Graduate Diploma in
Project Management

Graduate Diploma in Project Management

Strengthen your project leadership skills and learn to manage risk, stakeholders and project outcomes with confidence.

Entry requirements

Key information

VIEWING DOMESTICINTERNATIONAL

This course is not available to international students.

Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification, or one year of relevant work experience, or two years of non-related work experience

See entry requirements

Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

0.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

N/A

Start Dates

March

July

October

Annual Indicative Fees

2026 : $17,800 (FFP)

2026 : $8,700 (CSP)

2026 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online
also available in-person

Practical experience

Available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

^Government subsidies enable Flinders to offer Domestic applicants a reduction of up to 80% off full course fees through Commonwealth Supported Places. Offer subject to change.

Why study the Graduate Diploma in Project Management at Flinders?

The Graduate Diploma in Project Management develops expertise in project planning, governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement and project delivery. Through practical, industry-relevant learning, you'll gain the skills to lead projects with confidence advance your career and continue your studies through the Master of Project Management.

Advance your project management career

Develop advanced project management capabilities and gain the confidence to manage larger projects, teams and organisational outcomes.

It only takes 6 months to gain the skills to apply advanced project management methodologies across industries.

Learn from industry-connected experts

Benefit from practical insights and industry-relevant learning designed to prepare you for today's project environments.

They bring practical insights and industry connections across a large range of different industry sectors.

Build leadership and business expertise

Strengthen your skills in project governance, procurement, stakeholder engagement and contemporary business practices.

The Graduate Certificate can be your first step into further study, with options to progress into a Graduate Diploma or Master of Project Management.

A pathway to a Master's qualification

A direct pathway into the Master of Project Management, allowing you to build on your studies and progress towards senior project leadership roles.

Build the confidence and capability to take charge, master advanced methodologies, manage complex procurement processes, and tackle risk and challenges across diverse industries.

Scholarships can ease the financial challenges of university study

Flinders has scholarships for high achievers, those in need of financial aid, indigenous, rural, and STEM students.

Learn more.

Flinders has scholarships for high achievers, those in need of financial aid, indigenous, rural, and STEM students.

Learn more.

What you will study

The program combines practical project management knowledge with broader business and leadership skills, preparing you to manage increasingly complex projects and advance your professional career. Choose from two electives to tailor your studies to your interests and career goals.

Course handbook

Core Topics

Applying Principles of Project Management
Implementing Project Control Methods
Coordinating Programs and Portfolios
Managing Project Procurement and Contracts
Creating Resilient Supply Chains and Procurement
Enabling Diversity and Inclusion
Emerging Business Models: Disruptions, Collaboration and Competition

Researching Markets
Leading a Future Workforce

Your career

The Graduate Diploma in Project Management develops the skills to manage larger projects, lead teams, coordinate programs and drive organisational outcomes. Graduates are well-positioned for senior project management roles across business, government, infrastructure, technology, consulting and other project-driven industries.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Expected salary
$140,000^*

Expected salary
$160,000^*

Expected salary
$150,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary
$125,000^*

Expected salary
$140,000^*

Expected salary
$160,000^*

Expected salary
$150,000^*

Potential employers

Project management consultancies
Engineering and infrastructure organisations
Technology and digital transformation teams
Defence and aerospace organisations
Financial services and banking institutions
Large corporate and government enterprises

Industry-relevant experience

Practical experience
Industry placements

This program includes project-based assessments and real-world case studies that give you hands-on experience in planning, implementing, monitoring and closing projects in realistic business contexts.

Real-world business concepts

Industry insights and case studies

Hands-on assessments and problem-solving

Through industry partnerships and project-based assessments, students build networks, receive mentoring from practitioners, and gain valuable insights into sector expectations.

Connect with industry

In this course, you'll gain insights grounded in real-world project management practice through Flinders' network of more than 250 industry partners. Your studies will draw on contemporary business challenges and industry-informed learning, giving you the skills and confidence to lead projects and drive organisational outcomes across a range of sectors.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Flinders University is ranked top 2% globally*.

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment**.

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows.

Gain business skills and a valuable qualification in 3 months.

Career growth - Build confidence with practical, in-demand skills.

No bachelor's degree required - we know not everyone takes the traditional path to university.

*THE World University Rankings 2023

**QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.

Professor Indra Gunawan

Professor in Project Management and Innovation

See full profile

Indra Gunawan is a Professor in Project Management and Innovation in the College of Business, Creative arts, Law and Social sciences (BCLS) at Flinders University. His current research interests include system reliability modelling, maintenance optimisation, project management, applications of operations research, and operations management. He leads postgraduate project management programs and contributes to industry-oriented research.

Dr Afshin Tanouri

MBA Director

See full profile

Afshin Tanouri specialises in using digital technologies and gamification and his work spans mental health, wellbeing and alcohol reduction, and is published in top journals. Passionate about industry engagement and research-driven teaching, he integrates real-world experiences into his courses, covering digital marketing, sustainability, and business ethics.

Associate Professor Angie Shafei

Dean of Business MD DBA

See full profile

Angie Shafei is a business health management consultant, an interdisciplinary clinical pathologist and researcher. With 20+ years of experience, she focuses on innovation, health transformation, and digital health. Co-founder of Innovate Inn, she excels in research commercialisation and has published extensively on digital health, new technologies and patient-centred healthcare.

Entry requirements

To be accepted into this course, applicants must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:

Hold a Bachelor degree equivalent qualification
Have completed the Graduate Certificate in Project Management at Flinders University
Have completed a Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate from another tertiary institution (to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis).

The Dean (Education) may, under certain circumstances and subject to specific conditions, admit others who can show evidence of fitness for candidature.

Build your career step by step.

The Graduate Diploma in Project Management is a 1-year program that can lead into the Master of Project Management*. It gives you the flexibility to upskill in stages, taking the next step in your career when the time is right.

*Credit may be granted for topics already completed in the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma.

6-month

Complete 4 topics to earn
Graduate Certificate in Project Management

12-month

Complete 8 topics to earn
Graduate Diploma in Project Management

24-month

Complete 12 topics to earn
Master of Project Management

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What career opportunities will this qualification open up?

Graduates may pursue senior project leadership roles, including Project Director, Program Manager, Portfolio Manager, Head of Project Management Office or Director of Change and Transformation across a range of industries.

Can I progress to a master's degree after completing the Graduate Diploma?

Yes. The Graduate Diploma in Project Management provides a pathway into the Master of Project Management. Eligible students can receive credit for completed topics and continue their studies towards a master's qualification.

What kind of support will I receive as an online student?

Online students have access to the same high-quality support as on-campus learners including academic advisors, library services, technical support, and career guidance.

What is the difference between CSP and FFP?

Some courses have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available for domestic students, which means the course is subsidised by the Commonwealth Government. A CSP student will pay this subsidised fee as their student contribution.

Alternatively, a full-fee-paying (FFP) place refers to a course that is not subsidised by the Commonwealth Government, or a course that has filled all available CSP places. A FFP student will pay this fee in its entirety.

Some courses may have both CSP and FFP places available.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Entry requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 2 March 2026 – Applications close 27 February 2026

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.