Online Graduate Diploma in Project Management

Online Graduate Diploma in Project Management

POSTGRADUATE

Future-proof your project management career.

Student type:
Learning mode:
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Part-time 16 months intensive
Fees:

AU$34,560 (2025), FEE-HELP available*

Next intake:
5 May 2025
Location:
Online
Learning mode:
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Part-time 16 months intensive
Fees:

AU$34,560 (2025)

Next intake:
5 May 2025
Location:
Online

Please use plan code GD194O in the application system for this degree.

Develop the skills to lead complex projects effectively, integrating emerging digital tools and technologies to drive successful business transformations.

Man wearing suit, talking  to interviewer, off camera

Next intake
5 May

Applications close for next intake
28 April

Future intakes

  • May
  • July
  • September
  • October

Program overview

Why study the Graduate Diploma in Project Management online?

Taught by industry experts

You’ll learn from and engage with a strong network of academic and industry leaders.

One of Australia’s longest-running PM programs

We’ve been educating people in all facets of project management for more than 2 decades.

100% online and flexible

A fast-paced way to finish your degree without compromising the coursework or your career.

Dive into the dynamic world of Project Management with our comprehensive course that caters to both general management and IT specialisations. 

This course delves deeply into project management principles, from foundational concepts to advanced techniques like digital innovation, enabling you to harness emerging technologies to drive business transformation.

By the end of this course, you'll be equipped to lead projects with precision, manage diverse teams effectively, and leverage digital tools to enhance organisational success.

Ideal for those looking to excel in the ever-evolving project management landscape, this course prepares you to tackle complex challenges and deliver impactful results in any industry.

Our Graduate Diploma also includes the subjects from our Graduate Certificate in Project Management, offering you a valuable postgraduate qualification even if you decide to exit early.

For those aiming for further academic advancement, the diploma serves as a pathway to a Master’s degree.

The Graduate Diploma of Project Management is also endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM). AIPM will automatically grant the Certified Practicing Project Practitioner (CPPP) level of RegPM™ certification to individuals who have completed the Graduate Diploma of Project Management upon joining AIPM.

By the end of Graduate Diploma in Project Management you will be able to:

  • Analyse, synthesise and apply complex project management theory to address industry issues, and implement new directions in project management
  • Professionally communicate your ideas and strategy, justifying decision making to diverse project management and organisational stakeholders 
  • Employ your knowledge of project management theory and recent industry developments to identify problems and formulate solutions that respond to the diverse needs of project stakeholders
  • Work autonomously and utlilise effective teamwork skills to plan and develop specialised project management strategy appropriate to a range of organisational contexts and projects
  • Critically examine and reflect on your work to question accepted interpretations, decision making and professional practice 
  • Apply appropriate research methods, tools and technical skills to plan, implement and evaluate projects that contribute to the profession and the field of knowledge in the discipline.

Career Outlook

Take a closer look at the opportunities available with a career in Project Management.

This degree will deliver specialist knowledge to prepare you for a career in project management.

Careers include:

  • Project Coordinator/Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Construction or IT Project Manager
  • Site Manager
  • Project Engineer
  • General Manager

Why choose RMIT Online

Get a world-class education and transform your career.

Real world skills

Develop skills that have been validated by industry, while getting credentialed by a world-leading university.

Industry connected

You'll gain knowledge and practical skills from renowned industry partners who are at the forefront of their field.

Flexible delivery

Advance your career while you study. RMIT Online courses let you balance work, study and life commitments.

Supported community

Be guided by a network of industry experts and peers, and supported by our dedicated success team.

Course structure

Our Graduate Certificate in Project Management will empower you with the confidence and expertise to handle larger and more complex projects. You can tailor your learning experience by selecting either the generalist plan or the IT specialisation, depending on your career goals and interests.

