Master of Project Management
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
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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 or Graduate Diploma in Project Management, or a related discipline.
Degree overview
- This is a STEM-centred project management graduate degree.
- Gain advanced knowledge, methodologies, tools and techniques in project, program and portfolio management to address the growing complexity of projects across various industries.
- Enable you to deepen knowledge in your field of interest, background and past professional experience. Concentrations allow you to use three elective courses to focus on a specific discipline such as Data Analytics and Business, Environment, Energy, Sustainability, Construction, Contracting, Engineering, Manufacturing, Defence or Health and Allied Contexts.
- 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.
- Become a project manager in defence and maritime projects of national importance.
- Flexible study options including part-time course load and evening classes availability to working professionals.
- Study with a University who ranked no. 2 in Australia for graduate employability1.
1Ranked #2, 2021 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey –Graduate Employability Skills Indicator. 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.
You will graduate with the advanced skills and knowledge to apply project, program and portfolio management methodology to specific professional field(s) of expertise; work in interdisciplinary project teams; and assume the role of project manager from inception to commissioning.
You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to network, exchange ideas and share experiences with practising project managers as well as other professionals. As part of this degree you will do a major integrated research project which could focus on a real issue in your workplace.
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, a 1.5-year Master and a 2.0-year Master). Each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to a Master level qualification. If you decide to exit this degree having completed the required four core courses, you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Project Management. If you have completed the required eight core courses, you will receive the Graduate Diploma in Project Management. If you have completed the eleven core required courses, you will receive the Master in Project and Program 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, program and portfolio 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.
You will learn the fundamentals of project management and take advanced courses such as Portfolio and Program Management, Managing Complexity in Projects, and Sustainability in Project Management.
Your studies will also include advanced elective courses within specific expertise enabling you to deepen your knowledge in your field of interest or professional background from these five concentrations:
- Data Analytics and Business
- Environment, Energy and Sustainability
- Construction, Contracting and Engineering
- Defence, Manufacturing and Supply Chain
- Health and Allied Contexts
You will also complete a practical-oriented Master thesis.
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
- thesis
- 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 Master of Project Management
Established in 1976, we offer Australia’s well-established postgraduate project management qualification.
This degree is ideal for professionals who are at mid-level of their career from any STEM background, or for those looking to take leadership and strategist role deepening knowledge and skills in project, program and portfolio management.
It has been designed to align strongly with the relevant practice standards, project management knowledge areas, and current needs of diverse STEM-related industries.
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.
Your career
With a Master of Project Management, you’ll be well qualified to apply for roles such as Project Manager, Program Manager, Project Officer or Project Consultant. These professionals are employed in diverse areas such as:
- information technology
- construction
- engineering
- maritime
- planning
- aid
- health
- defence
- finance
- mining
- assets and facilities
- infrastructure
- biopharmaceuticals
- resources
- the arts
- government
- community development
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.
What others are saying
The staff teaching have extensive industry knowledge and the online resources provided the flexibility, which I needed to complete my studies. I work full-time and have a young family, so the ability to study after hours was appealing to me. Studying at such a busy stage in my life was not something that I planned, but I really enjoyed it, and it certainly provided me with extra knowledge that I can apply to my career.
Sarah Kemp
Master of Project Management
The way the courses are delivered is very collaborative and hands-on, with a lot of participation and interaction between students. Our lecturers are very resourceful, they bought in a lot of case studies from all around the world, which I found really enjoyable.
Bala Shan
Master of Project Management
