MBA (Strategic Project Management) MBA



Develop your managerial skills and gain the necessary expertise needed to take on the challenge of senior project management roles.

Overview

The Edinburgh Napier MBA (Strategic Project Management) appeals to people with a wide range of backgrounds and experience; be they recent graduates or business professionals with perhaps many years’ experience, or specialist managers who are looking for a formal qualification to consolidate their experiential knowledge. It has equal relevance to those in the public, private and third sectors.

Typical entry points to this course are in January and September. Please enquire for more information.

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Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

2 years

Start date:

SepJan

Course details

This programme will develop students’ personal and professional skills of independent thinking, critical analysis and reflective learning, proving you are able to operate in today’s rapidly changing global landscape and have the ability to solve problems at a strategic level.

In recent years, Edinburgh Napier MBA students have come from all sectors including professionals from health, social care, engineering, police, business consultants and those who have decided to take a career break or who wish to change career direction. In The MBA (Strategic Project Management) you will study organisations, focusing in particular on the role of leaders and managers in determining the organisation’s mission, vision and strategic direction.

You will develop critical reflection and engagement skills to understand, apply and challenge the relevance of academic theories in a rapidly changing business  context.

You will to widen your perspective beyond the limitations imposed by your own experience and develop insights, critical thinking and the management skills necessary to function effectively in a management role.

You will enhance your interpersonal, cross-cultural, and complex problem-solving skills, enabling you to work more effectively with key stakeholders.

You will develop your knowledge and skills across specialist routes congruent with your career and professional development plans and goals.

You will apply subject specific knowledge to a range of practical problems in line with organisations overall strategic objectives.

How will my degree reflect sustainability and sustainable development?

The Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) – established under the UN Global Compact – places a clear onus on Higher Education to ‘transform management education and develop the responsible decision-makers of tomorrow to advance sustainable development’. The Business School is a PRME signatory, and we seek to influence professional practice and policy nationally and internationally, helping to drive key societal, economic and environmental impacts.

Our mission is ‘to empower communities to apply business knowledge for positive societal impact’ and we work constantly to embed practical actions into our curriculum, to promote sustainability and relate these to the key ideas of sustainability, as reflected in the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes now reflect one or more of the SDG, and our research is targeted to solve real world problems, mapped against the criteria used in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Ranking. 

The most recent annual league table for Sustainability - compiled by People & Planet, the UK’s largest student campaigning network - again places Edinburgh Napier in a top 3 position among Scotland’s 19 universities. This reflects their assessment of our performance across a range of environmental and ethical considerations, which include carbon reduction and management, and education.

What is distinct about equality, diversity and inclusion?

Edinburgh Napier University is enriched by the diversity of perspectives, cultures and backgrounds brought by all within our global community. We are committed to a positive environment where diversity and inclusiveness is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly regardless of sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, disability, age, ethnic origin, religion or belief, marital or civil partnership status or whether pregnant or on maternity leave. We commit ourselves to providing a learning, working and social environment that is free from discrimination, prejudice, intimidation, stigmatisation and all forms of harassment and bullying.

The Business School's vision: 'To be the Business School for empowerment, enterprise and employability for all'.

Our mission statement: 'Empowering our communities to apply business knowledge for positive societal impact'.

What you'll study

You will study eight compulsory taught modules, including Management & Organisational Change, Leading Strategic Decision Making, and Project Risk Management to qualify for this award. Each module is equivalent to 200 hours of learning. You will also undertake personal research and complete a final project in the field of engineering management.

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    How you’ll be taught

     There will be active student participation, using student-led seminars & discussion groups, tutor-led discussion and debate, guided reading and independent research of library and internet resources. The relevance of study will be shown through work-based assignments and projects, guest speakers, topical case studies, and assignment topics. Finally, independent learning will be encouraged with significant emphasis on student research / seminars / small group work rather than didactic approach.
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    Facilities

     You will have access to the wide range of university equipment and IT facilities, including personal email accounts and Moodle.

Modules

Modules that you will study* as part of this course

Global Business Economics and Finance ( SOE11144 )

The large majority of businesses today operate in a variety of economic environments and their leaders must make economic decisions taking into account market specific information. This module covers the most essential analytical tools required for economic decision making such as: the concepts of economic systems, profit and utility maximisation, demand elasticity, market equilibrium, market structures, macroeconomic objectives, government policies? (monetary, fiscal and trade policies) tools and their impact on businesses etc.Businesses also require funding from shareholders and lenders at the outset and subsequently need to profits and positive cash flows for investment. They are in competition with other businesses for funding, just as much as they are competition for labour and market share. On this course, you will learn to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages to the business of a range of sources of finance. You will also learn how managers report on the financial affairs and financial position of the business and how financial reports can be analysed to evaluate business performance.