At RMIT Online you can choose between 2 different project management plans:

Generalist plan subjects

Subjects in the Graduate Certificate in Project Management option:

  • BUSM4612 Introduction to Project Management
  • BUSM4615 Managing Project Teams
  • BUSM4613 Project Management Techniques
  • BUSM4614 Project Design for Quality
  • BUSM4616 Evaluating and Managing Project Risk
  • BUSM4617 Project Financial Management and Appraisal
  • BUSM4618 Project Initiation Management
  • BUSM4619 Information and Technology Management

IT specialisation plan subjects

Subjects in the Graduate Certificate in Project Management (IT specialisation) option:

  • BUSM4612 Introduction to Project Management
  • BUSM4615 Managing Project Teams
  • BUSM4613 Project Management Techniques
  • BUSM4758 Agile Project Management
  • BUSM4616 Evaluating and Managing Project Risk
  • BUSM4617 Project Financial Management and Appraisal
  • BUSM4614 Project Design for Quality
  • INTE2553 Digital Innovation

Individual subject details

Course overview

This course provides an introduction to Project Management and examines the foundational principles which underpin project management practice.

You will develop your knowledge of project management techniques and of how to scope, plan and manage a project. You will also examine project management practice and the legal framework which governs the practice of project management. This course will introduce you to leadership concepts and principles, and will develop your ability to identify and manage project team dynamics.

The prime objective of this course is to build on and develop your understanding of best practice principles and practices of professional Project Management and develop your capacity to apply these in any commercial, industrial or professional context.

Learning outcomes

  • Scope, develop and manage a project utilising appropriate project management techniques
  • Apply best practice project management principles to assess the efficacy of project management practice in a workplace setting
  • Work as team member and leader to produce a project plan
  • Undertake individual research within the field of project management.

Course overview

This course examines the role the project manager plays in managing their team and will develop your knowledge of how to manage individual differences and how to foster team cohesion.

You will also explore how different managerial styles determine team structure, and develop your knowledge of how current theoretical frameworks inform team function.

This course will develop your critical understandings of the relation between team management and organisational strategic objectives and vision, and will build your understanding of project team strategies to support positive work life interaction.

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse effective project team management in relation to both your own professional practice or related experience, industry feedback and theoretical academic knowledge
  • Conduct a literature review of relevant material to support your conception of effective project team management
  • Undertake a case study analysis of an industry-based project team
  • Formulate and justify a series of recommendations to improve project team function and performance
  • Analyse the relationship between project team management and organisational objectives and success.

Course overview

This course introduces the concept of project time and cost management.

This course will develop your skills in time and cost management and expand your knowledge of how to apply these skills across diverse project management projects.

You will further develop these skills by utilising specialised software.

Learning outcomes

  • Select and apply appropriate project management techniques to manage project duration and cost
  • Analyse and apply principles of cost control, cash flow planning and financial administration to ensure effective project management.
  • Control project cost and duration
  • Critically analyse, synthesise and reflect on project management techniques.

Course overview

This course examines the processes of design management and documentation and how these impact on the achievement of overall project objectives.

This course will develop your understanding of the various elements which contribute to the project design process and you will build and apply your knowledge of how the project design process impacts on the ability of the project manager to deliver effective project outcomes.

The objectives of this course are to develop your ability to apply quality assurance and quality control systems to produce a quality project plan.

The course will also develop your knowledge of quality management and its role in successful project management.

Learning outcomes

  • Define and discuss quality objectives in relation to diverse industry projects
  • Apply project management strategies to address stakeholder requirements
  • Employ project life cycle and process management strategies to enhance project quality outcomes
  • Apply quality management processes to produce a management plan which is responsive to client needs.

Course overview

In this course you will explore the concepts of risk in a project context and develop your critical understanding of the principles and processes of systematic risk management.

This course will develop your ability to apply the principles and processes of risk management in a project environment and build your knowledge of techniques used in the economic and financial evaluation of risk and uncertainty in projects.

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse the fundamental principles of risk management as applied in a project context
  • Select and apply techniques and tools of risk to identify and analyse risk
  • Analyse and apply risk management processes to develop a industry risk management plan.

Course overview

Project costing and financial management are among the most thought-provoking and critical facets of the project management process.

Under tighter budgets and increasingly competitive work environment, stakeholders need to build value for all monies spent. The ability to determine and assess funding options and schemes is vital to effective project management. 

This course will consolidate and expand your knowledge of project costing and deepen your understanding of its relevance to the broader project development process.

You will acquire the theoretical knowledge and project management skills required to distinguish and compare alternative financing schemes for project performance, and you will also analyse and appraise the economic status of projects and corporations.

