Diploma of Project Management

The Diploma of Project Management is a one-year qualification that teaches you how to run projects from start to finish. You will learn to define project scope, build schedules and budgets, manage risks, lead project teams, and report progress to stakeholders. The course covers the core knowledge areas that project managers use every day: integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, risk, procurement and stakeholder engagement. Assessment is practical. You will work through simulated project scenarios, produce project documentation, and apply management methods to real or realistic workplace problems.

This diploma sits at the diploma level of the Australian Qualifications Framework. Diplomas are typically delivered over two or three study periods across a year, made up of units of study, each with a set number of credit points. You need to pass all required units to graduate. Some providers build in a work placement or industry project, which gives you direct experience of how projects are planned and delivered in an Australian organisation. The exact unit list, delivery mode and any placement requirements are set by the provider, so check the official course page for the current structure.

Skills you gain include scheduling, budgeting, risk assessment, procurement planning, team coordination and clear written and verbal reporting. These are the skills employers ask for when they hire project support staff, coordinators and team leaders. The diploma also gives you a pathway into further study, such as a bachelor degree in project management, business or a related field, with credit for your completed units.

This course suits people who are organised, practical and good with people. You might be early in your career and want a formal qualification, or you might already be working in construction, IT, events, health, government or community services and want to move into project work. International students should note that the Student visa allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight while your course is in session, and the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available after you finish, depending on your circumstances. English proficiency is required for admission; check the official page for the exact score your provider accepts. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register.

• Project coordinator, supporting project managers with schedules, budgets, documentation and reporting in construction, IT, government or consulting firms.
• Project administrator, maintaining project records, tracking progress and organising meetings in industries such as engineering, health or education.
• Team leader, leading small teams or work packages within larger projects in retail, logistics, manufacturing or community services.
• Program support officer, assisting with multiple projects and reporting in the public sector, utilities or not-for-profit organisations.
• Contract or procurement officer, managing supplier agreements and purchasing for project-based organisations.
• Event or operations coordinator, planning and delivering events, campaigns or operational projects in tourism, media or local government.