Every organization works on unique projects with a definitive purpose and timeline. Skilled professionals are necessary to help achieve the desired results of a project. The purpose of project management courses is to train individuals how to handle different aspects of a task to fulfill the defined goals on time.
Project management professionals work with a clear roadmap in hand. It helps the entire team better navigate the tasks and deliver improved outcomes with greater productivity. These professionals will also be able to identify common risks and mitigate them for smooth project deliveries.
If a devoted leader leads a team of project management professionals, organizations also succeed in delivering outcomes within a predetermined budget. A project manager brings with him extensive knowledge about tools and technologies to manage tasks with tight timelines and monetary resources. These professionals are also ideal for improving an organization’s relationship with stakeholders.
So, embark on this journey to gather an overview of pursuing project management courses in Singapore.
Statistics on employment rates for project manager
The demand for project management professionals is going to grow by 33% by 2027. As a result, an estimated number of 22 million new jobs will be created in the field.
Project managers supervise teams, communicate with stakeholders, and define objectives. The prime responsibility of a project manager is to smoothly drag the project to its endpoint and successfully achieve the desired goals.
The adoption of efficient project management tactics increases the chance of fulfilling the required objectives by 92%. Therefore, the demand for professionals in this field is not showing any signs of slowing down. By 2027, recruiters will look for ideal candidates to fill up nearly 88 million project management-oriented roles.
Types of project management qualifications and certifications
You can enroll in different types of certification programs to advance your project management skills. These certifications have worldwide recognition and validate your potential in front of recruiters. The various certifications in the domain of project management to check out in Singapore include:
Project Management Professional Certification: It is ideal for anyone who has basic experience in the field and wants to upscale. The PMP certification is extremely well-known all over the globe. It aims to test your proficiency in managing people and implementing processes. It will also make you better at undertaking business-oriented decisions.
CAPM: This project management certification is for beginners who want to develop their expertise in the field. You don’t need any experience to pursue this. The Certified Associate in Project Management exam will test your communication and risk management skills.
PMI Agile Certified Practitioner: The agile project management certification teaches professionals about adaptability and quick short runs. If you pursue this certification, you will have to answer questions related to problem detection and adaptive planning.
Types of industries and sectors hiring project managers
Contrary to popular opinion, the demand for project managers is not just restricted to the IT space. Multiple industries are full of project manager jobs in Singapore. Your specific duties as a project manager will differ across industries. However, the primary task is to complete projects with the desired timeline and budget.
Industry
Specific Role of a Project Manager
IT
In this sector, project managers maintain current systems while implementing new technologies and managing finances. They oversee diverse projects, such as evaluating project requirements, placing team members based on expertise, and establishing collaborative processes.
Healthcare
Healthcare projects require expertise from project managers who can effectively manage costs and ensure regulatory compliance, which are critical challenges in this sector. Typical projects involve implementing new communication tools, like patient and clinician portals, and integrating new departments into hospital systems seamlessly.
Finance
In this industry, project manager jobs are focused on specific tasks like forecasting cash flow and managing earned value. Their core responsibilities include setting financial goals, establishing metrics, and planning financial projects. These professionals are also focused on managing cash flow during projects and ensuring that staff are paid.
2. Benefits of Studying Project Management in Singapore
Project management has become a sought-after field in education in different parts of the globe. However, Singapore remains a primary location for pursuing these courses. With premier universities offering project management courses featuring an advanced curriculum, a lot of individuals are considering the nation to advance their education in this field. If you need concrete reasons to enroll in a project management course in Singapore, here are some:
Singapore's standing as an education hub
Singapore is definitely one of the premier education hubs in Asia and all over the globe. It boasts a robust education system targeted at contributing to the holistic development of students. Learners can secure high international rankings after pursuing their project management training in Singapore.
Recognition for qualifications in the Asia Pacific region and globally
The certifications obtained from a project management course in Singapore will be valid all over the world. The well-recognized programs are ideal for enhancing one's professional career in the field.
