Master of Project and Program Management
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2024
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus
-
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements
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.
- This program is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM).
- 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.
-
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 Master of 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.
-
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.
-
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.