Further information

Global Logistics and Supply Chains ( SOE11147 )

This module applies key concepts of logistics and supply chain management to provide you with an understanding of the strategic and operational roles of logistics in the global business environment.
Emphasis is placed on global and pan-European systems for materials sourcing and product distribution, to enable you to learn how businesses configure their supply chains to compete in today’s major trading blocs. Early topics identify key issues in global logistics and contrast international and domestic logistics systems. Subsequent topics explore the main components of global supply chains and the
logistics activities involved in their management.
The module begins with an introduction to the characteristics of global logistics and a discussion of the role of logistics in international business. The module then covers the development of international trade, regional trading blocs and the logistics implications. The rise of global marketing and global logistics is then addressed in the context of the international business environment, requiring the management and operation of inbound supplies and sourcing, manufacturing, global distribution channels, international
transport and international order management. Contemporary issues arising out of the former that will be explored in the latter part of the module include the rise of e-logistics and new developments and organisational issues in developing European and global logistics systems.

Further information

Leading Strategic Decision-Making ( HRM11120 )

- Leading Strategic Decision Making covers a range of topics that address and explore contemporary approaches to leadership, innovation, and strategic decision-making processes, in business organisations. You will have the opportunity to learn and explore the role of leaders in encouraging and inspiring creativity in organisations. As corporations seek to increase and stimulate creativity and innovation across all their hierarchical levels, this module focuses on factors and processes that enable leadership and strategic thinking to generate transformational change. - You will learn how organisations can efficiently and effectively harness the resources and the variety of creative talents available within their structures and systems to attain their goals. This module will also give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge and deepen your understanding of the role and importance of strategy, decision making and leadership processes in supporting creativity and innovation. - This module includes relevant theoretical models to examine more closely the role that leaders play in setting the strategic directions of their organisations. You will explore leadership processes and critically analyse how leadership fosters creativity and innovation. Both the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ aspects of leadership are explored in this module, which also gives you the opportunity to critically consider how leaders interact with their followers and promote a culture of innovation in organisations.

Further information

MBA Capstone Project ( SOE11149 )

The Capstone Project provides you with the opportunity to apply the understanding, knowledge, analytical and conceptual tools and personal skills gained from the taught courses to an in-depth study of a selected company. It consolidates the learning, knowledge and skills that you have already taken place as well as developing your capability to undertake inductive or deductive case study analyses. It can thus be seen as the culmination of the entire MBA programme.
In groups, you will select a company and deploy the knowledge background acquired during your studies in a specialist area of business and management to conduct your research. Common specialisms are: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)/sustainability, entrepreneurship, HRM, innovation, leadership, marketing, operations management/supply chains and strategy. The Capstone Project enables you to put into practice theories and concepts learned on the MBA programme and provides an opportunity to study a particular company and management specialism in detail.

Further information

MBA Employability Skills ( TBS11107 )

This is a shell module for timetabling purposes

Further information

MBA Support Classes ( LNGEAP11 )

N/A

Further information

Management Research ( SOE11148 )

Case studies are increasingly being used in many areas of business and management, and it is widely recognised that case research can be powerful in developing, modifying and extending theory in both exploratory and explanatory research designs. However, there can be misunderstanding of the methodological underpinnings of research using case studies. Different methodological perspectives can use case studies in quite different ways. For example, the role of case studies in positivist research is quite different to their use by interpretive researchers.

This module focuses on the methodological underpinnings of case study research and the roles of case studies in different methodological traditions within the diverse fields of business and management. Examples will be provided of both quantitative and qualitative case studies. Categorisations of different methodological bases of case studies will be discussed, and the use of theory in case study research will be explored. In addition, the module will cover the characteristics of good case research design and ways of constructing 'convincing' case studies. The importance and sources of appropriate secondary data in which to provide context to case studies will be emphasised. You will be required to analyse and critique a quantitative or qualitative database of your choice.

Further information

Management and Organisational Change ( HRM11117 )

The material covered in the module relates to two broad areas of study: the examination of organisational behaviour, including attitudes, perception, motivation, groups, teams and leadership; and understanding managerial processes, and the development of skills important in the management of people and processes - such as corporate social responsibility. Change management is increasingly important and therefore you will examine the topic by looking at both incremental and transformational change, and the importance of power, politics and conflict.

