Diploma of Project Management

The Diploma of Project Management is a two-year qualification that teaches you how to plan, run and close projects across industries. You will study how to define project scope, build schedules and budgets, manage risks, lead project teams, and report progress to stakeholders. The course also covers procurement, quality control, and the tools project managers use to keep work on track. Assessment is practical: you will write project plans, cost estimates, risk registers and status reports, often based on scenarios drawn from Australian workplaces.

How the qualification is structured

Australian diplomas are made up of units of study, each with a set credit point value. The academic year runs across semesters or trimesters, and you enrol in a set number of units each study period. The Diploma of Project Management is delivered over two years, and you will typically complete a mix of core and elective units. Some providers include a capstone unit where you manage a simulated project from start to finish, applying everything you have learned. Work-integrated learning may be part of the course, with a placement or industry project that lets you work alongside practising project managers. Check the official course page for the exact unit list, credit points and any placement requirements.

What you will learn

By the end of the diploma, you should be able to develop a project charter, create a work breakdown structure, estimate time and costs, manage a project budget, identify and treat risks, and use project management software. You will also build communication skills for dealing with clients, team members and senior managers, and learn how to handle changes without losing control of the schedule. The focus is on Australian project management practices, including the standards and methods used by employers here.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who want to move into project support or coordination roles, or who already work in a trade, office or technical job and want formal project management skills. It is also a pathway to further study, such as a bachelor degree in project management or business, where you may receive credit for some units. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream after you finish. English requirements for international applicants are usually IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent. Confirm all details, including tuition and intake dates, on the official CRICOS page.

• Project coordinator or project support officer in construction, IT, government or community services
• Assistant project manager on infrastructure, events or business change projects
• Team leader or supervisor with responsibility for planning and reporting
• Contract administrator or procurement officer
• Project officer in not-for-profit or local government organisations
• Further study: bachelor degree in project management, business or related field, with possible credit for completed units