Engineering Project Management

Module overview:

This module aims to equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in contemporary project management practices. It focuses on inclusive leadership, strategic alignment, global orientation, professional education, and the application of modern project management methodologies in various sectors. 

It seeks to raise students’ awareness of the issues emerging from project management research and practice worldwide and developing an understanding of the requirements for the leadership essential to manage corresponding changes in the conduct of projects. The key themes that drive this module support a holistic understanding of factors that influence project management today. Students will develop critical-thinking skills to engage in topical debates.

Students will be exposed to current issues from a range of academic and professional literature whereby they will analyse in depth an issue that resonates in a specific scenario. There will be opportunity to critically evaluate the arguments and employ critical-thinking and analytical skills to challenge traditional approaches to and standards in project management.

How you'll learn:

The teaching delivery on this module consists of 1 x 1 hour lecture and 1 x 3-hour workshop per week. 

The lectures will be developed around the key concepts and frameworks used in contemporary project management and as mentioned in the indicative course content and will use a range of examples and cases from business practice and society to demonstrate the application of concepts.

The seminars will concentrate on the application of key ideas and concepts through the selection of contemporaneous case studies which are based on different industries and sectors.

Module overview:

As engineering professionals, you will need to integrate sustainability into your decision making process and this module will equip you with the knowledge, analytical tools and critical thinking skills necessary to assess and implement sustainable engineering solutions.

You will explore core sustainability concepts, including the triple bottom line, life cycle assessments (LCAs), and environmental impact assessments (EIAs), as well as practical applications in areas such as low-carbon materials, renewable energy, sustainable water management, and circular economy principles. Emphasis is placed on standards and certification systems (eg BREEAM, LEED, Passivhaus), regulatory frameworks, and industry best practices.

By critically evaluating the economic, social, and environmental impacts of engineering projects, you will develop the ability to assess sustainability performance using established methodologies and propose alternative solutions that enhance environmental outcomes. 

You will also examine the future of sustainability, with the increasing impact of climate change and inevitability of the increase in regulation, anticipating emerging challenges and the role of engineers in shaping a more sustainable world.

How you'll learn:

This module consists of lectures, seminars and small group tutorials. The learning will be authentic, and problem based, promoting active learning. Lectures provide conceptual frameworks around sustainability and assessment methodologies, whilst seminars encourage group discussions, problem solving exercises and applied coursework activities. 

Module overview:

This module will provide you with an interdisciplinary exploration of innovation management, technology development, and entrepreneurship within an engineering context. It is designed to equip you with the strategic and practical skills necessary to drive innovation, working collaboratively in a team.

The module covers the management of technological innovation and new product development, and the entrepreneurial process, demonstrating how engineering solutions are successfully commercialised. You will engage with key concepts such as business model development, value creation, sustainability, financial planning, intellectual property, and risk management. You will also examine human factors, branding, and user experience as integral components of successful engineering innovations.

This module integrates experiential learning pedagogy and research-informed teaching by engaging students with real-world case studies, industry-led projects, and applied problem-solving activities. Effective collaborative working, good communication skills, and the ability to think outside the box are essential skills you will develop, enhancing your employability.

How you'll learn:

This module consists of lectures, seminars and experiential learning activities. Lectures provide conceptual frameworks, whilst seminars encourage group discussions, problem solving exercises and applied coursework activities.

A key feature of this module is its integration of research-informed teaching and experiential learning pedagogy, ensuring that you engage with: real world engineering case studies; industry collaboration; guest speakers; workshops and feedback sessions; and structured formative assessment activities.

Module overview:

This module requires you to work on a contemporary research project which strikes a balance between academic research and real-world problem-solving, ensuring you will develop the qualitative and quantitative research skills needed for the industry, whilst also improving communication skills and the use of technology.

How you'll learn:

You will be guided in the process of research from a social science perspective and research methods, which will be taught through lectures and small group workshops. The research project is based on independent research and learning, guided by academic supervision. There will also be opportunities for peer learning and formative feedback.