The MSc Strategic Project Management is an established and highly regarded programme at Heriot-Watt University. By undertaking the programme students are enabled to develop skills in strategic thinking, innovation, leadership, business models, best practices and the latest research in project and programme management. This Master’s degree differentiates itself from other project management programmes by providing greater emphasis on strategically managing a portfolio of projects to deliver organisational goals.

It is designed to prepare graduates to be future leaders in the global project-based environment. By developing knowledge and skills in both business strategy and project management, our graduates are unique, valuable and attractive to all types of organisations and industry sectors.

The programme has a strong focus on the strategic alignment of projects to ensure that projects deliver organisational values and benefits. This encompasses both project management as a process to deliver end products, and change management as a process of capturing the rational and emotional buy-in of those affected by change, to ensure its success.

Semester 1 (September – December)

• Strategic Project Management
• Leadership
• Business Models: Themes & Issues
• Strategic Change

Semester 2 (January – April)

• Project Management
• Research Philosophy and Practice
• Quality Management and Engineering
• Choose 1 from optional courses

Optional courses:

• Demand and Inventory Planning,
• Systems Thinking and Analysis.

Students then complete their MSc Dissertation between May and August.

Strategic Project Management

Semester 1 (mandatory)

Evaluating project success through strategic alignment and developing knowledge to translate and implement business strategy through portfolio management, programme management and projects.

Business Models

Semester 1 (mandatory)

By exploring the major themes and issues in the development of business models, an understanding of the application of business models and their role in modern strategic thinking is gained. Topics covered include business models, value propositions, quality/value arguments.

Leadership

Semester 1 (mandatory)

Understand the role of leadership in business, and specifically in commercial projects. Examines the linkages between effective & appropriate leadership and organisational strategy.

Strategic Change

Semester 1 (mandatory)

Looking at organisational change from a strategic perspective, this course differentiates between the concepts and models of change management and consider their application to a variety of situations and environments.

Project Management

Semester 2 (mandatory)

Examines monitoring and controlling projects. Develops competence in use of quantitative and qualitative project planning and control tools & techniques.

Quality Management & Engineering

Semester 2 (mandatory)

Provides in-depth understanding of the principles, concepts, tools and techniques of quality management, quality engineering and continuous improvement together with awareness of how in practice these could be integrated to design and deliver an integrated continuous improvement programme. The module also aims to introduce students how to statistically plan, design and execute industrial experiments for process understanding and improvement in both manufacturing and service environments.

Research Philosophy and Practice

Semester 2 (mandatory)

Provides an understanding of the social science research process, as well as theory and approaches to research. Develops practical skills (i.e. quantitative and qualitative techniques) in data analysis to transform the raw data into information that guides marketing management valuations.

*Information correct at time of publication and may be subject to change

A relevant first or second class Honours degree or a degree qualification, or equivalent qualification recognised by the Malaysian Government, acceptable to the University and A relevant first or second class Honours degree or a degree qualification, or equivalent qualification recognised by the Malaysian Government, acceptable to the University.

September

The programme is excellent preparation for those looking for roles that have strategic focus and defined end goals.

Our Strategic Project Management graduates have gone on to successful careers within project management roles across a variety of organisations including management consultancies; energy, construction and engineering firms; financial and banking sector firms; manufacturing and service sectors firms.

Organisations employing Heriot-Watt MSc Strategic Project Management graduates include The United Nations, Turner & Townsend, the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland.