Program Overview

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Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies

The Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies is an 80 credit point program designed to provide graduates in the criminology and criminal justice discipline with the opportunity to undertake advanced study in research methodology and to undertake supervised research work in the discipline area appropriate to their research trajectory.

Program Overview

The program provides the necessary preparation for entry into a higher degree research program (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or equivalent program) for applicants who do not possess the required qualifications for direct admission into these programs.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for this program, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• a recognised Bachelor degree in a related discipline
• a recognised Masters degree in a related discipline
• evidence of qualifications or learning equivalent to either of the above criteria You must have a minimum grade point average of 5.0 (on a 7.0 point scale) in the last two years of your Bachelor qualification.

Language Requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

Tuition Fees

The indicative annual tuition fee is $37,500. This fee is based on a standard full-time study load which is usually 80 credit points or 40 credit points for certificate programs.

Program Structure

The program consists of 80 credit points, comprising:

• 40 credit points for the Coursework Component
• 40 credit points for the Research Dissertation Component

Coursework Component

Complete 40 credit points for all of the following:

• Managing Research Projects (10 credit points)
• Research and Evaluation Methods (10 credit points)
• Quantitative Social Research (10 credit points)
• Qualitative Social Research (10 credit points)
• Justice and Crime (10 credit points) or Contemporary Perspectives on Crime (10 credit points)

Research Dissertation Component

Complete 40 credit points for all of the following:

• Thesis 1 (10 credit points)
• Thesis 2 (10 credit points)
• Thesis 3 (10 credit points)
• Thesis 4 (10 credit points)

Progression Requirements

Students admitted to the Graduate Diploma who have a relevant Masters qualification but have not completed the 40 credit points of research content required for admission to a Higher Degree Research will be eligible to exit the Graduate Diploma with the Graduate Certificate in Criminological Research Studies award upon completion of the 40-credit point dissertation component.

Exit Points

To apply to exit the Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies with the Graduate Certificate in Criminological Research Studies award, a student must acquire a minimum of 40 credit points as prescribed below:

• Option 1: 40 credit points for Coursework Courses
• Option 2: 40 credit points for the Research Dissertation Component (for students with a relevant Masters qualification)
• Option 3: 40 credit points for the Research Dissertation Component and 10 credit points for Managing Research Projects or Research and Evaluation Methods (for students with a relevant Masters qualification who have not previously completed a research methods course)

Program Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes for this award describe the knowledge, skills, and application of knowledge and skills you will acquire through studying the Griffith program of your choice.

Australian Qualifications Framework

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training. This qualification is accredited as an AQF Level 8 - Graduate Diploma.

Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning

The University's Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy will apply. Students who have completed relevant prior postgraduate studies may be granted a maximum of 20 credit points of credit towards the 40 credit points of coursework. Credit will not be granted for the dissertation component.