KA7059 - Project Programme and Portfolio Management

What will I learn on this module?

You will develop conceptual understanding around, appreciate the characteristics of, and be able to evaluate, projects. You will also develop an understanding of the project management role, and the relevant approaches, skills, tools and techniques available to a practising project manager. You will be introduced to the dynamics associated with project teams and stakeholders. The module will consider projects within the wider context of programmes and portfolio management. This management of projects, programmes and portfolios are often referred to as P3 management; thus, you will have a basic understanding of complex scenarios of multiple and major projects environments. You will be able to evaluate project management knowledge critically and competencies, reflect on lessons from project case studies, as well as the processes, methods and technologies used by Project Managers and Project Management Offices (PMO’s) in P3 management. You will also embrace the necessary ethical and professional standards to attain competence in the future management of P3 projects.

How will I learn on this module?

This module will allow you to develop the relevant subject knowledge. You will learn through a combination of engaging, interactive methodologies and teaching approaches, including lectures, seminars, academic staff-guided independent learning, independent student learning, and by engagement in technologically-enhanced learning (TEL). A directed study of textbooks will support formally scheduled teaching, PSRB reports and scholarly journal articles (hard copy or electronic), critical evaluation of case studies, problem-based learning, simulation and reflection exercises. Additional formally scheduled teaching approaches will include video presentations, peer group discussions and presentations. The module will also use an inter-disciplinary approach to the development of the syllabus and teaching resources.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Academic staff will provide guidance, 1-2-1 support (where possible), or use interactive asynchronous online peer support forums on the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) to support you in your studies. Academic staff will use guided independent learning activities, e.g., directed reading. You will supplement this structured support with independent learning activities.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Establish conceptual understanding of the complex scenarios that multiple and major projects environments and settings have, including the relationships between projects, programmes or portfolios within host organisations.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
2. Critically appraise existing project management knowledge and identify areas that can improve aspects of project delivery for stakeholders through the application of project management theory or practice.
3. Critically reflect upon approaches to problem-solving on real life projects, in order to evaluate, learn from, and adopt similar, appropriate, solutions in future professional practice

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Embrace critical thinking, to systematically identify, analyse, plan, produce, and then present, original work for academic review.
5. Embrace academic, ethical, and professional standards, through practice and conduct, whilst developing understanding of competence in project management.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a formative manner to help build your confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Your formative feedback will be given to you either verbally by academic staff on the module during formally-scheduled teaching sessions or digitally using the University’s VLE. Your formative feedback aims to help you learn and prepare for the submission of your summative assessment.

Summative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a summative manner by one piece of coursework. Academic staff on the module will use the coursework to evaluate your ability to satisfy all the module’s learning outcomes. You will use the University’s VLE to submit your coursework. Academic staff on the module will use digital feedback tools to issue your feedback.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

A project is a temporary undertaking of some uniqueness, carried out using project management knowledge, methods, and processes, to accomplish planned objectives, such as outputs, outcomes or benefits. Individual projects often sit within wider contexts, including multiple project environments, that require greater levels of coordination and present different types of opportunities and risks. As such, aspects of ‘P3 management’, the management of projects, programmes and portfolios, as considered in this wider context are explored here. Taught content is constructed around research-led curriculum (i.e., current knowledge in the field), and through its study, you will gain knowledge and develop conceptual understanding around P3 Management, including the relevant approaches available to a practising project manager. You will also critically evaluate project management knowledge and competencies, reflect on lessons from project case studies and embrace the necessary ethical and professional standards to attain competence in the future management of P3 projects.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Distance Learning
3 other options available

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or January 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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