How to become a Project Manager

Thinking about a career as a project manager? It’s a role that could lead you into any number of industries, but it’s not always clear how to get into project management as a graduate student.  

This guide will provide valuable information and insights that can help you make informed decisions about your possible career paths. It will cover a range of topics, including how to get into project management, what you might be doing day to day, and the skills and knowledge you’ll need for the job. 

Keep reading to get all the information you’ll need on how to become a project manager, where you could study, and how to succeed. 

CONTENTS

• Why become a project manager?
• How do I become a project manager?
• What are the entry requirements?
• What skills do I need to become a project manager?
• What universities offer project management courses?

Why become a project manager? 

Becoming a project manager is a popular career for a number of reasons. You can choose to move into project management from pretty much any subject background, applying your existing knowledge and opening up additional professional opportunities in your field. 

Some may be drawn to the job due to its good career progression routes and high income potential, with experienced project managers finding opportunities as senior managers or leaders of their organisations. You might be interested in project management due to its challenging and varied nature, requiring the ability to effectively coordinate and manage people, resources and tasks in order to achieve specific goals. 

Working as a project manager offers a lot of freedom and autonomy. Project managers often have the ability to set their own schedules and work on a variety of projects, leading to exciting challenges which require creative problem solving. 

Project management can also be a well-paying job, as it typically requires technical expertise and specialist skills that are in high demand. These skills may include strong communication, organisation and leadership abilities, as well as the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and think on your feet. 

How do I become a project manager? 

There are several ways that someone can qualify as a project manager through postgraduate education. Some common options include: 

Studying a master’s degree in project management: This will provide you with a comprehensive educational and training programme as a project manager. These project management MSc programs typically include coursework in topics such as planning, budgeting, risk management, and leadership. Some programs may also require students to complete an extended project or internship in order to graduate. 

Studying a master’s degree in a related field: This might be in areas like business administration or engineering, through which you can specialise in project management by taking optional modules or additional training. 

Completing a professional certification program as a graduate: These can help individuals qualify as project managers without needing to study a traditional master’s degree. Programs typically require candidates to have a certain amount of work experience and pass an exam in order to earn the certification. You might complete one with sponsorship from an employer. 

Qualifying through on-the-job training and experience: This can be a good option for people who are already working in a related field and want to move into project management.  

Overall, the route through education and training to qualify as a project manager will depend on your goals, the requirements of your employer, your existing qualifications and the industry in which you work. 

What are the entry requirements? 

When it comes to successfully applying for an MSc or other postgraduate qualification in project management, you’ll usually be expected to have at least a 2:2 grade at undergraduate level. This can be in any subject in most cases. 

You may also secure your place on a project management master’s without these grades if you can show evidence of equivalent learning, usually through professional experience or training. 

The entry requirements for postgraduate courses in project management will differ depending on the course and university you’re applying to. 

What skills do I need to become a project manager? 

There are numerous skills that are important for a project manager to have in order to be successful in their role. Some of the most important skills include: 

• Leadership: Project managers are responsible for leading and motivating teams, so strong leadership skills are essential. 
• Communication: You’ll need to be able to clearly communicate goals, expectations and progress to team members, stakeholders and upper management. 
• Organisational skills: Project managers need to be able to effectively plan, coordinate and organise tasks and resources in order to meet project goals. 
• Problem-solving: You must be able to identify and solve problems as they arise in order to keep the project on track. 
• Time management: Project managers need to be able to manage their own time and the time of team members effectively in order to meet deadlines. 
• Risk management: You’ll need to be able to identify and mitigate potential risks to the project. 
• Adaptability: Adapting to changing circumstances and pivoting keep the project on track is essential to success. 
• Technical skills: Depending on the industry, you may also need specific technical skills related to your field of work. 

What universities offer project management courses? 

Project management master’s degrees are widely available at UK universities, with a variety of courses on offer—each with its own unique blend of modules, training and networking opportunities. You can use our course search tool to browse and discover your ideal universities and project management degrees. 

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