Graduate Diploma in Project Management (Contract Management)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus
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Entry requirements
To be eligible for admission an applicant must hold:
- a completed Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution; OR
- a completed Graduate Certificate in Project Management program, or Graduate Certificate in Contract Management program, or a related discipline.
Degree overview
- This specialisation in contract management is one of the first tertiary postgraduate degrees of its kind in Australia.
- This degree is intended for both law and non-law professionals who want to consolidate and build specialist knowledge and skills in project management and contract management that can be applied across the construction, engineering, and government sectors.
- Program curriculum and learning framework based on the Standard for Project Management and A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) as a learning framework as well as relevant other industry standards in the field.
- Flexible study options including part-time course load and evening classes availability to working professionals. We welcome all prospective students from construction management, civil engineering or built environment backgrounds.
- Study at the number one university in SA for graduate skills1 and teaching quality2.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Skills Development Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Teaching Quality Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
Snapshot
Contracts are at the centre of construction, government and engineering works. Within these sectors there has been a significant shift towards outsourcing and sub-contracting. In this environment there is an ever increasing emphasis on understanding, negotiating and administering contracts to deliver the best possible result for all stakeholders.
This unique program is a blend of project management, business and construction contract law modules that will help you form a body of knowledge in both project management and contract management.
This degree utilises the Standard for Project Management and A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) as a learning framework as well as relevant other industry standards in the field that are widely recognised and applied across different industries, businesses and government institutions.
This degree also combines knowledge of the legal system, legal methodology, key principles, standards, and practice of Australian construction law.
This postgraduate qualification is offered as part of a suite of four programs (Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master). Each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to a Master level qualification. If you decide to exit this qualification having completed the four core required courses, you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Project Management. If you wish to go on to further study, please consider the Master of Project and Program Management (Contract Management).
What you'll learn
Throughout this program, you will learn advanced knowledge in project management, its widely applicable tools and techniques, and attain a versatile range of skill sets that you can apply to any complex project.
You will also learn the fundamental legal principles, standards, methodologies, and Australian contract management practices relevant to the building, construction, and engineering sector.
Our lecturers and facilitators come from both academia and industry. They are project management experts and practising industry professionals with extensive knowledge and experience.
You'll get unconventional teaching and industry-relevant materials that support learning and upskilling needs.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums. So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- reports and project documentation
- essays and assignments
- quizzes or tests
- individual and group projects
- presentations
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
Take a look at the global opportunities available.
Research
You will benefit from access to UniSA's renowned research centres, including the Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management concentration.
Our researchers work in partnership with industry; local council; government; charitable, not-for-profit and social organisations; media; communities; and other research organisations to address the knowledge gaps and problems of our natural and built environments. The aim is to develop equitable and just, healthy, safe, thriving and sustainable communities. Research includes:
- digital technologies and smart buildings
- energy efficient industries and communities
- planning, safety and modelling
- project and risk management
- sustainable, desirable, adaptive and resilient communities
Why Graduate Diploma in Project Management (Contract Management)
This degree will set you in good stead for a career in project management, contract management and contract administration. Ideally, it will be valuable to those wishing to gain a recognised postgraduate qualification in project management with an advanced and integrated understanding of Australian construction law and contract management .
You will learn the intellectual and technical skills to implement and manage projects and contracts. With these highly transferable skills, you’ll be able to use what you’ve learnt across many workplaces or sectors, including building, construction, and government.
Our teaching team includes colleagues from academia and industry, and they are project management and contract management experts with extensive knowledge, experience and skills. Most study activities will incorporate practical scenarios so you'll be able to apply your learning to the workplace immediately.
Your career
With a Graduate Diploma in Applied Project Management (Contract Management) graduates will advance in their chosen professional field in industries where contracting and subcontracting are key to project delivery. This degree is particularly useful to employees or employers in construction, IT, defence, and STEM related organisations such as:
- Government departments
- Municipal councils
- Defence contractors
- Lead contractors
- Project management firms
- Engineering firms
- Professional consultancies
Professional accreditation and recognition
UniSA's project management qualifications are endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), the longest-serving body for project management in Australia
Industry facts
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those through our student association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your program director
I have extensive industry experience in global project management consulting and curriculum development. I’m currently doing research in the field of risk management in construction. I’m also very interested in the use of multimedia in education and in online learning.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
