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Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    January, March, May, July, September, October

  • Duration

    16 months part-time

  • Location

    SCU Online

  • Placement

    No  

  • Course abbreviation

    GradDipProjMgt

  • Course code

    1108400

  • Credit points

    96

  • Equivalent units

    8

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

International snapshot

  • Start Date

    January, March, April, June, August, October

  • Duration

    2 years part-time

  • Location

    SCU Online

  • Placement

    No  

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Overview

The Graduate Diploma of Project Management is designed for business professionals who wish to develop their skills in project management. The course develops core knowledge in planning, quality, risk management, procurement and program management and allows students to focus on their area of interest through a wide range of elective subjects.

The course is a pathway to further postgraduate study. Graduates receive up to eight units of credit towards the Southern Cross University Master of Project Management.

AIPM Endorsed course

Bachelor of Business Alumus Deborah Guion

“I really wanted to make an impact on the world and my degree gave me the start I needed. When I was approached to manage a CSR program for a corporation, it just made sense to me. ”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate advanced cognitive, technical and creative skills to independently evaluate and critically analyse information, and solve complex problems, in project management through adaptable and responsible practise.

GA2: Creativity

Demonstrate advanced cognitive, technical and creative skills to independently evaluate and critically analyse information, and solve complex problems, in project management through adaptable and responsible practise.

GA3: Ethical practice

Demonstrate advanced judgement within ethical framework(s), aligned with the project management environment, when undertaking projects in research, social and professional settings.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate advanced theoretical and technical knowledge in Project Management and apply this to real-world situations.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Demonstrate autonomous, self-managed learning through reflective practice, and advanced skills to locate, evaluate, manage and apply information in the field of project management.

GA6: Communication and social skills

Demonstrate advanced communication and collaboration skills, in working with and managing individuals and teams to achieve project outcomes.

GA7: Cultural competence

Demonstrate cultural competence in local, Australia-wide and global settings, specifically as they apply to contemporary realities and protocols in project management practice.

Students complete core units in project management, procurement, quality, contracts and planning and select from a large range of electives including global business, health management, organisational change, corporate governance, human resources management, stakeholder engagement, digital enterprise management and more.

Location Teaching period
SCU OnlineSummer Term, Term  1, Term  2, Term  3, Term  4, Term  5
Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
SCU OnlineSummer Term, Term  1, Term  2, Term  3, Term  4, Term  5$25,000 ($3,125 per unit)N/A

Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions.

Career Outcomes

As a project professional in a diverse range of business, health and organisational settings. Graduate opportunities exist also in human resources, quality, risk or change management positions.

This course is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM). Students who have completed an AIPM-endorsed course are eligible to apply for a certificate as a Certified Practising Project Practitioner (CPPP) under AIPM's RegPM program.
 
For more information, visit the AIPM website.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.5
Listeningminimum 6.0
Speakingminimum 6.0
Readingminimum 6.0
Writingminimum 6.0

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Graduate Diploma of Project Management students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) comprising:

  • 7 core units (84 credit points), and
  • 1 equivalent elective unit (12 credit points).
 
Exit Award
Students may be eligible to exit with the Graduate Certificate in Project Management after completing the equivalent of 4 core units (48 credit points).

Other things to consider

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more


Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

PROJ5002Project Management Principles
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
SCU Online
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
Anti-requisitesPROJ5001 - Project Management
PROJ5003Project Management: Initiation and Planning
Summer Term
Term2,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
SCU Online
Summer Term
Term2,4
Summer Term
Term2,4
Pre-requisitesPROJ5002 - Project Management Principles
PROJ5007Introduction to Agile Project Management
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
SCU Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Pre-requisitesPROJ5002 - Project Management Principles
PROJ6001Project Management: Quality, Control and Risk
Term1,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
SCU Online
Term1,4
Term1,4
Pre-requisitesPROJ5002 - Project Management Principles
PROJ6003Leading and Managing Projects
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
SCU Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisitesPROJ5002 - Project Management Principles
Option Unit
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
ACCT6013Corporate Governance for Managers (Online)
ACCT6016Finance for Managers (Online)
BUSN5005Management Communication (Online)
BUSN6002Global Business (Online)
BUSN6006Strategic Knowledge Management (Online)
BUSN6008Strategy and Case Analysis (Online)
BUSN6009Managing Information Systems (Online)
COMP6005Managing Digital Enterprise (Online)
ENGN6001Engineering for a Sustainable Future
LEGL5003Business and Corporation Law for Managers (Online)
MGMT6004Organisational Change and Development (Online)
PROJ5004Strategic Infrastructure Asset Management
PROJ6007Stakeholder Engagement
PBHL5016Leading Change in Health Care
PBHL5017Governance and Accountability in Health Care
PBHL5014Strategic Planning and Management in Health Care
PROJ6005Project Procurement and Contract Management
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
SCU Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesPROJ5002 - Project Management Principles
PROJ6006Portfolio and Program Management
Term5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
SCU Online
Term5
Term5
Enrolment informationThis is an advanced-level unit. We advise that students have either completed at least 4 other Master of Project Management core units. Alternatively, ensure you have sufficient project or mid to senior-level business exposure.


Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core Units

PROJ5002Project Management Principles
PROJ5003Project Management: Initiation and Planning
PROJ5007Introduction to Agile Project Management
PROJ6001Project Management: Quality, Control and Risk
PROJ6003Leading and Managing Projects
PROJ6005Project Procurement and Contract Management
PROJ6006Portfolio and Program Management

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
ACCT6013Corporate Governance for Managers (Online)
ACCT6016Finance for Managers (Online)
BUSN5005Management Communication (Online)
BUSN6002Global Business (Online)
BUSN6006Strategic Knowledge Management (Online)
BUSN6008Strategy and Case Analysis (Online)
BUSN6009Managing Information Systems (Online)
COMP6005Managing Digital Enterprise (Online)
ENGN6001Engineering for a Sustainable Future
LEGL5003Business and Corporation Law for Managers (Online)
MGMT6004Organisational Change and Development (Online)
PROJ5004Strategic Infrastructure Asset Management
PROJ6007Stakeholder Engagement
PBHL5016Leading Change in Health Care
PBHL5017Governance and Accountability in Health Care
PBHL5014Strategic Planning and Management in Health Care

Why Business at SCU

Top 8% worldwide

We're ranked in the top 8% of universities worldwide in Business and Economics

(THE World University Rankings 2023)

93% graduate employment

Southern Cross has 93% graduate employment in Business and Management

(Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018-2020)

5-star ratings for business and management

We’re rated 5-stars for full-time employment, overall experience, skills development, student support and teaching quality

(GUG 2023)

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

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SCU Online

International students studying online or outside of Australia

SCU Online

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway