Swinburne University of Technology
Graduate Certificate of Project Management
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Certificate
Develop project management capability across strategic planning, risk and operations while building the problem-solving, communication and teamwork skills used across project environments.
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Project Management is designed for professionals seeking to develop foundational project management knowledge and strengthen their ability to contribute to projects across a range of industries. The course examines established project management principles alongside approaches for managing complex business challenges and organisational change.
You will explore strategic project management, risk management, operations and approaches to delivering innovative project outcomes. Your studies develop skills in planning, problem-solving, evaluating project requirements and communicating professional project management plans, with opportunities to consider how different approaches can be applied across organisational and industry contexts.
Students undertake the course at Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus; it comprises four compulsory units totalling 50 credit points and can be completed in six months full-time or through equivalent part-time study. The Graduate Certificate also forms the first stage of Swinburne’s Master of Project Management, providing a pathway to further postgraduate study in the field.
Key facts
What you will study
To qualify for the award of Graduate Certificate of Project Management, students must complete 50 credit points comprising four core units of study.
- Strategic Project Management
- Project Management for Innovative Outcomes
- The Risk Management Spectrum
- Operations Management
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to have one of the following:
- A bachelor's degree (or higher award) in a related discipline from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent.
- A recognised bachelor's degree (or higher award) in any discipline, plus a minimum of two years of equivalent full-time relevant professional experience.
- A minimum of three years equivalent full-time relevant professional experience.
Relevant professional/managerial experience and evidence of academic capability will be determined by the Faculty PVC (or delegate) with reference to faculty-determined guiding principles. Applicants will be required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application.
Documents substantiating relevant experience are required, clearly detailing roles and duration, as well as evidence of formal and non-formal learning. Where relevant experience is used for the basis of admission, no further recognition for prior learning/credit can be granted on that basis.
English language requirements
All Swinburne students must be able to meet out our English language requirements. You’ll be able to provide evidence of your English language skill if you have:
- completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or another type of secondary qualification taught in English
- completed some types of university or vocational education studies (tertiary studies) taught in English
- completed an English language test, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson or C1
- completed an English language (ELICOS) course
- lived and worked in an English-speaking country for at least four years (domestic applicants only)
Recognition of Prior Learning
If you have gained extensive and relevant knowledge through formal training or acquired relevant skills through work or through life experience, you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL).
Contact the university or visit their website for more information.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
Upon successfully completing the Graduate Certificate of Project Management, graduates will be able to:
- Apply coherent and advanced knowledge of key project management principles, standards and practices.
- Critically evaluate project management theories, methodologies and frameworks in a range of business, management, entrepreneurial and industry contexts.
- Critically analyse problems from interdisciplinary perspectives and multiple points of view to establish innovative solutions.
- Communicate in a proficient and professional manner and operate as an effective leader or member of a team.
Career outcomes
Students can enhance their career opportunities by gaining additional leadership and management skills – an important asset in today’s complex and changing business environment. The examples below demonstrate the types of roles graduates can attain.
- Consultant
- Project associate
- Project assistant, officer or coordinator
- Project manager
- Agile coach or scrum master
- Product manager or business analyst
Fees and FEE-HELP
Estimated yearly and total fee in 2026: $17,510 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change based on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. These fees apply to units studied in 2026 only and may change for units studied in future years. If part-time study is permitted, annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of units taken per semester.
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of units studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of units.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.