What Will I Learn on a Master’s
in Project Management?

See also: Learning Styles

Are you looking to expand your knowledge and move into another sector? Have you considered a project management degree? A master’s degree in project management can open many doors for you, allowing you to step into an exciting new role where your projects could make a difference.

But what will you learn on a master’s in project management course, we hear you ask? Let our brief guide outline the learning goals and units included on the course so you can see if it is the right option for you.

What Is a Master’s in Project Management?

A master’s degree in project management is a postgraduate course that provides you with the knowledge and skills to manage projects across various sectors. You will learn about project management principles and practice across the not-for-profit, government, and commercial sectors.

Through the course, you will gain and develop in-demand skills that help you become a capable leader. As a project manager, you will find yourself in situations where you must promote ethical stakeholder engagement, solve complex problems, and create value for organisations - all skills the course can help you develop.

Once you have completed the course, you will be able to design, lead, and implement projects across various sectors. The course can be delivered in person, but many course providers offer an entirely online course. By studying for your master's in project management online, you can take advantage of flexible studying, lower course fees, and support when needed.

What Will I Learn on a Master’s in Project Management?

What you learn on a master of project management does vary slightly depending on the course provider, but you can expect there to be many overlapping units, ensuring that you get the information you need to thrive as a project manager. Typically, the course will have three learning outcomes, outlined below:

1. Applied Skills for Real-World Scenarios

By exploring case studies, you can apply critical thinking and develop technical skills to help you solve business problems across industries.

2. Global Knowledge to Meet Industry Demands

Through the course, you will demonstrate your skills across a global body of project management knowledge and practice, applying your learning.

3. Innovative Solutions for Contemporary Issues

As part of the course, you will also learn how to investigate contemporary project management issues, drive change, and promote sustainable practices. Most courses will ask you to showcase your learning through a capstone project.

Master’s courses in project management are usually split into twelve units. Some course providers will offer a fast-track program, where you can complete the course within nine units, but you will need to check the entry requirements for this with your course provider. The unit names will change slightly depending on the course, but you can expect to see the following titles:

Master’s in Project Management (12 Units)

  1. Agile projects
  2. Data driven managerial decisions
  3. Managing project scope and stakeholders
  4. Managing change
  5. Managing people and organisations
  6. Project risk and quality
  7. Project cost management
  8. Project scheduling and control
  9. Program management
  10. Project leadership
  11. Project integration and procurement management
  12. Project management capstone

Master’s in Project Management (Fast-Track)

  1. Agile projects
  2. Data driven managerial decisions
  3. Managing change
  4. Managing people and organisations
  5. Project cost management
  6. Program management
  7. Project leadership
  8. Project integration and procurement management
  9. Project management capstone

You should reach out to your course provider directly for a list of their units and the content covered to ensure the course is the right option for you.

What Skills Do I Need for a Master’s in Project Management?

A master’s degree in project management requires a mixture of soft and hard skills that not only allow you to complete the course but excel in a project management role. The following skills are needed for the course but don't worry if you don’t have them yet. The course will allow you to develop and enhance these skills, helping you to become the best project manager you can be:

Soft Skills

  1. Communication - where you need to actively listen, communicate clearly, and report progress to others in your team
  2. Time management - where you must manage your time across your units, preparing you for work where you will need to create schedules, delegate work, and prioritise tasks
  3. Problem solving - where you will identify problems, analyse them, and find the right solution
  4. Leadership - will be developed on the course to help you prepare to motivate others and manage a team
  5. Risk management - will be developed throughout the course as you learn how to identify potential risks and develop plans to solve them
  6. Adaptability - where you need to adjust to changes quickly

Hard Skills

  1. Technical knowledge - where you will learn about the software used and project management methodologies
  2. Planning - where you will create schedules, timelines, budgeting, and track progress
  3. Scheduling - considering resource availability, the complexity of tasks, and any possible delays

When you apply for your master's in project management, check the admissions page to see if there is specific information about the skills that you need. Most course providers will list a few skills they expect you to possess and what skills you can look to develop and gain from the course, helping you decide if it's the right course for you.

What Can I Do with a Master’s Degree in Project Management?

After completing your master’s in project management, there are many careers you can move into. You will have the skills and knowledge to work across a wide range of sectors, helping to address business concerns, plan and execute projects, and use data to make important decisions.

The following roles are usually available to graduates with a master’s in project management:

  1. Project coordinator, planner, or scheduler
  2. Program management office executive
  3. Program manager or director
  4. Chief project officer
  5. Senior project engineer
  6. Senior project manager
  7. Engineering project manager
  8. Project manager

Depending on your role and company, you could make between $100,000 and $160,000 a year.

Find your Project Management Course Today

Whether you want to gain new skills, move into project management roles, or progress in your current career, a project manager course could be the perfect option for you. There are many online and in-person courses for you to choose from, helping you find the right option that suits your goals and schedule.


About the Author


Jessica Williams is an avid writer who is passionate about creating lifestyle, education, health and beauty content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her on adventures with her dog or cozying up with a book.

TOP