Why study project management with SCU Online?
AIPM endorsed
Endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), aligned with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)
Top-rated support
5 stars for full-time employment outcomes and exceptional student support. 1
Flexible, accelerated learning
Accelerated, online study designed for busy professionals
1 Good Universities Guide 2021
Set yourself up for success
Are you ready to build your skills and knowledge in project management? Study the Graduate Diploma in Project Management with SCU Online. You’ll learn project management principles including initiation and planning; quality control and risk, project procurement, contract management; and portfolio and program management. SCU Online’s Graduate Diploma in Project Management is Accredited by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM).
The skills and knowledge you learn studying a Graduate Diploma in Project Management are transferable across different roles and industries. Even if you completely change career – skills you learn while studying your diploma will come with you.
Quick facts
- Units
8 - Duration
16 months part-time - Fees
$3,142 per unit, FEE-HELP available - Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct
The SCU Online benefits
Broaden your career opportunities
Expand your career prospects in project management with advanced skills and credentials that open new professional pathways.
Lead projects with confidence
Develop the expertise to manage and lead projects effectively, ensuring successful outcomes and team cohesion.
Unique learning model
Find the ideal balance between work, life and study through our unique seven-week study units. Apply the knowledge & skills you learn immediately to real-world situations.
How does a Graduate Diploma in project Management work with SCU?
- With no exams, you’ll learn through quizzes, videos, interactive presentations and more.
- Connect with academics and students through online chat platforms and discussion boards.
- Access support throughout the course, including feedback from a learning coach and a dedicated student success advisor from enrolment through to graduation.
- Live classes are optional but encouraged for networking, while the course is self-paced.
- To make the most of your learning experience, we recommend dedicating around 20 hours per week to your studies.
A typical study period at SCU Online
Early exit option
We know that plans change, which is why we’ve flexible completion options with a Graduate Certificate in Project Management or you can choose to enrol in the Master of Project Management, gaining credit for your units already completed.
Graduate Certificate
4 Units, or continue studying
Graduate Diploma
+ 4 Units, or continue studying
Master Degree
+ 4 Units
Entry requirements
To qualify for entry to the Graduate Diploma in Project Management online, you must:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum of two years’ work experience in a professional environment; or
- Have over five years’ work experience/professional standing that is regarded by the Academic Board as equivalent to an undergraduate degree.
- Be proficient in English.
Find out more about Rules Relating to Awards and Specific Award Rules.
Units of study
This unit covers the foundation elements of managing business projects.
This unit will guide you through the project management process, from initiation to planning and development.
Learn how to implement project plans that mitigate risk, establish controls and ensure quality projects.
This unit provides students with an understanding of the most appropriate situations in which to employ Agile practices, the benefits and challenges of Agile, and the growing use of hybrid forms of project management.
This unit explores theories and practices behind effective management of people and projects.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of contract types and their relationship with performance.
Learn how to skillfully negotiate, map and design systems, as well as evaluate project management processes.
Get detailed information about each unit in our course guide.
Learning outcomes
From initiation and planning to portfolio and program management, you will learn the principles of project management.
Establish a sound understanding of the leadership techniques necessary to successfully lead a project through to completion.
Chose from a wide variety of electives so you can tailor your qualification to your career goals.
What our students do
Qualified project managers are in high demand, both here in Australia and around the world. When you graduate, you will have an in-depth understanding of project management methodologies, be able to meet project goals and make complex strategic decisions. Our students work in a variety of project management roles across all industries. Below is a snapshot of some of these project management jobs.
- Project Manager
- Workspace Services Engineer
- Construction Administrator
- General Business Manager
- Logistics Manager
- IT Project Management Manager
- Agile IT Project Manager
- Managing Director
- IoT Technology Project Manager
Dr David Noble is the Associate Dean of Education at Southern Cross University within the Faculty of Business, Law and Arts.
How does project management tie into the changing business landscape in Australia, and globally? David Noble: "The global digital economy means that we are connected like never before, and the way that connection happens in almost every area of business today is through projects. A lot of companies are now basically projectised management structures and so when you are studying a Master of Project Management, you are equipping yourself not to work in yesterday's economy or even today's economy, you're equipping yourself to work in the economy of the next two or three decades. It's about taking something that has a defined start and a defined end and making sure that you can manage that process in a way that delivers to the end-user a high-quality product, no matter where you are in Australia or in the world; or no matter whether you're in IT or whether you're in financial services."
Our Accreditations and Endorsements
Our online programs meet all of the AQF guidelines, ensuring quality education.
5-STAR Rating for Full-Time Employment, Overall Experience, Student Support, Learning Resources, Teaching Quality and Skills Development.
Southern Cross University is one of the world's Top 100 Young Universities.
Our postgraduate student support and satisfaction both above the national average.
Meet our course coordinator
Dr Chris Lawler is a seasoned professional with an exceptional track record spanning over four decades, specialising in projects, programs, and portfolios across diverse industries. She now pursues her passion for developing emerging to advanced practitioners as a sessional lecturer, online facilitator and mentor. By utilising her experience and expertise, Chris is available to assist SCU Online Project Management students through:
- Industry experience: Gain a deep understanding of how project management principles are applied in different contexts, including the nonprofit sector.
- Mentoring: Receive one-on-one guidance and support in your academic and career journey. As your course coordinator, Chris can offer career advice, share insights and help you develop essential skills for success in the field of project management.
- Networking opportunities: Be connected to a network of professionals within the field of project management and expand your industry connections and opportunities for mentorship, internship and job prospects.
My current role involves interfacing with many other disciplines. Studying Southern Cross University's Master of Project Management has proven to be the perfect way for me to advance my knowledge and opportunities.
The whole experience was excellent from start to finish. Lecturers were knowledgeable, supportive and encouraging, recognising the challenges faced by most of the students in balancing work demands, home life and study.
I've been practicing as a project manager for around 10 years and decided that I wanted to attain a more formal recognition in the profession. I thought of various options for this recognition and determined that a masters would be the best fit for me.
