This module will be assessed through two interrelated components designed to promote reflective practice and forward-looking professional development:

* Reflective account (Learning Outcomes 1, 2 and 3)– apprentices will produce a critical reflection on their experiences to date within a professional setting. This should include consideration of their own actions and behaviours, as well as observations of colleagues and managers, linked to the values and behaviours expected of project managers. The reflection will encourage analysis of strengths, areas for improvement, and lessons learned that can inform future practice.

* Personal Development Plan (PDP) (Learning Outcome 4) – apprentices will develop a structured, forward-looking plan for their professional growth over the three years of study. The PDP will identify clear goals and milestones, including engagement with micro-credentials, professional body memberships, conference attendance, and participation in relevant industry forums and networks. It will demonstrate how apprentices intend to integrate academic learning with workplace practice to enhance their project management capability.

This module introduces apprentices to the academic, professional, and behavioural foundations required for effective project management practice. They will develop core academic and professional skills, including research, reflective practice, critical reading and writing, academic integrity, and effective communication, which underpin success at university and in the workplace. Alongside this, the module explores professional values and ethics, such as integrity, accountability, and equality, diversity and inclusion, highlighting their importance in guiding project management practice.

Attention is also given to the key skills and behaviours expected of project managers, including leadership, collaboration, adaptability, resilience, and stakeholder management. Apprentices will engage with reflective practice models to critically analyse their own experiences, identify strengths and areas for growth, and consider lessons learned from observing others in professional settings. Building on this, the module introduces structured personal development planning, encouraging apprentices to set long-term goals, identify opportunities for growth, and plan engagement with micro-credentials, professional bodies, conferences, and industry forums. The emphasis throughout is on linking theory to practice, supporting apprentices to integrate academic study with workplace experience to build sustained professional capability.

Learning within this module maps to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
* 4: Quality Education
* 5: Gender Equality
* 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
* 10: Reduced Inequalities
* 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Learning within this module maps to the following Fundamental British Values:
* Mutual respect
* Tolerance

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Safeguarding:
* Safeguarding & supporting individuals

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
* Fair and ethical leadership
* Embedding EDI in organisational policies
* Flexibility for different needs

1. Demonstrate academic and professional skills in research, critical thinking, and communication applicable to the project environment

Apprenticeship standard: B6, B3
University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding, Enquiry, Communication, Learning, Reflection

2. Explain and reflect on the core values and ethical principles that underpin effective project management practice

Apprenticeship standard: K4, B5, B4
University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding Communication, Reflection, Learning

3. Evaluate and apply key professional behaviours in managing projects, showing how leadership, collaboration, and adaptability influence project outcomes.

Apprenticeship standard: B2, B3, B4, B5, B6
University Learning Outcome: Analysis, Application, Problem Solving, Enquiry, Communication

4. Integrate academic practice with workplace learning to evidence the development of transferable skills essential for project management success

Apprenticeship standard: S4
University Learning Outcome: Application, Learning, Communication, Reflection, Problem Solving

This module will be delivered through a combination of face-to-face on campus lectures and online webinars, designed to provide an engaging and interactive learning experience. Face-to-face lectures will incorporate formal teaching, group work, case study analysis, and guest speakers. Apprentices will also be encouraged to share their workplace experiences to enhance peer learning. Meanwhile, online webinars will take the form of recorded content, interactive e-learning, or live tutorials, offering opportunities for group discussion, presentations, flipped-classroom activities, and further group work and case study analysis.

Additional learning activities include:
* Engaging with supplementary online content, including videos and presentations
* Independent reading to reinforce and expand on formal teaching
* Completing formative tasks set by the lecturer to consolidate learning
* Preparing for assessments, writing, and gathering evidence
* Developing and maintaining a portfolio of evidence

In line with DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules, this module includes 100 off-the-job (OTJ) training hours as standard, covering new learning funded by the apprenticeship levy. A total 300 nominal learning hours has been attributed to this module, incorporating OTJ training alongside broader academic development beyond levy-funded new learning. Please refer to your Aptem account to identify your individualised off-the-job hours.

Computer facilities to access online materials.
Access to specialist online databases, appropriate core texts and journals via the library, module leader, and own research.

This module is typically open to apprentices enrolled on the Project Manager (Degree) Apprenticeship programme. The module is also open to those who wish to undertake it as a standalone module. Such candidates should be currently in or working towards project management or support roles.

Bassot, B. (2023) The Reflective Practice Guide: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Critical Reflection. 2nd edn. Abingdon: Routledge.

Janson, S. (2024) Personal Development Plans – Develop & Focus Goals, Strengths, Skills, & Motivation: AI-Optimized Expert Knowledge on Personal Development & Career Planning. Germany: Best of HR – Berufebilder.de®.

Sicora, A. (2017) Reflective Practice. 1st edn. Bristol: Policy Press.

Travers, C. J. (2022) Reflective Goal Setting: An Applied Approach to Personal and Leadership Development. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan.

Worsley, M. (2019) The Sensible Guide to a Career in Project Management. Rocklin, CA: Bossman Media.

This module is designed to develop the academic, professional and behavioural foundations you need as a project manager. You will strengthen your skills in research, communication and reflection, explore the values and ethics that guide professional practice, and build the behaviours essential for leading projects successfully. You will also create a personal development plan to guide your growth over the course of your degree apprenticeship, connecting your university learning with opportunities in your workplace and wider professional community.