Start date
February
July

Duration
1.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
IMAM

Fees
AUD$ 36,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2023
AUD$ 38,500 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

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
098255M

Degree overview

  • Build specialist skills in contract management to deliver reduce costs and risk for clients or your organisation.
  • 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 standard including A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK® Guide) but also covers other international standards and body of knowledge including Prince2, international standards organisations (e.g ISO/IEC 25000:2014, ISO 31000).
  • Flexible study options including many evening classes on campus.
  • Study with a University ranked no. 2 in Australia for graduate employability1.

1Ranked #2, 2021 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey – Graduate Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities.

Snapshot

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 will equip you with the skills and knowledge, not only to manage projects effectively, but also to manage contracts within the context of the Australian legal framework.

This specialisation 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. Courses introduce core and advanced concepts which continually reference current industry operations to prepare you for contract roles in the workplace.

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; work in interdisciplinary project teams; and assume the role of project or contract manager from inception to commissioning.

You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to network, exchange ideas and share experiences with practicing project managers as well as other professionals.

This postgraduate degree is offered as part of a suite of four 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 eight courses, you will receive the Graduate Diploma in Project Management (Contract Management).

What you'll learn

What you 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
  • understand and effectively manage contracts using strategic techniques such as control methods and negotiation

Your studies will also include courses such as:

  • Project Leadership and Teams
  • Construction Claims and Disputes Resolution*
  • Commercial Contract Management*
  • Contract Law and Management

* Please note: Commercial Contract Management, Construction Claims and Disputes Resolution are construction/civil engineering industry focused elective courses.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Principles of Project Management BUSS 5142 4.5 Note(s): 1
Project Risk Management BUSS 5070 4.5 Note(s): 1
Procurement and Contract Management BUSS 5143 4.5
Construction Contract Management BUIL 5042 4.5
Second Semester (Study Periods 4, 5 and 6)
Project Control Methods BUSS 5163 4.5 Note(s): 1
Project Leadership and Teams BUSS 5102 4.5 Note(s): 1
Construction Claims and Dispute Resolution BUIL 5043 4.5
Masters Research Theory and Practice ENGG 5020 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Project Management Research Thesis BUSS 5452 9
Negotiation BUSS 5355 4.5
Choose one of the following:
Portfolio and Program Management BUSS 5405 4.5
Sustainability in Project Management BUSS 5328 4.5
Managing Complexity in Projects BUSS 5404 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 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. 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 Master of Applied Project Management (Contract Management)

Why this Degree

This degree will set you in good stead for a career in contract management, contract administration or project management. Additionally, it will be valuable to those wishing to gain a recognised master qualification in project management with a focus on contract management within the project context.

You will acquire the intellectual and technical skills necessary to implement and manage procurement strategies, negotiate contracts, deal with contractual claims and resolve contractual disputes. You will develop the technical, communication and creative skills to design, evaluate, implement and theorise about developments that contribute to your professional workplace or sector. Additionally, there are two electives available in the final semester that focus on contract management, claims and dispute resolution with respect to construction and engineering contracts.

Our lecturers and tutors come from both academia and industry. They are successful project 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.

You will learn the fundamentals of contract management and take advanced courses such as project risk management, negotiation, strategic procurement and contract law and management. Additionally, there are two electives available in the final semester that focus on contract management, claims and dispute resolution with respect to construction and engineering contracts.

Real-world connections

UniSA’s project management qualifications are endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), the longest-serving body for project management in Australia. With over 10,000 members they are recognised by Australian business, industry and government as the key promoter, developer and leader in project management professionalism. Students can apply for membership with AIPM and get recognition to apply for Certified Practising Project Practitioner CPPP level. AIPM offers certifications across different career stages.

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 Master of 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 (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) related organisations such as:

  • Government departments
  • Construction/Civil Engineering industry
  • Mining industry  
  • Defence Industry
  • Lead contractor organisations
  • Project management firms
  • Engineering firms
  • IT industry
  • Corporate enterprises
  • Consulting Firms
  • Municipal councils
  • Professional consultancies
  • Public utilities

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.

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