Graduate Diploma in Project Management (Contract Management)
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2020
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
IGBP
SATAC Code
4GD117 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
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 from a recognised higher education institution
Degree overview
- This program is part of a new suite in contract management and is the only contract management focused tertiary postgraduate degree of its kind in Australia.
- Start to build specialist skills in contract management.
- Learn transferable project and contract management knowledge that can be applied across a broad range of industries.
- Program endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM).
- Learning framework based on the industry Body of Knowledge and standards including A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK® Guide) and international Standard organisations.
- Flexible study options including online OUA courses and many on campus evening campuses.
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 law courses that will help you form a body of knowledge in both project and contract management.
According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), 15.7 million new project management jobs will be available by 2020 in project-intensive industries, including manufacturing, business services, finance and insurance, oil and gas, information services, construction, and utilities.
This degree uses A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK® Guide) and other international standards as a framework. It is the international industry-standard approach to project management that can be applied across different industries, businesses and government institutions.
You will graduate with the skills and knowledge to apply both project and contract management methodology to specific professional field(s) of expertise and work in interdisciplinary project teams.
You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to network, exchange ideas and share experiences with practising project managers as well as other professionals.
This postgraduate degree is offered as part of a suite of four project management programs (graduate certificate, graduate diploma, a 1 ½ year and 2 year master). Each qualification extends to the next, so you can easily transition to a master level qualification. At master level, you may choose to complete an additional six months of study to expand your academic knowledge and explore an area of interest within the project management field.
If you decide to exit this degree having completed the first four courses, you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Project Management.
In addition to our campus offerings, we have launched a highly specialised online Master of Applied Project Management (Defence Industries) via OUA. This qualification is tailor made for defence contractors and defence organisations and provides specialised knowledge and skills to meet the new demands of this industry.
What you'll learn
Over the course of this degree you will learn the fundamentals of project and contract management, which will include how to:
- establish a project and prepare project plans to meet objectives and requirements,
- use appropriate strategies to establish, mitigate risk and control the contract process, and
- understand and effectively manage contracts using strategic techniques such as control methods and negotiation.
Your studies will also include courses such as:
- Principles of Project Management
- Contract Law and Management
- Strategic Procurement
- Commercial Contract Management (of construction/civil engineering contracts) *
- Construction Claims and Dispute resolution*
*Please note: Commercial Contract Management and Construction Claims and Dispute Resolution are construction/civil engineering industry focused elective courses.
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 and 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 practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
- examinations
- essays, assignments and reports
- group presentations and reports
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. 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 our renowned Natural and Built Environments Research Centre (NBERC).
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 contract or project management, contract administration or project management. Additionally, it will be valuable to those wishing to gain a recognised postgraduate qualification in project management with a focus on contract management within the project context.
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 but not limited to engineering, construction and government.
Our lecturers and tutors come from both academia and industry. They are successful project and/or contract management experts, with mature knowledge and skills. Their lectures and your study activities will incorporate practical scenarios that will enable you to immediately apply your learning to the workplace.
This degree is an ideal choice for professionals looking to move into a contract or project management role, or for those looking to build a career in contract management, contract administration or project management. It has been designed to align strongly with the current needs of industry with study centralised around real-world projects and examples.
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
• Defence Contractors
• Lead contractors
• Project management firms
• Research and Pharmaceutical Enterprises
• Engineering firms
• IT industry
• Corporate enterprises
• Consulting Firms
• Municipal councils
• Professional consultancies
• Public utilities
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
$7,000 for a full year is available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Receive up to $2500 total in travel grants to participate in our Study Overseas programs. UniSA has agreements 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 areas 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 has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, a perfect 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 support services can make your life at university easier. We provide a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling. You can also access a range of services through our students association, USASA. When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.
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.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.