Master of Project Management (Complex Systems)

Oversee excellence

Advanced project management is about delivering successful results in complex environments. It requires great vision, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

This intensive degree sets you up to manage the entire life cycle of large projects.

What will you do?

In our Master of Project Management (Complex Systems) you’ll:

  • gain a firm understanding of complex systems, linear project planning and risk assessment
  • consider how project inputs, transformations, outputs and feedback loops impact on productivity
  • examine the role of stakeholders and external influences
  • undertake a major research project
  • develop the advanced leadership skills needed for large-scale projects.

Where could it take you?

You might coordinate civil engineers and urban planners on major infrastructure projects. You could design explicit climate change strategies with a global team. Perhaps you’ll start a logistics company and help start-ups realise their dreams.

*PMI and PMBOK are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.



  • Australia's #1 University for Entrepreneurship Education^
  • AACSB accredited
  • Accredited Program - PMI Global Accreditation Centre

^Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities, 2017

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3CM264
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake January and September
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent, or a completed Graduate Certificate in Project Management from the University of Adelaide.

  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students 13 100.0%
    All students 13 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

Apply

Fees and Scholarships

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $39,000

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Professional Accreditation

Adelaide Business School is AACSB* accredited, and as such our programs have passed rigorous standards of quality. AACSB accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education and only the best schools in the world earn AACSB accreditation.

* Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Manager / Business Management;  Business Analyst;  Business Consultant;  Business Data Analyst;  Project Manager;  Project Officer;  Development Officer

Degree Structure

Students must complete a combined total of not less than 48 units and have the choice of enrolling in:

  • 33 units of core courses  +  a 12-unit research project  +  3 units of electives
      OR
  • 33 units of core courses  +  a 6-unit research project  +  9 units of electives.

Students will commence the program by taking four core courses that provide basic skills in planning linear projects, addressing risks in linear projects, leading projects and an introduction to complex systems generally.

Students will then progress to courses in 'Complex Project Management', 'Enterprise Transformations' and 'Portfolios and Programs Management', which all extend knowledge gained in the earlier courses.

These eight courses will underpin the research undertaken in the 6 or 12 unit research project that students will undertake in the final part of the degree.

Students will also have a choice of electives in the areas of Infrastructure, Entrepreneurship, Climate Change and Logistics to name a few; and can also opt to participate in a Study Tour as an elective option.

Areas of Specialisation

As Project Management is relevant across a broad range of different industries and occupations, students can use their own chosen field of interest and apply this to their assignments, class discussions and research project. Students can also select electives in their area of interest.

Example Study Plan

Indicative Study Plan
Core Courses PROJMGNT 5004: Risk Assessment and Management 
PROJMGNT 5021: Project Management Fundamentals 
PROJMGNT 7012: Project Governance and Contracts 
PROJMGNT 7024: Complex Project Management 
PROJMGNT 7038: Project Leadership and Communication
PROJMGNT 7047: Systems Design for Projects
PROJMGNT 7056: Enterprise Transformations and Innovation 
ENTREP 7059: Project and Innovation Finance and Accounting

COMMERCE 7039: Business Research Methods 
and
PROJMGNT 7040: Portfolios and Programs Management 
or 
ARCH 7046: Construction Management and Technology 1 
and
PROJMGNT 7057: Project Controls Method 
or 
ARCH 7048: Construction Management 2 
Research PROJMGNT 7058: Project Management Research Project (6 units) plus three electives from the list below
  OR
PROJMGNT 7009: Research in Project Management (12 units) plus one elective from the list below
Electives PROJMGNT 7013: Systems Engineering 
PROJMGNT 7025: Introduction to Climate Change in Business 
PROJMGNT 7030: Logistics and Supply Chain Management 
ENTREP 7900: eChallenge 
ENTREP 5036: Entrepreneurial Concepts and Mindset 
ENTREP 5038: New Venture Creation 
ENTREP 7060: Marketing Technology and Innovation 
ENTREP 7019: Social Entrepreneurship
ENTREP 7022: Creativity and Innovation 
ENTREP 7028: New Venture Strategy and Growth 
ENTREP 7036: Digital Entrepreneurship 
PROJMGNT 7050: ECIC Study Tour 
ARCH 7047: Cost Planning and Management 
PROP 7000: Development and Construction 
PROP 7002: International Property 
PROP 7003: Property Asset Management
COMMNGMT 7032: Strategic and Sustainable Procurement
COMMNGMT 7033: Operations Management 



Assessment

Assessment consists of a combination of group and individual work. The format varies across courses and may be in the form of oral presentations, written and/or practical assignments, quizzes and class participation.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Wednesday, 10 Apr 2024