Why Graduate Diploma in Project Management?
Global demand for qualified project managers continues to grow. Position yourself in this high-demand field with a Graduate Diploma in Project Management.
Develop practical skills in defining project goals, assessing risks, managing budget and supporting organisational transformation. Tailor your studies to your career ambitions through a flexible program that offers elective courses and career development opportunities.
Connect with industry professionals, leading academics and a diverse cohort of peers. Upon completion, you’ll be equipped to contribute to projects across a range of sectors, from construction to finance. Take the next step toward advancing your career in project management with Adelaide University.
Overview
In today’s business environment, projects are increasingly complex – requiring professionals who can manage risk, balance competing priorities, and deliver outcomes effectively.
This Graduate Diploma in Project Management equips you with essential, practical skills to support and lead projects across a range of scales and complexities. You’ll study key areas such as risk management, sustainability, and organisational innovation and transformation, while developing capabilities in leadership, decision-making, and applied research.
The program offers flexibility to align with your career goals, with options to explore elective courses, internships and industry-relevant projects. The skills you gain are highly sought after, opening pathways to diverse career opportunities and enabling you to contribute to a wide range of project environments.
Key features
Gain advanced, practice-oriented knowledge through experienced industry professionals and leading academics.- Study a degree designed to reflect industry demands.
- Apply your learning through a practical research project focused on a real-world workplace challenge.
- Customise your study pathway with a selection of elective and professional development opportunities.
- Develop expertise in project management and work across global industries.
- Expand your professional network by engaging with a diverse cohort of peers.
What you'll learn
Build the skills, knowledge and mindset to become a responsible project leader in a global context. This degree develops your ability to manage key aspects of projects across varying scales and complexity, preparing you to support organisational transformation, portfolio and program delivery, and complex project design.
You’ll begin by establishing a strong foundation in project management, covering advanced theoretical and technical principles, risk management, leadership models, ethics, and sustainability.
As you progress, you’ll benefit from a flexible curriculum that can be tailored to your career goals. You may choose to deepen your expertise in areas such as portfolio and program management, enterprise transformation and innovation, effective project governance or complex decision-making. You could also select advanced electives aligned with your professional interests and experience.
Degree Structure: Graduate Diploma in Project Management
Program code: GDPRM
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 36 units for Core courses, and
- 12 units for Electives
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 36 units for Core courses, and
- 12 units for Electives
Complete 36 units comprising:
- 36 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Research Methods and Development
|
Course code
ECON6000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Project Control Methods
|
Course code
PROJ5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Risk Assessment and Management
|
Course code
PROJ5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Project Procurement and Contract Management
|
Course code
PROJ5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Project Leadership
|
Course code
PROJ5006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Project Management Fundamentals
|
Course code
PROJX500
|
Units
6
|
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
Complete 12 units comprising:
- 12 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Accounting Principles for Decision Makers
|
Course code
ACCT5007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Entrepreneurial Thinking
|
Course code
BUSI5014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
|
Course code
BUSI6041
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Climate Change in Business
|
Course code
ENVI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
People, Leadership and Organisational Performance
|
Course code
HRES5002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Marketing
|
Course code
MARK5000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Project Management Study Tour
|
Course code
PROJ3900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Systems Design for Projects
|
Course code
PROJ6002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Program and Portfolio Management
|
Course code
PROJ6003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Enterprise Transformation Project Management
|
Course code
PROJ6004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Project Governance
|
Course code
PROJ6005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Complex Project Management
|
Course code
PROJ6006
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
After graduation, you’ll be positioned to step into project-focused roles or advance into greater responsibility, with the ability to move across industries and adapt to different organisational contexts. You’ll develop the confidence to lead teams, manage stakeholders and make informed decisions in complex and uncertain environments – skills that are valued well beyond project roles.
Careers could also include:
- Risk manager
- Program manager
- Project coordinator
- Project officer
- Project consultant.
Industry trends
In 2021, the Project Management Institute’s Talent Gap report estimated that by 2030, employers will need 25 million new project professionals globally to meet rising demand. This equates to approximately 2.3 million project managers required each year to keep pace with workforce needs. This ongoing skills shortage highlights strong global demand – you’ll be well positioned to contribute to complex projects across international markets.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
