Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Certificate of Project Management
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Build project management skills across strategic planning, risk and operations while developing the leadership, communication and problem-solving capabilities used to support projects.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Project Management introduces the fundamental principles of project management and their application across professional contexts. Designed for newcomers and those looking to build on existing skills, the course develops capabilities for contributing effectively to project teams.
Study explores strategic project management, innovative project outcomes, risk and operations management. Students develop skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, planning and organisation, with learning activities including role plays, simulations, case studies and teamwork.
The qualification requires 50 credit points, equivalent to four standard 12.5-credit-point units. No compulsory placement or internship is published for the Graduate Certificate.
Delivered entirely online through Swinburne Online, the course can be completed in six months full time or equivalent part time. Swinburne lists marketing project manager and IT project manager as potential career directions.
Key facts
What you will study
To be eligible to receive the Master of Mental Health Nursing Online, students must complete 12 units comprising 11 core units and one elective.
Core units
Complete three of the following core units:
- Strategic Project Management
- Project Management for Innovative Outcomes
- The Risk Management Spectrum
- Operations Management
- Leading Complex Projects
- Project Governance and Resource Management
Electives
Complete one of the following electives:
- Accounting Systems and Reporting
- Economics
- Opportunity Discovery
- Corporate Financial Management
- Designing for Change
- Behaviour in Organisations
- Contemporary Issues in Business Analysis
- Corporations and Contract Law
- Leading Innovation in the Workforce
- Business Strategy
- Leadership for Innovation
- Marketing Management
What you will study
To be eligible to receive the Master of Mental Health Nursing Online, students must complete 12 units comprising 11 core units and one elective.
Core units
Complete three of the following core units:
- Strategic Project Management
- Project Management for Innovative Outcomes
- The Risk Management Spectrum
- Operations Management
- Leading Complex Projects
- Project Governance and Resource Management
Electives
Complete one of the following electives:
- Accounting Systems and Reporting
- Economics
- Opportunity Discovery
- Corporate Financial Management
- Designing for Change
- Behaviour in Organisations
- Contemporary Issues in Business Analysis
- Corporations and Contract Law
- Leading Innovation in the Workforce
- Business Strategy
- Leadership for Innovation
- Marketing Management
Entry requirements
To gain entry into this course, applicants must have one of the following:
- A recognised bachelor’s degree in a related discipline.
- A recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline plus a minimum of two years’ full-time relevant professional experience.
- A minimum of three years’ full-time relevant professional experience.
Relevant professional/managerial experience and evidence of academic capability will be determined by the Faculty PVC (or delegate) with reference to faculty-determined guiding principles. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application.
Documents substantiating relevant experience are required, clearly detailing roles and duration, as well as evidence of formal and non-formal learning. Where relevant experience is used for the basis of admission, no further recognition for prior learning/credit can be granted on that basis.
English language requirements
All Swinburne students must be able to meet the English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skills if you have one of the following:
- IELTS Academic overall 6.5, with no individual band below 6.0.
- Swinburne EAP 5 Advanced overall 70%, with all skills 65% or above.
- Or equivalent measures.
These requirements vary for prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students, depending on your chosen course.
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have gained extensive and relevant knowledge through formal training or acquired relevant skills through work or through life experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Upon successfully completing the Graduate Certificate of Project Management, graduates will be able to:
- Apply coherent and advanced knowledge of key project management principles, standards and practices.
- Critically evaluate project management theories, methodologies and frameworks in a range of business, management, entrepreneurial and industry contexts.
- Critically analyse problems from interdisciplinary perspectives and multiple points of view to establish innovative solutions.
- Apply integrity, ethical conduct, accountability and respect, as well as develop an awareness of indigenous/local and global cultures in a sustainable context.
Career outcomes
Students can enhance their career opportunities by gaining additional leadership and management skills – an important asset in today’s complex and changing business environment. The examples below demonstrate the types of roles graduates can attain.
- Marketing project manager
- IT project manager
- Project manager
- Business analyst
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $17,510 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. These fees apply to units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.