Undergraduate course
Project Management Degree Apprenticeship BSc (Hons)
If you are a professional working within project management and want to boost your career potential, this is the course for you.
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This Project Management Degree Apprenticeship combines academic study with workplace learning. You will gain the confidence and skills you need to succeed as a project manager across a range of industries.
London campus, York campus
- UCAS code – UCAS
- Duration – 3.5 years
Course overview
This course has been designed to meet the requirements of professional project management bodies, including the Association for Project Management (APM) and the Project Management Institute (PMI). Develop your expertise using project management tools and techniques, as well as building essential skills in communication and leadership.
You will learn about the principles and practice of project management, as well as the tools and techniques needed to deliver projects. You will explore strategic and operational considerations, along with people management. Working with others from different industries and backgrounds will allow you to consider issues facing organisations from new perspectives, as you benefit from each others experience and expertise.
Our online lectures are designed to facilitate discussion and help you to develop your critical thinking skills alongside other professional competencies. You will also learn through face to face work shops and participation in active and supportive forums. You will have 24/7 on demand access to learning resources, so you can work on them whenever is best for you.
You will study for the Degree Apprenticeship over 3.5 years alongside your work-based professional development. Completing this course means you will graduate with a BSc (Hons) as well as the APM Project Management Qualification (APMQ). You will also be eligible to become a Member of Professional Association (MAPM).
Course structure
Year 1
In your first year, you will study 5 compulsory modules.
Your first year is split into 4 teaching blocks, each consisting of 10 weeks, with a 20 credit module being taught per block.
You will also undertake a skills based module worth 40 credits, which runs across the entire year.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module, we will provide you with an overview of the concepts and strategies which are central to project management. You will explore the differences between projects, programmes and portfolios. You will learn how to define and plan a project, considering the inter relationships between processes. You will evaluate various project structures, such as matrix, functional and pure, and learn to select the right methodologies and frameworks for a particular project.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Project managers are expected to ensure that their projects are delivered in an ethical and sustainable way. This means ensuring that we consider the triple bottom line in economic, environmental and social terms. On this module, you will explore the nature of business enterprise and its relationship with wider society. We will discuss the responsibilities of a project manager in supporting a sustainable approach to business, and consider how design solutions can contribute towards this objective.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
No project exists within a vacuum, and the external business environment will impact on your work as a project manager in many different ways. On this module you will learn about the major internal and external challenges facing project managers today. You will investigate enterprise environment factors and organisational process assets, and consider how these impact project delivery. By engaging in environmental analyses, you will learn about their context, opportunities and challenges, and examine how this can inform decision making at strategic and project levels.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Every project will involve various different stakeholders who each have their own needs and wants regarding the project objectives. On this module you will consider the impact of individual and group behaviours on projects. You will investigate the role of conflict management and evaluate the different management strategies available. We will discuss the importance of appropriate project communication both within project teams and with wider stakeholders. This will include considering the best channels of communication and the appropriate frequency and content of these communications.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
The Association for Project Management (APM) requires that its members carry out at least 35 hours a year of approved continuing professional development (CPD) activities. On this module you will learn to assess your own professional competencies and identify gaps in your knowledge, skills and experience which require further development. This fits into a wider focus on setting short, medium and long term career goals in line with your overall development plan. The CPD portfolio you begin to create through this module will continue to be an asset throughout your career.
Year 2
In your second year, you will study 5 compulsory modules.
This year is split into 4 teaching blocks each consisting of 10 weeks, with a 20 credit module being taught per block.
You will also undertake a skills based module worth 40 credits which runs across the entire year
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will focus on the key planning processes required for project management, including scheduling, network diagrams and critical path analysis. We will address the important role of estimation in project planning, exploring the pitfalls and risks involved. You will also consider the challenges of effective resource allocation and the importance of monitoring and controlling throughout the project life cycle. This module will focus on how to ensure the integrity of a project baseline through change control and configuration management.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Robust governance practices are essential for the successful delivery of projects. On this module you will consider the regulatory aspects which can impact on project delivery, including:
- Health and safety regulations
- Employment regulations
- Waste disposal
- ISO standards
- Other sector specific requirements.
You will also learn about about the role of the business case in providing the rationale for a project and identifying the benefits it will bring.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will learn about the process of risk management within projects. This includes investigating the psychology behind our individual approaches to risk. You will consider how risk management can highlight both threats and opportunities, and how these may impact on the objectives of a project. You will learn to differentiate between risks and hazards, evaluating potential sources of risk. Through this we will introduce you to the various tools and techniques available to help identify and analyse risk in project management.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Project managers need to make important strategic decisions about how best to use the resources available. A focus of this module is budgeting, financial decision making and control with project management. You will learn about:
- The types of cost that make up a project budget
- The process of establishing a project budget
- Using information about cost behaviour to make decisions
- How to use financial reporting tools
- Monitoring results to ensure everything is progressing according to your plans
Credits: 40
Compulsory module
On this module you will focus on developing the soft skills in communication and interpersonal skills which are required of a project manager. While the tools and techniques you will become familiar with in other modules are also essential to your work, these skills are equally important. You will explore the collaboration and influencing strategies which will help you to confidently lead a project team and engage with stakeholders. We will also discuss the importance of emotional and cultural intelligence.
Year 3
In your third year, you will study 5 compulsory modules.
This year is split into 4 teaching blocks each consisting of 10 weeks, with a 20 credit module being taught per block.
The final 40 credits are completed within a 6 month period and form the End Point Assessment (EPA). You will be supported throughout this by a supervisor.