Further, you will broaden and deepen your understanding of project financial management principles, theory and practice as applicable to contemporary industry practices.

Learning outcomes

  • Apply specialised knowledge of traditional and contemporary costing methods and systems to diverse projects
  • Utilise specialised economic evaluation techniques to determine and evaluate project feasibility
  • Analyse, synthesise and communicate the financial context of projects and compare alternative funding schemes for project performance
  • Critically analyse economic parameters to determine financial status within diverse organisations
  • Research and justify why and how contemporary financial management strategies are preferable according to the project context.

Course overview

This course uses the case method, a Socratic method developed by Harvard University. It is designed to develop the specialised knowledge and skills required to undertake effective front-end planning.

Front-end planning is core to the effective management of projects and occurs at the stage during which high-level, strategic planning and development is undertaken.

The purpose of front-end planning is to ensure that appropriate projects are selected to in turn ensure effective implementation.

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and apply front-end planning theories and best practice to undertake effective front-end planning in local and global contexts
  • Analyse, utilise and communicate project success factors and success criteria to deliver project success and value
  • Critically analyse and evaluate the effectiveness of the front-end planning process to advise key decision makers engaged in the front-end planning process
  • Develop and apply front-end planning techniques to enable the effective management of projects.

Course overview

Evidenced-based decision making based upon the analysis of reliable data and the utilisation of appropriate information management systems is critical to effective project management.

This course will develop the skills to enable you to systematically evaluate and determine the information and communication needs of diverse medium- to large-scale projects, and to manage these needs through information management planning.

You will develop the skills and knowledge required to assess diverse information requirements for projects and select and employ appropriate technologies to fulfil those requirements.

Further, you will be skilled in the use of information and communication technologies, including online collaboration tools, to enable the management of complex information generated through the project life cycle.

You will also develop the skills required to analyse quantitative and qualitative project data and to identify trends and needs, so as to address the different information requirements of project stakeholders.

Learning outcomes

  • Analyse and evaluate the data produced through a project life cycle to formulate a project strategy which meets the information and communication requirements of a project
  • Utilise specialised information and communication technologies to address the information management requirements of project stakeholders
  • Justify the selection and application of specialised communication tools and technology to support the information needs of a project
  • Create and develop an information management plan to enable effective and timely decision making and project management. 

Course overview

To be effective within the ever changing and complex IT environment, project managers need to be agile throughout the different phases of the project life cycle. Agile IT project managers are responsive, flexible, adaptive and solutions focused. In order to ensure agile project management, project managers must also utilise specialised methodologies which draw upon established theory and best practice.

You will build your knowledge of key agile methodologies, and will analyse and critique the usability of these methodologies comparative to more traditional project management methodologies and practices.

You will further apply your specialised agile project management knowledge and skills to undertake agile project planning which replicates IT industry contexts.

Learning outcomes

  • Critically analyse agile project management methodologies
  • Critique and justify the use of agile versus traditional project management methodologies in response to diverse industry scenarios
  • Select and apply agile project management methodologies to deliver effective project management planning
  • Formulate agile project management engagement strategies which effectively respond to the diverse needs of industry stakeholders.

Course overview

This course aims to critically examine and evaluate both current and emerging digital technologies, with a focus on enhancing existing systems and generating new business value. Students are encouraged to undertake comprehensive investigations into the digital disruptions that are reshaping multiple industries.

The course is designed to equip students with the skills to critically assess and articulate digital trends in today's business landscape. Course participants will analyze the effects of these trends on organizational strategies and will learn how to leverage digital technologies as solutions.

The ultimate goal is to deepen students' understanding of the transformative role that digital innovations can serve in shaping a more inventive and competitive business landscape for the future.

Learning outcomes

  • Critically appraise and evaluate various emerging technologies that support digital innovation
  • Design and construct technology solutions to support digital innovation in a business context
  • Evaluate emerging technologies to determine their potential to deliver business value and achieve strategic alignment
  • Explain how digital technologies can transform business processes and operations
  • Examine the critical role of management in fostering and directing digital innovation.

Get more information about what you will learn in each of these courses.

Admissions requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Project Management, you must have:

  • Successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification)*
    or
  • A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in a related industry. Applicants with professional experience at a senior level that is less than 5 years may also be considered. 

