BSc (Hons) Project Management with Foundation Year

Project Management

BSc (Hons) & Foundation Year

Summary

Study level
Full time
4 years
Location
London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds
Faculty of Business

What makes Arden University special?

Education
Education for everyone, everywhere
Whether you're constrained by location, cost, time, or other life commitments, we're passionate about giving you access to higher education that fits into your busy, modern life.
Where to study
You decide how and where to study
We offer a wide range of flexible undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in both our online and blended study modes.
Support
Full support both online and on-site
We're also proud to offer non-standard entry, meaning your work experience and previous qualifications are taken into account when assessing your application.
Employability
Strong focus on employability
You will gain in-depth subject knowledge and transferable skills that employers from a huge range of industries will value. Many of our courses at Arden are also accredited by leading professional bodies in the UK.

Course Overview

Do you want to develop the skills to excel in roles across the project management sector, but aren’t sure if you’re ready for university study? Then our project management degree with an integrated foundation year might be just the solution you’ve been looking for. 

This course has been designed to equip you with the skills to progress to a career in project management, even if you don’t have the academic confidence or qualifications to join a standard undergraduate course. The foundation year is perfect if you need a little extra support to start your journey to higher education, offering study-skills and guidance at every stage.

You’ll then go on to learn contemporary themes and practical skills directly from our team of experienced project management professionals, helping you demonstrate to employers that you possess competence in the latest project management techniques. And, as modern projects are becoming increasingly dynamic and challenging, your studies will have a digital-first focus, giving you the knowledge and critical understanding of business solutions to deliver real impact in the workplace. 

Today, project management is used in almost every global sector, including engineering, technology, education, healthcare, events management, community and environmental programmes,  tourism, and many more creative and service industries. This means your degree in project management from Arden will provide you with the skills and knowledge to enter the industry of your choice once you graduate, with the ability to make an immediate impact on the design, deployment, and success of a wide range of projects.

Find out more about Project Management at Arden
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Professional accreditations
This course is accredited by both the Association for Project Management (APM) and Business Graduates Association (BGA)

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Course details and modules

Arden's foundation year modules have been designed to give you a tailored and fully supportive introduction to university study. This first year of study will prepare you for success in higher education by introducing you to the academic skills and subject-specific knowledge required to excel in your chosen degree subject.

Because of our extensive industry links in project management, including with member organisations of the UK’s NOVUS Trust network, we’re able to present you with real business problems during your degree. This will allow you to develop a thorough and in-depth understanding of the industry and the real-world challenges you’ll face in your future career. Importantly, you’ll find that the course takes a systematic view to developing your knowledge in project management, with each module building on the skills gained in the previous one, and with interconnected content that helps you accumulate new abilities in a logical sequence.

Oscar Bustillo

I have enjoyed doing my master’s here because it’s not like a traditional university where you sit in a classroom and a lecturer talks and you write down everything. I like that when we come here there’s actually a discussion and we do a lot of analysis.

Oscar Bustillo
MSc Project Management student, Arden University Berlin

Modules

  • Preparing for University Success
  • Exploring the Business Environment
  • Advancing your Academic Skills
  • Becoming an Effective Leader
  • Planning for Your Future Success
  • Investigation & Innovation Project
  • Business Research Methods and Analysis (20 credits)
  • Business Consulting (20 credits)
  • Principles of Procurement, Financial Control and Contract Management (20 credits)
  • Governance in a Global Business Environment (20 credits)
  • Introduction to Project Management (20 credits)
  • Elective: Digital Skills & Professional Development (20 credits)
  • Elective:  Technology and Innovation (20 credits)
  • Advanced Project Management (20 credits)
  • Project Justification (20 credits)
  • Project Planning (20 credits)
  • Agile and Hybrid Project Management (20 credits)
  • AI and Big Data Analytics in Project Management (20 credits)
  • Elective: Operations & Supply Chain Management (20 credits)
  • Elective: Digital & Social Media Marketing (20 credits)
  • Project Change and Control (20 credits)
  • Quality Management (20 credits)
  • Project Risk and Issue Management (20 credits)
  • Developing People and Capabilities (20 credits)
  • Final Project including End Point Assessment (40 credits)

Please note: course content and modules may vary subject to validation.