English-speaking environment
The Singaporean population is known for communicating in different languages. But English is spoken extremely widely. So, it is possible for learners from all over the globe to pursue their education here. Since training is imparted in English, learners can understand the lessons with ease.
Work opportunities after study
You will find ample professional opportunities once you complete your project management courses in Singapore. Top organizations across different industries are willing to hire trained project management professionals for business growth. You will receive internship offers as well as full-time project management job opportunities in Singapore. The top universities also deliver placement assistance to help you land the job of your dreams after brushing your skills through a relevant project management course.
Hands-on projects and practical experience
The courses will provide you with theoretical as well as real-life knowledge to become familiar with all project manager roles and responsibilities. You will be made to work on practical scenarios to become eligible to apply your project management skills in the relevant industry.
3. Overview of Project Management Degrees and Certifications
You can pursue different types of degrees and certifications to enhance your project management skills. Every type of program comes with different eligibility criteria. The curriculum of the program management program will also vary depending on whether you are pursuing it at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. Additionally, the curriculum of the programs influences their duration.
Bachelor's Degree Program
The bachelor's programs in project management are for developing your foundational knowledge. They encompass topics like project scheduling, risk management, and team leadership.
Typical Duration: 3 to 4 years
Graduate Diplomas and Certifications
These courses offer more advanced knowledge beyond the undergraduate level. The graduate diplomas and certifications often focus on areas like the agile principles and specific roles of a project manager in different industries.
Typical Duration: 12 to 18 months
Master's Programs
Pursuing a master's in project management is about getting a better idea about the field with a focus on more specialized concepts. These courses are ideal for learners who have a basic concept of project management principles and want to upscale themselves.
Typical Duration: 2 years
MBA in Project Management
These programs are for learning project management principles alongside acquiring traditional business education. MBA programs in project management will tend to focus on areas like strategic planning and financial management in project-oriented organizations.
Typical Duration: 2 years
Global Accreditations/Professional Development Certifications (PMP etc)
Professional certifications with global recognition validate a learner's project management skills in front of recruiters. The PMP certification in Singapore is the most popular under this category, with around 2164.3 certified professionals per one million in this nation.
Note: These certifications are usually valid for 3 years. Learners need to earn professional development units to renew or maintain the certification beyond a period of 3 years.
4. Major Universities Offering Project Management Certification and Courses
If you want a clear understanding of the project manager job description and want to polish your skills, you will have to pursue your courses from the top universities in the nation. The well-renowned industries that offer project management courses in Singapore include:
National University of Singapore
1. Overview of the program
Here is an overview of the Project Management certification course offered by the National University of Singapore.
Established in 1986, the prestigious university offers a master’s degree in project management.
The program will equip you with a diverse range of skills and techniques to successfully complete tasks in different industries.
It allows you to graduate with an understanding of advanced concepts stretching beyond the basics of project management.
2. Faculty and expertise
Presenting the key points that highlight the expertise of the faculty members at the National University of Singapore, which contribute towards the development of skills.
The university faculty comprises talented individuals with real-life project management experience in different industries.
The interactive learning environment of this on-campus program allows learners to develop an understanding of business dynamics and become efficient managers for completing projects within budget and deadline.
3. Admission requirements
Let’s review the admission requirements for the National University of Singapore to understand the criteria for admission.
Degree
Bachelor's in a related discipline
Language Proficiency Score for Non-native English speakers
TOEFL score: 85 (internet-based)
or
IELTS score: 6.0
4. Alumni network and industry connections
The National University of Singapore boasts an impressive alumni network and industry connections that offer significant benefits to its students and graduates.
Learners can benefit from meaningful exchanges and interactions at the graduate level with peers as well as senior academics.
You can become a part of an influential community by interacting with leaders across different industries.
Develop meaningful professional connections to gain from their perspectives and receive constant mentorship throughout your career.
