Prepare for a professional role in the commercial management of projects with a thorough understanding of the skills required to manage commercial activities within the projectised organisations.
On this sought-after course, you will experience both sides of the commercial exchange through gamification and other forms of learning, gaining indispensable insight into creating excellent outcomes.
From people management within projectised organisations and project management techniques to procurement, bidding, and contract management - on this course, everything is covered.
Expansive yet meticulous, this course equips you with the skills needed to streamline and advance project management within commercial organisations, optimising efficiency in both time and cost.
This MSc is designed for those pursuing careers in commercial project management, whether already in the field or aspiring to enter sectors like construction, engineering, real estate, IT, or infrastructure development.
Geared toward individuals with backgrounds in business, engineering, or technical fields, the program deepens understanding of project management principles with a focus on commercial aspects.
Course Duration 12 months (full-time)
Accreditation This course is listed by the Joint Board of Moderators as an Approved Further Learning Scheme for Chartered Engineers
Total Self-study Time Approximately 150 hours for a 15-credit module, depending on individual learning needs and preferences
Teaching Time Approximately 10-12 hours of contact time per week, based on two core units and two optional units
WHAT CAREER PATHWAYS ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?
As a graduate of this course, you will gain a strong foundation in project management while focusing on its commercial aspects, including establishing stable, profitable, and low-risk exchange relationships for project procurement and sales. You will also develop expertise in managing contracts across various project settings.
With a strong background in Commercial Project Management, you will be prepared to drive success in complex environments.
WHAT ROLES HAVE GRADUATES SECURED?
After completing this MSc, you will have developed buy and side project procurement, contract management, and conflict and dispute resolution. Graduates of this programme find employment in a wide range of commercial-related roles—from forensic delay analysis to quantity surveying and general project management.
Our recent graduates have gone to work for companies including:
- Blackrock
- Costain
- Manchester City Council
- National Highways
- Parsons Brinckerhoff
- PwC
- Yendall Hunter
and have gone into roles such as:
- Commercial director
- Commercial business manager
- Consultant
- Operations manager
- Programme management officer
- Project management officer
- Strategy and business manager
Dr Jillian Yeow Engineering Management Head of Education and Senior Lecturer
ACADEMIC'S VOICE
The MSc in Commercial Project Management aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to manage commercial projects. The course encourages students to apply ingenuity and creativity in their professional judgement on best management decisions regarding the success of commercial projects.
ALUMNI'S VOICE
My master’s in Commercial Project Management equipped me with leadership, communication, time management, data analytics, presentation, conflict management, frugality, and customer obsession – all vital skills in Amazon’s culture. Amazon’s graduate roles aren’t about academic degrees; they’re about transferable skills.
A huge part of my growth came from UoM’s inclusive, supportive environment. Don’t forget the Volunteer Hub (you might even win the Stellify Award). Many challenges in life are "now-or-never" opportunities - ones you take or lose. Even experiences that end in failure are incredibly valuable, as they offer lessons learned.
Before receiving my Amazon graduate role offer, I experienced several rejections - including from UoM International Office. But then I booked 1:1s with the UoM Careers Service (students, this is available from the moment you join until 2 years post-graduation) and a lecturer. Penney Cordon-Lanes from the Careers Service and Dr Amir Rahbarimanesh (an academic in Management of Projects suite of programmes) helped me review the failed interview, sharpen responses, and build confidence.
It’s okay to follow your own pace and take a breath sometimes. The support systems at UoM are genuinely invaluable: 400+ societies and the Counselling & Mental Health Service. Talk to them, and through your own words, you’ll gain more clarity about your path and pace.
My advice? Don’t just get a degree. Use everything The University of Manchester has to offer, work hard, and have fun! You’ll graduate not just qualified, but capable and ready.
Qinlin Li MSc Commercial Project Management Graduate, Class of 2024
Current role: Shift Manager at Amazon, Edinburgh
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