100% Online

Graduate Diploma in Project Management

Learn how to lead complex projects across industries and organisations.

  • Gain advanced skills in managing people, resources, budgets, risk, and organisational change
  • Take units endorsed by the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), Australia’s leading project management body
  • Receive automatic certification into the AIPM once graduated
apply Apply Now icon
Icon Learning Mode

100% Online

Learning Mode tooltip

Icon Qualification

Postgraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

12 months full-time

Duration tooltip

Icon Start Dates

Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

Icon Units

8

Units

Icon Fees

$4,377*

Fees Per Unit tooltip

apply Apply Now icon

OVERVIEW

What is the Graduate Diploma in Project Management?

The Graduate Diploma in Project Management is a fully online postgraduate qualification that teaches you how to plan, lead and deliver complex projects across industries.

You’ll build expertise in risk management, resource planning, stakeholder communication and strategic decision-making. You’ll also learn how to manage budgets, coordinate teams, support organisational change and achieve business objectives through effective project delivery.

Throughout the course, you’ll strengthen your problem-solving capabilities and learn how to design and communicate innovative solutions to a range of audiences in complex organisational environments.

This qualification is designed for experienced professionals looking to take on senior roles managing large-scale projects and driving strategic outcomes within organisations.

How you’ll study

  • The Graduate Diploma in Project Management runs across three Teaching Periods per year.
  • Expected study load is between 10-12.5 hours per unit, per week.
  • Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.
  • You’ll have 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.
  • Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.

Course highlights

  • Project Management: Successfully manage people and resources to complete projects in a results-driven environment.
  • Leadership Skills: Become a leader with a proficient skill-set and the ability to communicate effectively, using sound management strategies to ensure people work to the best of their ability to achieve project-specific goals.
  • Problem-Solving: Solve problems with ingenuity and a solid foundation in the real-life application of project management theory.
  • Collaboration and Communication: Effective collaboration means flexible leadership: learn to collaborate and allocate resources in a collaborative environment to achieve project-related targets.
Kate-Graduation-BW

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online graduate

Top Ranked

Our Business courses have been ranked in the Top 450 for Business and Management Studies by QS World University Rankings 2027.

THE_World-University-Rankings

Our Business courses have been ranked in the Top 175 by THE World University Rankings 2026.

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online graduate

Top Ranked

Our Business courses have been ranked in the Top 450 for Business and Management Studies by QS World University Rankings 2027.

Our Business courses have been ranked in the Top 175 by THE World University Rankings 2026.

THE_World-University-Rankings

Swinburne Online

Your pathway to the career of your dreams

apply Apply Now icon
Man on phone with laptop

Structure

Your course breakdown:

To be awarded the Graduate Diploma in Project Management you must complete eight (8) units in total made up of:

  • 4 Foundational Units
  • 2 Core Units
  • 2 Core Unit Options

Each year is split into three Teaching Periods (12 weeks per Teaching Period). You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your preference.

Our Graduate Diploma in Project Management comprises 100 credit points of Swinburne’s AIPM-endorsed Master of Project Management. The following four units offer automatic recognition towards the Certified Practising Project Practitioner (CPPP) certification:

  • INF70005 Strategic Project Management
  • PRM60002 Project Management for Innovative Outcomes
  • PRM70002 Leading Complex Projects
  • PRM80002 Project Governance and Resource Management

What you'll study:

Strategic Project Management

Project Management for Innovative Outcomes

The Risk Management Spectrum

Operations Management

You must complete the following units:

Leading Complex Projects

Project Governance and Resource Management

You must complete two (2) of the following units:

Accounting Systems and Reporting

Economics

Opportunity Discovery

Future-Fit Innovation

Designing for Change

Behaviour in Organisations

Emerging Technology

Technology & Innovation Immersion

Corporations and Contract Law

Law for Entrepreneurs

Sustainable Value Creation

Business Strategy

Leadership for Innovation

Sustainable Strategy & Leadership Immersion

Customer Experience Management

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

To enter this course, applicants must have one of the following:

  • A recognised bachelor’s degree in a related discipline; or
  • A recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline PLUS a minimum of two years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience; or
  • A completed Graduate Certificate in Project Management.

