Graduate Certificate in Project Management

At the end of the program, students of the Graduate Certificate in Project Management can:  

1. Analyse every component of the project lifecycle, with an in-depth understanding of project management principles; quality control and risk; planning and contract management to deliver projects in full, on time and within budget and scope.  
2. Apply sustainability principles, and use ethical frameworks to plan, manage and undertake projects. 
3. Apply project management skills and knowledge with initiative and creativity, including in new challenges or new situations. 
4. Understand project management principles and methods, and apply these in a professional context. 
5. Utilise advanced communication skills to work collaboratively with teams. 
6. Demonstrate cultural competence in a local, Australia-wide and global settings as they apply to project management.

The Graduate Certificate in Project Management from Southern Cross University is for professionals across all sectors to develop practical project management skills. 

Students will study the principles underpinning project management, including risk, control, planning, implementation, evaluation, collaboration and systems analysis.  

The degree is endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management. You can study 100% online, and complete your qualification in as little as eight months, part-time, making it a great choice for those balancing work, life and study.

Recommended study pattern

To qualify for a Graduate Certificate in Project Management online, you will complete four units. You will need to complete the compulsory core unit, Project Management Principles, and then take three units from Electives.

Electives*:

• Project Management: Initiation and Planning
• Project Management: Quality, Control and Risk
• Introduction to Agile Project Management
• Leading and Managing Projects
• Project Procurement and Contract Management
• Portfolio and Program Management.

*The elective subjects running will depend on what intake you begin your studies.

Award requirements

To qualify for a Graduate Certificate in Project Management, you will complete four units. You will need to complete the compulsory core unit, Project Management Principles, and three electives from Part A. 

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $13,000

The amounts shown here are 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.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

Learn more about SCU.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

31

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

32

To qualify for entry into the Graduate Certificate in Project Management online, you must:

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline; OR
• Have over five years’ work experience/professional standing that is regarded by the Academic Board as equivalent to an undergraduate degree.

In either case, students must be proficient in English.

We recognise and grant credit for past education, qualifications and/or work experience in a process called advanced standing. If you're eligible for advanced standing, this can impact the number of units you need to study, reducing the time and cost of your overall degree. 

Studying online requires: 

• A PC or Mac with the latest operating system
• A fast, reliable internet connection 
• The latest version of Chrome or Firefox. 

Note: Sometimes, specific software or textbooks are required.