How do we assess you?

Authentic assessments, no exams

Unlike on more traditional degree courses, you won’t be sitting any exams on this course. Instead, our assessments have been designed to help you apply your learning to real-world scenarios. This means you’ll have the opportunity to align your studies to how you want to help transform project management functions in your future career.

Industry led assessment

You’ll have the opportunity to apply the theories explored in your modules to real-world business situations, such as the implementation of a live case study or project plan, or building project strategies that demonstrate a high-level of practical, critical, and diagnostic thinking skills. 

Final Project

The course concludes with an independent study assessment which forms your Final Project module. Here you’ll have the opportunity to work on a live topic provided by one of our industry network partners – presenting your findings and solutions to a real-world organisation. This will give you highly advantageous networking opportunities alongside assessment, as you’ll be able to demonstrate your skills and knowledge to potential employers even before you graduate.

PMQ Qualification and Chartered Project Professional (CHPP) status

Your degree aligns with the internationally recognised PMQ Qualification, so you'll learn everything needed for this certification and be well-prepared to pursue it independently.

Additionally, the School of Project Management has achieved APM Recognised Assessments for the Chartered Project Professional (CHPP) status. This means that after passing the CHPP assessments, you'll be eligible to apply for CHPP status. This distinction makes your degree from Arden University unique, as no other university worldwide currently offers this prestigious CHPP alignment within an undergraduate programme.

Other assessment methods

Throughout the course you’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning through additional assessments including:

  • Reflective analysis
  • Portfolio development
  • Work products
  • Narrated presentations
  • Risk assessments
  • Proposals for agile implementation
  • Case study reports (which can be based on real company data to examine real world problems that a company is struggling with right now - contextualise your knowledge into the real world).

Study options

This course is available to study through Arden’s blended learning study mode at our campuses in London Tower HillLondon HolbornManchester and Birmingham.

Full time blended learning

How does it work?

When you choose our full-time blended learning study mode, you’ll have eight hours of timetabled classes spread over two days at the Arden campus of your choice. This is combined with around 25 hours of independent study, which takes place through ilearn, our university campus in the cloud. ilearn contains all the resources you need to study successfully. As a blended learning student you’ll also have access to our Library Portal, an extensive digital library with thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and a range of academic and industry databases that you can use to research and gain in-depth information on your area of study. At Arden, all of your course materials are provided free of charge, removing the need for you to buy expensive textbooks to study your degree successfully. 

Blended learning is the best option for students who prefer the structure of regular face-to-face classes with their tutor and fellow classmates, and is particularly suited to students who live within commuting or driving distance of one of our UK campuses. 

If you're a student from England who is enrolling on a blended learning course with Arden (based in one of our UK campuses) then you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan and Maintenance Loan to help pay for your living expenses. You can find more information on our fees and funding page. If you're a student from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you can find information on Living Cost Loans from your student finance body.

Learn more about blended learning

Introducing your Digital Backpack

Once you’ve enrolled on your Project Management degree with Arden you’ll get access to your Digital Backpack, a toolkit of digital resources we’ve put together to help you succeed during your time studying with us.
 
Here are some of the digital resources you’ll have available throughout your course:

  • Office 365 subscription
  • Integrated zoom video conferencing
  • Careers support in-person and online available through Arden Futures, your careers platform, to help you throughout your career journey whether you are a Career Starter, Changer or Developer
  • Free online access to our Library Portal, which includes thousands of eBooks and journals, as well as industry databases which we’ve carefully hand-picked to support your studies – all yours for free while you study with us.
  • Subscription to Togetherall for an abundance of mental health support

Entry requirements

At Arden University we consider applications on a case by case basis. If you have significant work experience, have qualifications you have gained elsewhere, or a degree or qualification that isn't a clear pathway to this degree - we are more than happy to discuss your application.