Nanyang Technological University
1. Overview of the program
Let's take a look at some key points regarding Nanyang Technological University, which provides a Project Management Certification Course
At NTU, you will be able to pursue a project management course to enhance your critical thinking skills. You will also become better at the practical application of learned methodologies.
Students can choose two or three modules per semester. It is possible to complete the entire program within two and a half years. However, the maximum time limit available to finish this degree is six years.
After completing eight modules, every learner has to work on the dissertation.
2. Faculty and expertise
Here are some highlights of the faculty and expertise of Nanyang Technological University that will help you expand your knowledge
The faculty is made up of scholars and experts who create a rich learning environment.
Their real-world expertise and academic knowledge lead to the holistic development of learners and prepare them for the professional world.
3. Admission requirements
Here is some helpful information to take admission at Nanyang Technological University for Project Management Certification course.
Degree
Bachelor's in a related discipline
Language Proficiency Score for Non-native English speakers
TOEFL score: 100 (internet-based), 250 (computer-based), and 600 (paper-based)
or
IELTS score: 6.5
4. Alumni network and industry connections
Let’s take the overview of the Alumni network and industry connections of Nanyang Technological University that give the chance to explore new opportunities.
Leverage unlimited networking opportunities to learn how to answer project manager interview questions and impress recruiters.
Unlock unlimited opportunities in the field by developing meaningful connections with peers and seniors.
Become a part of a supportive alumni network and learn about the specifics of project management in different industries.
Singapore Management University
1. Overview of the program
Below is an overview of the Project Management Certification Course offered by Singapore Management University.
SMU offers a master's degree in project management to develop advanced knowledge beyond the basics.
The program offers a dynamic learning experience with industry-relevant tasks to nurture practical skills.
The curriculum allows learners to become familiar with the emerging trends in the business world.
2. Faculty and expertise
Discover the faculty and their area of expertise at Singapore Management University, and witness the knowledge and experience that our team brings to the table.
Accomplished professionals with years of industry experience teach students who enroll in this program.
The faculty members create an enriched learning ecosystem for students with interactive sessions and hands-on projects.
3. Admission requirements
Here is the important information about the Admission requirements in Singapore Management University
Degree
Bachelor's in a related discipline
Language Proficiency Score for Non-native English speakers
TOEFL score
or
IELTS score
4. Alumni network and industry connections
Let's explore alumni networks and industry connections at Singapore Management University.
You will get the opportunity to interact with project management professionals from different sectors.
A robust alumni network awaits you as long as you graduate from this program.
Learners can seize mentorship as well as career opportunities by networking with peers as well as industry seniors.
5. Program Duration and Program Structures
You can pursue different types of programs to become a project manager in Singapore. Get into the details regarding the credit hours, academic terms, and timelines.
Full-time vs part-time study options
Looking for some flexibility to pursue your degree in this field? You will be able to pursue full-time as well as part-time programs to become a successful project manager. Full-time courses are usually longer and offer a more comprehensive understanding of the field.
However, part-time project management programs are for a shorter duration. If you are a working professional and want to upskill yourself, these courses are ideal. You will get enough flexibility to study and fulfill other commitments.
Required credit hours and academic terms
The required credit hours and academic terms of your project management course will vary according to the type of program you are pursuing. Longer programs will include more credit hours and are usually divided into multiple terms. Typically, a project management course will include 40 to 60 hours of learning, which indicates around 3 to 4 credit hours.
Students are usually allowed to pursue two to three terms in an academic year. It depends on the specific institution that is offering your project management course.
Typical course plans and schedules
The specific schedule of your project management course will once again depend on the type of program. Usually, the course is divided into different semesters. In each academic year, students can pursue a maximum of two semesters.
Every semester includes a wide range of modules to help learners sharpen their knowledge and skills. Students are also made to work on a dissertation after they complete a significant number of modules in their course. Additionally, learners get a blended form of education, including theoretical lessons as well as practical knowledge through hands-on projects.
