Program Overview

Graduate Certificate in Research

The Graduate Certificate in Research equips students with the skills to conduct ethical, practical, and methodologically sound research. This course is designed to be studied part-time online over one year (two sessions) and is part of an articulated program of study, allowing students to build on their study to achieve the right level of qualification for them.

Key Information

• Study Mode and Sessions: Online, with the next session starting on March 2, 2026.
• Duration: Minimum time - 1 year, Maximum time - 2 years.
• Entry Score: TBA.
• Indicative Fees:
  • International online: Fee paying overseas - $13,960.00 per annum (full-time), $6,980.00 per annum (part-time).
• Course Points and Codes: Credit Points - 32, AQF - Level 8.

Why Study with Us?

• Explore diverse research methods, including both First Nations and Western research methods and methodologies.
• Learn with students from other disciplines and professional backgrounds.
• Follow your passion, as this research training program spans all Charles Sturt University faculties and is open to anyone planning to pursue a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) in any discipline.
• Save on study fees, as this research degree has Commonwealth supported places (CSP) – meaning lower fees and the opportunity to apply for a government loan to cover the costs.

Career Opportunities

While the Graduate Certificate in Research focuses on preparing students for further Higher Degree by Research through the completion of a dissertation, it builds transferable skills and knowledge that are of value to any organization seeking to implement improvements based on sound evidence-based research.

What You Will Study

For each 8-point subject, students should expect to spend 10 to 12 hours per week working on assignments and assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, and attending lectures, intensive schools, or examinations.

Essential Set (32 points)

• Core Subject (4 Credit Points): IKC503 - First Nations Ways of Knowing, Being and Doing in Research.
• Compulsory Subjects (28 Credit Points):
  • Research methods subjects (8 Credit Points): Select one research methods subject aligning to the chosen discipline.
    • ASH505 - Research Methods
    • HLT505 - Research Practice in Healthcare
  • Research proposal (4 Credit Points): Select one research proposal subject aligning to the approach.
    • IKC504 - Indigenous or Indigenist Research Proposal
    • RES500 - Research Proposal
  • Research project and dissertation (16 Credit Points): Select one subject aligning with the chosen discipline.
    • ASH510 - Research Project
    • HLT500 - Health Research Dissertation
    • JST531 - Dissertation

Costs

• Calculate My Fee: The course fee and offering information will depend on the student type, commence year, study mode, location, and fee type.
• Course Fees:
  • If you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, and meet the relevant citizenship and residency requirements, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place.
  • A fee-paying student will pay a tuition fee for each subject in the course without the Australian government contributing any financial support to the university.
• Payment Options:
  • Pay all of your student contribution up front direct to the university.
  • Pay part of your student contribution to the university and defer the balance via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible).
  • Defer all of your student contribution via a HECS-HELP loan through the Australian Government (if eligible).

Scholarships

Charles Sturt University offers scholarships and grants, totaling over $11 million annually, covering various areas such as academic performance, volunteering, sports achievements, community service, specific courses, on-campus living, and individuals in unique circumstances.

Entry Requirements

• Selection Rank: TBA.
• Academic Entry Requirements:
  • A completed three-year or four-year Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline from an Australian university or approved overseas university with equivalent Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 (7 point scale).
  • A mixture of work or life experience of at least 5 years in a specialist area that is cognate to the area of proposed research, and other relevant formal qualifications which demonstrate an ability to undertake study at the required level.
• Language Requirements: Standard English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements apply.
• Inherent Requirements: TBA.

Credit and Pathways

If you’ve completed relevant tertiary study or work experience related to your course, you could receive credit towards your degree. Charles Sturt University also has several admission pathways to help you take the step into your preferred course, even if you don't quite meet the entry requirements at first.

How to Apply

Applying to Charles Sturt University is easy. You can apply via UAC, VTAC, or directly to Charles Sturt University. Check the key dates for application closing dates and ensure you have all the necessary documents ready.

Related Courses

Other courses that you might be interested in are available at Charles Sturt University. You can explore these options to find the best fit for your academic and professional goals.