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
Fees currently displayed are indicative only. 2024 fees will be uploaded by October, 2023.
Duration
1 year full-time
Part-time study available for online students
Entry Requirements
AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant health, health science, medicine, medical science, or veterinary science 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
086005F
Course detail
Looking to pursue postgraduate study and discovery? Develop the skills to excel in health and medical research with the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods. In this one-year degree, you will gain fundamental skills, strategies and methods for planning, implementing and completing a research project in a field of animal or human health.
Combine your passions for research and healthcare in the tropics. Study two core subjects, and tailor your course to suit your interests by choosing four electives from JCU’s wide range of research-based subjects. Options include Research Methodologies for Health Professionals, Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Qualitative Research Methods for Public Health Practitioners, and more
Learn how to develop and write a research proposal and conduct a literature review to an academic standard. You will have the opportunity to design your own independent research project including a rationale, methods and ethics application. Complete a small-scale research project, then plan and write a research-based thesis and communicate your findings to a variety of audiences.
As you learn how to conduct independent research, you’ll be supported by leading research advisors, who provide personal advice and guidance tailored to your research focus and your own developing research style.
Upon graduation, you will be prepared to successfully apply your research skills in a professional medical or clinical context. Eligible graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods may apply to higher degree by research programs in the field of Tropical Health and Medicine.
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 Graduate Diploma of Research Methods.
JCU Graduate Diploma of Research Methods [Tropical Health and Medicine] graduates have the skills to succeed in a higher degree by research.
Graduates pursue MPhil or PhD programs in the field of Tropical Health and Medicine and go on to lead successful research careers. You will also have the skills to undertake minor research projects in your workplace.
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 Masters by 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 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 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.
- 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.
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
Education agents and representatives
Scholarships and financial aid
Real stories
-
Student
Stephanie King
Graduate Diploma of Research Methods [Tropical Health and Medicine]
The staff at JCU really care about you and support you to grow your skills. There is a real understanding of what you are going through at different stages of your life, it’s a very personalised and non-judgmental approach. I received a really high standard and quality of teaching.
-
Lecturer
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.