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“In 2020, we thoroughly reviewed our project management program, which resulted in a major curriculum update,” said Professor Federica Pazzaglia, Head of Management at UCD Smurfit School. “The focus is again on cutting-edge topics such as agility, negotiations, project sustainability and governance.”

“We have retained fundamental aspects such as project management tools and techniques, strategy and leadership of project teams, and improved the students’ practical experience through two applied projects working on real business issues.”

Professor Federica Pazzaglia, Head of the Management Department at UCD Smurfit School

The review also allowed us to better reflect key competencies that may add value for participants pursuing a career in project management or another career. These skills include leading project teams, strategic project management and stakeholder management, as well as project governance and sustainable project management.

The program also has a new Current Issues module, the content of which varies regularly to capture new and emerging developments in the field.

Combined with a focus on core technical competencies, these soft skills will provide graduates with the strategic and operational mindset required to be an effective professional in a sought-after field.

The program is offered both full-time (one year) and part-time (two years) and supports those who wish to devote a year to this degree or those who want a two-year program more in line with holding a position during the Learning.

Skills in demand

Project management is one of the three most sought-after skills in all business areas, industries and organizations worldwide. Since 2005, the UCD Smurfit School MSc in Project Management has been helping graduates enter this rewarding and well-paid profession, and the pandemic has only accelerated the need for these highly skilled professionals.

The program provides individuals with the knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to plan, develop, and execute projects to achieve specific goals within given time and cost constraints, and make graduates highly attractive in the global marketplace. With its hands-on focus and close ties to industry and nonprofits, the program is designed to provide the skills leading companies coming to UCD Smurfit School need to hunt for top talent both in Ireland and for global positions to search.

Real application

Cohorts are multinational. The class is typically made up of students from over a dozen countries who add a layer of multicultural experience to the teamwork that makes up about half of the program.

Students also experience the reality of managing projects in a wide range of organizational and industry contexts. This engagement will enhance their ability to plan, develop, and execute projects to achieve cherished goals, which will greatly enhance their careers and provide a valuable, market-relevant experience.

What the students learn here in these classes is directly and immediately implemented in work and improves their game

It is particularly relevant for participants with work experience, as the insights from the program flow directly back into their work and improve their ability to think and act effectively strategically and operationally in their specialist area.

Because of the relevance of project management knowledge and skills to a variety of employment contexts, this program is directly applicable to participants in a variety of careers.

Career advancement

“By the end of the program, nearly all students will have various jobs, promotions, or transfer to other companies,” said Assistant Professor Joe Houghton, co-founder of the UCD Smurfit School’s MSc in Project Management Program.

Professor Joe Houghton, co-founder of the MSc in Project Management Program at UCD Smurfit School

“What the students learn here in these classes is implemented directly and immediately in work and improves their game. This is noticed; from bosses, from recruiters, from other potential employers, ”continued Joe, who has been the director of the program for 15 years.

“Students are investing in a career accelerator for the Smurfit MSc in project management – we see this again and again year after year with so many of our students and graduates.”

Graduates of the MSc in Project Management are employed as project managers, business consultants and industry analysts in a number of renowned companies including Accenture, Bank of Ireland, Deloitte, PwC, Salesforce and more.

Our graduates conduct projects and programs in leading global companies as well as on their own, both in Ireland and beyond.

Alumni success

During their program, several students shared how they were promoted to the next level during the program.

Tracey Kennedy, Chief Transformation Officer at The Project Foundry

“I decided to do the MSc in PM for Professional Development after many years of actively working on projects in multinational environments,” said Tracey Kennedy. Tracey is the Chief Transformation Officer at The Project Foundry, an international project management and consulting firm serving a variety of organizations in both the public and private sectors. “Within the first six months, I was promoted to a global role in a new company.”

The revised range of modules has further developed the core strengths of the program and adapted it to the latest understanding of the topic.

“I had developed a real passion for continuous change and when I reviewed the modules and content of this course it was a perfect match for my interests,” said Tracey. “More and more companies now have to transform, change and mobilize in a constantly changing environment. The MSc in Project Management conveys and informs the students with the knowledge, skills and abilities to support companies in this change. “

I wouldn’t think twice about recommending this course

“The students on my course were a diverse group of people from different backgrounds and backgrounds, and there was a great sense of camaraderie and teamwork,” said Tracey.

“During the submission of the thesis, the additional commitment of the lecturers and the real willingness to help me achieve success was outstanding. I was given practical support that was really invaluable. “

“I wouldn’t think twice about recommending this course – the content, tutors, tools, and support are all excellent and really worthwhile to do,” concluded Tracey.

Community impact

The UCD Smurfit School experience isn’t just about great courses led by top academics and business people. Students are encouraged to develop their self-confidence, networks and connections with commerce and nonprofits through the involvement of external speakers in the classroom and also by completing assignments in collaboration with Irish companies and nonprofits.

This year, nine student teams raised over € 45,000 for 10 Irish charities and also worked with eight different companies on business plans for expansion opportunities, many of which will be implemented by the companies concerned. UCD Smurfit School MSc in PM students have raised over € 800,000 over the past 10 years through the charity assignment in their final semester of teaching.

How to apply

If you are thinking about how to start your career or are looking for a stepping stone to the next level, contact UCD Smurfit School to discuss the opportunities the MSc in Project Management could open up for you.

The UCD Smurfit School ranks 23rd AMBA in the Financial Times ranking of leading European business schools. The UCD College of Business alumni community includes more than 95,000 professionals from around the world in 35 international chapters.

Applications for the MSc in Project Management starting in September are now possible. Find out more about the full-time MSc Project Management program and the part-time program here.