How do you become a project manager?

There's no single required degree. Most project managers build a relevant qualification in business, engineering, IT, or a related field, then gain hands-on experience managing people, budgets, and timelines.

What qualification do I need to become a project manager?

There's no single required path. A Bachelor of Business with a Leadership major suits generalist project management, while engineering or computer science graduates often move into technical project roles, and a Bachelor of Environmental Planning fits projects in that sector.

I already have a degree. Can I move into project management without studying for years?

Yes. The Graduate Certificate in Project Management is built for people with an existing qualification who want to build project management skills specifically, and it's fully online.

I'm already working. Is there a shorter way to build project management skills?

Yes. Waikato's Executive Education runs a short, in-person Project Management course covering the basic principles of planning, risk, and people management, aimed at working managers and professionals rather than as a formal qualification.

Does a Bachelor of Environmental Planning lead to project management work?

Yes, for construction, infrastructure, or urban development projects specifically. The degree builds the regulatory and planning knowledge that kind of project management depends on. The Bachelor of Environmental Planning is accredited by the New Zealand Planning Institute (NZPI).

Project manager career

Q: How long does it take to become a project manager?

A Bachelor of Business , Computer Science , or Applied Computing takes three years of full-time study while the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours or Bachelor of Environmental Planning both take four years. Most people move into project management after gaining some work experience first, rather than straight out of study.

Kaiwhakahaere kaupapa

Project managers oversee projects and project teams. They manage the planning, resources, schedule, administration and budget of projects.

$59,000 – $189,000 per year

ICT project manager, construction project manager, engineering project manager, joinery manager

Where our data comes from

What would you do as a Project manager?

Project managers

usually work regular business hours but may work extra hours
usually work in offices, and may travel locally and nationally
need to be organised, communicate well and lead others

Tasks

estimate costs for projects
manage project budgets
make sure projects stays on schedule
manage resources, buying and supply for projects
talk to clients and suppliers
manage relationships with clients and suppliers
lead project planning and review meetings
manage project teams
recruit project staff
write reports on projects

How can you become a Project manager?

You usually need experience to become a project manager and a qualification may be useful.

You may need

experience in similar work
a relevant tertiary qualification in business and management or similar area
a Project Management Institute of New Zealand Certificate
a PRINCE2, PMBOK or Agile qualification

If you're in school

You usually need NCEA Level 3 to do the study or training for this job.

Project management has no single required degree. A Bachelor of Business, Computer Science, or Applied Computing, or the Bachelor of Engineering with Honours or Bachelor of Environmental Planning for technical or infrastructure projects, all lead here.

Project manager roles are rarely entry-level, most people move into the role after building genuine experience managing people, budgets, and timelines, then use the Graduate Certificate in Project Management, one of Waikato's strongest-performing qualifications, to formalise that experience into a recognised credential.

GradCertPM

Project manager FAQs

Scholarships

A range of scholarships are available to help with the cost of studying at Waikato. Options are available across a wide range of subjects and study levels, including scholarships for new students, current students and specific areas of study.

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QS rankings

QS World University Rankings 2027

Waikato is ranked equal 293rd globally, placing us in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide, and 2nd in New Zealand by citations per faculty.

QS Ranking - Business & Management Studies

Waikato is ranked among the top 350 universities worldwide for Business & Management Studies in the QS World University Rankings.

Waikato Management School Accreditations

Waikato Management School holds Triple Crown accreditation, the highest recognition available in business education. We are accredited by AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA. Only around 1% of business schools worldwide have met the rigorous standards of all three bodies.

AACSB accredited

Recognises Waikato Business School’s faculty expertise, research quality, and commitment to high academic standards.

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AMBA accredited

Recognises the quality of Waikato Management School’s MBA and Master’s programmes, including cohort experience, curriculum, and career outcomes.

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EQUIS accredited

Recognises Waikato Management School’s international reach, industry engagement, and commitment to diversity.

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Project manager career