Graduate Diploma in Project Management

This programme covers all aspects of Project Management, including strategic management, contemporary issues, relationships, influence and leadership, plus three elective papers. Knowledge gained is then applied through a choice of a dissertation or internship.

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SIT Online
Campus
SIT Online
Qualification
Graduate Diploma
Level
7
Credits
120
Duration

One year full-time

Up to four years part-time

Intakes are 17 weeks long

Dates
TBC
Fees
This programme qualifies for SIT Zero Fees. Terms and Conditions apply. Click here for more information.
Tuition Fees

Zero tuition fees

Direct Material Costs

$8.00 per credit (incl. GST)

International Fees

$100 per credit (incl. GST). See International.

Course Outline

The aim of the Graduate Diploma in Project Management is to provide students who already have a degree or extensive applicable experience/prior study, with advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in Project Management (equivalent to a second major subject).

This programme develops strong practical and analytical capability across project management, risk management, innovation, and applied research. Learners build the skills required to assess risk, develop robust business cases, and plan and deliver projects in complex organisational environments. The programme also explores emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and their impact on contemporary project practice. Throughout the programme, learners apply evidence-based decision-making, stakeholder engagement, leadership, and evaluation skills to real-world organisational projects and challenges.

Course Content

Please note that you will need to use a project management software as part of this course. This will not be provided by SIT. Examples of software include MS Project, TeamGantt, Monday.com, Clickup.

Compulsory papers – learners will need to complete all of the following:

MGT622 Fundamentals of Project Management (15 credits)

This course builds on foundational project management knowledge by exploring key principles, methodologies, and techniques for effective project delivery. Learners will evaluate project management approaches in organisational contexts, analyse constraints, stakeholder expectations, and risk management practices, and examine how stakeholder engagement, communication, and team leadership contribute to successful project outcomes across diverse project environments. 

We recommend that students complete MGT622 Fundamentals of Project Management in their first intake of this qualification.

MGT733 Project Feasibility and Business Case Development (15 credits)

This course enables learners to assess project viability and develop strong business cases to justify investment and resource allocation. Learners will conduct feasibility studies incorporating financial, operational, and technical evaluations, develop business cases with cost-benefit analysis and return on investment (ROI) projections, and deliver persuasive project proposals that address and satisfy the needs of potential stakeholders.

MGT734 Emerging Trends in Project Management (15 credits)

This course equips learners with the ability to critically evaluate and strategically adapt to emerging trends and innovations in project management. Learners will critically evaluate the impact of emerging technologies on contemporary project management practices and methodologies, assess global trends and anticipate challenges in the evolving project management landscape, and integrate innovative approaches into project planning and execution.

MGT735 Crisis and Disaster Management in Projects (15 credits) 

This course equips learners with the skills to manage high-risk, crisis, and disaster-related projects, ensuring resilience and effective response strategies. Learners will assess potential crisis and disaster risks that may impact project delivery, develop contingency plans and disaster recovery strategies, and implement crisis communication and stakeholder management techniques.

MGT702 Research Methodology (15 credits)

This course introduces learners to the core knowledge and skills needed to undertake academic research. It covers topic selection, ethical considerations, research methodologies, and the collection and analysis of primary and secondary data. Learners will examine the purpose and structure of literature reviews, apply appropriate referencing practices, and develop a research proposal that outlines key methods, requirements, and timelines.

MGT736 Managing Business with Artificial Intelligence: This course introduces learners to the strategic use of artificial intelligence in business and examines how AI can enhance performance, support innovation, and be applied responsibly to create competitive advantage. Learners will analyse potential strategic applications of AI to improve organisational performance, critically assess the ethical, legal, and social implications of implementing AI solutions, and evaluate business strategies and organisational capabilities for integrating AI into business operations.

MGT737 Project Management Capstone Project: This course provides learners with the knowledge to integrate and apply project management skills and methodologies in a real-world organisational setting. Learners will develop and implement a detailed project management plan for an actual organisational project, apply project management tools, techniques, and leadership strategies across all phases of the project lifecycle, and prepare a comprehensive project report that critically evaluates outcomes, challenges, and lessons learned.


Elective papers – learners will need to complete one of the following two papers:

MGT605 Risk Management (15 credits)

This course equips learners with the knowledge and practical skills to apply risk management principles in New Zealand workplaces. Learners will identify, assess, and prioritise health and safety risks, develop mitigation strategies aligned with organisational risk profiles and legislative requirements, and critically evaluate the effectiveness of existing controls to recommend improvements grounded in best-practice risk management. 

MGT611 Health and Safety in Employment (15 credits)

This course provides an introduction to workplace health and safety, focusing on how organisations can reduce work-related injury and illness. Learners will identify and analyse health, safety, and wellbeing information, examine key legislative requirements, evaluate organisational strategies for preventing harm, and develop effective engagement approaches to communicate health and safety information to stakeholders across all levels of an organisation.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Project Management will have the capability to evaluate organisational challenges and implement projects that address strategic priorities outside standard operational activities. They will have the knowledge to apply project management methodologies, risk assessment, business case development, and leadership skills to plan and deliver initiatives in diverse and dynamic organisational contexts, both individually and as part of a team.

Possible roles may include project-focused, coordination, or advisory roles:

  • Working on projects that sit outside business-as-usual operations, often supporting organisational change, improvement initiatives, or new capability development
  • Planning, justifying, and coordinating projects, including risk assessment, business case development, stakeholder engagement, and reporting
  • Contributing to cross-functional project teams, liaising between operational staff, managers, external providers, and stakeholders
  • Taking responsibility for managing defined workstreams or entire projects with moderate complexity, risk, or innovation elements
Application Criteria

All applicants must:

  1. have obtained at least an undergraduate degree in any discipline (provide degree evidence with your application)

OR

  1. be a mature student (aged at least 20 years) with at least three years’ relevant work experience and have successfully completed a minimum of 40 credits of study at Level 6 in any discipline (provide curriculum vitae detailing relevant work experience and evidence of academic achievements with your application). 

English Language Requirements

All applicants (international and domestic) need to provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme.

For domestic applicants, this can be demonstrated by the equivalence of: 

  • 10 NCEA literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of:
  • 5 credits in reading
  • 5 credits in writing

If unable to provide evidence of the above, applicants may be required to demonstrate capability using:

  • an approved proficiency test or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules
  • successful completion of Level 4 study in English

International applicants whose first language is not English, or who come from a country where the language of instruction in schools is not English, must provide evidence that they have the necessary English language proficiency required for the programme as outlined in the table for internationally recognised English proficiency outcomes for international students from one test taken in the preceding two years, or an equivalent described in NZQA Rules and on Delivery Site English Language Requirements for International Ākonga webpage.

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