Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Online: February, July
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
Fees
$4,150.00+
$16,300.00^
+total estimated Commonwealth Supported Fee
^total estimated tuition fee
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Duration
6 months full-time
or part-time equivalent
Entry Requirements
AQF level 8 qualification with a 5.0 GPA and grade of 65% or better in one advanced research methods subject; or equivalent.
Course Code
114611
Course detail
Looking to pursue your passion for postgraduate study? Develop the skills to excel in research with the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods [Tropical Environments and Societies].
This degree is a pathway for students who need an additional qualification to meet the entry requirements of a PhD or research Masters degree at JCU. Prior to enrolment in this degree, you will need a defined research topic for your PhD (or equivalent research degree) and the agreement of a supervisory team at JCU in the area of your planned research.
In this six-month degree, you will gain the fundamental skills, strategies and methods for planning, implementing and sustaining a research project as a professional and effective researcher.
Learn how to create a research proposal and conduct a literature review to an academic standard. You will have the opportunity to propose your own independent research project including devising a rationale, methods, and ethics applications. You will learn how to conduct independent research, under the supervisions of the panel of supervisors who are interested in your topic for a Master or doctoral (PhD) research degree. Your supervisory team will give you advice and guidance as you take the first steps in pursuing your research.
The Graduate Certificate of Research Methods [Tropical Environments and Societies] is ideal for students who need additional qualifications to conduct research in fields including humanities, environmental management, global development, history, education, business, law, finance and tourism relevant to a tropical context.
Upon graduation, you will be prepared to pursue a successful research career or apply your research skills in a professional context. Eligible graduates of the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods [Tropical Environments and Societies] may apply to Master of Philosophy or doctoral (PhD) programs in the field of tropical environments and societies.
Consult the handbook for further information.
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 review the inherent requirements for the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods [Tropical Environments and Societies].
JCU Graduate Certificate of Research Methods [Tropical Environments and Societies] graduates are prepared to succeed in a higher degree by research.
Graduates pursue MPhil or PhD programs in the field of Tropical Environments and Societies and go on to lead successful research careers, contributing valuable new knowledge to their fields.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2023 |
Course code | 114611 |
Course type | Graduate Certificate (AQF Level 8) |
Owner | Academy |
College | Arts, Society and Education Business, Law and Governance Science and Engineering |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | Completion of at least 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 advanced 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. |
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:
|
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
RM8101:06 Research Planning in Tropical Environments and Societies
RM8102:06 Research Project in Tropical Environments and Societies
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns | |
JCU Townsville | |
JCU Singapore | |
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 the 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, by then, 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 Masters by Research must have obtained at least a GPA 5.0 (Credit) for the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods. To be eligible to apply for direct admission to a PhD, students must have obtained at least a GPA 6.0 (Distinction) for the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods, and have successfully completed an appropriate research methods subject at AQF 8 or higher. |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD4,150.00
Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD16,300.00
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.
Consult the admission requirements section in the Handbook for prerequisites and pathways into this course.
Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.
Graduate Certificate of Research Methods [Tropical Environments and Societies] 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.