University gives project managers a boost with joint Masters course

03 Oct 2011

The University of Manchester has launched an international, industry-led MSc to produce the next generation of world-class project managers.

The University’s Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore to offer the MSc in Project Management, a qualification which was developed in conjunction with Rolls-Royce, the global power systems company.   

The partnership will extend the global network of world-class academic institutions offering the qualification and will enable the development of specialist skills required by the engineering industry.

Launched in 2000, the course is currently delivered by the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering at The University of Manchester and Penn State University (USA).  The addition of NTU will create a global network of institutions offering this qualification, which emphasises professional development and allows students to study while continuing to work and deliver projects. 

Among those who can benefit from the course are professionals, engineers and project managers, working within a wide range of sectors including energy, marine, oil and gas, construction, IT, aerospace and many others.

Professor Colin Bailey, Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at The University of Manchester, told the meeting about the lengths the University is going to produce world-leading engineers.

Professor Bailey said: ““The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at The University of Manchester is delighted to be afforded the opportunity to collaborate with NTU.

“Both universities share a common mission: to provide excellent research-based education. This new joint postgraduate course in project management will add value to the careers of many and benefit their employers and communities.

“Rolls-Royce is a highly-valued industrial partner for us at The University of Manchester and we are very pleased that their strategic developments in Singapore is helping to facilitate our global agenda.

“The University of Manchester can see great potential for developing industry-led education and research partnerships in Singapore.”

Professor Andrew Gale, Course Director and Leader of MACE Management of Projects Research Group, added: “My colleagues and I are very proud to have the opportunity to collaborate with NTU and to have such a facilitative relationship with Rolls-Royce.

“I am travelling in Singapore and the region shortly with Rolls-Royce and shall be meeting CEOs from a number of interested companies. In my opinion our industry-academic partnerships in MACE are just what we should be doing to help realise our mission”.

The modular course consists of self-paced and web-enabled topics, and events comprising seminars, case studies and face-to-face consultations.

The first intake of students is expected to begin in 2012, with an estimated 20 students per intake.

NTU President Bertil Andersson said: “With more blue-chip companies looking to expand their operations in Singapore, such as multi-national power systems giant Rolls-Royce, NTU is well positioned to offer advanced professional training to the industry, with our strengths in engineering and innovation, and with our established programmes in project management, systems and aerospace engineering.

“With Rolls-Royce’s vote of confidence in NTU’s educational capabilities, I can foresee that this Memorandum of Understanding partnership will give birth to more co-operation, not just between NTU and The University of Manchester, but also with industry partners.”

Jonathan Asherson, Rolls-Royce Regional Director – Southeast Asia, said:  “Rolls-Royce delivers high-performance products and high-value services to help our customers gain competitive edge.

“In such a knowledge-intensive environment, we depend on highly skilled people, who not only bring a wide range of science and engineering skills, but also a full range of skills required to run a global business.

“We also have a long standing, successful partnership with The University of Manchester, and therefore, we are confident that this collaboration will be a success. With our growing customer base in Asia, it makes sense for us to extend the global network offering the MSc in Project Management.”