What you need to study with us

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can study in a flexible and convenient way. That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or desktop PC (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good internet connection. Through ilearn, our online university campus in the cloud, you'll be able to access your course calendar, support services, learning materials, and our online library containing thousands of ebooks, as well as tools for creating assignments, keeping notes, and collaborating with other students on your course.

What do you need to study with us?

Our aim is to make learning as accessible as possible by ensuring that you can join us, wherever you are.

That's why we keep our requirements simple. All you need is a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection. With this one tool, you'll be able to access information, advice, support, learning materials and our online library, as well as create assignments, keep notes, and collaborate with other students effectively. 

We’ll also support you with getting access to the design resources you need, wherever you study from, including assistance with obtaining any design software you need to successfully complete the course.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the BSc (Hons) Project Management with Foundation Year course, you should normally have:

  • At least 3x GCSEs OR 45 credits at Level 2 or equivalent – if your qualifications are older than 3 years we would also ask to see a professional CV.
  • Applicants may be considered based on a minimum of 12 months of professional work experience evidenced with a CV and Reference if they do not meet the qualification requirements. 
  • We also offer this course as a standard bachelor’s degree without foundation year. To view the course details, please click here.

English proficiency

  • IELTS 6.0 or equivalent (no less than 5.5 in any element).
  • Alternatively, evidence you have previously studied in English, such as a letter to show that the Medium of Instruction was in English can be accepted.

We also offer an internal English test for applicants who are unable to provide the above evidence of English proficiency. More information can be found here.

Course fees and funding

Find your country

Use the dropdown above to find course fees and funding information for your country. If you can’t find information for your country in the dropdown, visit our International support page.

Meet the faculty

Dr Serkan Ceylan

Arden is your education provider of choice when it comes to real-world project management application. We have programme accreditation from the Chartered Body for the Project Profession (APM), giving you a fast-track route to become a Chartered Project Professional (CHPP).

Dr Serkan Ceylan
Dean - Faculty of Business

Career prospects

Project management expertise is required in nearly every business and in every sector, so your future career opportunities are almost limitless. Accredited by the Association of Project Management (APM), this degree will give you the skills you need to demonstrate project management expertise, greatly enhancing your current and future career options. You'll also be able to create valuable industry networks whilst studying this course, helped by the strong industry connections of our staff members here at Arden's School of Project Management. Wherever you want to take your career next, your project management degree will provide you with the tools to achieve your ambitions to the fullest.

What will the BSc (Hons) Project Management with Foundation Year do for me?

Our foundation degree course in project management has been carefully designed with your employability in mind, and specifically addresses skills gaps in the industry that have been identified by the APM and other leading organisations. You’ll learn the skills required to be an efficient, knowledgeable, and digitally savvy project manager. And, because the course focuses on the practical application of skills in the real world, you’ll graduate with the confidence to demonstrate your value to employers from your first day on the job. Some key learning outcomes from your studies will include:

  • Gaining project management knowledge as a widespread, pan-sector professional discipline
  • Appreciation of traditional, iterative (agile), and hybrid approaches to delivering successful projects 
  • Acquiring high-level strategy, people, and leadership capabilities
  • Understanding the latest software and big data to become an expert in digital project management skills
  • Gaining a critical and detailed analysis of the theory and practice relating to the role of project management within organisations
  • Completing a detailed piece of research relating to a project management issue
  • Exploring sustainability and business ethics
  • Applying knowledge of project management theory and models to complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to improve business and management practice
  • Developing a variety of transferable skills suited to an extensive range of project management roles

During your Foundation Year, you'll get comprehensive support and preparation for your university journey, including:

Introduction and preparation: our Foundation Year courses introduce you to university-level teaching, learning, and assessment methods. You'll develop essential study skills, research techniques, and critical thinking abilities, laying a strong foundation for your degree studies.

Personalised support: our academic staff will guide you throughout your Foundation Year. They'll ensure a smooth transition into your degree programme, providing the support you need every step of the way.

Direct relevance to your future degree: your programme content is carefully designed to align with Arden's degree courses. Studying a Foundation Year will equip you with subject-specific knowledge and interdisciplinary exploration, establishing a solid base for your chosen degree.

