Graduate Diploma in Project Management

At the end of the program, students of the Graduate Diploma 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. 
7. Apply skills and knowledge learnt in your chosen electives. 

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

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).

Recommended study pattern

To qualify for your Graduate Diploma in Project Management, you will complete the core subjects from Part A, and choose one elective from Part B. 

Part A: Core subjects

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

Part B: Elective subjects*

Choose from a range of electives across different industries to tailor your qualification to your interests:

• Business Accounting for Managers
• Business and Corporation Law for Managers
• Global Business
• Corporate Governance for Managers
• Strategy and Case Analysis
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Strategic Infrastructure Asset Management
• Engineering for a Sustainable Future
• Strategic Planning and Management in Healthcare
• Leading Change in Healthcare
• Governance and Accountability in Healthcare
• Managing Information Systems
• Managing Digital Enterprise
• Organisational Change and Development
• Management Communication.

*The elective subjects running will depend on what intake you begin your studies. A full list of all subjects of study is available in the brochure. 

Award requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma of Project Management, students need to successfully complete 8 subjects (96 credit points) comprising:

• All seven (7) Part A subjects
• One (1) elective subjects from Part B.

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

Indicative total fee $25,136

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.

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.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

To qualify for entry into 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, AND
• 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.

Sometimes, specific software or textbooks are required.