Graduate Diploma in Project Management

Graduate Diploma in Project Management

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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Key Details
SIT2LRN Distance Learning
Qualification:
Graduate Diploma
Level:
7
Credits:
120
Duration:

One year full-time

Up to four years part-time

Intakes are 17 weeks long

Study Modes:
Distance Learning
Dates:

2026 Intake 2: 16 March to 10 July - Applications Close 02 March 2026

2026 Intake 3: 22 June to 16 October - Applications Close 08 June 2026

2026 Intake 4: 27 July to 20 November - Applications Close 13 July 2026

Fees:

Zero Fees Scheme

  • Tuition Fee: $0   Check eligibility
  • Direct material Cost: $7.00 per credit (incl GST)

 

International Fees

$100 per credit

 

Unsure which one is for me? Check Fees Eligibility Check my options

 

     

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.

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.

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

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.

Full-time study

Full-time study is completing 60 credits per intake. Students studying full-time will complete the Graduate Diploma within two intakes (one year)

Full-time acceptance into the programme is at the Programme Manager’s discretion.

Part-time study

The number of credits selected per intake will depend on work, family, and other commitments. The recommended maximum number of credits per intake, compared to working hours, are:

  • Working 37+ hours per week = enrol in a maximum of 30 credits per intake
  • Working 20 – 37 hours per week = enrol in a maximum of 45 credits per intake
  • Working fewer than 20 hours per week = enrol in a maximum of 60 credits per intake (full-time study).

Cross Credit

If you have completed project management study at Level 6 or higher in the last five years you may be able to have some of your study credited towards this programme. 

Please contact SIT2LRN to discuss or download the cross credit application form. http://www.sit.ac.nz/Students/Academic-Support

Additional information

  • As a guideline, one credit equates to approximately 10 hours study within an intake periodClick HERE to download a Study Load Calculator (spreadsheet).
  • All papers selected within a particular intake must be completed within that intake unless a transfer is requested (conditions apply; see FAQs).
  • Online enrolments are on a year by year basis and students are welcome to apply for multiple intakes in one enrolment.  Further enrolment is the responsibility of individual students.  There is no automatic enrolment rollover. 

All SIT2LRN courses require you to have a computer and Internet access. Students are required to use their SIT webmail only for all SIT2LRN communications. All course materials and information, including assessments and due dates, are located on the online Blackboard system. Once you have been accepted into a programme you will receive an Important Information Booklet that includes information that you can use to familiarise yourself with our online Blackboard learning environment. From the intake start date you will have access to the online course materials to work through.

Facilitator Assistance: During the enrolled intake period, students have email access to Facilitators, who endeavour to respond to emails within 48 hours (week days only). All students are required, within the first two weeks of an intake, to send an email to their Facilitator confirming their start on the programme of study. Students who have not emailed their facilitator or embarked upon their course of study by the end of the 2nd week of an intake, will be Faculty Withdrawn from the programme. Such withdrawals may impact on future access to SIT Zero Fees Scheme and Student Direct Material Costs are still liable for payment.

All students will receive an official academic transcript on successful completion of their programme of study which will be posted, or given to you at Graduation.  However, after each intake is finished, students can check their results on MySIT to view/print an interim (unofficial) transcript. 

We recommend students new to SIT2LRN read through the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website for further study and enrolment information.

Please use the following checklist to ensure that all relevant information and documentation has been included. Remember, your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide us with.  Processing of your application will be delayed if we need to come back to you for missing information.

  • I have read all sections of the Programme Information on this page
  • I have read the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions section
  • I have met all admission criteria for the programme (found under "Application Criteria")
  • I have met all the criteria for individual papers (found under "Course Content").
  • I have selected the paper(s) I wish to study
  • I have selected intake(s) (I have selected alternate intakes rather than overlapping intakes)
  • I know my intended payment method
  • If my organisation/company is paying for my studies, I have a completed and approved purchase order to attach to my online application.  I am aware that should my organisation or company not pay my fees, these will become my responsibility.
  • New students – I have provided an active NSN in the name I am enrolling in or I have verified ID and will attach it to my online application.
  • New students – I will attach academic documentation (NZQA record of achievement/academic transcripts/certificates).  These do not need to be verified. (If you do not have any academic documentation to support your application, please attach a comprehensive CV outlining your education and work experience).
  • I have computer access,  an Internet connection and access to software to create electronic documents e.g. Microsoft Word or Open Office

What is the Zero Fees Scheme?

The Zero Fees Scheme means we do not charge tuition fees. However, there is a Student Direct Material Cost that you need to pay. The Student Direct Material Cost gives you secure access to Blackboard® our online learning environment and to student support services throughout your study with us.

Who qualifies for the Zero Fees Scheme?

  • A New Zealand citizen completing the full qualification or 
  • An Australian citizen/New Zealand Resident or Permanent Resident who will be residing in New Zealand for the duration of your enrolment.

Instructions to help you with your application:

  1. Read the Programme Information on this page and the SIT2LRN Frequently Asked Questions and find out if you meet the application criteria for both the programme and the unit/s you wish to study.
  2. Check your eligibility for Zero Fees. If you are not eligible to study under this scheme, please call 
    0800 748 257 for further options.
  3. Complete your online enrolment checking that:

If you are a new student …

  • Provide an active NSN number in the name you are enrolling in (contact NZQA on 0800 697 296 to get your NSN number if you do not know it);
  • If you do not have an active NSN, then attach a copy of your verified ID in the name you are enrolling in.
  • If you are a Resident or Permanent resident of NZ, please provide a copy of proof of residency;
  • Attach all academic documentation to support your application including copies of any certificates of courses you have undertaken / NZQA record of achievement / transcripts / CV;

Attach supporting documents as required and outlined on the previous page.

  1. Please check that you have included all the required information and supporting documents.  Your application will be assessed based on the information that you provide.  Missing information will delay the processing of your application.
  2. Please scan and email all additional documentation to sit2lrn@sit.ac.nz.

What happens next?

  • You will receive an automatic email confirmation when we receive your online application. Processing may take up to three weeks. However, we will get in touch with you sooner if we require further documentation.
  • Once your application has been accepted you will be sent a conditional offer of acceptance with an invoice and instructions on how to make payment.
  • Once we have received your payment (or if you have opted to pay by Credit Card, Student Loan or Purchase Order) you will be sent an Enrolment Confirmation Letter and Important Information Booklet. Closer to the start of the intake you will receive a Time To Get Started Letter which will give you all the necessary information, tools and guidance to start your study with us.

For students to be considered to have satisfactorily completed this programme and be eligible for the awarding of the qualification Graduate Diploma in Project Management, they must have completed all scheduled course work requirements and assessments, successfully completed assessment requirements for all papers, and achieved a total of 120 credits as specified in the programme schedule. The timeframe for completion of this programme is four years.

For more information on required and recommended textbooks for this course please refer to the textbook list here

Please note that textbooks need to be ordered at least 3-4 weeks prior to the commencement of your study

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