Focusing on the behaviour of people in a work environment the module places an emphasis on understanding the vital role and importance of people in the change management process. You will develop an understanding of the dynamics of working organisations in a rapidly evolving business environment, specifically the significance of organisational culture. This in turn develops your ability to plan and carry forward sustainable system-wide change programmes.

Further information

Principles and Practice of Marketing ( MKT11108 )

The module is essential to anyone wanting to work in business and / or marketing. Throughout the module we will analyse the principles and practices of marketing with a focus on their practical application.
The module covers:
1. Marketing environment
2. Marketing Strategy and objective setting
3. Marketing communications
4. Understanding Products
5. Pricing strategies
6. Logistics and distribution
7. Services marketing
8. Sustainability
9. Planning and control.
By studying Principles and Practices of Marketing you will learn how to make marketing decisions across an organisation, and how to devise and implement a marketing plan for a product / service of your choice.


Further information

Principles and Practice of Project Management ( SOE11150 )

The module involves the application of the core knowledge of project management to ensure the successful delivery of projects outcomes. The aim of the module is to equip you with the essential skills, processes and tools to plan, monitor, track and manage schedules, resources, costs and quality. It orchestrates the environment in which you can analyse and execute successful projects in the most professional manner, while benefitting from a repertoire of competencies such as critical thinking, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, conflict-resolution, negotiation, leadership and strategic thinking. In this module, you will have the opportunity to scope and manage real-life projects within an assigned time and budget through a particular project life cycle. You will further develop your collaborative skills by being part of a project team and build your Project Management skills needed to deliver and manage projects effectively in the modern world. The focus is on project planning; scope; time and cost management; stakeholder and communication management; human resource management; risk management; quality and procurement management; integration and project closure. The module also entails the use of a contemporary project management software package, and aids students demonstrate the concepts, skills, tools and techniques involved in Project Management.

Further information

Strategic Project Risk Management ( SOE11151 )

The module covers the area of risk management in the project context and is designed to develop students? managerial skills and necessary expertise in project risk management principles and practice. The focus is on the importance of project risk management and the need for project managers to plan ahead with respect to this, at the strategic decision level. The module also assists in developing your knowledge on essential risk management theory and concepts such as project risk identification, assessment, monitoring and control, to enhance your managerial, practical, critical and analytical skills as applicable to project environments. You will learn to apply theory and practice, and how to critically evaluate project success and failure using strategic tools designed for project risk management, including qualitative and quantitative risk analysis techniques. This includes case studies analysis used alongside the practical application to analyse and evaluate the steps to reduce risks at the strategic decision level. Crucially, you will also be able to ensure your organisation complies with quality, corporate social responsibility and corporate governance, sustainability, and ethical standards.

Further information

* These are indicative only and reflect the course structure in the current academic year. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for MBA (Strategic Project Management)?

The entry requirement for this course is a Bachelor (Honours) Degree at 2:2 or above. In addition, applicants must have two years' professional work experience.  We look for applicants to have a background in any discipline in order to be eligible for the programme. 

Applications need to be supported with a personal statement detailing the reasons for choosing the particular specialism.

We may also consider lesser qualifications if you have sufficient professional work experience within the industry.

Can I get admission into MBA (Strategic Project Management) based on my working experience in this sector?

This course has academic entry requirements which are assessed alongside relevant work experience. Full details of any relevant work experience, including references should be submitted with your application and may be considered for entry where the minimum academic entry requirements are below those required.

Usually, unrelated work experience is not considered sufficient for entry without meeting the minimum academic entry requirements. Please contact us with your specific circumstances by submitting an enquiry form above and we will be happy to discuss your options.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the postgraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

 

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English, or your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English (within two years of starting your postgraduate course). Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2023/24 2024/25
Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £8,305 £8,720
Overseas and EU £10,260 £11,290
You study this course over two academic years, fees listed are per annum.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Please note:

The discount for Edinburgh Napier alumni can only be applied to year one of a full-time Postgraduate degree, any additional years are exempt from the discount.

For part time Postgraduate degrees the discount will apply to years one, two and three only and any additional years will be exempt from the discount.

Please read our full T&C here

Careers

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On successful completion of this programme you will have the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills to gain postgraduate-level employment in a senior management/leadership role within strategic project management, in the global business environment. Alternatively, you will be eligible to progress to doctoral-level study at the University or to seek entry to doctoral-level study at another higher education institution.

The MBA (Strategic Project Management) Programme is designed to offer students a general management education with the ability to specialise in strategic project management.

Students on the Programme have used it to either consolidate their knowledge and progress in their organisational/industry career ladder, or have used it as an opportunity to change career.


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