Timeline for completion
The timeline of a project management course will depend on the format of the program.
Type of Program
Duration
Bachelor’s
3 to 4 years
Diploma or Certification
12 to 18 months
Master’s
2 to 3 years
MBA
2 to 3 years
Professional Certification
One-time tests (certificate needs to be renewed after a specific period by obtaining the required credits)
While this is the usual timeline for every type of project management program, educational institutions offer an extended time period to allow learners to complete the course. For instance, you can complete a typical 2-year master's program within a maximum duration of four years.
6. Essential Curriculum in Degree Programs
Project management courses in Singapore are designed with an advanced curriculum to prepare students to excel in the field. Starting with grassroots knowledge, these courses gradually cover more detailed topics to advance your learning. A typical project management program will cover some of these topics:
Foundational Modules
These are the basic modules providing knowledge about the fundamental aspects of project management. Some common concepts covered under this segment include life cycle, project planning, and monitoring. The foundational modules also focus on several primary project management processes like scope, cost, and time management. It will also look after aspects like risk management and procurement management.
Project Integration
This is the process of managing all aspects of a task to ensure it runs smoothly. It includes bringing together various project management processes, like planning, scheduling, executing, and monitoring. Integration also includes coordinating activities like developing a project charter and a project management plan, setting up change management processes, and ensuring overall project coordination.
Scope, Schedule, Cost Management
In this module, students will delve into the core constraints of project management: scope, schedule, and cost. They will master techniques for outlining project scope, breaking down work into smaller tasks, creating timelines using tools like Gantt charts and critical path analysis, determining cost estimates, allocating budgets, and continuously monitoring and adjusting project scope, timeline, and finances during its execution.
Quality, Resource, and Communications Management
This section outlines the key elements of project quality, resource, and communication management. It includes topics such as quality planning, assurance, and control; resource management techniques like allocation, team development, and conflict resolution; and communication planning, distribution, reporting, and strategies for engaging stakeholders.
Risk Monitoring and Control
Risk management is essential for projects because it involves recognizing, evaluating, and managing project risks. This section teaches students to recognize project risks, conduct thorough risk analysis, create risk response plans, and continually track and control risks during the project's lifespan.
Program/Portfolio Management
The goal of program and portfolio management is to accomplish strategic goals by overseeing several projects or programs. Program and portfolio governance, strategy alignment, benefits management, and methods for choosing and prioritizing projects or programs in accordance with organizational goals are among the topics covered in the curriculum for students.
Strategic Business Management
This module explores the overall business environment that influences projects. It delves into areas such as company strategy, workplace culture, management practices, handling stakeholders, ethical responsibilities, environmental sustainability, and legal requirements that affect how projects are managed.
Leadership
Leadership plays a crucial role in steering project teams and stakeholders to achieve success. This includes an understanding of leadership theories, styles, and skills such as team development, motivating individuals, resolving conflicts, negotiating, and influencing effectively.
7. Salary Expectations After Masters in Project Management
One primary reason to pursue a project management course is the impressive pay scale. Apart from a good salary, this field also promises job security due to its growing demand. The project manager salary in Singapore will vary according to numerous factors.
Experience
The base project manager salary is $6000, with an additional pay of $12,000. However, the salary will differ depending on the experience of the project manager.
As a junior project manager salary, you are likely to earn between $5000 to $6000. With a minimum experience of one year, you will become an assistant project manager and earn around $ 6,500. Senior project managers are likely to earn between $8000 to $13,000.
Industry
Project management professionals can specialize in different domains to find their footing in an extensive range of industries. While the primary role is to supervise a team of project management professionals, the exact duties might vary depending on the industry.
Industry
Average Monthly Salary
Construction & Engineering
$5,411
Finance
$7,916
Information Services & Technology
$6,665
Healthcare Administration
$9,166
City
The cost of living and competitiveness in a specific city will also influence your salary as a project manager. The cities in Singapore with the highest pay for project management professionals are listed below.
