Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Online: February, July
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
Fees
$8,301.00+
$32,600.00^
+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 GPA of 5.0 in the final year; or equivalent
Course Code
114106
Course detail
Looking to pursue postgraduate study and discovery? Develop the skills to excel in research with the Graduate Diploma 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-oriented 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 one-year 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 a rationale, methods, and ethics applications. Complete a small-scale research project under the supervision of your committed supervisory panel, then design and execute a substantial research-based thesis to communicate your findings.
The Graduate Diploma of Research Methods [Tropical Environments and Societies] is ideal for students who need a pathway 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 Diploma 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 more 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 Diploma of Research Methods [Tropical Environments and Societies].
JCU Diploma of Research Methods [Tropical Environments and Societies] graduates have the advanced research skills and knowledge to succeed in MPhil and PhD programs.
Graduates go on to pursue a higher degree by research in the field of Tropical Environments and Societies.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2023 |
Course code | 114106 |
Course type | Graduate Diploma (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 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
RM8101:06 Research Planning in Tropical Environments and Societies
RM8102:06 Research Project in Tropical Environments and Societies
OPTIONS
Note: Optional subjects will be determined in consultation with research supervisors and will be put on the student’s study plan.
Select 6 credit points of any postgraduate Research Methods subject/s
PLUS
Select 6 credit points of any postgraduate subjects
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
JCU Cairns | |
JCU Townsville | |
JCU Singapore | |
JCU 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 [Tropical Environments and Societies]. 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 [Tropical Environments and Societies] 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 student 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 Masters by Research must have obtained at least a GPA 5.0 (Credit) for the Graduate Diploma 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 Diploma of Research Methods. |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD8,301.00
Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD32,600.00
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.