assessments including:

  • Reflective analyses
  • Portfolio development
  • Work products
  • Narrated presentations
  • Risk assessments
  • Proposals for agile implementation
  • Case study reports (which can be based on real company data to examine real world problems that a company is struggling with right now – contextualise your knowledge into the real world).

Career prospects

Project management expertise is required in nearly every business and in every sector, so your future career opportunities are almost limitless. Accredited by the Association of Project Management (APM), this degree will give you the skills you need to demonstrate project management expertise, greatly enhancing your current and future career options. You’ll also be able to create valuable industry networks whilst studying this course, helped by the strong industry connections of our staff members here at Arden’s School of Project Management. Wherever you want to take your career next, your project management degree will provide you with the tools to achieve your ambitions to the fullest.

What can I do after Arden University?

You’ll find project management employment opportunities within both public and private sectors across industries such as engineering, construction, IT, events management, healthcare, retail, and transport, as well as in the charity sector, government projects, the creative industries, and many more. 

Today, organisations use project management as a way to improve and change business operations to become more efficient and effective. Successful project management is also about managing interdisciplinary teams within diverse organisational structures and across organisations. Having graduated with a complete view of all the stakeholders in any given project management situation and how success is measured, domestic and global organisations alike will appreciate and value your skills and employability assets. Wherever you want to take your career next, this course gives you the knowledge to achieve your ambitions to the fullest. With that in mind, some future roles you might want to consider include: 

  • Project assistant or co-ordinator
  • Project manager or project leader
  • Implementation or change manager
  • Project management consultant
  • Programme or portfolio manager
  • Technical project manager
  • Technical project lead
  • Business project lead
  • Project planner or risk analyst

You can also continue your studies at postgraduate level (e.g. with Arden’s MSc Project Management course), set up your own businesses, or develop into highly lucrative project management consultancy roles.

What will the BSc (Hons) Project Management do for me?

Our undergraduate course in project management has been carefully designed with your employability in mind, and specifically addresses skills gaps in the industry that have been identified by the APM and other leading organisations. You’ll learn the skills required to be an efficient, knowledgeable, and digitally savvy project manager. And, because the course focuses on the practical application of skills in the real world, you’ll graduate with the confidence to demonstrate your value to employers from your first day on the job. Some key learning outcomes from your studies will include:

  • Gaining project management knowledge as a widespread, pan-sector professional discipline
  • Appreciation traditional, iterative (agile), and hybrid approaches to delivering successful projects 
  • Acquiring high-level strategy, people, and leadership capabilities 
  • Understanding the latest software and big data to become an expert in digital project management skills
  • Gaining a critical and detailed analysis of the theory and practice relating to the role of project management within organisations.
  • Completing a detailed piece of research relating to a project management issue.  
  • Exploring sustainability and business ethics
  • Applying knowledge of project management theory and models to complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to improve business and management practice
  • Developing a variety of transferable skills suited to an extensive range of project management roles

What is Blended Learning in Arden University ?

Do you want to study for a Degree, but feel like you just don’t have the time to fit it into your life? Arden University’s  Blended Learning courses combine innovative online learning with traditional, face-to-face classes to give you a more flexible way to study.

How does it work?

The face-to-face hours are delivered as a part-time course would be, but with the additional independent online learning, you can still complete your Degree in 3 years*. This Blended approach means you can study anytime, anywhere and your tutors and support teams can be contacted outside of the classroom, online or over the phone.

When can I study?

Requiring just 8 hours of classes a week at your chosen UK study centre, you will have the opportunity to select when you want to learn: weekdays or  evenings .

  • Weekdays: 2 days per week either 9.00–13.00 or 13.30-17.30
  • Evenings**: 2 evenings per week 17.30–21.30

Where can I study?

With  Arden study centres across Birmingham, London , Manchester and Berlin, we believe we can offer a study option that suits most lifestyles.

So, whether you’re a full-time parent, striving to be employee of the month, or just don’t want the traditional study methods offered by other universities, Blended Learning at Arden University offers all the flexibility and support you need to fit study around your life.

Take a look at the courses on offer and talk to one of the Ulearn’s course advisors through our Live Chat function, or complete an enquiry form and someone will be in touch.

*4 years if taken with a foundation year.
** selected centres and courses only.

Flexible Intake Dates

At Arden University you don’t have to start your Degree in September like most other universities. We offer 6 different intakes throughout the year so you can start your course at a time that suits you and fits around your commitments.

Undergraduate Intake Dates

  • September
  • November
  • February
  • April
  • June

 How much will it cost?

We believe costs shouldn’t be a barrier to personal development which is why the cost of studying with Arden is lower than traditional universities. If you are looking for a smart, value for money option then look no further – you can stay in control of your finance and focus on your learning.

You can choose to pay for your course in full, in installments or through employer sponsorship. For UK students, you can also choose to pay with a student loan, if you’re eligible. For more information and for up-to-date fees please visit: https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location. 

Our online students study their degree through iLearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud.  iLearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

iLearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy. 

Studying online does not mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We have even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you are currently learning. 

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please find more information on our fees and funding page. If you’re a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.