To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application:

  • A CV
  • A statement that details your experience

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry.

You must meet the University’s minimum English language requirements for postgraduate coursework programs to be eligible for a place in this program.

Applicants who have completed or partially completed a similar program at another institution (with entry criteria similar to this program) may be granted some credits or exemptions towards this program.

Our Graduate Diploma in Project Management encompasses courses that make up our Graduate Certificate, so should you need to exit the program early, you can still earn a postgraduate qualification.

The Graduate Diploma is also a pathway to a Master's degree for some students.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

RMIT assesses each student’s prior learning and qualifications to grant credit so you can complete your online postgraduate degree sooner. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis. RMIT aims to grant as much credit as possible at the time of offer, so it’s important to provide as much evidence of prior study and work experience as possible with your application.

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate in Project Management, you must have:

  • Successfully completed an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification)*
    or
  • A minimum of 5 years of professional work experience in a related industry. Applicants with professional experience at a senior level that is less than 5 years may also be considered. 

To have your professional experience considered you must include in your application:

  • A CV
  • A statement that details your experience

All non-Australian residents and overseas full-fee paying students are required to meet RMIT English language requirements and are required to provide current evidence of English language proficiency for admission to RMIT University (see English language requirements below).

*If your qualification was completed more than 10 years ago you will need to provide evidence of ongoing professional work and/or professional development in the same discipline as the program for which you are seeking entry.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

RMIT’s Online Graduate Diploma in Project Management does not meet Australian Student Visa requirements. For an Australian student visa, you must have an on-campus place in a program of study.

Applicants who have completed or partially completed a similar program at another institution (with entry criteria similar to this program) may be granted some credits or exemptions towards this program.

Our Graduate Diploma in Project Management encompasses courses that make up our Graduate Certificate, so should you need to exit the program early, you can still earn a postgraduate qualification.

The Graduate Diploma is also a pathway to a Master's degree for some students.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

RMIT assesses each student’s prior learning and qualifications to grant credit so you can complete your online postgraduate degree sooner. Your application will be decided on a case-by-case basis. RMIT aims to grant as much credit as possible at the time of offer, so it’s important to provide as much evidence of prior study and work experience as possible with your application.

Fee summary

2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for the standard year of full-time study in the Graduate Diploma in Project Management is:

  • AU$4,320 per course
  • Total AU$34,560^ for 8 courses

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

^Fees typically increase each year and may change without notice. Total fees are estimates and should only be used as a guide.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to apply for a deferral, withdrawal or refund please see deferrals and withdrawals.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is AU$365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks, and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program. Find out more about calculating your actual SSAF.

FEE-HELP loans

Some students may be eligible to apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme. FEE-HELP is for eligible full-fee paying students and allows you to defer payment of your tuition fees to the Australian Tax Office up to your HELP limit.

SA-HELP loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying.) 

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice. For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist. 

Visit our HELP loans page for lots of useful information about eligibility, how to apply and payment. You can apply for FEE-HELP once you have enrolled in a degree.

HELP loans are not available to international students.

2025 indicative fees

In 2025, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for the standard year of full-time study in the Graduate Diploma in Project Management is:

  • AU$4,320 per course
  • Total AU$34,560^ for 8 courses

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

^Fees typically increase each year and may change without notice. Total fees are estimates and should only be used as a guide.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to apply for a deferral, withdrawal or refund please see deferrals and withdrawals.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is AU$365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks, and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program. Find out more about calculating your actual SSAF.

Learn with industry experts

Program Manager – Professor Tayyab Maqsood

Professor Tayyab Maqsood is a Professor of Project Management and the Associate Dean of Project Management at RMIT University. He has led the project management discipline at RMIT for over 15 years, playing a key role in its growth to become one of the largest disciplines both nationally and internationally.

Tayyab has built a strong network of industry and government partners through his extensive involvement in the field. He has authored or co-authored three books, published over 150 peer-reviewed papers, and secured several research grants.

He has successfully supervised 17 PhD students to completion and is a member of Engineers Australia, the Project Management Institute (PMI), and the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM).

Student success team, RMIT Online

Our student success team are here to help you with 1:1 coaching, tips on how to successfully study online, and any questions or concerns you may have.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.