Professional Qualifications Course Descriptor

Course Summary

This course is an intensive two-week bootcamp that will give learners the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to prepare for gaining a professional qualification in project management. Learners will typically study for an International Project Management Association (IPMA) Level D qualification or equivalent, such as the APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ). The course focuses on project management perspective, people and practice. Indicative topics include the project lifecycle, roles and responsibilities, strategic change, communication, principles of leadership, planning, project scope, scheduling, procurement, risk and quality. This instructor-led, fast paced course will consolidate and extend learning, preparing the learner to sit the professional qualification exam at the end of the bootcamp. 

Course Aims

• Consolidate and extend learners knowledge in project management principles, practice and behaviours.
• Prepare learners to sit professional qualification exams in project management.
• Give learners the opportunity to work in groups and develop their professional networks.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

Knowledge and Understanding

Subject Specific Skills

Transferable and Professional Skills

Teaching and Learning

This is a two-week bootcamp. 

This course can be offered as a standalone short course.

Teaching and learning strategies for this course will include: 

• Lectures
• Informal discussion groups
• Practical sessions
• Assessment

Course information and supplementary materials will be available on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).

Learners are required to attend and participate in all the formal and timetabled sessions for this course. Learners are also expected to manage their self-directed learning and independent study in support of the course.

The course learning and teaching hours will be structured as follows:

• Off-the-job learning and teaching (10 days x 7 hours) = 70 hours
• On-the-job learning (15 days x 7 hours) = 105 hours
• Private study = 25 hours

Total = 200 hours

Apprentices will complete workplace activities before the bootcamp, as part of their on-the-job learning. Preliminary activities include reading and workplace research.

Workplace assignments (see below) will be completed as part of on-the-job learning.

Assessment

Formative

Learners will be formatively assessed during the course by means of set assignments. These will not count towards the final degree but will provide learners with developmental feedback. 

Summative

Feedback

Learners will receive formal feedback in a variety of ways: written (via email or VLE correspondence) and indirectly through online discussion groups. Learners will also attend a formal meeting with their Academic Mentor (and for apprentices, including their Line Manager). These bi or tri-partite reviews will monitor and evaluate the learner’s progress.  

Feedback is provided on summative assessment and is made available to the student either via email, the VLE or another appropriate method.

Indicative Reading

Note: Comprehensive and current reading lists for courses are produced annually in the Course Syllabus or other documentation provided to learners; the indicative reading list provided below is used as part of the approval/modification process only.

Books

Wilson, R. (2014). A Comprehensive Guide to Project Management Schedule and Cost Control: Methods and Models for Managing the Project Lifecycle. Pearson FT Press

Wells, K. and Kloppenborg, T.J. (2015). Project Management Essentials. New York, New Jersey : Business Expert Press

Wilson, R. (2015). Mastering Project Management Strategy and Processes: Proven Methods to Meet Organizational Goals. O’Reilly

Journals

Learners are encouraged to read material from relevant journals on project management as directed by their course leader.

Electronic Resources

Learners are encouraged to consult relevant websites on project management.

Indicative Topics

• Professional project management qualification
• Project management scenarios
• Project management principles and practice