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Develop the problem-solving skills, experience and confidence to conduct research in multiple settings with a Graduate Certificate of Research Methods. You will cultivate hands-on research skills and learn to communicate your findings to a variety of audiences. This course can be used as a pathway for entry into a Higher Degree by Research course at JCU.

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#1 in Queensland

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Online: February, July

Townsville: February, July

Cairns: February, July

$4,474.00⁺

$16,871.00^{^}

⁺total estimated Commonwealth Supported Fee

^{^}total estimated tuition fee

Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible

6 months full-time

or part-time equivalent

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.

114711

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	Information valid for students commencing in 2024
Course code	114711
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:

Identify, investigate, analyse and synthesise a research problem applying appropriate methodological concepts and theories in a small-scale research project
Apply knowledge and understanding of research ethics in the preparation of a successful ethics application for a research project
Design, plan, conduct and complete a substantial research-based thesis with creativity and initiative and a high level of autonomy and accountability
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
Demonstrate a high standard of ethical conduct in research, exercising autonomy, responsibility, accountability, and well-developed independent judgement
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	NOTES
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: $AUD4,474.00

Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD16,871.00

A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.

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.

Contact our friendly team today to discover which pathway is right for you.

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.

Alumni

Harriet Naylor

Graduate Certificate of Research Methods

Completing the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods at JCU paved the way for my PhD journey. The supportive cohort, dedicated supervisors and comprehensive curriculum equipped me with the tools and confidence I needed to excel. I would highly recommend it to anyone aspiring to pursue a research-oriented career.
Alumni

Tina Mengesha

Graduate Certificate of Research Methods

The standout features of this course are content and flexibility. You are equipped with valuable insights into research methods, ethics applications and how to differentiate between strong and weak research. I studied off-campus while working full-time, and the staff were exceptionally understanding and supportive.
Alumni

Cindy Sealey

Graduate Certificate of Research Methods

The Graduate Certificate in Research Methods at James Cook University aligned with my goals and was an avenue for further postgraduate work. The Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of Research Methods courses can help set you up with the knowledge and confidence to do more in an area you are passionate about.
Course Coordinator

Dr Diana Mendez

Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma of Research Methods Course Coordinator

You’ll build your research capacity and credentials towards pursuing further Master or Doctoral studies. This learning experience will lead you into the exciting world of research and help you contribute to your field of interest, as well as effect change in your industry by answering real-world questions.