Programme in Project Management Online

You will receive a highly valuable certificate as the University of Pretoria offers the project management course for more than 30 years. The certificate is recognised nationally and internationally. (Click here to view an example certificate)

As project management is a multi-disciplinary field, no single individual can claim to be an expert on all aspects. We therefore employ a team of facilitators, each an expert on a specific aspect of project management. Our lecturers have significant industrial experience and extensive knowledge in the field of project management. Their combined academic credentials and practical expertise ensure a comprehensive and relevant learning experience for our delegates. Learn more about our lecturers.

By completing our online course in project management, you'll be prepared for a range of career opportunities, including:

• Project Manager:
  Manage projects from start to finish, including planning, execution and control.
• Project Director:
  Having obtained sufficient business and project experience, manage a megaproject or some other large-scale, high-impact project.
• Project Coordinator:
  Assist project managers with planning and execution, including managing schedules, resources, stakeholders, and communications. Manage sub-projects or work packages of a larger project.
• Project Administrator:
  Support project managers with well-organized planning and execution of projects.

While some project management software is demonstrated during lectures to illustrate concepts, the Programme in Project Management does not include hands-on computer training.

Our project management training takes a unique and practical approach to skill development, ensuring real-world application and effectiveness. Each candidate participates in hands-on assignments, crafting project plans tailored to their workplace context, fostering immediate implementation and learning.

Facilitation is a key aspect, drawing on the expertise of at least eight lecturers from diverse backgrounds, including Engineering, Law, Industrial Psychology, and Finance. These seasoned professionals possess both practical experience and exceptional academic credentials, enriching the learning process with valuable insights from various perspectives.

The training goes beyond one-size-fits-all approaches. Practical work takes place in the learners' workplaces, allowing for customization and relevance to individual work environments. While some projects may be used as examples, the emphasis is always on adapting the training to suit each candidate's unique circumstances.

Our Programme in Project Management Online (PPM) is open to individuals from a wide range of diverse backgrounds. We offer training in generic project management principles, not limited to specific fields like Engineering, IT, or Construction. This inclusive approach ensures that our graduates are equipped to excel in any industry or domain.

• Project Management Principles, Practices & Scheduling:
  Develop a strong foundation in project management, gaining insights into essential methodologies, best practices, and effective scheduling techniques to confidently guide projects from inception to completion.
• Project Risk Management:
  Explore the realm of project risk management, learning to identify, assess, and address potential risks that could impact project success. Discover strategies for risk mitigation and contingency planning.
• Project Procurement and Contract Management:
  Navigate the intricacies of project procurement and contract management. Acquire skills to efficiently source resources, negotiate contracts, and adeptly manage external partners to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Project Quality Management:
  Elevate project quality through effective management techniques. Learn methods to maintain and exceed stakeholder expectations, implementing quality assurance and control measures for consistent excellence.
• The People Side of Project Management:
  Understand the human dynamics within project management. Strengthen your abilities in team collaboration, leadership, and communication, fostering an environment that maximizes productivity and success.
• Legal Aspects for Project Managers:
  Gain insights into the legal dimensions of project management. Navigate contracts, regulations, and intellectual property considerations, ensuring projects are legally compliant and well-protected.
• Financial Principles and Project Cost Management:
  Develop financial acumen for effective project management. Master budgeting, cost estimation, and financial analysis skills, enabling informed decision-making and maintaining project financial health.
• Project Management in the Business Context:
  Connect project initiatives with broader business strategies. Explore the alignment of projects with organizational goals, learning selection and prioritization techniques that drive overall business achievement.

Explore our comprehensive learning outcomes

Upon enrolment into the Programme in Project Management (PPM) Online, access is provided to the university’s online platform. All material is provided, including a textbook that is sent by courier to each participant (all costs are included in the course fee).

Click here for information on the textbook

The work to be done by the participant includes viewing of lectures as videos provided via the Internet (more than 8 hours of videoing time), reading more than 100 pages from the textbook, answering some basic questions about the material, and develop a basic project plan as an assignment (preferably in the participant’s workplace). This assignment has to be submitted within three months of enrolment.

Each module has its own assessment. Assessment is mainly by means of practical assignments (group assignments and especially individual assignments) although the writing of a limited number of tests is sometimes also required. The last module integrates the work done in the previous 7 modules and assessment is again in the form of practical assignments – there is no other final examination.

The online course runs on a learning management system, Blackboard Learn.

• Delegates must have a computer with access to the internet, with sufficient data to connect to the portal and to participate in the course.
• The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox web browsers must be used to access course material (other browsers like Internet Explorer are not officially supported).
• The device must have a properly installed, activated and/or plugged-in microphone.
• The course content may include videos and delegates must be able to access external sites (e.g. Youtube). The device should ideally have a properly installed, activated and/or plugged-in webcam.

The Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certificate offered by the American Project Management Institute (PMI). The University of Pretoria is registered at the American Project Management Institute (PMI). All project management qualifications are recognised by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The Programme in Project Management (PPM) gives background on the Project Management Professional (PMP) examination. You need a certain amount of Professional Development Units (PDU's) that can be obtained through the Programme in Project Management (PPM) course.

The Project Management Professional Exam Preparation (PMP®) short course prepares you to write the international PMP® certification exam. It is presented by the Graduate School of Technology Management, University of Pretoria. For information related to the Project Management Professional Exam Preparation (PMP®) short course (Benefits of PMP® certification, Course content, Course fees, Admission requirements, Accreditation and certification etc) download the brochure here: PMP® Exam Preparation short course Brochure

Further relevant qualifications to study after the PPM include an Advanced Diploma in project management and, for graduates, a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGDip) in project management. Engineers and people qualified in physical sciences can consider the University of Pretoria's Master's in Project Management (MPM).