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Graduate Certificate in Research

The overall aims of this specialist program are to develop skills and experience in research and to produce graduates that will, subject to satisfactory performance, become eligible for entry into higher degree by research programs. Specifically, Master’s by research and Doctoral degree programs.  The program will create an additional pathway to research, and will sit alongside traditional honours degree programs and honours equivalence arrangements. The program serves as a prelude to a higher degree in research or advanced professional practice in careers that entail complex research work. Graduates will obtain attributes that are equivalent to AQF level 8.  The research project allows the student to pursue an area of interest in some depth, whilst practising the investigative skills that are important in research. Elective courses will strengthen the student’s skills in finding the latest work published in their area of interest, and in assimilating and analysing this information, and developing quantitative or qualitative methodologies appropriate to the student’s research project and discipline area.
This course is offered at multiple locations, select your prefered campus to see when it is offered.
Ballarat - Mt Helen
Berwick
Gippsland - Churchill
On-line Learning
Wimmera - Horsham
Location
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
Ballarat - Mt Helen
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
-
Berwick
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
-
Gippsland - Churchill
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
-
On-line Learning
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
-
Wimmera - Horsham
Semester 1
Semester 2
Other intakes
-
View all semester start dates

This course may be on offer at a partner institution.

Length
0.5 Year full-time or part-time equivalent
(60 credit points = 0.5 EFTSL)
Entry requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Research provides the opportunity for you to begin your path to commencing a Master’s Degree by Research or Doctoral Degree. 
This specialist program is designed for students who hold existing qualifications, across a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds. You will develop skills and experience, incorporating a project that allows you to pursue an area of interest in depth, whilst practising investigative skills that are crucial in research. 
Elective courses in the Graduate Certificate in Research will strengthen your skills in finding the latest published works within your interest area, assimilating and analysing this information, and developing quantitative and qualitative methodologies appropriate to your research project and discipline area.
As a successful graduate of this program, you will be able to demonstrate a range of skills, including critical analysis and evaluation, application of relevant research methodologies, creating practical works of art, writing, design or performance, and how to communicate proficiently as a research professional to a variety of audiences.

  • Research fellow
  • Researcher

By developing skills and experience in research, graduates of this program (subject to satisfactory performance) become eligible for entry into Higher Degree by Research programs – specifically, Master’s Degree by Research or Doctoral Degree programs.

Sample structures are just one example of the many options available within your chosen course.  Please contact Federation University for further information on available options.

Please note this is a sample structure only and is not to be used for enrolment purposes.  To enrol, please refer to the information provided to you by Federation University for your individual course structure or view our enrolment information page.

To view current unit information and cost, click on the individual unit name below, or click here to view current unit information and cost for ALL units.

Year 1

Semester 1

RESEARCH PROJECT
RESPJ4001, 30 credit points
Electives Choice (1)

Electives Choice (2)

Contact hours can vary depending on requirements, however typical contact hours for full-time study are around 25-30 hours comprising of on-campus classes, online learning and self-directed study.

Entry requirements (non year 12)

Candidates wanting to use this as a pathway to a higher degree by research must possess either an AQF 9 coursework Masters degree or a four year AQF 8 Bachelor degree with evidence of work done relating to research or an investigative project.  
This might include elements of literature review, research methods or research project, albeit at a size and complexity less than an Honours degree.  Furthermore the student must have obtained at least a distinction average (70%) in their final year of study.
Graduates of a three year AQF 7 Bachelor degree will not normally be eligible for entry into this degree program.  Exceptional circumstances would be where a candidate possesses at least an AQF 7 Bachelor degree with a distinction average (70%) in their final year of study.  
Furthermore these applicants would need to demonstrate substantial relevant disciplinary expertise through industry or other professional experience, and/or other academic qualifications to be granted entry into the course.  
For example, where a prospective student can demonstrate they have worked for at least 5 years in a specialist area that is cognate to their research project. 
This information will need to be evidenced via the application process.

English language requirement

Overall IELTS band score of 6.5, with no band less 6.00

Extra requirements

Submit a Research Proposal form with your application.

The application method varies depending on your circumstances, please visit our How to apply page for further information.

Direct application: Yes

Federation University code: RE4

2024 Indicative Fees

Fee Type: Full Fee-paying Place

$12,280 tuition fee

If you're offered a Full Fee-Paying place, your fees are not subsidised by the Australian Government, and you contribute the full cost of your course.  Tuition fees are based on the course annual fee for 1 EFTSL (120 credit points).  For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses, the certificate fee is displayed. 

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and the indicative amount should be used as a guide only. It is based on a typical enrolment for a student undertaking the first year of study in this course.  Total cost will vary depending on your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive. 

Other fees

You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Fee assistance

As a full fee-paying student, you may be eligible to apply for the optional FEE-HELP to assist you to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

Scholarships

Our scholarships and grants can help with your study costs.  Explore our scholarships to find an opportunity that's right for you.

Can your studies count towards a degree with us? Use our online Credit Search to get the details on completing your studies sooner.

To help you get the most from your online learning experience, it's important that you own or have frequent access to a fast and reliable computer that's ideally not more than two years old.

You will also need frequent access to a reliable high-speed internet connection.  You should expect to use approximately 5GB of data each month, per unit, just for study use.

For further information, visit the Minimum IT requirements for studying online webpage.

A range of student services are available at most campuses. For further information on these services or for course information, please contact us on 1800 333 864.

The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.

All information contained in this course overview including the availability of courses and fees, is correct at the time of being published, however the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Students should check for any amendment prior to enrolment.

CRICOS Provider No.00103D
Please note: This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding to eligible individuals.
National RTO Code: 4909

School department

Graduate Research School

Course co-ordinator

On-line Learning - Meghan Casey