Agile Project Management (Theory and Practice)



Overview

Deliver projects faster and with greater efficiency. This course introduces agile thinking – with a focus on Scrum – and gives you techniques that you can apply to your own projects straight away. 

Agile is an evolutionary approach to getting things done. Instead of defining every requirement upfront, it focuses on learning and adapting as you go, helping teams respond effectively to change. While traditional project management depends on detailed planning at the start, agile management recognises that many requirements only become clear once the work begins. 

Apply agile tools and behaviours to manage risk, improve teamwork and maintain momentum to improve how you work – and build better outcomes for your team and organisation. 

In each session you’ll practise core agile techniques and explore how to apply these methods with remote teams and take part in an extended case study designed to help you build confidence in typical agile scenarios. 

This course is ideal for professionals across sectors looking to build or strengthen their approach to agile project management, and this interactive course equips you with the skills and mindset to deliver projects with clarity, speed and impact. 

About Agile

Agile is effective because it focusses on continual learning and adaptation. It is an evolutionary approach to getting things done. Traditional projects depend on a definition of requirements – a clear statement of each aspect of the work that needs to be done – but Agile approaches accept that you can't know all of those requirements until you start work and start to learn about the problem.

Traditional project management puts a significant emphasis on management of risk. Agile, on the other hand, avoids such risks by reacting quickly, efficiently and in a controlled manner to deal with problems and issues as they arise.

Agile is not just 'free-form' or 'random'. Agile has a well-developed discipline of tools, techniques, behaviours and thinking that drive progress towards a successful project conclusion. The Oxford Agile course will enable you to understand and use those key techniques of Agile Project Management.

Programme details

Agile Project Management – theory day (Day 1)

  • An introductory case study of a failing project that was transformed by applying Agile
  • 12 Principles of the Agile Manifesto – and what they mean for your projects
  • An introduction to Scrum – the most widely adopted Agile Method
  • Definition of ‘Done’
  • Scrum Values
  • Team roles in Scrum – ScrumMaster, Product Owner, Team
  • Team communication and team size
  • Structure of Agile Scrum projects
  • Building understanding through User Stories
  • Estimating tasks and effort
  • Tracking your project to a successful conclusion
  • Servant Leadership : Key skills of the expert ScrumMaster

Agile Project Management - practical workshop (Day 2)

This is a hands-on day where you will work on a small Agile project to put into practice what you have learnt on the theory part of this course.

There will be full tutor support throughout the day and lots of opportunity to discuss the subject and ask any questions you might have.

Who is this course for?

Agile Project Management is used by small businesses and large, in both the private and public sectors. This course is relevant for both new and experienced project managers who want to build their knowledge and understanding of this important and powerful new approach to Project Management. The course is relevant to both IT and non-IT practitioners, is non-technical in its approach and assumes no prior knowledge in this subject area.

Attending your course 

Further details will be emailed to you two weeks ahead of your course, which will include registration information. 

Please get in touch if you have not received this information within five working days of the course start date.  

In the meantime, you may wish to plan your travel: Travel information 

Digital Certification

In order to be eligible for a certificate of attendance, you will need to attend the whole course. Participants who meet this criteria will be emailed after the end of the course with a link, and instructions on how to access their University of Oxford digital certificate.

The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will also be able to download your certificate or share it on social media if you choose to do so.

Fees

Description Costs
1. Standard course fee £1120.00

Payment

Fees include course materials, tuition, refreshments and lunches. The price does not include accommodation.

All courses are VAT exempt.

Register immediately online 

Click the 'Book now' button on this webpage. Payment by credit or debit card is required.

Request an invoice

If you require an invoice for your company or organisation, please email us to request an online enrolment form. Payment is then accepted online, by credit/debit card, or by bank transfer. 

Tutor

Dr Rob Collins

Visiting Fellow

Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford

Dr Rob Collins is a visiting fellow of Kellogg College, Oxford and regularly teaches courses at the University. Dr Collins has taught on the MSc in Software Engineering through Oxford University’s Computing Laboratory for over 20 years. He currently teaches modules on Classical Machine Learning, Software Testing and Safety Critical Systems.

Dr Collins also teaches courses in Artificial Intelligence, Systems Thinking, Agile, Machine Learning, Design Thinking and Business Process Improvement. He regularly provides consultancy to industry in the area of Business Process Excellence, Artificial Intelligence and Systems Engineering. He gained his Black Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma from Lockheed Martin, the world's largest Systems Engineering company and a world-leader in advanced technology.

As well as his undergraduate degree in Physics and Computing, Dr Collins holds a PhD focussed on training, psychology and processes for introducing complex technology into learning environments. He completed an MBA in 2012 at Henley Business School, and so has a strategic business view as well as deep understanding and practical experience of hands-on process improvement in technology and service.

Application

If you would like to discuss your application or any part of the application process before applying, please click the 'Ask a Question' button at the top of this page.

Level and demands

Intended Audience

Agile Project Management is used by small businesses and large, in both the private and public sectors. This course is relevant for both new and experienced project managers who want to build their knowledge and understanding of this important and powerful new approach to Project Management. The course is relevant to both IT and non-IT practitioners, is non-technical in its approach and assumes no prior knowledge in this subject area.

Accommodation

Although not included in the course fee, accommodation may be available at our on-site Rewley House Residential Centre. All bedrooms are en suite and decorated to a high standard, and come with tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi access and Freeview TV. Guests can take advantage of the excellent dining facilities and common room bar, where they may relax and network with others on the programme.

To check prices, availability and to book rooms please visit the Rewley House Residential Centre website.

Enrolled students are entitled to discounted accommodation rates for the purpose of study, at Rewley House, and can contact the administration team for the promotional code to use for making online accommodation bookings via the website.

Terms & conditions for applicants and students

Information on financial support