Diploma of Project Management

The Diploma of Project Management is a one-year qualification at the Australian College of Technology and Business. It sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework, below a bachelor degree. You cover the practical mechanics of running projects: scoping work, building and controlling a budget, scheduling tasks, managing risk, leading a team, and reporting progress to stakeholders. Assessment is competency-based, meaning you demonstrate you can actually do the tasks, not just recall theory.

How the course is structured

Australian diplomas are usually delivered over two or three study periods across the year, with each unit carrying credit points. You complete a set of core units and may choose electives in areas such as contract administration, quality management or procurement. Check the official course page for the current unit list and credit-point values, as these can change.

Skills you build

You learn to write a project charter, develop a work breakdown structure, estimate costs, track a schedule, run a risk register, and chair a project meeting. You also practise using common project software and preparing status reports for clients and senior managers. Group work and simulated projects are typical, so you finish with artefacts you can show an employer.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people already working in a support role who want to move into project coordination, or school leavers who want a fast, job-focused qualification rather than a three-year degree. It also works as a pathway: many Australian institutions give credit towards a bachelor degree if you continue studying. International students should confirm English requirements, IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for coursework, though the Student visa has its own separate English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. While studying, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight, and on completion you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Always check the official page for current fees, intake dates and unit details.

• Project coordinator or project officer in construction, IT, events or government
• Team leader or assistant project manager
• Program support officer in health, education or community services
• Scheduling or cost-control officer
• Contract or procurement administrator
• Roles in engineering firms, consultancies, mining services and not-for-profits across Australia