Graduate Certificate in Research
Duration | 0.5 years full-time, 2 years part-time |
Location | Online and |
Next start term | Term 3, 2023 |
Study mode | On Campus, Online |
Course code | CL58 |

Overview
The Graduate Certificate in Research (GCR) will provide you the opportunity to acquire advanced research skills which can be applied in a range of disciplinary contexts. This course is aimed at professionals in a range of industry, government and community settings, and the course content is able to be tailored to suit your current employment context and/or areas of research interest. If you are wishing to study a masters by research or doctorate but do not meet the admissions requirements of an AQF Level 9 or 10 degree then the Graduate Certificate in Research will be of interest. It provides an entry pathway to research higher degrees. If you achieve a grade point average (GPA) of 6 it will satisfy admissions requirements for progress into a masters by research. Entry into a doctorate will be dependent upon achieving the GPA requirement and satisfying qualifications and experience requirements.
The Graduate Certificate in Research (GCR) will provide you with the opportunity to acquire advanced research skills which can be applied in a range of disciplinary contexts. This highly flexible course is aimed at professionals in a range of industry, government and community settings, and the course content is tailored to suit your current employment context and/or areas of research interest. It is suitable for those looking for a pathway into research or for those that require research skills to further their career.
During your study, you will compile a series of research portfolio activities during a minimum period of six-months full-time, or the equivalent part-time.
Interested in speaking to someone about the Graduate Certificate in Research? Book a call back today.
Career Opportunities
Graduates will have advanced theoretical and specialist knowledge in the principals and methods that exist within research. This will equip graduates with the research training and skills for further learning within a research higher degree, or for application of foundation research skills within workplace contexts. Graduates will obtain sufficient knowledge to independently conduct research in a specific discipline.
Structure & Availability
On-Campus Availability
Intake | Locations |
---|---|
Term 3, 2023 | Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville |
Term 1, 2024 | Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville |
Term 2, 2024 | Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville |
Term 3, 2024 | Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, Townsville |
Online Availability
Intake | Locations |
---|---|
Term 3, 2023 | Available Online |
Term 1, 2024 | Available Online |
Term 2, 2024 | Available Online |
Term 3, 2024 | Available Online |
MAJORS | UNITS | DESCRIPTION |
---|---|---|
Core Learning Outcomes | 1 | This research qualification is time-based. This means the courses structure relies on study time and overall progress towards portfolio activities, rather than credit point accrual. For all candidates, the core requirements are:
A minimum enrolment of 0.5 EFTSL (six months full time, or the part-time equivalent) in the core unit, RSXXYYYYY Research Portfolio. Students must complete EITHER the Research Portfolio Part Time Unit OR the Research Portfolio Full Time Unit. This unit must be repeatedly taken until the candidate has met the minimum ETFSL period. |
COURSE STRUCTURE
The Graduate Certificate in Research consists of a single unit which is flexible, and can be taken in either full-time or part-time mode. This means the structure of the course relies on study time and overall progress towards portfolio activities, rather than credit point accrual. The single unit includes a range of compulsory and elective topics for you to study. These include:
Compulsory Topics
Governance and policy
- Research code of conduct and legal requirements
- Research frameworks
- Human and Animal Research Ethics A
Elective modules
Research design and preparation
Project management
- Literature review
- Experimental design and statistics
- Human and Animal Research Ethics
- Methods in research
- Research data literacy
- Quantitative research design
- Qualitative research design
Project implementation
- Research project proposal
- Research project execution
- Creative practice research project
Communicating Research
- Writing in research
- Research engagement skills
- Journal paper
UNIT INFORMATION
For information on the units, you could study as part of this course, visit the Handbook and select the "Course Structure" tab.
CREDIT TRANSFER INFORMATION
If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
This course has no residential schools.
Requirements
Recommended study
An individual learning plan will be created for each student in the GCR, post-admission.
To be eligible for entry to this course, a student will be required to demonstrate
- a completed bachelor degree in any discipline from an Australian university or college, or equivalent; or
- a recognised diploma (or equivalent vocational training qualifications) together with a minimum three years relevant professional experience; or
- a minimum of five years relevant professional experience AND formal skills or training to satisfy the Research Higher Degrees Committee of their capacity to undertake the qualification.
Students applying on the basis of experience may be required to provide evidence of writing skills.
English Requirements
IELTS Academic average 6.5 with no band less than 6.
Fees & Scholarships
2023 Indicative Fees
Fee Type | Fees |
---|---|
Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee | $2,062 |
Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee | $11,260 |
Indicative first-year fee
The fees listed are indicative only and based on enrolling in a full-time study load for one academic year (generally, this is four units over one term for a graduate certificate or eight units over two terms for a graduate diploma or masters degree). Your fees may vary depending on the units you select and the number you study per term. Fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Commonwealth supported places
With Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available for this course, you may be eligible for significant fee savings. If you are not eligible for a CSP or if CSPs are full, you will be required to pay full fees. Find out more about CSP eligibility criteria.
Government assistance and HELP loans
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees if you meet eligibility requirements. If offered a CSP, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees. Learn more about paying for university.
Other study costs
Part of your course costs includes Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF). There may also be additional costs as part of your studies, such as textbooks, technology expenses, travel expenses, professional certifications, or vaccinations. Explore other study costs.
CQUniversity offers a strong sense of research community, as well as generous project funding, training and support so that you can thrive as a researcher.
CQUniversity is committed to supporting you academically throughout your research journey, providing a range of benefits including multiple supervisors, mentorship, access to RHD Academies and more.
As a Research Higher Degree student at CQUniversity, you may benefit from our scholarship opportunities which include living stipends, allowance scholarships, and tuition waivers. A research scholarship or stipend could help you pay for some or all of your tuition fees, or even contribute towards your living and study expenses.
Browse Research Scholarships
How to apply
If you're ready to apply, use the Apply button below to begin your application.