Course Curriculum

The Graduate Certificate of Research comprises 40 credit points and is designed to introduce students to the foundations of academic inquiry, research design and methodological practice. The course begins with one compulsory core unit, IAS501 Research Methods 1, a 20-credit-point unit that provides an essential grounding in the principles and processes of research. This core unit develops skills in formulating research questions, understanding research paradigms, selecting methodological approaches and applying ethical considerations in research. It prepares students to work independently and confidently as emerging researchers while establishing the academic rigour expected in higher-degree study.To complete the remaining 20 credit points, students choose from a broad selection of specialist elective units that allow them to tailor the qualification to their interests, discipline or professional goals. These electives provide pathways into research in business, education, linguistics, Indigenous studies, public policy, creative arts and more. Options include Business Analytics, Research Methodologies in Education, Research-Based Practice and Leadership, Research Methods 2, Principles of Research in Indigenous Contexts, Indigenous Research and Evaluation, Realist Research and Evaluation, Research Methods in Applied Linguistics and Business Research Skills. Students may also choose the 20-credit-point Research Methods for the Creative Arts unit if their interests lie in creative practice research. Each elective develops deeper competence in specific disciplinary approaches to research, strengthening the student’s ability to design and conduct meaningful projects within their chosen area.By completing both the core and elective components, graduates finish with strong foundational knowledge and practical research capabilities suited to professional environments that require evidence-based decision-making, analysis and problem-solving. The qualification also serves as a stepping stone to further research degrees, including Master’s by Research and potentially a PhD, depending on academic performance and supervisory availability.