Project Outline (100%) covering LOs 1, 2, 3,4 – apprentices will produce a project outline in accordance with the requirements of the End Point Assessment (EPA) plan for the Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship standard. The outline must be agreed with both the academic supervisor and workplace representative to ensure academic robustness, practical feasibility and organisational relevance. It should include the project title, scope, rationale, key activities and milestones, and expected outputs or measures of success. The outline must demonstrate awareness of appropriate research methods, data collection and analysis techniques, and consideration of ethical requirements. This assessment ensures apprentices are fully prepared to progress to gateway and the EPA project.

Work product evidence can include but is not limited to:
* Organisational risk registers or risk assessments
* Budget reports, forecasts, or financial statements
* Gantt Charts and other project management tools
* Cost-benefit analyses or investment appraisals
* Board or committee meeting minutes
* Stakeholder engagement reports
* Audio recordings
* Video recordings
* Other multimedia content as appropriate

This module introduces apprentices to the principles of research design and methods, providing the foundation for their End Point Assessment (EPA) project. Apprentices will examine the distinctions between primary and secondary research, and explore both qualitative and quantitative approaches, considering when each is most appropriate in a project management context. Attention will be given to data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, focus groups and document analysis, as well as techniques for ensuring validity, reliability and ethical compliance. The module will also cover approaches to data analysis, including coding and thematic analysis for qualitative data and basic statistical techniques for quantitative data. Apprentices will learn how to structure a project outline, defining title, scope, rationale, key activities, milestones and success measures in line with EPA requirements. Emphasis will be placed on aligning academic rigour with organisational needs, ensuring projects deliver both scholarly insight and professional value.

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 ensuring ethical compliance and responsible conduct in research involving people and organisations

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
* Fair and ethical leadership in designing and conducting research
* Embedding EDI considerations in research design, data collection, and reporting
* Flexibility for different needs when planning and undertaking workplace-based research

1. Critically evaluate research approaches relevant to project management, including primary and secondary data collection, and qualitative and quantitative methods

Apprenticeship standard: K3, K6, K7, K9, K10, K11
University Learning Outcome: Knowledge and Understanding, Enquiry, Analysis

2. Apply appropriate research methods to the design of a workplace-based project, justifying methodological choices

Apprenticeship standard: S3, S5, S7, B1, B3, B4, B5, B6
University Learning Outcome: Application, Problem Solving, Communication

3. Analyse and apply project scoping and planning principles to define objectives, activities, milestones, and success measures aligned with organisational or EPA requirements.

Apprenticeship standard: S3, S5, S7, B1, B3, B4, B5, B6
University Learning Outcome: Application, Communication, Reflection

4. Refine and justifies the project scope through critical evaluation of feasibility, ethical considerations, and organisational value, securing stakeholder endorsement and ensuring alignment with defined parameters and strategic objectives.

Apprenticeship standard: S3, S5, S7, B1, B3, B4, B5, B6
University Learning Outcome: Reflection, Learning, Communication

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 67 off-the-job (OTJ) training hours as standard, covering new learning funded by the apprenticeship levy. A total 200 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.

Aguinis, H. (2024) Research Methodology: Best Practices for Rigorous, Credible, and Impactful Research. London: SAGE.

Creswell, J. W. and Creswell, J. D. (2023) Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. 6th edn. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE / Pearson.

Kothari, C. R. and Garg, G. (2024) Research Methodology: Methods and Techniques. 5th edn. New Delhi: New Age International.

Privitera, G. J. (2024) Research Methods for the Behavioural Sciences. 4th edn. London: SAGE.

Tracy, S. J. (2024) Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting Evidence, Crafting Analysis, Communicating Impact. 3rd edn. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

This module equips you with the research skills needed to design and deliver your End Point Assessment (EPA) project. You will explore primary and secondary research approaches, learning how to select and apply qualitative and quantitative methods, and how to collect and analyse data effectively. The module also introduces ethical considerations, reliability and validity, ensuring your research is both academically robust and professionally relevant. Assessment is through a project outline, agreed with both your academic supervisor and workplace representative, which sets out your project title, scope, rationale, key activities, milestones and measures of success. By completing this module, you will be fully prepared to progress through gateway and undertake your EPA project with confidence, combining academic insight with organisational impact.