Modules
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
On this module you will gain a detailed understanding of the key concepts and principles of leadership. You will learn how leadership can be used to promote innovation and change within organisations, and how these theories relate the particular changes of project leadership. We will approach leadership as fundamental to organisational development, exploring how the behaviour of a leader can influence both individual and organisational performance. This will include considering the challenges for projects managers who do not have line management authority and must rely on persuasion and influence.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Project managers need to have a basic understanding of contract law and the various contracting arrangements commonly used within the supply chain. On this module you will consider contract types and contracting strategy. You will learn to evaluate the appropriateness of various contracts and decide when they should be selected. We will also discuss some of the contracting issues you may face as a project manager, and how you may handle them. Through this you will learn about dispute resolution, arbitration and mediation.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
The procurement of goods and services through the supply chain is a crucial aspect of project management. It is also an area which provides opportunities to maximise benefits and efficiencies through the project. On this module we will cover the key aspects of procurement, including the pre-qualification and selection of suppliers. We will introduce you to the procurement cycle and consider the different approaches you may take. You will also learn about:
- Supplier relationship management
- Appropriate payment systems
- Sustainability and ethical considerations in supply chain management
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
Organisation strategy refers to the actions needed to achieve long term goals. This could include securing or retaining competitive advantage, accessing new markets or improving efficiency. Projects and programmes will often be designed to deliver key objectives within this wider strategy. On this module you will study the theories, models and practice of organisational strategy across a various different business sectors. You will learn about the decision making processes behind the selection of projects and programmes, and how these contribute to an organisation’s overall goals.
Credits: 0
Compulsory module
This Project Management Qualification (PMQ), is an internationally recognised qualification developed by APM, the chartered body for the project profession. You will need to demonstrate an understanding of how various different elements interact within project management. You will also need show an understanding of how your project fits into the wider strategic and commercial environment.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module represents half of the End Point Assessment which is the culmination of both your Project Management BSc (Hons) and your Project Manager Level 6 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship. You will complete a work-based project report which relates to your own working environment. This is an account of a project which you have been involved in. It should include a critical appraisal of the project, along with a review of your own achievements within it. The project should be formally agreed with both your employer and your academic supervisor.
Credits: 20
Compulsory module
This module represents half of the End Point Assessment which is the culmination of both your Project Management BSc (Hons) and your Project Manager Level 6 Integrated Degree Apprenticeship. To complete the module you will review a portfolio of artefacts which you will have gathered throughout your course. These artefacts will provide evidence of your competence in each of the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours to the standard required for a Degree Apprenticeship. You will present this to a Professional Review panel, which will be followed by an interview.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning
All of your modules will be delivered using a combination of face to face and online teaching sessions. This will include:
- Video lectures
- Interactive presentations
- Podcasts
- Online study groups
- Campus based workshops
You will be expected to commit around 1 day per week to your studies, although this will vary to suit each individual. As you work through each topic we will provide formative feedback to inform your work and help you prepare for the summative assessment.
Workplace learning
Alongside your academic study you will be learning in the workplace. This will include:
- Undertaking continuous professional development
- Observing best practice
- Taking part in mentoring sessions
- Undertaking performance reviews and building evidence of performance
This combination of theory and practice will mean that you develop a detailed understanding of all aspects of project management.
Assessment
We will help you to prepare for the assessments that contribute towards your final grades through ongoing staff, peer and self assessment.
Assessment for the IPMA Level D qualification (APM PMQ or equivalent) will be through an online examination which will be scheduled towards the end of your second year.
Career outcomes
Your future with a degree in Project Management
This course will help those already in employment to further their career. Learning the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed by project management professionals will put you in a strong position for future development. Through your study you will be able to bring new tools, techniques and solutions to your organisation.
Whatever your ambitions, we can help you get there.
Our careers service, LaunchPad provides career support tailored to your ambitions. Through this service you can access:
- Employer events
- LinkedIn, CV and cover letter sessions
- Workshops on application writing and interview skills
- Work experience and volunteering opportunities
- Personalised career advice
This support doesn't end when you graduate. You can access our expert career advice for the rest of your life. We will help you gain experience and confidence to succeed. It's your career, your way.
For employers
Develop and upskill your workforce in a cost-effective way. Increase retention by offering your employees the chance to develop and progress. There is no age limit for apprentices and you can tailor their learning to meet the goals of your business. You can also recruit and train apprentices to fill skills gaps in your organisation.
Tuition fees are paid for by a combination of you and the government.
Levy payers
Employers with a payroll of over £3 million a year are required to pay a levy to HMRC through the PAYE process. This tax will be 0.5% of their annual payroll and these funds will be used to pay for degree apprenticeships. The government will top up an employer’s levy payment by 10%, meaning for every £1 you put in you get £1.10 to spend. These levy payments will be ring fenced and held in an online account for employers to reclaim and use to purchase apprenticeship training from approved providers called the Apprenticeship Service.
Non-Levy payers
Employers with a payroll of under £3m are not required to pay the Apprenticeship Levy but can still access apprenticeship funding. This can be done through a levy transfer from a levy paying employer or through co-investment.
You could be eligible for additional funding also, depending on both your and your apprentice’s circumstances:
- If you have apprentices aged 16 to 18
- If you have apprentices aged up to 24 with a health care plan
- If you have fewer than 50 staff
- If your apprentices require Level 2 Maths and English training and learning support
Course highlights
Study without fees
Your fees will be paid for by the government and your employer.
Professional standards
Gain an APM Project Management Qualification (APMQ) alongside your degree.
Develop your career
Combine workplace learning with academic study to fully prepare you for your career in project management.
Be part of York Business School
Our industry connections mean you will have opportunities to expand your network and hear from professionals in your industry.