Master of Project and Program 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
- Gain advanced knowledge and in-demand skills in project, program and portfolio management.
- Learn the key principles and innovative tools and techniques in project, program and portfolio management to address the growing complexity of projects across various 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 valued 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 advanced knowledge to plan and deliver projects on time, within budget, objectives,specifications, and outcomes that ultimately deliver value to their organisation and stakeholders.
This degree uses A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) as a learning framework. It is the international standard practice and approach to project management that can be applied across different industries, businesses and government institutions.
Throughout the course, you will gain technical skills and professional knowledge to apply project management methodology, tools and techniques, and strategic expertise necessary for managing complex projects across various industries. The program will prepare you to take charge and lead projects from inception to commissioning, and offer knowledge-based solutions to drive a successful completion. The project management thesis provides an opportunity for students to undertake a practical research project that can focus on an issue within a specialised area or workplace.
This postgraduate degree is offered as part of the project management suite of programs (graduate certificate, graduate diploma and master), with each qualification extending to the next. If you decide to exit this degree having completed the four core required courses, you will receive the Graduate Certificate in Project Management. If you have completed the eight core required courses, you will receive the Graduate Diploma in Project Management.
1’The ever-increasing demand in Australia for project management skills: research’, Australian Institute of Project Management, 2020
What you'll learn
The program will deliver industry relevant material created through consultation with practitioners and industry governing bodies like the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM).
Over the course you will:
- Establish a project and prepare project plans to meet objectives and requirements,
- Lead projects from inception to commissioning,
- Learn how to use appropriate management tools for project monitoring and analysis,
- Gain knowledge in effective project management tools and techniques, current trends and contemporary knowledge such as sustainability, agile and tailoring based approaches to solve complex project problems creatively
- Complete a practical research project that can focus on an issue within your workplace.
Once you graduate, you will be able to demonstrate your mastery of theoretical knowledge and practical application for project, program and portfolio management. You will be able to apply your knowledge of concepts, theories and approaches to solve complex organisational problems across a variety of industries.
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
UniSA’s research centres provide a dynamic teaching and research base for students. All have state-of-the-art facilities, with world renowned links and associations.
Through your studies you will and learn from staff who are at the forefront of research, with UniSA rated as the number one young university in Australia for industry collaborations1. During the program, you will gain research skills as you undertake a research thesis, which will allow you to explore and synthesise information about issues related to a particular aspect of project management.
You could benefit from UniSA’s research continuum, particularly in key fields where project management skills are desired; IT, defence, engineering and health. To explore the university’s expansive range of research collaborations, visit our research website.
12023 THE Young University Rankings –Industry Income Indicator.
Why Master of Project and Program Management
Take the next steps in your career and begin a degree that features curriculum embedded in industry knowledge. Learn from industry practitioners and academics who are at the forefront of research in this area, with UniSA rated as the number one young university in Australia for industry collaborations1.
The program is developed to address the needs of industries. Once you graduate, this degree will allow you to work across a variety of industries as you will learn best practices adopted by many Government and industry sectors worldwide. The program is designed to prepare you to seamlessly embed your knowledge and skills into any organisation.
You will be introduced to core and advanced concepts with continuous reference and application to industry. You will learn the latest project management practices to investigate, analyse and synthesise complex information to solve problems across a variety of industries. All course work has been designed in relation to A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) as a framework.
With a variety of study options available to suite your needs, you can begin your unstoppable2 journey today. The program has been designed for industry professionals, so you can choose to study either full-time (1.5 years) or part-time with options available for evening classes.
12023 THE Young University Rankings –Industry Income Indicator.
2UNSTOPPABLE ® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence.
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
- planning
- aid
- health
- defence
- finance
- mining
- assets and facilities
- infrastructure
- biopharmaceuticals
- resources
- the arts
- government
- community development
You could also continue with a PhD through one of our dynamic research concentrations.
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
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.
