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Graduate Certificate in Project Management

Graduate Certificate GradCertPM
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Learn the practical realities of project management with this flexible, fully online qualification.

60 points, 4 months (full-time) or 9-12 months + (part-time)

Online

February (Trimester A), July (Trimester B), and November (Trimester C)

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Project Management?

The drive for constant business innovation has led to increasing demand for qualified project managers to work in New Zealand and overseas, typically in sectors such as IT, government and consulting firms, as well as the emerging 'gig economy'.

These agile professionals are responsible for leading teams of people, planning and delivering on all aspects of a new project, from logistics through to finance and technology. Their task is to achieve outcomes that will add value to business and improve performance.

Waikato's Graduate Certificate in Project Management (GradCertPM) will set you up with the knowledge and technical skills to work as a project manager in a wide range of industries.

This course is made up of four papers taught completely online, giving you the freedom to study from anywhere you like, at your own pace.

At the end of the course, you also have the option to sit an external exam with the Project Management Institute of New Zealand (PMI) and become a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).

Pay for project managers varies greatly according to their experience and which industry they work in, but the median salary in the IT sector is $125,000 a year. (Source: Trade Me Salary Guide).

60 points, 4 months (full-time) or 9-12 months + (part-time)

Online

February (Trimester A), July (Trimester B), and November (Trimester C)

Degree information

Plan your study Entry Requirements Fees and scholarships

Why study at Waikato?

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Study fully online

The GradCertPM is delivered completely online using a leading-edge web platform, giving you the freedom to study from anywhere! Finish in 4 months full-time, or study part-time at your own pace.

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Become industry certified

At the end of the course you have the option to sit an exam with the Project Management Institute of New Zealand (PMI) and become a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM).

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Top 1% globally

Waikato Management School sits in the top 1% of business schools globally thanks to our prestigious Triple Crown Accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB), which we've held since 2005.

What is the course like?

The GradCertPM is ideal for anyone who wishes to broaden their skillset by adding another qualification that will help them stand out in the competitive job market - while enjoying the flexibility of online study.

It is also suitable for people already working in roles where project work is common, but who lack any relevant professional training in this field.

Get to grips with the fundamental tools and techniques required to manage diverse projects, before developing your practical competencies through simulated real-world learning experiences.

The course consists of mini-lectures, short videos, readings, case studies, interactive activities, and much more. Students will receive a high level of personalised web-based support to maximise their chances of success.

In the final capstone paper, students apply everything they have learned to real-world project management scenarios.This paper pulls together many of the issues faced in managing actual projects.

  • Business Operations in Project Management: Students will develop a broad understanding of the typical business context, processes, concepts, issues and practices in which project management takes place, from both a strategic and operational perspective.
  • Fundamentals of Project Management: Students will develop basic mastery of computer-based tools and techniques for managing projects, and gain hands-on experience of using them in realistic scenarios.
  • Project Management in Practice: This paper takes a practical approach to learning from case study examples of success and failure, both in New Zealand and overseas. Students will identify the challenges faced in real-world projects, with a strong emphasis on the human element of project management.
  • Applied Project Management: This is the capstone paper for the Graduate Certificate in Project Management. The paper takes a case-based approach to apply students' learnings from the other project management papers and explore their relevance to real-world projects. From this, students will gain an appreciation of typical project challenges and success factors.

Practical skills

Students will develop a wide range of skills and personal attributes through the GradCertPM:

  • A comprehensive understanding of the project management environment
  • Applied understanding of project management tools and techniques
  • Ability to observe, diagnose, think critically and creatively
  • Can identify new opportunities to add value to an organisation's performance
  • Be innovative and adaptable to change, with a good eye for detail
  • Able to identify risks and issues that could impact on projects, and apply a systems or holistic approach to solve problems
  • Have a clear understanding of project deliverables, and meet project goals on time
  • Understand how to develop and implement new business processes
  • Be able to manage budgets and project timelines
  • Able to work well under pressure, with strong organisational skills
  • Excellent skills in communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution
  • Strong leadership and decision-making skills
  • Ability to successfully manage relationships with senior leadership, key stakeholders and project team members.

Learn from the experts

Our lecturers at the University of Waikato have strong research expertise in the field of project management. We have developed this course in consultation with practising project managers in New Zealand to ensure the content is relevant, up-to-date, and industry-focused.

Contact us

International Enquiries

Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Management Student Centre

Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm
MSB.1.50, Waikato Management School, Hillcrest Road, University of Waikato, Hamilton