Key facts
Duration
1-1.5 years part-time or equivalent
Locations
OnlineCourse overview
Help shape the future of innovation in education through Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Education Research. You will take a deep dive into an education topic of your choice, think expansively and develop specialist knowledge that may help improve the education sector or your learning institution, while advancing your career.
Develop foundational knowledge of research theories, methodologies, design and ethics. Under the supervision of experienced academic staff, you will identify an issue of your choice and design a guided research project or paper to explore it. Choose to delve into topics of curriculum, pedagogy and leadership, and benefit from access to industry thought leaders. Research skills are highly valued in education and are often required for high-level professional roles, as outlined in the Australian Professional Standards for Principals and Teachers. The research you generate in this degree can also provide a pathway to a PhD.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Education Research
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- E590
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Start studying in November
Start your studies in Deakin's Trimester 3 (November) intake and begin building your future sooner. Join Melbourne's #1 university for international student graduate employment and benefit from industry-led learning, advanced facilities and strong student support. You can also apply now for our 2027 Trimester 1 (March) and Trimester 2 (July) intakes.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Education Research you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Research training units:
Guided research project units:
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: July
- Available at:
Online
- Start date: November
- Available at:
Online
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in the field of education
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher in any discipline and at least three years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent).
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: teaching, education, education administration, international education.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - full-fee paying place
$19,900 AUD
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical enrolment of 4 credit points undertaken within the same academic year and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Scholarship options
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Deakin alumni discount
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Research information
The four unit sequence comprises two research training units which provide foundational specialist research training knowledge; and two units wherein a guided research project in a specialist area is undertaken with assistance from an academic supervisor.
Pathways
Result of 60-69 marks in EDX704 Research Paper B is a pathway to Master of Education (Research) with opportunity to upgrade to a PhD at Colloquium.
Result of 70+ marks in EDX704 Research Paper B is a pathway to a PhD.
Career outcomes
As a graduate of this course, you will be equipped with refined research skills and a deeper knowledge of the educational context in which you work. You’ll be able to apply your knowledge in a range of education and higher education contexts and roles, including:
- school principal
- head of learning
- head of curriculum.
If you want to continue advancing your professional development and conducting further research, this course can also be used as a pathway to a PhD.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Demonstrate specialist knowledge of contemporary research methodologies and traditions; apply this knowledge to the critique and conduct of research in a range of education contexts. |
| Employ a range of oral and written communication strategies required of professional educators and learning professionals to be able to critique and conduct research in professional and scholarly contexts. |
| Apply advanced digital skills to select appropriate digital technologies to research, analyse, report, evaluate and communicate within education research contexts. |
| Demonstrate specialist skills in critical analysis and synthesis of complex ideas in education research contexts. |
| Analyse critically issues and problems in education research contexts and generate approaches to examine them appropriately |
| Apply the knowledge and skills required of professional educators and learning professionals to demonstrate autonomy, judgement, adaptability and ethical behaviours and responsibility in education research contexts. |
Approved at Faculty Board August 2017
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
