Curricula

Key learning outcomes

After graduating from the Degree Programme in Project Management, you have extensive knowledge of project activities and know how to manage various projects from the perspective of an organisation and work community. You are able to assess and develop your project leadership and career in a goal-oriented manner. You understand the significance of strategy in the management of an organisation and are able to draw up strategies for the national and/or international operating environment. You advance and lead your organisation and its projects ethically and in accordance with the values of sustainable development. You utilise financial management in project management and leadership, analysing development needs. You master the in-depth knowledge base of project management and are able to produce new information, taking the perspectives of different disciplines into account. You are able to critically assess information and ensure the continuous development of your personal competence and the competence of your work community, especially from a project perspective. In your project management work, you are able to apply research and development methods to produce new solutions that anticipate the future.

Education content and professional growth and know-how

The Degree Programme in Project Management, Master of Business Administration consists of 90 credits. The programme includes a joint study module in project management (20 cr) and research studies (10 cr). You will deepen your competence in project management competence (20 cr), in your thesis (30 cr) and through elective studies (10 cr).

Joint Management Competence, 20 cr

The study module focuses on human and financial management as well as strategic management.
- Development as a Leader
- Human Resource Management
- Strategic Management
- Financial Management

Research Studies, 10 cr

Through research and development studies, you learn key methods for the development of business and industry, and the use of different research methods and research communication. You also learn to apply research data in your field and use it to develop the activities of your own organisation or another organisation.
- Research-based Development
- Qualitative Research or
- Quantitative Research

Project Management Competence 20 cr

- Expertise in Project Planning
- Project Management and Agile Methods
- Financial Management in Projects
- Conflict Management

Master's Thesis 30 cr

Writing a master's thesis is a core competence in the degree programme. In the thesis, you apply research data, develop your chosen field and/or organisation and deepen your professional expertise from the perspective of leadership or financial management.

The thesis is a research and/or development project that serves the world of work, where you apply your research skills in practice and support your own career development.

Elective Studies 10 cr

You can select courses offered by the degree programme, e.g. Management of a diverse work community, Jamk's other Master's degree programmes, EduJyväskylä, Summer School or other universities of applied sciences. You have the opportunity to take a study tour abroad in at San José State University in California.

Flexible studies

The studies can be completed entirely online, so where you live or work is not an issue. Online learning includes online discussions with a team or instructor, handing in versatile assignments and reports in a virtual learning environment, video lectures, independent study of source materials and participating in webinars. Some of the studies include scheduled webinars. In addition, student groups meet in virtual learning environments or can independently arrange meetings online or face-to-face as well. Students can choose to participate in study tours that are paid for separately.

You can choose your alternative or elective studies from EduJyväskylä partner institutions (University of Jyväskylä and Gradia) and international studies from European EUDRES higher education institutions. You can also choose from Finnish and foreign partner universities, such as other universities of applied sciences and universities. You can apply for accreditation of higher education studies that you have completed elsewhere.

Working life oriented learning

Learning and development assignments related to studies are mainly integrated into the development of work communities and/or organisations. During courses and on various expertise and alumni days, we invite visitors from our business and cooperation partner organisations. Student groups completing their degree alongside their work make up multidisciplinary and organisational networks where the competence and expertise of the group members benefit the entire group. The studies provide an opportunity to participate in professional and international networks.

Competence acquired in employment or otherwise can be utilised as part of the Master’s degree. This will shorten the study time and partly reduce the amount of studies. If the student has acquired work skills that meet the degree programme's intended learning outcomes, studification of work is also an option for accreditation.

Career opportunities and employment

Graduates' career paths focus on project management tasks, supervisory or development tasks or expert assignments in the private, public or NGO sector in different fields in both national and international organisations. The degree provides the opportunity for career advancement and developing competence in one's organisation or seeking new assignments.

Graduates are interested in career changes, such as obtaining new, more challenging assignments, more responsibility and a better income level; the degree is a springboard to all this.

Qualifications

This Master's degree provides general competencies for demanding supervisory tasks. The degree grants you eligibility for public posts and positions that require a Master's degree. The degree corresponds to level 7 of the European Qualification Frameworks (EQF7) and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF7) for qualifications and other learning.

Further studies

You may, after graduating, apply for postgraduate studies at universities or studies at the School of Professional Teacher Education. You can also continue your studies by applying for corresponding further education programmes in foreign higher education institutions, such as EUDRES higher education institutions. The university of applied sciences offers opportunities for competence development in various institutes, such as the open university of applied sciences, specialisation training and work-oriented continuing education.

Education planning

The Degree Programme in Project Management was created in cooperation with other post-secondary degree programmes at Jamk, and it is based on foresight information. The competence contained in the degree will be developed with an advisory board consisting of representatives of business and industry and with partners. Students and alumni of Jamk University of Applied Sciences are our lifelong partners, with whom we cooperate in the development of education quality.

RDI activities at Jamk involve high-quality research and development projects regionally in Central Finland, nationally and internationally with other higher education institutions, and organisations and research institutes of various fields. We are an active member of networks such as the international PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education) community and EUDRES (European University Alliance) network, which, in addition to research cooperation, enables the development of education and teaching with our partners. (for more information, visit https://eudres.eu/)

Contact Information

Sami Kalliomaa
Principal Lecturer, School of Business
+3584000707536
etunimi.sukunimi@jamk.fi