Graduate Certificate of Research Methods

Program Overview

Graduate Certificate of Research Methods

Overview

The Graduate Certificate of Research Methods is a six-month course that equips students with the problem-solving skills, experience, and confidence to conduct research in multiple settings. This course can be used as a pathway for entry into a Higher Degree by Research course at JCU.

Fast Facts

• Location: JCU campuses or study centres where you can study this course. 'Online' means the course can be studied off-campus using a combination of online resources, printed material or other technologies. Some online courses include on-campus workshops and travel for professional placements.
  • Online
  • Townsville
  • Cairns
• Commencing: The month(s) you can start the course. For courses offered at JCU Singapore and JCU Brisbane, see 'How to Apply'.
  • Online: February, July
  • Townsville: February, July
  • Cairns: February, July
• Fees: Indicative, annual cost of your course. Some courses are supported by the Australian Government with the government paying some of your fees. This is the Commonwealth Supported fee. The tuition fee is the fee payable if Commonwealth Support does not apply. You can defer your fees if eligible with HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP. The Student Services & Amenities Fee is a required payment from most students.
  • $4,657.00+ (total estimated Commonwealth Supported Fee)
  • $17,714.00^ (total estimated tuition fee)
  • Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
  • Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
• Duration: The time it will take you to complete the course as a full-time student. Also specifies if the course is available part-time. This section will indicate if some online courses may have a longer duration due to their different delivery method.
  • 6 months full-time
• Entry Requirements: This is usually a score given to Year 12 students upon completion of their studies. Non-school leavers can have their qualifications and work experience assessed to obtain an equivalent score. The score displayed is the minimum adjusted ATAR/rank that was required for entry. Some subjects are required for entry into a course. Whereas assumed knowledge indicates a minimum level of knowledge.
  • A 4-year AQF level 7 bachelor degree or an AQF level 8 qualification in a relevant discipline, with a 5.0 GPA and grade of 65% or better in one research methods subject; or equivalent.

Course Detail

What to Expect

Be equipped to successfully engage in research projects with the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods. In this six-month course, you will develop the critical thinking skills and understanding of methodology required to plan, implement and pitch a research project that aligns with your previous qualifications.

This degree is a pathway for students who have previously completed at least one advanced research methods subject and are seeking additional research experience and qualifications to meet the entry requirements of a PhD or research Master’s degree at JCU.

If you have not previously studied an advanced research methods subject, the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods can provide you with the additional understanding of methodology required for Higher Degree by Research courses.

Before you apply for the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods, you should define your research topic and seek the agreement of an experienced JCU advisor. Explore our list of available advisors to find one within your research area.

Learn how to develop a research proposal and conduct a literature review to the standard required for academic research. Formulate your own independent research project including the rationale, methodology and ethics application.

As you learn how to conduct independent research, you’ll be supported by leading research advisors, who will provide personalised advice and guidance tailored to your research focus as well as your own developing research style. Working in collaboration with your advisor, you may also wish to explore opportunities to build your reputation and gain additional research credentials by publishing your findings.

Graduates emerge from their studies prepared to successfully apply research skills in a professional context. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods, you may be eligible to apply to a Higher Degree by Research program at JCU.

Career Opportunities

JCU Graduate Certificate of Research Methods graduates have the skills to succeed in a Higher Degree by Research.

Graduates may pursue Master or Doctor of Philosophy programs and go on to lead successful research careers. You may also wish to apply your research skills within your professional field.

