Accreditation
Aligned with the internationally recognised standards and best practices of the Project Management Institute (PMI), this programme provides industry-relevant training designed to strengthen project management and leadership skills while supporting professional growth and career progression.
Build practical, high-impact project management capabilities with the Professional Certificate in Project Management at Dorset College Dublin, a PMI Authorized Training Partner. As modern organisations increasingly rely on structured project delivery to drive growth, innovation, and operational excellence, skilled professionals who can lead teams, control budgets, and mitigate risk are in high demand across every sector. Designed as an accessible, high-value programme, this 14-week course provides a structured pathway to formalising and expanding your project management expertise, with no prior experience required.
Class size is limited to 10 students, ensuring personalised attention and support. Delivered 100% live online via evening sessions by PMI-trained instructors, the course is aligned with the PMI (Project Management Institute) framework and current industry practice. You will build hands-on skills across the full project lifecycle – including project initiation, scoping, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, procurement, stakeholder engagement, and Agile and hybrid delivery methods. As a Dorset College learner, your studies are enhanced by real-world case studies and premium academic resources, including complimentary access to the EBSCO Online Library.
Upon successful completion, you will earn a Professional Certificate in Project Management, awarded by Dorset College Dublin, that validates your project leadership capabilities to employers and strengthens your CV and LinkedIn profile. The programme also prepares you for PMI's globally recognised certification exams, offering a clear progression route towards the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®), the Project Management Professional (PMP®), and ultimately the Program Management Professional (PgMP®) credentials.
WHERE THIS COURSE TAKES YOU
This certificate is the first step towards PMI's globally recognised project management certifications.
STEP 1
Professional Certificate in Project Management, Dorset College Dublin
↓
STEP 2 RECOMMENDED NEXT STEP
PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®)
↓
STEP 3 RECOMMENDED NEXT STEP
PMI Project Management Professional (PMP®)
↓
STEP 4 RECOMMENDED NEXT STEP
PMI Program Management Professional (PgMP®)
Steps 2–4 are external certifications awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI), each subject to PMI's own eligibility requirements and taken separately after this course. PMI exam fees and membership are not included, and Dorset College Dublin is not a PMI exam centre – exam arrangements are made directly with PMI.
Key skills covered in this programme
Modules built around the project management skills employers need right now, aligned with the PMI framework.
✓ Project planning – define scope, deliverables, and the plan.
✓ Agile & hybrid delivery – run Agile, Scrum, and hybrid projects.
✓ Stakeholder communication – engage stakeholders and lead with clarity.
✓ Scheduling – build timelines, milestones, and critical paths.
✓ Budgeting & cost control – estimate, track, and manage project costs.
✓ Risk management – identify, assess, and mitigate project risks.
✓ Procurement – manage contracts, suppliers, and procurement.
✓ Monitoring & control – track progress and keep projects on course.
✓ Team leadership – motivate and lead high-performing teams.
✓ Project delivery – deliver on time, on scope, and on budget.
✓ Full project lifecycle – manage initiation through to closure.
Earn a recognised project management credential
Add your Professional Certificate in Project Management to your LinkedIn profile and CV, and take your next step towards PMI certification.
Everything was very well organised and the tutor was highly knowledgeable. I especially valued the real-life experiences that fellow students brought into every session. I now approach my work with far more confidence. Choosing Dorset was absolutely the right decision.
Michael Lynch – Dorset College Dublin
Funding Available
Intreo Training Support Grant – up to €1,000
You may be eligible for Training Support Grant (TSG) funding of up to €1,000 towards the cost of the Professional Certificate in Project Management. Funding is available to eligible jobseekers and is subject to approval by your Intreo Employment Personal Adviser.
Learn more: Training Support Grant (TSG) on gov.ie
Do you still have questions?
Talk to our admissions team on WhatsApp.
✓ Define the project lifecycle & key phases
Understand how projects are initiated, planned, executed, monitored, and closed.
✓ Apply core PMI principles to real-world project scenarios
Use internationally recognised standards to structure and manage projects effectively from day one.
✓ Develop the leadership behaviours that drive project success
Understand how communication, decision-making, and accountability shape project outcomes.
