Fast Facts
Location
Online study is only available to off-shore students
Commencing
- Online: February, July
- Townsville: February, July
- Cairns: February, July
- Singapore: February, July
Fees
$32,960.00+
+estimated annual tuition fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Scholarships and financial aid available if eligible
Duration
1 year full-time
Part-time study available for online students
Entry Requirements
AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline, with a minimum GPA of 5.0 in the final year; or equivalent
English language requirements
Band 2
If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course.
CRICOS Code
086004G
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.
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.
Graduate Diploma of Research Methods [Tropical Environments and Societies]
Handbook year | 2022 |
Course code | 114106 |
Course type | Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8) |
Owner | Division of Tropical Environments and Societies |
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:
|
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 equivalent part-time |
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. |
Estimated annual tuition fee: $AUD32,960.00
Course fees are charged per year of full-time study. International course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.
A Student Services and Amenities Fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
Student Visa holders must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of their Student Visa (except Norwegian, Swedish and Belgian citizens). Costs depend on the length of study and the number of dependents accompanying the student. For more information see Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
Scholarships and financial aid are also available for international students.
Consult the admission requirements section in the Handbook for prerequisites and pathways into this course.
You will need to supply the following with your application
- Previous and current certificates and academic transcripts
- Grading Scale used at the institution/s you have undertaken your studies
- English proficiency test results (if required and available at time of application)
- Passport to confirm your name and citizenship (if available at time of application)
- Detailed curriculum vitae with your work and academic history
- Research proposal.
Advanced Standing (credit for prior learning)
If you wish to seek credit for previous studies, you can submit the course syllabi (subject outline) for each relevant subject you have already studied. You will need to ensure that previous subjects, that you wish to gain credit for, correspond to a similar JCU subject. View JCU subject outlines and Course Enrolment Planners to assist in this process.
Certified copies and original documents
Posted, faxed, scanned or uploaded copies can be used during the assessment process. However once your application is approved you will need to supply original certified documents. These may be posted to:
James Cook International,
James Cook University,
Townsville QLD 4811, AUSTRALIA.
If documents are written in a language other than English you will need to provide certified translations and a certified copy of the original document.
An acceptable certified document is a photocopy of an original document that has been certified as a true copy and signed by the certifier - public notary, registered agent of James Cook University or a representative of the institution. The certification must be original; photocopies or facsimiles of certified copies are not acceptable.
Completion of a recognised, appropriate undergraduate degree, or equivalent prior learning including appropriate professional experience.
Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.
If you meet the academic requirements for a course, but not the minimum English requirements, you will be given the opportunity to take an English program to improve your skills in addition to an offer to study a degree at JCU. The JCU degree offer will be conditional upon the student gaining a certain grade in their English program. This combination of courses is called a packaged offer.
Gather the documents you need to apply and submit an application via JCU's online application portal.
Take note of the duration, cost and campus availability of your selected course. You may wish to include a second course preference.
- Register using your full legal name as it appears on your passport.
- Gather electronic copies of your documentation including advanced standing application if relevant. You will need to provide original certified copies of your documents once your application has been approved.
- Complete all the questions and upload all your documents. You can save and continue the application later if you need to.
- Submit your application.
Visit the Graduate Research School for more information and then apply now through the Online Application Portal.
To study with JCU in Brisbane please see the application instructions to apply.
To study with JCU in Singapore, please visit the JCU Singapore website.