The University of Sydney's Graduate School of Engineering and IT has enhanced its master of project management with the option to undertake an industry based project, or conduct a research project.

The master of project management (MPM) is designed for students across engineering and IT disciplines to enhance their career prospects in industry project management or project management research.

The one-year full-time or two-year part-time course requires a bachelor's degree for entry, can be started in March or July, and will set you back just under $20,000.

Engineering and information technologies' marketing officer Kerry Capsanis said the faculty's aim is to integrate industry-based projects into all of its postgraduate programs.

The MPM "Professional Path" option provides a pathway into Australian industries through the completion of an industry-based project, according to the faculty, and working students have the opportunity to conduct a project in their workplace.

Engineering Sydney assists students with industry placements if they are not working.

Alternatively, the "Advanced Path" allows a component of the degree to be taken as a research project and training in research related skills is provided.

Completion of this option allows students to progress to the master of philosophy and doctor of philosophy if they meet the required criteria.

MPM student with nine years IT experience Elizabeth Senior said she now has a much broader appreciation of project processes and how these can be applied to various industries.

"There is definitely a difference between a project lifecycle and project management lifecycles," Senior said.

The course can be taken on-campus or online and can be packaged with the master of engineering, master of information technology, or the master of information technology management provided the applicant is eligible to enter those degrees.