✓ Motivate & coordinate cross-functional project teams
Build team cohesion, manage conflict, and keep diverse stakeholders aligned throughout delivery.
✓ Define & manage project scope effectively
Identify what is included and excluded, and manage scope creep to keep projects on track.
✓ Identify key considerations before a project begins
Evaluate constraints, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations to lay the right foundation.
✓ Build structured project plans using proven techniques
Apply tools such as Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), Gantt charts, and critical path analysis.
✓ Select the right planning framework for each project
Compare agile, waterfall, and hybrid approaches and understand when each is most appropriate.
✓ Create a realistic & detailed project timeline
Break down deliverables into tasks, set milestones, and sequence activities in a logical order.
✓ Identify dependencies & critical path activities
Understand which tasks are interdependent and which directly impact the overall project completion date.
✓ Identify, assess & prioritise project risks
Use risk registers and assessment tools to anticipate threats and evaluate their potential impact.
✓ Communicate clearly & consistently with all stakeholders
Build a communication plan that keeps teams informed, aligned, and confident throughout the project lifecycle.
✓ Build & manage a project budget effectively
Estimate costs, allocate resources, and track expenditure to keep projects financially on track.
✓ Apply cost control techniques to prevent overspend
Use earned value management and variance analysis to identify and address budget issues early.
✓ Understand procurement processes & supplier management
Identify procurement needs, evaluate suppliers, and manage contracts to support project delivery.
✓ Execute the project plan with precision & control
Translate the project plan into coordinated action, keeping all workstreams aligned and on schedule.
✓ Track project progress against plan & targets
Use monitoring tools and KPIs to measure how a project is performing against its schedule, budget, and scope.
✓ Produce clear & effective project status reports
Communicate progress, risks, and decisions to stakeholders in a structured, concise, and actionable format.
✓ Complete the formal project closure process
Sign off deliverables, close contracts, release resources, and confirm all completion requirements are met.
✓ Conduct a structured post-project review
Evaluate what went well and what could be improved to inform better outcomes on future projects.
✓ Understand the PMI code of ethics & professional conduct
Explore the core values of responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty that underpin professional project management.
✓ Uphold professional standards throughout every project
Build trust with stakeholders by consistently demonstrating accountability, transparency, and sound professional judgement.
Do I need any prior experience to enrol?
None. The course suits anyone looking to move into project management or formalise skills already gained in the workplace.
What certification will I receive?
A Professional Certificate in Project Management, awarded by Dorset College Dublin, a PMI Authorized Training Partner. The course also prepares you for PMI's CAPM® exam – the first step on PMI's global certification pathway through PMP® and ultimately PgMP®. PMI exams are taken separately and arranged directly with PMI.
How is the course delivered?
100% online via live, tutor-led classes every Tuesday evening, 6:30pm to 9:00pm. Every class is recorded and available online the next day.
How long is the course and when does it start?
14 weeks, from 23rd February to 25th May 2027 – one evening per week, designed to fit around full-time work.
What does it cost and are there payment options?
€1,150 for this intake – a saving of €290 on the full price of €1,440. A €150 deposit secures your place, with the balance paid in full or split into three instalments. No hidden fees.
What topics will I cover?
The full project lifecycle – scope planning, scheduling, risk, budget control, procurement, stakeholder communication, monitoring, Agile and hybrid delivery, and project closure – all aligned with the PMI framework.
How is the course assessed?
Through practical, portfolio-based assessment designed to demonstrate your ability to plan and deliver real projects.
What careers can this course lead to?
Roles such as Project Coordinator, Project Officer, or Junior Project Manager, with project management roles in Ireland typically advertising €40,000–€55,000 and strong progression as experience and qualifications grow.
Will I have direct access to a tutor?
Yes. Every session is delivered live by a practitioner currently working in project management – ask questions and draw on their real-world experience throughout.
Who is this course designed for?
Professionals ready to formalise existing skills, career changers moving into project management, and anyone who runs projects as part of a wider role.
What makes this course stand out?
Live delivery by a working practitioner, PMI-aligned content from a PMI Authorized Training Partner, and a clear pathway towards CAPM® and PMP® – all one evening per week.
