
Accreditation
Aligned with the trusted standards and best practices of the Project Management Institute (PMI), this programme is delivered flexibly and designed with your career in mind. It provides industry-recognised training that strengthens your project leadership skills and supports your career progression.
Project management is one of the most consistently in-demand professional capabilities across every sector of the Irish economy. Every organisation - whether delivering a technology implementation, a construction programme, a product launch, or a business transformation - depends on professionals who can plan effectively, manage risk, control budgets, and bring complex work to a successful close. Ireland’s position as a hub for global business means that demand for PMI-aligned project management professionals is strong and continuing to grow.
The PMI Project Management Professional Certificate at Dorset College Dublin is an eleven-week, one-evening-per-week programme designed for professionals ready to formalise their skills or move into a dedicated project management role. The programme covers the full project lifecycle – from scope planning and timeline management through to risk, budget control, procurement, monitoring, and project closure – all aligned with PMI global standards and delivered live by a practitioner currently working in the field. Assessment is practical and portfolio-based, and on completion graduates hold a CPD-verified credential at Step 1 of a recognised pathway leading through CAPM, PMP, and ultimately PgMP. According to Indeed.ie, project management roles in Ireland typically advertise starting salaries of €40,000 to €55,000, with strong progression as experience and qualifications grow.
WHERE THIS COURSE TAKES YOU
This certificate is the first step in the world’s most recognised project management certification pathway.
STEP 1
PMI Project Management Professional Certificate, Dorset College Dublin
↓
STEP 2
CAPM, Certified Associate in Project Management | PMI
↓
STEP 3
PMP, Project Management Professional | PMI
↓
STEP 4
PgMP, Program Management Professional | PMI
Key skills covered in this programme
Eleven modules covering the essential skills of professional project management practice.
✓ Project fundamentals – The project lifecycle, key phases, and core PMI principles.
✓ Scope & planning – Defining scope, building structured plans, and selecting the right methodology.
✓ Timeline management – Milestones, dependencies, and critical path analysis.
✓ Risk & communication – Identifying, assessing, and communicating risk to all stakeholders.
✓ Budget management – Cost estimation, resource allocation, and earned value management.
✓ Procurement & execution – Supplier management, contract oversight, and coordinated delivery.
✓ Monitoring, closure & professional standards – Tracking progress, closing projects, and upholding PMI ethics.
"
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
Course module information
Module 1: Project fundamentals
✓ 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.
Module 2: Leading projects
✓ 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.
Module 3: Scope planning
✓ 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.
Module 4: Planning methods
✓ 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.
Module 5: Timeline management
✓ 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.
Module 6: Risk & communication
✓ 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.
Module 7: Budget management
✓ 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.
Module 8: Procure & execute
✓ 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.
Module 9: Project monitoring
✓ 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.
Module 10: Project completion
✓ 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.
Module 11: Professional standards
✓ 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.
• 14-week Professional PMI Diploma in Project Management
• 100% live online — study from the comfort of your home
• Experienced Project Management lecturers
• Upskill or reskill at your own pace
• Develop skills to excel in diverse work environments
• Continuous assessment throughout the programme
• Personal project & assignments
• External PMI exam required upon completion
• Award: Professional PMI Diploma in Project Management
• Awarded by: Project Management Institute (Internationally Recognised)
• Note: Dorset College Dublin is not a PMI exam centre
• Equips you with essential skills to advance your career
• Demonstrates your ability to manage high-impact projects
• Strengthens your CV with an industry-recognised certification
• Submit the online application in 3 minutes
• Photo ID not required to begin your application
• Our team will guide you through the next steps
• Start even if your documents aren't ready yet
• Admissions support at every stage
• Contact us at [email protected]
• Non-refundable deposit of €150 to secure your place
• No hidden fees
• Balance paid in full or split into 3 instalments
• Deposit: €150
• 1st Instalment: €316.00 — 21/09/2026
• 2nd Instalment: €316.00 — 19/10/2026
• 3rd Instalment: €316.00 — 16/11/2026
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.