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Graduate Diploma in Project Management
PostgraduateUSA-PJM-GDI2020
Course information for 2020 intake
Endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management
Become a valued member of an interdisciplinary project management team. Study principles, leadership, risk and control methods. Uses A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) as a framework.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- Subject may require attendance
- Credit available
- Yes
- Total subjects
- 8
- Available loans
- Australian Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)
Graduate Diploma in Project Management
About this degree
Advanced and theoretical knowledge within a systematic and coherent, body of knowledge in the area of project management as applied in professional practice.
Cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge and identity and provide solutions to complex problems in the area of contemporary project management.
Demonstrate the application of theoretical project management knowledge and skills to initiate, plan, implement and evaluate broad functions within varied specialised technical and/or creative contexts.
Have cognitive skills to think critically and to generate and evaluate complex ideas in the area of project management.
Make high level, independent judgements in a range of technical or management functions in the area of project management.
Demonstrate the application of individual and team skills that include working with people in remote or virtual project team situations.
Advanced knowledge of the moral, ethical and legal considerations which underpin the planning and implementation of project management applications.
Demonstrate the application of theoretical knowledge and skills with responsbility and accountability for personal outputs and all aspects of the work or function of others within broad parameters.
Specialised technical and creative skills in a field of highly skilled and/or professional practice.
Communication skills to demonstrate an understanding of theoretical concepts in the area of project management and to transfer knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences.
Demonstrate the application of international perspectives, including operating in different geopolitical environments that require different cultural approaches.
Project management knowledge is essential to the successful planning, development and delivery of projects. These project types can vary. They can range from organising an outdoor event to the design and construction of a submarine. Project management provides the knowledge required to plan and organise projects so that they are delivered within time, cost and quality constraints.
The degrees cater to the needs of people transitioning from an applied background into a project management role, those already managing projects or those looking to build careers as project managers. Throughout the degree you will be provided with several opportunities to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills required for successful project management.
The degrees use the A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) as a framework. This framework provides a generic approach to project management that can be applied across different industries, businesses and government institutions.
You have a range of options in respect to your study. You can undertake the degree at Graduate Certificate (4 subjects), Graduate Diploma (8 subjects) or Masters level (16 subjects).
Recommended study pattern
- Students are requested to enrol in the compulsory core subject MPM411 Principles of Project Management subject at the first opportunity
- Students are advised to leave the MPM 9226 Professional Practice Project subject to the latter stage of their studies as they should complete MPM 411 Principals of Project Management before enrolling in MPM 9226
- Students are advised to complete MPM 411, MPM 413, MPM 414 and MPM 417 before enrolling into the remaining subjects in the degree
Award requirements
To qualify for the award of the Graduate Diploma in Project Management, students must complete all 8 subjects.
Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.
This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.
Once you have enrolled:
Once your enrolment has been confirmed, your details will be sent through to the University of South Australia (UniSA). Your details will then be used to send out your UniSA log in details. If you enrolled two weeks before (or earlier) to the start of the study period your log in details for the UniSA student portal will be sent out two weeks prior to the start of the study period. If you enrol during the last two weeks before the start of the study period the email will be sent the following Monday after you enrol.
If you have not received your log in details by the start of the study period date please contact UniSA directly on 1300 361 450.
OUA students should notify the University of South Australia of their intention to graduate with the award of Graduate Diploma in Project Management in the final year of their studies. Please complete the Graduation Form and send it to ouainfo@unisa.edu.au with the graduation fee. For information about graduation forms, fees and exit awards please contact UniSA Open Universities Student Advisors at ouainfo@unisa.edu.au and/or graduation/fees websites.
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.
Indicative total fee $20,808
The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.
Fees may vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- credit from previous work experience
- your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.
To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is ranked as one of the best young universities in the world, and is the number one university in Australia for graduate employability. UniSA offers over 200 world-class degrees that are informed by industry and delivered with a highly practical approach to teaching and learning, and is a valuable partner with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about UniSA.
Explore UniSA courses.
- QS Ranking 2024:
- 21
- Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:
- 21
Entry requirements
This course has restricted enrolment. You must apply and be accepted before you can enrol in units.
Bachelors Degree from a recognised tertiary education institution
OR
Graduate Certificate in Project Management from a recognised tertiary education institution.For applicants for whom English is a second language, the minimum English language requirements are:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic): with a minimum overall score of 6.5 (with IELTS Reading and Writing each with a minimum score 6), obtained within the last two years or corresponding results from an equivalent test such as TOEFL; or
- Successful completion of a tertiary qualification at diploma level or above completed in Australia within the last two years; or
- Successful completion of two or more years of tertiary study at diploma level or above conducted and completed in English within the last five years in a country in which English is an official language; or English is commonly used, as determined by the University.
Credits will be administered as per University of South Australia policy. A maximum of one third of the degree can be credited based on previous external studies. Students wishing to claim credits should apply prior to enrolling. Please contact the University of South Australia for further information on applying for RPL.
Study method requirements
You are expected to have some familiarity with the use of computers and computer packages including the internet, word processing, presentations and spreadsheets. You require access to the internet.
Career opportunities
Professional recognition
The Australian Institute of Project Management endorses all University of South Australia project management degrees.
Australian job snapshots
Data sourced from Australian Jobs 2023.
Role | Earnings | Employment change |
|---|---|---|
Construction Project Managers | Over $120K | Up 0.01% |
Contract, Program and Project Administrators | $93K to $120K | Up 25.4% |
ICT Project Managers | Over $120K | Up 0.01% |
Degree FAQs
How long does it take to finish an online degree?
That's up to you! Because we let you choose when to study online, you can actually pick up and pause study when it suits you. Many universities have a set time you need to complete your degree within. For some this is up to 10 years, and for others there is no limit.
There are some degrees that are stricter about when you can take breaks, and about how many years you can take to complete your degree. Please always check with your uni what the limits are.
As a general guide, Commonwealth supported place students have 10 years to finish their undergraduate degree through OUA, However, if you're studying with Griffith University, there's a limit of 8 years to complete your studies. If you want to take a break that lasts more than two study terms, you'll need to apply for a leave of absence. You can apply for a leave of absence for up to 12 months, as long as you complete your studies within the maximum time allowed for your degree.
If you're studying with Macquarie University, with the exception of certain degrees, there's no limit to how long you can take. But, please check with Macquarie Student Administration to be sure.
If you're studying with the University of Adelaide, you have up to 9 years to complete your undergraduate degree and graduate.
If you're studying with La Trobe University and want to take a break of minimum 1 study term, you must apply for leave of absence to avoid being inadvertently withdrawn from your degree.
Through OUA, you can study all year round, so it's possible to fast-track and finish up sooner than studying at a traditional uni would allow. That said, you need to spend around 12 hours a week on each undergraduate subject you do, so taking on extra work to finish ahead of time can be challenging.
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