The Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers is pleased to announce IMCA Board approval of the application for accreditation of the MSc in Project Management programme taught at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School.

The IMCA Accreditation Panel completed an extensive assessment of this Level 9 programme, including content of programme modules, learning outcomes and details of real-world focus. The Panel placed particular emphasis on proof of preparation of students for consulting in the workplace, including opportunities for practical application of academic learning through the completion of consulting projects, in-company assignments and work placements.

This newly accredited programme brings the total number to four of UCD Smurfit Masters programmes that are accredited by the IMCA, the existing programmes are the MSc in Management Consultancy, the MSc in Strategic Management and Planning, and the MBA.

The IMCA Board congratulates the UCD Smurfit School on its latest successful application and expresses its thanks to Joe Houghton, Director, UCD Smurfit MSc Project Management programmes and other faculty members for the constructive manner in which they engaged with the IMCA and the accreditation process.

The accreditation of the MSc in Project Management programme aligns with the launch of an alliance developed by the IMCA with the Project Management Institute. An event was held at the UCD Smurfit School on March 28 to mark the first collaborative, IMCA – PMI – UCD Smurfit PM focussed CPD event, with plans for more in the future.

As well as students and members of the PMI and IMCA, attending the event were Dean of UCD Smurfit, Professor Tony Brabazon, CEO of the IMCA Mr Denis Mcarthy, and Mr Pat Lucey, President of the Irish Chapter of the PMI and CEO of Aspira Consulting.

Speaking ahead of the event, Director of Project Management Programmes and Assistant Professor at UCD Smurfit School, Joe Houghton said, “Accreditations serve as valuable external validations of the excellent standards of UCD Smurfit School programmes in an increasingly competitive market, and also help our students and staff to review and continually develop new and innovative modes of engagement, both within the college and with external partners such as the IMCA and PMI. We look forward to working with the IMCA and PMI in the future to enhance the programme and offer even more opportunities to our students and graduates.”