Start date
February
July

Duration
1 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IGBP

Fees
AUD$ 40,900 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.5]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
013176B

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

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

What you 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  
First Semester (Study Period 2)
Principles of Project Management BUSS 5142 4.5 Rule(s): 1
Project Risk Management BUSS 5070 4.5 Rule(s): 1
Procurement and Contract Management BUSS 5143 4.5
Project Governance and Ethics BUSS 5387 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Project Control Methods BUSS 5163 4.5 Rule(s): 1
Project Leadership and Teams BUSS 5102 4.5 Rule(s): 1
Portfolio and Program Management BUSS 5405 4.5
Choose one of the following:
Sustainability in Project Management BUSS 5328 4.5
Negotiation BUSS 5355 4.5
Managing Complexity in Projects BUSS 5404 4.5
Project Management in Professional Practice BUSS 5406 4.5
Masters Research Theory and Practice ENGG 5020 4.5

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 (independent study). 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

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.

Global opportunities

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

Why this Degree

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

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

global-travel-delivery

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)

chart-people

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)

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

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.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

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

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • career advice and mentoring
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • accommodation services 
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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.

Student services

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.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

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

Enquire
Portrait image for Dr Salwa Mohd Ishak
Portrait image for Dr Salwa Mohd Ishak

Dr Salwa Mohd Ishak

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

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