MSc / PgDip / PgCert in Software Project Management

THIS PROGRAMME IS OFFERED PART-TIME, BY DISTANCE LEARNING, ONLY

The programme is studied over a 3 year period leading to a Postgraduate Master of Science Degree in Software Project Management. Fees shown are for the entire course based on studying 10 modules plus the final dissertation. Students graduating with a Postgraduate Diploma (8 modules) or Postgraduate Certificate (4 modules) will be charged pro rata.

Individual modules may be taken as standalone CPD by arrangement.

The Master of Science programme in Software Project Management is designed to engage across industry borders, teaching and exploring software project management skills and issues equally applicable to students who come from a wide range of ICT-intensive backgrounds (such as software development, information, database, and communication management, software portfolio administration, e-technology project management). While there are a wide number of technical courses focusing on ICT available worldwide, we have introduced one of the few programmes specifically focusing on the different aspects of software project management.

It is a programme devised by software professionals and industry-oriented academics to support the needs of software professionals in the wider industry sector worldwide.

The MSc is designed for those in employment so it is part-time and taught entirely by distance learning. The programme allows students to acquire extensive software project management knowledge and skills, providing excellent opportunities for new career pathways. Students learn entirely online through the University's virtual learning environment with the programme making use of the latest web-based technologies to deliver quality teaching and a professional award whilst not disrupting students' working schedules.

Due to the online learning approach there is no requirement for students to attend the University of Aberdeen. Upon registration, students will be issued with a user id and password to gain access to the material.

“I welcome the idea of this MSc from software professionals for software professionals: first-class project management practice is the way forward in the wider software sector”  - Iain Lennox, Head of Information Management, Cornerstone

Reasons to Study Software Project Management at Aberdeen

• One of the few programmes specifically focusing on the different aspects of software project management
• Is studied entirely at a distance
• Flexible- students can reduce workload or take time out according to work/home needs
• Three separate exit levels – Certificate, Diploma or MSc
• Taught by combination of academics and practising professionals
• Single modules can be taken for Continuing Professional Development purposes

Entry Requirements

A degree in an appropriate subject or such other qualifications combined with experience as may be approved for this purpose by the Programme Co-ordinator.

This programme is aimed at people actively engaged in Software Project Management in industry, and relevant experience is a pre-requisite. Applicants will be asked to provide two references from relevant employment. If academic qualifications are not to degree level there must be an appropriate level of relevant experience.

Association for Project Management

The University is a Corporate Member of the Association for Project Management (APM). For those students who already have APM qualifications, there are exemptions from up to two modules of the MSc in Software Project Management. Students on the programme are able to apply for APM student membership rates.

Programme Structure & Content

Year 1 (Certificate Stage)

• Fundamentals of Software Project Management
• Organisations and People
• Software Project Planning and Control
• Budgets & Financial Control

Year 2 (Diploma Stage)

• Managing Software Technologies
• Group Project in Software Management
• Commercial and Contractual Issues in the Software Sector
• Software Quality Assurance and Control

Year 3 (MSc Stage)

• Software Portfolio Management
• Managing Project Teams
• Individual Dissertation in Software Project Management

Assessment

Fundamentals of Software Project Management, Software Project Planning and Control and the Group Project in Software Management are assessed entirely by coursework. The remaining modules are assessed 50% through coursework and 50% by written examination. The exception is the Individual Dissertation in Software Project Management which is assessed entirely by submitted thesis.