Study Graduate Diploma in Project Management at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for Australian students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City East

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Program Code
IGBP

SATAC Code
4GD001 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

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 or a related discipline.
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Gain advanced knowledge, skills, tools and techniques in project management to address the growing complexity of projects in a diverse range of environments.
Learn transferable industry best practice elements in project management that can be applied across a broad range of industries.
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 applicants from a variety of academic and professional 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

Project management is a highly regarded discipline, with demand increasing for individuals with project management skills in the Australian workforce¹. Many industries rely on specialist project and program professionals with excellent practical skills and essential knowledge to plan and deliver projects on time, within budget, objectives, specifications, and outcomes that ultimately deliver value to their organisation and stakeholders.

This Graduate Diploma will equip you with advanced knowledge, tools and techniques in project management to manage complex projects and apply them across a broad range of industries.

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 postgraduate qualification is offered as part of a suite of four programs (Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master(s)). 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 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 or the Master of Project Management.

¹’The ever-increasing demand in Australia for project management skills: research’, Australian Institute of Project Management, 2020

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.

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.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
Course name First Semester (Study Period 2)			Reference
Course name Principles of Project Management	Area and cat no. BUSS 5142	Units 4.5	Reference	Rule(s): 1
Course name Project Risk Management	Area and cat no. BUSS 5070	Units 4.5	Reference	Rule(s): 1
Course name Procurement and Contract Management	Area and cat no. BUSS 5143	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Project Governance and Ethics	Area and cat no. BUSS 5387	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)			Reference
Course name Project Control Methods	Area and cat no. BUSS 5163	Units 4.5	Reference	Rule(s): 1
Course name Project Leadership and Teams	Area and cat no. BUSS 5102	Units 4.5	Reference	Rule(s): 1
Course name Portfolio and Program Management	Area and cat no. BUSS 5405	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Choose one of the following:			Reference
Course name Sustainability in Project Management	Area and cat no. BUSS 5328	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Negotiation	Area and cat no. BUSS 5355	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Managing Complexity in Projects	Area and cat no. BUSS 5404	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Project Management in Professional Practice	Area and cat no. BUSS 5406	Units 4.5	Reference
Course name Masters Research Theory and Practice	Area and cat no. ENGG 5020	Units 4.5	Reference

Rules & notes

Rules

1. This is one of four courses that teach project management fundamentals. These courses should be undertaken at the first opportunity

2. Students intending to progress from the Graduate Diploma to Masters must undertake elective course Masters Research Theory and Practice (ENGG 5020) .

Notes

1. The program is available on either a full-time or part-time basis. However, note that international students will only have the full-time option.

2. Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Project Management program or an equivalent program will receive credit subject to approval from the Program Director.

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

Established in 1976, we offer Australia’s well-established postgraduate project management qualification.

This Graduate Diploma is ideal for professionals who are at mid-level of their career from any background deepening knowledge and skills in project management.

It has been designed to align strongly with the relevant practice standards, project management knowledge areas, and current needs of diverse industries. It also provides alternate pathway to the Master program.

Our teaching team includes colleagues from academia and industry, and they are project 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.

Real-world connections

Students can apply for membership with the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM) and apply for RegPM™ certification. AIPM offers RegPM™ certification across different levels and career stages. With over 10,000 members, AIPM are recognised by Australian business, industry and government as the key promoter, developer and leader in project management professionalism.

Many of our lecturers are industry practitioners who apply professional practice, highly relevant industrial experiences and practical case studies to their teaching. You may also discover that most of your peers are mature professionals with considerable and continuing practical experience and insights to share.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

With a Graduate Diploma in Project Management, you’ll be well qualified to apply for roles such as Project Manager, Project Officer or Project Consultant. These professionals are employed in diverse areas such as:

information technology
construction engineering
planning
aid
health
defence
finance
mining
assets and facilities
infrastructure
biopharmaceuticals
resources
the arts
government
community development

Industry facts

According to PMI’s most recent Talent Gap report, 2.3 million people will be needed each year to fill all of the project management oriented positions expected to open by 2030

(PMI Talent Gap: Ten-Year Employment Trends, Costs, and Global Implications 2021)

As we are seeing in many industries, the Australian market is struggling to keep up with the demand for experienced and qualified Project Managers

(2021 AIPM and KPMG project management survey: Looking forward with renewed purpose and relevance)

Thinking of studying soon?

2025

Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.

When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.

2026

Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.

Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.

Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

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How to apply

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Entry pathway

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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.

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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.

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International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

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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 campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

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.

Dr Salwa Mohd Ishak

Program Director

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Dr Salwa Mohd Ishak

Program Director

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Master of Project Management

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