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form in under three minutes – no photo ID needed to start. A €150 deposit secures your place, with the balance paid in full or split into three instalments.
>
• 14-week Professional Certificate in Project Management from a PMI Authorized Training Partner
• 100% online – live, tutor-led classes every Tuesday evening, 6:30pm to 9:00pm
• Every class is recorded and available online the next day
• Delivered by PMI-trained lecturers with real-world project experience
• Develop skills you can apply across any industry or work environment
• Continuous assessment throughout the programme
• Practical, portfolio-based project and assignments – no written exams for the certificate
• Award: Professional Certificate in Project Management
• Awarded by Dorset College Dublin – a PMI Authorized Training Partner, established 1983
• Prepares you for the external PMI CAPM® exam, arranged directly with PMI
• Note: Dorset College Dublin is not a PMI exam centre – PMI exam fees and membership are not included
• Equips you with the essential skills to plan, lead and deliver projects with confidence
• Strengthens your CV with a Professional Certificate from a PMI Authorized Training Partner
• Project Coordinator – support delivery, track progress and keep teams aligned
• Project Officer – manage schedules, budgets and stakeholder reporting
• Junior Project Manager – take ownership of projects from initiation to closure
• A clear pathway towards PMI's CAPM® and PMP® certifications as your experience grows
• Submit the online application in under 3 minutes
• Photo ID not required to begin your application
• Start even if your documents aren't ready yet
• A €150.00 deposit secures your place on the February intake
• Admissions support at every stage
• Contact us at [email protected]
• Non-refundable deposit of €150.00 to secure your place
• Balance of €1,000.00 paid in full or split into 3 monthly instalments from the course start date
• No hidden fees
• Manage payments online from the comfort of your own home — Pay Online
• 1st Instalment: €334.00 – 23/02/2027
• 2nd Instalment: €333.00 – 23/03/2027
• 3rd Instalment: €333.00 – 23/04/2027
Q1
Do I need any prior experience to enrol?
No prior experience is required. The course is designed for anyone looking to build a career in project management or formalise skills already gained in the workplace.
Q2
What certification will I receive?
Upon successful completion of the programme and the external PMI exam, you will receive an internationally recognised certification awarded by the Project Management Institute - one of the most respected credentials in the field globally.
Q3
Is there an exam involved?
Yes. Upon completing the 14-week programme, you will sit an external PMI exam to receive your certification. Please note that Dorset College Dublin is not a PMI exam centre - exam arrangements are made directly with the institute.
Q4
How is the course delivered?
100% online via live, expert-led classes every Tuesday evening from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. All sessions are interactive and delivered in real time. Classes are recorded and available online for revision from the following day.
Q5
How long is the course and when does it start?
14 weeks, commencing 21st September 2026 and concluding 14th December 2026. One evening per week, structured to fit comfortably around full-time work.
Q6
What does it cost and are there payment options?
€1,150 after a 20% discount. A €150 deposit secures your place, with three further instalments of €333 spread across the course. No hidden fees.
Q7
What topics will I cover?
Project fundamentals, scope planning, timeline and budget management, risk identification, stakeholder communication, agile and waterfall methodologies, procurement, project monitoring, quality assurance, and professional ethics.
Q8
How is the course assessed?
Continuous assessment consisting of a personal project and assignments throughout the programme, culminating in the external PMI certification exam.
Q9
What careers can this course lead to?
Junior Project Manager, Project Coordinator, Operations Manager, or Business Development Manager. Typical starting salaries of €40,000–€55,000 with strong progression as experience and qualifications grow.
Q10
Will I have direct access to a tutor?
Yes. Every session is delivered live by an experienced project management professional. Ask questions, engage with real-world scenarios, and receive direct feedback throughout.
Q11
What makes PMI accreditation significant?
PMI is the globally recognised gold standard in project management certification. Employers across every sector actively seek PMI-qualified professionals, making this one of the most commercially valuable credentials available in Ireland and internationally.
Q12
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form in under three minutes. A €150 deposit secures your place, with flexible instalments available for the remainder of the course fee.
