PwC and Ulster University launch MSc in Professional Services Operational Delivery - the first such qualification in the UK. 15 staff from PwC’s Operate business are the first to benefit from this innovative educational partnership.
The innovative partnership between PwC’s Operate division - the firm’s Belfast-based operational delivery business - and the Ulster University Business School, will see participants undertake a customised part-time programme leading to a prestigious MSc qualification.
Some 15 Operate staff will comprise the first programme intake with a second cohort due to begin learning in September 2019.
PwC’s Operate division was created to support growing demand from multinational organisations dealing with political, economic and regulatory change. Based in PwC’s Belfast office, Operate currently has over 1,000 staff supporting PwC supports clients, particularly in regulated industries.
The MSc partnership programme was developed in response to market demand for increased operational delivery expertise and Ian McConnell, the Operate partner responsible for Operate, said Ulster University Business School readily embraced the opportunity to co-create the innovative programme and ensure contextualized and research informed curriculum development.
Ian McConnell, the PwC partner responsible for Operate and a Visiting Professor with the Business School, said:
“In a fast changing world it’s increasingly important for educational institutions and employers to be in touch with the needs of the modern economy.
“Operate puts learning right at the centre of its employee experience. We also pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation, so this new Masters programme represents a firm commitment to these values.
“This partnership will ensure that we equip our staff with the ability to accredit their experience in operational delivery and help future-proof PwC and our clients.”
The MSc programme demonstrates that careers in operational delivery are increasingly attractive and crucial in the modern economy.
Professor Gillian Armstrong, Director of Business Engagement at Ulster University Business School, added:
“By building on well-established business partnerships such as this and by working alongside professional colleagues, we can optimise educational product development to provide highly relevant and progressive programmes that genuinely support career development and the attractiveness of the region in retaining talent and new business opportunities.”