Master of Engineering Project Management

The Master of Engineering Project Management at the University of the Sunshine Coast is a two-year coursework degree for engineers who want to run projects rather than just design them. You'll study the planning, scheduling, cost control, risk management and procurement that sit behind every large build. There's also the people side: leading teams, managing contracts, and keeping stakeholders informed when a project shifts. The degree builds on your engineering background, so you're applying project management theory to technical work you already understand.

How the degree is structured

Australian master's degrees are typically one to two years full time, and this one runs for two. Study is organised into units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You'll usually complete a mix of core units and electives across semesters or trimesters. Many master's programmes finish with a capstone project or research thesis, where you apply what you've learned to a real problem. Check the official course page for the exact unit list and credit point requirements.

Work-integrated learning

Project management is a field where placement matters. The degree may include work-integrated learning or a professional placement, giving you direct exposure to project environments. If you're an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying, which can help you gain local experience. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may allow you to stay and work in Australia.

Who it suits

This course is for engineering graduates who want to move into project leadership, and for practising engineers looking to formalise their management skills. It also suits international students seeking an Australian qualification in a field that's in demand across construction, infrastructure, resources and manufacturing. English requirements for international applicants are typically IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall for coursework postgraduate study, with TOEFL, PTE and other equivalents accepted. Confirm the exact requirement and tuition on the official CRICOS register and the university's page.

• Engineering project manager
• Project engineer
• Construction project manager
• Programme manager
• Planning and scheduling engineer
• Cost estimator or project controls specialist
• Contract administrator
• Infrastructure delivery manager

Graduates work in construction, infrastructure, mining and resources, energy, manufacturing, and government agencies that deliver public projects. The skills also transfer to consulting firms and any organisation running complex technical projects.