Why Study / Key Benefits

The Master of Project Management specialising in Research combines advanced project management with applied business research. Swinburne describes the master as preparing students to manage complex, high-value projects across industries, while the Research specialisation develops the ability to plan and conduct research and produce a business research thesis.

Key benefits include:

• Advanced knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, risk, resources, business analysis and strategy.
• Research training that covers research planning, literature review, research questions, data analysis and presentation of findings.
• A Business Research Thesis providing substantial independent research experience.
• Development of communication, teamwork, digital and technical literacy, problem-solving, planning, leadership and stakeholder-management skills.
• Exposure to project-management approaches applicable across different industries and business environments.
• Professional recognition through the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM); the course's core units are endorsed by AIPM and aligned with the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The programme consists of foundation units, project-management core units and Research specialisation units.

Foundation units

The four foundation units are:

• Business Information Systems — INF60007
• Governing Technology for Business Environments — INF80042
• Business Sustainability and Social Impact — MGT60042
• Future Management Skills — MGT60043

Each is worth 12.5 credit points.

Core project-management units

The eight core units are:

• Strategic Project Management — INF70005
• Project Management for Innovative Outcomes — PRM60002
• The Risk Management Spectrum — PRM60003
• Operations Management — SCM60001
• Leading Complex Projects — PRM70002
• Project Governance and Resource Management — PRM80002
• Enterprise Project — PRM80001
• Six Sigma Lean Green Belt — SCM60002

Each standard unit is worth 12.5 credit points.

Research specialisation units

The Research specialisation currently lists:

• Research Methodology — BUS80003, 12.5 credit points
• Business Research Thesis — BUS80021, 25 credit points
• Quantitative Research Methods — BUS80017, 12.5 credit points
• Qualitative Research Methods — BUS80018, 12.5 credit points
• Advanced Microeconometrics — ECO80002, 12.5 credit points
• Economics of Innovation — ECO80003, 12.5 credit points
• Data Science for Business — INF80054, 12.5 credit points
• Social Network Analysis — INF80055, 12.5 credit points

Disciplines/Specialisations

The selected specialisation is Research.

Swinburne's Master of Project Management also lists other specialisation options, including:

• Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Digital Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Financial Technologies
• Human Resource Management
• International Business
• Research
• Social Impact
• Supply Chain Innovation

Programme Highlights

• Master of Project Management with Research specialisation.
• 200 credit points.
• Standard 2-year full-time duration.
• Potential 1-year or 1.5-year advanced-standing pathways.
• Hawthorn campus, Melbourne.
• CRICOS code 102653C.
• Research Methodology and Business Research Thesis.
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods available within the Research specialisation.
• Data Science for Business and Social Network Analysis provide additional research/data-analysis options.
• Core project-management studies cover strategy, risk, operations, governance, complex projects and innovation.
• Six Sigma Lean Green Belt is included as a core unit.
• AIPM student membership and professional recognition pathways are associated with the course.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne identifies potential roles including:

• Project Assistant
• Project Officer
• Project Coordinator
• Project Associate
• Consultant
• Delivery Lead
• Delivery Director
• Project Manager
• Project Director
• Program Manager
• Program Director
• Project Management Office Manager/Head/Director
• Product Manager
• Business Analyst
• Agile Coach
• Scrum Master
• Facilitator

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• Current course code: MA-PM1.
• Current CRICOS code: 102653C.
• Current standard duration: 2 years full-time or equivalent part-time.
• Advanced-standing pathways may reduce the duration to 1 or 1.5 years.
• International students in Australia on Student visas must study full-time and on campus.
• Credit transfer and RPL are assessed case-by-case.
• Relevant work experience used for admission requires supporting documentation and a CV.
• The Research specialisation includes a 25-credit-point Business Research Thesis.
• All core project-management units are endorsed by AIPM according to Swinburne's course handbook.
• 2027 exact application deadlines: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.
• 2027 exact programme tuition fee: Not publicly specified – please confirm with IPU.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students undertaking this course in Australia generally require the Australian Student visa, subclass 500.

Key requirements include:

• Be enrolled in an eligible Australian course.
• Hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.
• Maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), unless an exemption applies.
• Meet the Genuine Student requirement.
• Meet applicable health and character requirements.
• Comply with Student visa conditions and Australian laws.