The Graduate Certificate Project Management provides an overview of the practices and concepts of project management. It develops and caters for all project management disciplines including information technology, public sector, business, built environment, engineering, knowledge, health and energy.

This course is ideal for those who have a first degree or may not have a degree but do have at least two years work experience, The overall aim is to promote an understanding of the importance of project management and its fundamental principles, concepts and methodologies, through examining the operational, change, strategic, and commercial contexts of a diverse range of projects.

On completion of the course you will have the option to continue your studies on the MSc in Project Management.

Students will study the following modules over 9 months:

• Projects: The Operational Context
• Projects: The Change Context
• Projects: The Commercial Context
• Projects: The Strategic Context

This course is studied online through Campus Moodle, the university's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). With a flexible and supportive learning environment and a community atmosphere, Campus Moodle enables students to undertake the programme from anywhere and provides a generic infrastructure for online learning, Facilities provided include:

• discussion forums for tutorials, online meetings and conferences
• messaging service
• publishing space enabling production of a personal profile, organisation of relevant links, and links to work
• calendar of course events

Within the online modules you will have a study guide that explains the resources available, the learning approach and any special requirements or deadlines. The module is divided into learning topics. Each of these topics has a number of additional resources for the distance learner:

1. topic notes providing a commentary on the topic that replicates the lecture material;
2. annotated PowerPoint slides of the on-campus lectures;
3. where appropriate, an audio or talking head PowerPoint summary of key learning points (usually about 10−15 minutes) or complete video of the lecture (this may be broadcast live on some occasions);
4. where available, an eBook chapter or digitised reading or hyperlink to such a resource;
5. individual and group activities that are facilitated by asynchronous and synchronous communication technologies, and
6. an online support module.

The Learning Environment
As an online learner, you will be part of a 'virtual cohort', and communication and interaction among the cohort is also a significant aspect of the learning process. Online learning is learner-centred, enabling the student to become an independent open learner and take responsibility for how, where and where learning occurs

The discussion forums, group email and computer mediated communication technologies are available via CompusMoodle. The online library, annotated PowerPoint presentations, recorded lecture materials and eBook resources provide the same learning resources as to an on−campus student.  Central to the online Project Management course is the development of a learning experience responsive to individual needs which encourages the active participation of students with tutors and with each other to expand their ideas in class or via electronic forums and communications tools.  Online community groups, communication tools and discussion forums will enable students to:

• Communicate with each other and their tutors;
• Share ideas, debate issues and explore concepts;
• Reflect on the contributions of others and consider critically their own position prior to posting a response to the group;
• Participate in a few live lectures as they occur on the full-time course;
• Enhance the learning experience for all involved.

Participation in team work is an essential and compulsory component of the learning experience and an integral part of many assessments. The course applies a group−centred model of learning so that learning will be a social activity, not be static. It reflects the dynamism of learning communities which facilitate critical thinking and greater cognitive development in the discovery of new knowledge.

In addition, the online tutor engages with teams and individuals through the discussion forums, group and confidential individual email, which are the key resources to support online interaction.

You should have two years relevant industrial, commercial or professional experience or a degree in any discipline.

Candidates for whom English is not their first language must be able to demonstrate a suitable level in written and spoken English. This is normally demonstrated by providing an IELTS certificate with a score of 6.5 or the TOEFL equivalent. Full information on this can be found on English Language Requirements.

The Aberdeen Business School is recognised by The Project Management Institute (PMI) as a Global Registered Education Provider. Registered Education Providers (R.E.P.s) are organisations approved by PMI to offer project management training for Professional Development Units (PDU). Our MSc in Project Management is accredited by the Association of Project Management (APM)

All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.

All applications can be made through Apply Online.

Course Enquiries and Contact: For further course information contact Alan Hunt -

Email: a.hunt@rgu.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1224 263113