If you are applying as an international student, please view the English Language Requirements.

Want to discuss your eligibility for the Graduate Diploma in Project Management? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

Need More Info?

We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarships

Estimated Fee Per Unit
  • The estimated fee per unit is $4,377*.
  • There are 8 units in this course; each unit is worth 12.5 credit points.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

FEE-HELP provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes.

Discover more information about HELP loans.

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more.

How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here

Please contact our Course Consultants to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Credit for prior study:

  • Good news – if you’re awarded academic credit for prior study, your course fees could be lower! This means a cheaper degree!

Services & amenities fee:

For more details on scholarships and financial support, speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities with a Graduate Diploma in Project Management

Build advanced skills in planning, stakeholder engagement, resource management, and project delivery. Here are some of the roles where these capabilities are valued, along with average annual salaries sourced from SEEK:

$135,000 to $155,000 Average Salary

Lead teams and manage projects from ideation to execution. Project managers are responsible for project milestones, contracts, documentation, reporting on risks, leading teams, and delivering reports to senior leaders.

Lead teams and manage projects from ideation to execution. Project managers are responsible for project milestones, contracts, documentation, reporting on risks, leading teams, and delivering reports to senior leaders.

$85,000 to $105,000 Average Salary

Ensure projects run smoothly by managing daily administrative functions, documentation, and communication, typically supporting project managers.

Ensure projects run smoothly by managing daily administrative functions, documentation, and communication, typically supporting project managers.

$105,000 to $125,000 Average Salary

Use data analytics to assess processes, determine requirements, and deliver data-driven recommendations and reports to key stakeholders. Lead the development of business strategies and ensure accurate performance reporting.

Use data analytics to assess processes, determine requirements, and deliver data-driven recommendations and reports to key stakeholders. Lead the development of business strategies and ensure accurate performance reporting.

$115,000 to $135,000 Average Salary

Develop and implement strategies, manage resources, and lead teams to achieve organisational goals. This involves everything from planning and coordinating production or service delivery to managing budgets, ensuring quality control, and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations.

Develop and implement strategies, manage resources, and lead teams to achieve organisational goals. This involves everything from planning and coordinating production or service delivery to managing budgets, ensuring quality control, and maintaining compliance with relevant regulations.

How you'll build job-ready management skills

A career in project management can offer the benefit of job security, career growth in diverse industries, and competitive salaries. Here are some of the ways this Graduate Diploma in Project Management can prepare you for the workforce.

  • Industry Consulting Projects: Work on projects that solidify your knowledge and give you practical skills employers value.
  • Real-World Case Studies: Gain confidence by working on actual business projects, preparing you for the workplace.
  • Career-Focused Support: Stay connected to your career goals with guidance from Online Learning Advisors who work in the industry
  • Engagement with Industry Experts: Collaborate with leading professionals and learn from their experience.

Online Study

What's it like to study with Swinburne Online?

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

Award icon

Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions

Young woman studying on her laptop in her kitchen with coffee.

Learning Mode icon

Your online classroom: Canvas

Canvas is Swinburne’s online platform where all your classwork will take place. You can log into Canvas anywhere, anytime!

What you’ll use Canvas for:

  • Explore all your units and modules
  • Watch learning sessions in your own time
  • Participate in group discussions and communicate with tutors and classmates
  • Receive assessments and feedback
  • Track your study progress
  • Log in on your desktop or mobile

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

Entry Criteria icon

Your online campus: The Student Hub

Think of the Student Hub as your online campus where you will be able to:

  • Manage your enrolment and university administration services
  • Keep up with your fees, key course dates, and study information
  • Access library and technical support
  • Access student support such as: Study Buddies, HelpHub, study planners, and more
Asking a Question icon

Dedicated student support at Swinburne Online

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.

You’ll have access to:

    • Student Advisors – to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have
    • Online Learning Advisors – to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing
    • Student Coaches – who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management
    • Study Buddies – connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated
    • 7‑day support – to assist you at any time

Indigenous Student Services

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People! 

Support available includes: 

  • Dedicated student support services 
  • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP) 
  • Cultural and engagement programs 
  • Networking opportunities, career support and much more 

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Project Management degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.