Graduate Diploma of Research Methods

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.

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

Inherent Requirements

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

Candidature

Progression

Credit

Award Details

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.

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 issued a JCU degree offer conditional upon achieving the required scores in an approved English test. You can undertake an English program at JCU to improve your skills prior to sitting your English test. If you are interested in doing this please email internationaladmissions@jcu.edu.au

Application dates vary between courses, whether they're delivered in semester, trimester or carousel study modes. View our Application due dates page for more information.

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.

1. Register using your full legal name as it appears on your passport.
2. 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.
3. Complete all the questions and upload all your documents. You can save and continue the application later if you need to.
4. Submit your application.

Apply now

If you need help with your application, or would like to change your preferences (e.g. course, campus, commencing semester) after you have submitted your application please contact JCU International Admissions:

Email internationaladmissions@jcu.edu.au

Helpful links

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