Handbook

• Handbook year:
• Course code:
• Course type: Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8)
• Owner: Academy
• College: Healthcare Sciences, Medicine and Dentistry, Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, Arts, Society and Education, Business, Law and Governance, Science and Engineering

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

• Course pre-requisites: Completion of at least a 4-year AQF level 7 bachelor degree or an AQF level 8 qualification in a relevant discipline, with a minimum grade point average of 5.0 (credit average) in the final year; and a grade of credit (65%) or better in a minimum of one research methods or analysis subject; or other qualifications recognised by the University as equivalent.
• Minimum English language proficiency requirements: Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
• Additional selection requirements: Quota restrictions on the number of places available may apply from time to time as determined by the College. Information published by JCU or otherwise made available to students when applying, may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit if the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course. Information provided by applicants during the application process and any other information obtained by JCU in the application process may be used by JCU to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

• Credit points: 12 credit points as per course structure.
• Course learning outcomes: On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods, graduates will be able to:
  1. Identify, investigate, analyse and synthesise a research problem applying appropriate methodological concepts and theories in a small-scale research project
  2. Apply knowledge and understanding of research ethics in the preparation of a successful ethics application for a research project
  3. Design, plan, conduct and complete a substantial research-based thesis with creativity and initiative and a high level of autonomy and accountability
  4. Analyse and interpret results from a research project, and critically evaluate and synthesise results in the context of contemporary research literature and / or demonstrate advanced knowledge of recent developments, discourses and debates in a relevant discipline area and/or related areas of professional practice
  5. Demonstrate a high standard of ethical conduct in research, exercising autonomy, responsibility, accountability, and well-developed independent judgement
  6. Communicate specialised knowledge, ideas and arguments accurately, coherently and creatively to a variety of audiences through written manuscripts and oral presentations.

Inherent Requirements

• Inherent requirements: Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Postgraduate Research Methods.
• Reasonable adjustments: All JCU students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure.

Course Structure

CORE SUBJECTS

• RM8501:06 Research Planning
• RM8502:06 Research Project

Location

• COURSE AVAILABLE AT: JCU Cairns, JCU Townsville, JCU Singapore (Health and Medicine disciplines are not available at this campus location), External

Candidature

• Expected time to complete: 6 months full-time or part-time equivalent
• Maximum time to complete: 2 years
• Maximum leave of absence: 1 year

Progression

• Course progression requisites: Nil
• Course includes mandatory professional placement(s): Not applicable
• Special assessment requirements: Nil
• Professional accreditation requirements: Nil
• Supplementary exam for final subject: Nil

Credit

• Eligibility: Applicants who have achieved either a Conceded Pass or Pass in both RD7001 and RD7002 or a Conceded Pass or Pass in both RM7001 and RM7002 may be eligible to apply for credit for this degree, in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure.
• Maximum allowed: 6 credit points
• Currency: Credit will be granted only for studies completed in four (4) years prior to the commencement of this course.
• Expiry: Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled six (6) years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, the student has not completed the course of study prescribed for the degree.
• Other restrictions: Not applicable

Award Details

• Award title: GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF RESEARCH METHODS
• Approved abbreviation: GCertResMeth
• Inclusion of majors on testamur: Not applicable - this course does not have majors
• Exit with lesser award: Not applicable
• Course articulation: Students seeking admission to a research higher degree should consult the University’s HDR Degree by Research Requirements. Students seeking admission to a Master of Philosophy must have obtained at least a GPA 5.0 (Credit) for the supervised research component of the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods (RM8501 & RM8502). Students seeking admission to a Doctorate of Philosophy must have obtained at least a GPA 6.0 (Distinction) for the supervised research component of the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods (RM8501 & RM8502).
• Special awards: Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD4,657.00
• Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD17,714.00
• A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.

Pathways to JCU

• JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course, consider exploring our available Pathways options.

How to Apply

• Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.
• Graduate Certificate of Research Methods applicants must also complete and upload the following forms and documentary evidence with their application:
  • Academic Transcript
  • Testamur (only required if your transcript does not indicate degree completion)
  • Research Area and a brief outline to ensure the most appropriate Advisor can be appointed for the duration of your course.
  • Research Advisor with expertise in the field that aligns with your Research Area. A list of Advisors is available here.
• It is preferred that you nominate a Research Advisor at the time of application, however, it is not mandatory at the time of submitting your application.

Program Outline

Careers:

• Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods may allow for eligibility to apply to a Higher Degree by Research program at JCU.
• Graduates may pursue Master or Doctor of Philosophy programs and go on to lead successful research careers.
• Graduates may also apply their research skills within their professional field.