Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Diploma of Project Management
- Delivery: Online
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Develop project management expertise across strategy, risk, operations, governance and complex projects while building leadership, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
Course overview
The Graduate Diploma of Project Management is designed for professionals seeking to develop their capabilities in managing projects across a range of industries. Delivered through Swinburne Online, the course explores the principles, frameworks and approaches used in contemporary project environments.
Study covers strategic project management, risk, operations, project governance and the management of complex projects. Students develop the capability to critically evaluate project management approaches, address ethical issues, and analyse problems from different perspectives to develop appropriate solutions.
Students complete eight units, totalling 100 credit points. The structure comprises six compulsory project management units and two electives, allowing students to complement their core project management studies with approved subjects from other business areas.
The course is delivered entirely online and can be completed in one year full time or equivalent part time. Graduates can also progress to further study through Swinburne's Master of Project Management.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the award of Graduate Diploma of Project Management, students must complete eight units of study (100 credit points). Each unit is worth 12.5 credit points.
Core units
Complete the following core units:
- Strategic Project Management
- The Risk Management Spectrum
- Project Management for Innovative Outcomes
- Operations Management
Electives
Complete four units from the following:
- Accounting Systems and Reporting
- Economics
- Opportunity Discovery
- Corporate Financial Management
- Designing for Change
- Behaviour in Organisations
- International Trade and Investment
- Global Business Cultures: Advanced Theories and Practices
- 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 meet one of the following qualifications:
- A recognised bachelor's degree in a related discipline.
- A recognised bachelor's degree in any discipline, plus a minimum of two years of equivalent full-time relevant professional experience.
- A Graduate Certificate of Project Management.
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.
Students entering under this admission requirement will be given full credit for the units completed in the Graduate Certificate.
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 Diploma of Project Management Online, 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 and entrepreneurial and industry contexts.
- Critically analyse problems from interdisciplinary perspectives and multiple points of view to establish innovative solutions.
- Apply integrity, ethical conduct, accountability, respect and develop awareness of indigenous/local and global cultures in a sustainable context.
- Critically evaluate, justify and articulate appropriate responses to ethical issues and dilemmas in project management environments.
- Apply critical thinking to promote new and innovative approaches to project management in various business and entrepreneurial contexts.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $35,020 (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.