This course builds knowledge and skills in the planning and management of development projects and programmes. It is designed to deepen critical understanding of the strategies, processes, techniques and issues involved in taking ideas for development and turning them into practical realities with identifiable outcomes and benefits.

The degree provides an excellent basis for career enhancement or conversion for those with interest and experience in projects for development. The focus of the course is on development projects in the public or third (voluntary or community) sectors, but the underlying principles are applicable to all types of project, including those for commercial benefit.

On completion of your course, you will be able to understand and examine critically:

• The discipline of project and programme management, within an overall appreciation of the nature and purpose of projects
• The principles and practice of project planning, design, preparation, and appraisal techniques for projects in a development context
• The theory and practice of management skills for project and programme management, focusing particularly on 'hard' and 'soft' skills for successful project implementation

Professional accreditation

Students registered on the MSc in Project Planning and Management will be encouraged to register with the Project Management Institute (PMI) and become a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). The PMI is the world's leading association for those who consider project, programme or portfolio management as their profession, or for those who see developing skills in this area as being an important additional professional qualification.

Regardless of your career stage, the Certified Associate in Project Management is an asset that will distinguish you in the job market and enhance credibility and effectiveness working on projects or with project teams. Further information on the benefits of becoming a member of the PMI and a Certified Associate in Project Management can be found on the Project Management Institute website.

At the beginning of the academic year at Bradford, interested students can register as an individual member of the PMI. This will give students access to a range of learning materials on the PMI website. Towards the end of the Bradford MSc in PPM, students will be supported to register for the PMI’s CAPM exam which takes the form of a multiple-choice assessment. To supplement the material taught in the Bradford PPM taught core courses, a one-week CAPM revision session will be delivered by the University to help student prepare for the exam.

The University will provide financial support for PMI registration and to register for the exam.

Many BCID postgraduates have experience in development and related areas of the public, private and voluntary sectors. This degree course provides the skills and knowledge required to become a development professional.