BSc (Hons) Project Management with Foundation Year

Course Overview

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.

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.

Eligibility

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

Two subjects at GCE A-Level or equivalent, plus passes at grade C or above in three subjects at GCSE level or equivalent.
We also offer this course as a standard bachelor’s degree without foundation year.

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.

Course fee

Blended	Fee
Fee Per Year	£ 9,250

Distance Learning	Fee
Fee Per Year	£ 6,935

Please note: Fees quoted relate to the intake that you enrol on (i.e. when you start your course), NOT your application date.

Before you start studying

Whilst you can read your study materials on your smart phone or tablet, to make the most of your learning experience, you will need access to a laptop or computer (we recommend one running the latest version of Windows), and a good stable internet connection.

Apply for the Course

Enquire Now

Course details and modules

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.

Modules

You have 4-12 years to complete this course, meaning you can take up to 3 years to complete each level. Most of our students, however, aim to complete the course within 4-8 years.

Foundation year

Using Numeracy, IT and Data (20 credits)
Research Skills and Using Information (20 credits)
Values, Ethics and Working Collaboratively (20 credits)
Developing Academic Skills (20 credits)
Structure of Business (20 credits)
Technology in Organisations (20 credits)

Level 4

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)

Level 5

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)

Level 6

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.

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 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.

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

What is Blended Learning in Arden University ?

Do you want to study for a Degree, but feel like you just don’t have the time to fit it into your life? Arden University’s Blended Learning courses combine innovative online learning with traditional, face-to-face classes to give you a more flexible way to study.

How does it work?

The face-to-face hours are delivered as a part-time course would be, but with the additional independent online learning, you can still complete your Degree in 3 years*. This Blended approach means you can study anytime, anywhere and your tutors and support teams can be contacted outside of the classroom, online or over the phone.

When can I study?

Requiring just 8 hours of classes a week at your chosen UK study centre, you will have the opportunity to select when you want to learn: weekdays or evenings .

Weekdays: 2 days per week either 9.00–13.00 or 13.30-17.30
Evenings**: 2 evenings per week 17.30–21.30

Where can I study?

With Arden study centres across Birmingham, London , Manchester and Berlin, we believe we can offer a study option that suits most lifestyles.

So, whether you’re a full-time parent, striving to be employee of the month, or just don’t want the traditional study methods offered by other universities, Blended Learning at Arden University offers all the flexibility and support you need to fit study around your life.

Take a look at the courses on offer and talk to one of the Ulearn’s course advisors through our Live Chat function, or complete an enquiry form and someone will be in touch.

*4 years if taken with a foundation year.
** selected centres and courses only.

Flexible Intake Dates

At Arden University you don’t have to start your Degree in September like most other universities. We offer 6 different intakes throughout the year so you can start your course at a time that suits you and fits around your commitments.

Undergraduate Intake Dates

September
November
February
April
June

How much will it cost?

We believe costs shouldn’t be a barrier to personal development which is why the cost of studying with Arden is lower than traditional universities. If you are looking for a smart, value for money option then look no further – you can stay in control of your finance and focus on your learning.

You can choose to pay for your course in full, in installments or through employer sponsorship. For UK students, you can also choose to pay with a student loan, if you’re eligible. For more information and for up-to-date fees please visit: https://arden.ac.uk/studying-with-us/fees-and-funding

Part time online learning

How does it work?

Studying the BA (Hons) Business Management with Foundation Year online gives you the ultimate in convenience. You can enrol with Arden from anywhere in the world and study your degree from the comfort of home, without the requirement to attend classes in a physical location.

Our online students study their degree through iLearn, Arden’s university campus in the cloud. iLearn provides everything you need to study at University. It offers an integrated virtual learning experience, including your virtual classroom, lecture theatre, and access to our Library Portal. The portal includes an extensive digital library including thousands of journal titles, eBooks, and academic and industry databases which you can use to research your assignments and projects. All of these materials are provided to you free of charge, and contain all the research information you’ll need to complete your degree with us.

iLearn is also integrated with Zoom, making it easier to chat with your course tutor during your scheduled seminar sessions. You can even integrate our study materials into your Kindle, making it possible to study wherever you have you Kindle handy.

Studying online does not mean studying alone. As well as receiving regular feedback and guidance from your course tutor, you’ll be studying with likeminded students who you can meet with through our Unitu community, and you’ll have access to community message boards to discuss your course and the topics being raised within it. We have even set up community boards embedded into each of the course modules so you can have discussions with your tutor and classmates on the topics you are currently learning.

Online learning students resident in the UK can apply for a Maintenance Loan if they cannot attend their course in person because of a disability. Please 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.