The Master of Project Management is a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary course that integrates the knowledge needed to manage projects and programs across multiple sectors. The course focuses on developing specialist expertise in organising the project function utilising a diverse vocational skill set. It encourages an evidentiary and interdisciplinary approach to critical thinking and problem solving, strengthened by a capacity to undertake research.
Students will choose from a range of discipline-specific electives and have the opportunity to work on real-life projects where theory and practice are applied to problems situated in local and international, corporate, government and social contexts. Graduates are strongly placed to provide strategic project leadership in a wide range of settings, such as business delivery, IT developments, engineering solutions, in both the corporate, government and not for profit sectors.
These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).
Upon successful completion of this course, it is expected that students will be able to:
- think critically to source, adapt, and apply project management tools and techniques to meet complex contextual demands in different sectors
- evaluate, analyse and integrate professional approaches to managing projects within sector specialisations at the project, program and portfolio level to deliver sustainable change
- apply expert, specialised cognitive, research, technical, and communication skills to analyse, design, and deliver solutions to complex problems
- reflect and participate constructively in ethical decision-making to improve practice and deliver value in culturally diverse project contexts.
In addition, depending on the electives chosen, students will be able to:
- demonstrate advanced and integrated knowledge of related theories, concepts and principles to work and communicate across the borders of discipline, context or culture
- critically analyse problems through independent research to enable effective delivery of innovative solutions.
The faculty has commenced the accreditation process for full recognition by the Australian Institute of Project Management and the Project Management Institute. Once accreditation is confirmed, graduates will be eligible to apply for professional membership of the Project Management Institute (PMI).
This course is structured in three parts: Part A. Foundations for project management studies, Part B. Core master's studies, and Part C. Advanced practice studies. All students complete Part B. Depending upon prior qualifications, you may receive credit for Part A or Part C or both.
Note: If you are eligible for credit for prior studies, you may elect not to receive the credit.
Part A. Foundations for advanced project management studies
In these studies, you will develop an understanding of the principles and techniques of delivering projects using different methods, processes and knowledge frameworks. You will explore the techniques to manage the project context, including people, stakeholders, communications, culture, and politics.
These studies will also introduce you to project management studies at advanced graduate level. They are intended for students whose previous qualification is not in a cognate field, and build on existing professional work experience.
Part B. Core master's studies
In these studies you will develop specialist expertise in organising the project function to deliver value through your ability to manage complex projects and knowledge. These studies will introduce you to advanced graduate level concepts in project management within allied disciplines such as engineering, IT or business. In this part you will also develop specialist expertise to critically analyse complex problems and to identify adaptive approaches so agreed project outcomes are delivered across multiple boundaries, utilising innovative project practices.
Electives
Business
The business-focused electives are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to understand the context and practice of management as a context where projects occur.
Engineering
The engineering-focused electives are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to manage projects and infrastructure assets, which are situated in an engineering context.
Information technology
The information technology-focused electives will provide you with the option to study IT from a project management perspective. These electives are designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to apply IT tools and techniques when managing projects.
Law
The law-focused electives will equip you with valuable tools and knowledge to negotiate with various stakeholders, and prevent and manage workplace problems and conflicts within your projects. You will have an opportunity to learn the theory and skills of principled negotiation in a hands-on practical unit that improves your effectiveness as a negotiator across your project management practice. You will also have the opportunity to learn about legal aspects of workforce management.
Part C. Advanced practice studies
In these studies you will develop advanced expertise in managing projects. You will also develop the research skills and knowledge needed to either undertake independent research or for the capacity to work and communicate across the borders of discipline, context, and culture. In this part you will undertake professional or scholarly work that will contribute to a portfolio of professional development in your area of specialisation.
You will be able to choose between two options: a professional pathway or a research pathway. In the professional pathway, you will undertake a field or interdisciplinary team project. In the research pathway, you will undertake an 18-point research project. Students wishing to use this master's course as a pathway to a higher degree by research should take the research option.
The course comprises 96 points structured into three parts: Part A. Foundations for advanced project management studies (24 points), Part B. Core master's studies (48 points) and Part C. Advanced practice studies (24 points).
Students admitted at:
- entry level 1 complete 96 points, comprising Parts A, B, and C
- entry level 2 complete 72 points, comprising Part B and Part C
- entry level 3 complete 48 points, comprising Part B.
Note: Students eligible for credit for prior studies may elect not to receive the credit and complete one of the higher credit-point options.
Units are 6 credit points unless otherwise stated.
Part A. Foundations for advanced project management studies
Students complete the following four units (24 points):
- OPM4000 Principles of managing projects
- OPM4001 Managing the project context
- OPM4002 Techniques for managing projects
- OPM4003 Delivering projects
Part B. Core master's studies
Students complete the following four units (24 points):
- OPM5000Not offered in 2018 Organising the project function
- OPM5001Not offered in 2018 Project as a social system
- OPM5002Not offered in 2018 Innovation in the project context
- OPM5003Not offered in 2018 Managing project knowledge
Plus four units (24 points) from the elective lists below or any level 5 units offered across the University with course director approval:
Electives
Arts
- APG5805 Project planning and management in international development
Business
Engineering
- CIV5310 Infrastructure project and policy evaluation
- CIV5311 Infrastructure project management
- CIV5312 Asset management I
- CIV5313 Asset management II
Information technology
- FIT5086 Organisational informatics
- FIT5094 IT for management decision making
- FIT5101 Enterprise systems
- FIT5107 Managing business records
- FIT5133 Enterprise architecture and management
Law
- LAW5464 Negotiation & influence: Strategy & skills
- LAW5393 Law of workforce management
Part C. Advanced practice studies
Students complete either a. or b. below:
a. Professional pathway:
- FIT5122 Professional practice
- FIT5120 Industry experience studio project (12 points)
- 6 points from Part B. b.
b. Research pathway:*
Students may exit this course early and apply to graduate with one of the following awards, provided they have satisfied the requirements for that award during their enrolment in this master's course:
Graduate Certificate of Project Management after successful completion of 24 points, based on the following entry requirements:
- Students admitted at entry level 1 complete 24 points, comprising Part A.
- Students admitted at entry level 2 or 3 complete 24 points, comprising Part B non-elective units.
Graduate Diploma of Project Management after successful completion of 48 points, based on the following entry requirements:
- Students admitted at entry level 1 complete 48 points, comprising Part A and Part B non-elective units.
- Students admitted at entry level 2 complete 48 points, comprising Part B units.
Students admitted at entry levels 1 and 2 completing the research pathway in Part C may be eligible to progress to a higher degree by research program.
