Graduate Certificate in Project and Program Management

Project Management is a rapidly growing profession that is highly valued by employers regardless of their industry sector or location. The Project Management Institute reports that one-fifth of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), or $12 trillion, is spent on projects and a great demand exists for knowledgeable project managers globally.

In Queensland 31% of the economy is based on resources and infrastructure projects, with the bulk of that occurring in Central Queensland. In 2006 – 07, the capital investment in resources sector projects was over $3.68 billion. LNG project exports from Central Queensland over the next decade will be more than $66 billion. Coal project investment surpassed $78 billion in March 2011.

What am I studying?

This qualification is targeted at providing practicing project managers and directors with the ‘hard’ skills to run projects in the most challenging environments. Case studies and practical material is included to illustrate how the concepts meet project demands.

If you have existing project experience and can demonstrate in a two day introduction course the capacity to work at a postgraduate level, then you can start immediately on the Graduate Certificate.

Why Study at CQUniversity

CQUniversity recognises that project management professionals are the key to meeting the economic demands of Central Queensland. CQUniversity Australia is working with industries to ensure that high quality training in this field is available locally.

At CQUniversity, experienced project managers deliver this program. Our lecturers have international infrastructure and resource project experience. In the program, you will learn the use of project principles to reflect uncertainty and change; project management goals that make a difference to achieving project targets and outcomes; the application of project systems to achieve integration with clients’ needs; ethical leadership of projects that meets governance requirements; and critical analysis and judgement in different project situations.

The flexible schedule allows you to undertake courses in any order according to your needs and can be accelerated to gain your qualification faster.

Entry Requirements

If you have existing project experience and can demonstrate in a two day introduction course the capacity to work at a postgraduate level, then you can start immediately on the Graduate Certificate.

You must also be an employee or contractor of an organisation in the resources and infrastructure industry in Central Queensland.

You must also be able to demonstrate an initial working knowledge of project management terms to the criteria of the Vocational Diploma of Project Management (BSB51407) and have the capability to undertake academic postgraduate work at University.

We offer an accelerated two day induction assessment program running in Gladstone, Mackay and Rockhampton, that will qualify you to enter the Graduate Certificate.

You are required to attend our two-day preparatory program if:

• you have an undergraduate or postgraduate qualifi cation in any fi eld and some understanding of project management terms; or

• you have no prior undergraduate or postgraduate qualifi cation, but have been involved in project management for a number of years and demonstrate you can undertake academic postgraduate work at university.

If you feel that you need help meeting these criteria then you are required to complete a fi fteen-week term to undertake a Diploma of Project Management (BSB51407) and the academic preparatory in study and writing skills, mathematics and computing.

Career Opportunities

The focus in our program is on resources and infrastructure projects and so you will be particularly well qualified to work in Central Queensland. However, completion of one or more of the project and program management programs will enable you to work as a qualified project manager anywhere in the world.

Work Intergrated Learning

The program is designed for students working in the resources and infrastructure industry in Central Queensland, but introduces principles which are applicable to the field globally. If you are currently working in the resources and infrastructure industry in Central Queensland, we encourage integration of your work projects into the program. If you are not working in the resources and infrastructure industry in Central Queensland then please speak to our course advisors and we may be able to introduce you to a company that needs your unique skills.

Program Structure

You are required to complete a total of three courses which can be taken in any order, with all available by distance education. More than one course can be completed at a time.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES

This course is designed for project managers in the resources and infrastructure industries and uses core project management (PM) principles to explain the project life cycle and knowledge areas in the context of project integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communication, risk and procurement. Emphasis is placed on the evolving nature of PM knowledge and therefore to highlight the social principles of project management. Resources and infrastructure case studies expand these principles through key project outputs, such as project, scope statements, and project management plans.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT GOALS

The goals course is intended for project managers in the resources and infrastructure industries and focuses on how a project manager applies tools and techniques to meet project goals. This process is the heart of project management (PM) and ensuring that goals are aligned to the client, stakeholders and the strategy and program objectives of the enterprise is a constant challenge for project managers.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

Project management systems introduces systems thinking, systems engineering and systems management principles, concepts, tools and techniques to help resources and infrastructure project managers achieve project management (PM) goals.

Systems thinking offers project managers the powerful perspective to help design clever enduring solutions to system problems.

The course introduces simple yet effective tools and techniques to the project manager.

Course Information

For example courses you could study as part of the Graduate Certificate in Project and Program Management program please click here.

As CQUniversity is committed to providing quality, up-to-date and relevant education, please note courses are refreshed regularly and may not be an exact indication of course availability for your study. Please call 13CQUni 13 27 86 if you have specific questions regarding course information regarding your specific application.

Residential School and Study Requirements

Courses have one compulsory attendance induction day and one final day at CQUniversity Gladstone, Mackay or Rockhampton.

Professional Recognition

On enrolment in one or more of the project and program management programs, you will be eligible for membership of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the Australian Institute of Project Managers (AIPM). You will also have opportunity to undertake further project management certification, such as a PMI’s PMP® and AIPM’s RegPM through the preparation that the CQUniversity program provides.