Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Online: February, July
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
Fees
$8,948.00+
$33,741.00^
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
^estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Duration
1 year full-time
or part-time equivalent
Entry Requirements
AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline; with a minimum grade point average of 5.0 (credit average) in the final year; or other qualifications recognised by the University as equivalent
Course Code
114206
Course detail
Develop foundational research and analytical skills with the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods. In this one-year degree, you will consider research methodologies and critical thinking skills relevant to planning, implementing and completing a research project that aligns with your previous qualifications.
The Graduate Diploma of Research Methods is a pathway for students seeking to gain the research experience and understanding of methodologies required for entry into a PhD or research Master degree at JCU.
Before you apply for this Diploma, 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 planned area of focus.
Combine your passion for research with your subject-matter expertise. Study two core research subjects, and tailor your course to suit your interests by choosing four electives from JCU’s wide range of research methodology subjects.
Develop a research proposal and conduct a literature review to an academic research standard. You will benefit from the opportunity to design your own independent research project, which includes devising a rationale, methodology and ethics application. Receive tailored support to complete your small-scale research project. Gain experience communicating your findings to a variety of audiences by writing a research-based thesis and presenting your result in a seminar format.
As you learn how to conduct independent research, you’ll be supported by leading research advisors, who will provide you with personal advice and guidance that is tailored to your research focus and your own developing research style.
Working in collaboration with your advisor, you may also have the opportunity to publish your findings and gain additional research credentials.
Graduates emerge from their studies prepared to successfully apply research skills in a professional context. Upon successful completion of the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods, you may be eligible to apply to a Higher Degree by Research program at JCU.
JCU Graduate Diploma 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 year | Information valid for students commencing in 2024. |
Course code | 114206 |
Course type | Graduate Diploma (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 an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline; with a minimum grade point average of 5.0 (credit average) in the final year; 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 | 24 credit points as per course structure |
Course learning outcomes | On successful completion of the Graduate Diploma 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
RM8501:06 Research Planning
RM8502:06 Research Project
OPTIONS
Select 6 credit-points of discipline appropriate postgraduate Research Methods subjects from List 1 or or equivalent subjects in consultation with the research project advisor and College Associate Dean, Research Education or Course Coordinator
PLUS
Select 6 credit-points of discipline appropriate postgraduate coursework or research dissertation subjects in consultation with the research project advisor and College Associate Dean, Research Education or Course Coordinator
List 1
BC5203:03 Advanced Bioinformatics
BZ5990:03 Toolkit for the Field Biologist
CP5090:03 Scientific Research Methods
CP5634:03 Data Mining
EA5018:03 Field Studies in Tropical Land and Water Science
ED5097:03 Research Design and Proposal
ED5190:03 Introduction to Educational Research
EV5502:03 Advanced Geographic Information Systems
EV5506:03 Remote Sensing
EV5953:03 Research Methods for Global Development
HS5102:03 Qualitative Research Methods for Health Professionals
HS7405:03 Research Methodologies for Health Professionals
LB5535:03 Multidisciplinary Research and Communication
MA5820:03 Statistical Methods for Data Scientists
SC5055: 03 Research Methods and Communication Skills
SC5202:03 Quantitative Methods in Science
SC5502:03 Design and Analyses in Ecological Studies
SS5103: 06 Post-Graduate Research Methods for the Social Sciences
TM5506:03 Social Science in Public Health
TM5515:03 Epidemiology for Public Health
TM5516:03 Biostatistics for Public Health
TM5529:03 Applied Health Economics
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns | |
JCU Singapore | Health and Medicine disciplines are not available at this campus location |
JCU Townsville | |
| External |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
Maximum time to complete | 3 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Nil |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | Nil |
Special assessment requirements | Nil |
Professional accreditation requirements | Not applicable |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Nil |
Credit
Eligibility | Eligibility for credit will only apply to students who have completed the JCU Graduate Certificate of Research Methods. These students may apply for credit for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure |
Maximum allowed | Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods may be eligible for up to 12 credit points of credit for equivalent subjects. |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 10 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 13 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the candidate has not completed this course. |
Other restrictions | Not applicable |
Award Details
Award title | GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF RESEARCH METHODS |
Approved abbreviation | GDipResMeth |
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 Diploma of Research Methods (RM8501 and RM8502). To be eligible to apply for direct admission to a Doctorate of Philosophy, must have obtained at least a GPA 6.0 (Distinction) for the supervised research component of the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods (RM8501 and RM8502). |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD8,948.00
Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD33,741.00
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.
Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.
Graduate Diploma of Research Methods [Tropical Health and Medicine] 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.
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.
Real stories
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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.