Improved degree outcomes: we prioritise not only your academic preparation but also your success. By boosting your confidence, academic skills, and understanding of the subjects, we empower you to achieve the best possible degree outcomes and expand your career opportunities.

What can I do after Arden University?

You’ll find project management employment opportunities within both public and private sectors across industries such as engineering, construction, IT, events management, healthcare, retail, and transport, as well as in the charity sector, government projects, the creative industries, and many more. 

Today, organisations use project management as a way to improve and change business operations to become more efficient and effective. Successful project management is also about managing interdisciplinary teams within diverse organisational structures and across organisations. Having graduated with a complete view of all the stakeholders in any given project management situation and how success is measured, domestic and global organisations alike will appreciate and value your skills and employability assets. Wherever you want to take your career next, this course gives you the knowledge to achieve your ambitions to the fullest. With that in mind, some future roles you might want to consider include: 

  • Project assistant or coordinator
  • Project manager or project lead
  • Implementation or change manager
  • Project management consultant
  • Programme or portfolio manager
  • Technical project manager
  • Technical project lead
  • Business project lead
  • Project planner or risk analyst

You can also continue your studies at postgraduate level (e.g. with Arden’s MSc Project Management course), set up your own businesses, or develop into highly lucrative project management consultancy roles. 

Industry skills

Association for Project Management (APM)

The Association for Project Management (APM) is committed to developing and promoting excellence in project management. The organisation is the only chartered body for the profession and has over 30,000 members and 500 organisations participating in its partnership programmes.

Arden's BSc Project Management is accredited by the APM, giving you student membership while you study with us. This is your gateway to discovering further training opportunities, free access to resources such as digital libraries and project case studies, and networking opportunities. As a student member, you'll receive a digital badge to display on your social media platforms, such as Linkedin.

Graduating with an APM-accredited degree tells employers that your knowledge meets the latest standards of the sector, helping enhance your future career options. It is also a fast-track route to full membership of the APM, which you can achieve after just 3 years of experience working in the industry.

Our BSc Project Management has also been awarded APM Recognised Assessment status, the first university to achieve this recognition for a BSc Project Management course. That means upon completion of your degree, you’ll be eligible to apply to the APM to become a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) via the APM’s Route 1, which is for project professionals who have a recognised assessment for technical knowledge. As your technical knowledge is already recognised by completing your degree, you will have completed a large component of the application for ChPP status upon graduation.

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) membership.

Arden University is a member of the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB International is a global association of leaders in education and business dedicated to supporting and advancing quality business education worldwide.

This membership reflects the fact that Arden University has successfully matched the high standards required by the AACSB, and enables the sharing of ideas and the exchange best practises between global business schools. Membership also gives our faculty members access to in-depth data and research to support the development of our courses and teaching methods, ensuring that we are able to provide you with the best possible university experience.

Business Graduates Association (BGA)

The BGA is a membership and quality assurance body. As a member, Arden University have signed up to the BGA Charter, committing their institution to responsible management practices and lifelong learning, positively impacting their students, communities, and the economy. This shows our students that we are demonstrating responsible management ourselves, as well as it being a central theme that runs through our own courses.

As Arden University is a member of the Business Graduates Association (BGA), students will receive complementary BGA student and graduate membership. Through this membership, current students will have access to the BGA Career Development Centre, packed with interactive tools, e-learning content, partner discounts and the latest job opportunities. This is a lifetime access, which means students will continue to have access to these services even after they graduate.

LinkedIn Learning

All Arden students will have free access to LinkedIn Learning through the Library Portal. LinkedIn Learning is a video-based online learning platform offering over 16,500 expert-led courses across a wide range of subjects including business, technology, and creative skills.

With LinkedIn Learning, you can:

  • Pursue curated learning pathways aligned with our curriculum and your career goals.
  • Add value to your LinkedIn profile by showcasing your newly acquired skills.
  • Personalise content based on skills relevant to your chosen career path, interests and prior learning.