City
Average Monthly Salary
Raffles
$8,101
Outram
$6,565
Clementi
$5,759
Jurong Island
$5,740
Ang Mo Kio
$5,690
Geylang
$5,584
Woodlands
$5,445
Bedok
$5,186
Employer
The size of your company will definitely have an impact on your project management salary in Singapore. You can’t expect a startup to pay as much as global companies in need of project managers. Some of the highest-paying companies in Singapore for project management professionals are listed below.
Company
Average Monthly Salary
Credit Suisse
$11,733
Standard Chartered Bank
$11,515
Shell InfoTech Pte Limited
$9,597
Cognizant Technology Solutions
$9,446
DELL Technologies
$8,989
DBS Bank
$8,849
Total eBiz Solutions Pte Ltd
$8,714
Gender
A difference in the salary of project management professionals is also noticeable in terms of gender. An approximate gap of 4% is evident between the salaries of the two genders.
Gender
Average Monthly Salary
Female
$9,630
Male
$9,210
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What specialized project management certifications can I obtain by studying in Singapore?
You can obtain different levels of project management certifications by pursuing a course in Singapore. From bachelor's to postgraduate, these programs are available at different levels. You can also earn professional certifications with worldwide recognition, like a PMP or a CAPM certification.
What is the typical course curriculum for a project management program in Singapore universities?
A typical project management program will begin with basic concepts, including an overview of the field and the role of a project manager in different industries. After that, the program will shift its focus toward advanced concepts like implementing agile principles.
Do I need work experience to apply for postgraduate project management programs in Singapore?
You need to check the specific requirements of the institutions before applying to a project management course. Usually, you won't need work experience if you have completed your bachelor's in a related field.
As an international student, can I work part-time while studying project management in Singapore?
Yes, it is possible for international students to work while studying project management in Singapore. In that case, you should choose the part-time programs that will allow you to study at your own pace while maintaining a professional life.
What is the average cost of studying project management at the bachelor's or master's level in Singapore for international students?
International students usually need to bear around $30,000 and $60,000 to study project management at the bachelor's and master's levels in Singapore.
Product and Project Management Domain Insights
Latest Industry Trends in Product and Project Management
Rapid Growth Ahead: Project Management Tools Essential as Markets Surge
54%
organizations struggle with accessing real-time Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for their projects
USD 3.54 billion
The project management software market is projected to rise by 2024
57.8%
growth in virtual and augmented reality market by 2025
18.5%
growth in the cloud-based project management software market by 2024
92%
of hiring managers prioritize candidates with product management certification
51%
of organizations prefer project managers with certifications
Offering
Services to Help You Achieve Your Goal
Access the various career development support services offered by upGrad to help you achieve your professional goals.
Cost Effective
Further your career at 1/10 of the cost to the same on-campus program
Learn and Earn
Get world-class credentials without leaving your job from the comfort of your home
Industry Driven
Learn through a curriculum created by the industry for the industry
learn and get coached by leading industry experts from around the globe.
Flexible
Experience world-class education on-demand through our proprietary app and website.
Career Preparation
Rigorous career preparation with resume feedback, personal branding on LinkedIn
Career booster content to help understand how to search for jobs, prepare for interviews, negotiate your salary etc.
Industry Mentorship
Receive mentorship from leaders of the domain to help you reach your desired career goal
Networking
Get world-class credentials without your job from the comfort of your phone
*All telephone calls will be recorded for training and quality purposes. *If we are unavailable to attend to your call, it is deemed that we have your consent to contact you in response.
Disclaimer
upGrad does not grant credit; credits are granted, accepted or transferred at the sole discretion of the relevant educational institution offering the diploma or degree. We advise you to enquire further regarding the suitability of this program for your academic, professional requirements and job prospects before enrolling. upGrad does not make any representations regarding the recognition or equivalence of the credits or credentials awarded, unless otherwise expressly stated. Success depends on individual qualifications, experience, and efforts in seeking employment.