Pathway to a research masters or PhD
#1 Victorian university for health facilities and support
#5 university in Australia for research quality
Why choose health and medical research at Deakin
Help improve the lives of individuals and communities by learning to create evidence-based solutions that impact outcomes across Australia and around the globe. Deakin’s Graduate Certificate of Health and Medical Research. Under the guidance of leading researchers, you will build skills in critical thinking, complex problem solving and communication. Working in our world-class facilities, you will gain technical skills in research training, ethics and experiential research to demonstrate discipline specific knowledge and capabilities.
You will graduate with skills highly sought after within academia, research institutes, hospitals, medical bodies and government health and science agencies. Graduate with the minimum requirements for PhD entry at Deakin University, and gain valuable experiential training around project planning, execution, presentation and thesis writing.
-
Build research-ready skills
Learn how to design, analyse and communicate health and medical research in this graduate certificate.
-
Pathway to a PhD
Strengthen your academic profile and prepare for higher degree research in health and medical sciences.
-
Flexible postgraduate study
Fit your study around work while advancing your skills in a focused postgraduate course.
-
Learn from active researchers
Study with academics who are global leaders in health and medical research.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Advance your career in clinical research by building specialist health and medical research skills, with opportunities across academia, research institutes, hospitals, medical bodies and government health and science agencies.
Organisations you may work for
- Universities and academic institutions
- Research institutes
- Hospitals and health services
- Medical bodies
- Government health agencies
Key dates
Direct applications
Semester 1 2027 applications close 17 January 2027
FAQs
A Deakin postgraduate degree can help you advance your career, deepen your expertise in a specialist field, pivot into a new industry and stand out in a competitive job market. Every course is built with industry input and taught by academics who are active practitioners, so the skills you gain are immediately applicable. Postgraduate study at Deakin is also your chance to connect with leaders in your field and build a network of industry contacts who become valuable professional connections, giving you an advantage that goes well beyond the qualification itself.
Most Deakin postgraduate courses are fee-paying, but there are practical ways to manage the cost of study. You can defer fees with a FEE-HELP loan, repaid through the ATO once you earn above the income threshold. A number of courses have Commonwealth Supported Places where the government covers part of your tuition. Deakin scholarships recognise academic achievement, professional experience and financial need. If you've studied at Deakin before, you may be eligible for a 10% alumni discount. Recognition of prior learning can also reduce costs by crediting past study so you finish sooner.
Yes to all three. Most Deakin postgraduate degrees can be studied online, on campus or a blend of both, and you may be able to switch between full and part time at the start of each trimester to suit your life. If you want to move faster, select courses offer a one-year masters degree designed for working professionals. With three start dates each year for most courses – March, July and November – you don't have to wait long to begin.
The main differences are depth, duration and career outcomes. A graduate certificate is a short, focused qualification, typically six months full time, ideal for upskilling quickly in a specific area. A graduate diploma offers broader knowledge or supports a career change, usually one-year full time. A masters degree delivers advanced expertise and professional recognition, typically one to two years full time. You can also stack qualifications – complete a graduate certificate and use the credit towards a masters.
Each Deakin postgraduate course has a unique structure, check the course stucture section of the course page to see compulsory units, electives and any specialisation streams available. All courses are shaped by industry, so content reflects real challenges in your field. Many courses let you tailor your studies through elective units or specialisations, and some include a capstone project where you apply your learning to a genuine workplace problem.
Entry requirements vary by course, so check this tab on the course page for specific criteria. Most Deakin postgraduate courses require a relevant bachelor degree, though some may accept significant demonstrable work experience as an alternative. You may also be able to build eligibility through a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, which in many cases could count towards a masters degree.
Deakin postgraduate courses are built with industry input, so you're learning skills employers are actively looking for. Depending on your course, you may access work-integrated learning through placements, internships or industry projects with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, National Australia Bank and the Geelong Cats Football Club. DeakinTALENT, Deakin's career service, supports you throughout your studies and for life, helping you grow your network and connect with opportunities in your field.
Yes. Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may turn your previous study or work experience into course credit, reducing both your study time and tuition costs. For some masters degrees, you may be able to receive credit for up to two-thirds of the course, if eligible. Use the RPL calculator to get an indication of what you might receive, and note that prior learning must generally be within the last 10 years, although some courses have a shorter time limit. You can apply for RPL as part of your course application.
*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.
What will I study in the Graduate Certificate of Health and Medical Research?
This course introduces you to the foundations of health and medical research, building your confidence in designing, analysing and communicating research.
Foundations of health research practice
Develop core research capabilities
Learn how to design research questions, select appropriate methodologies and understand ethical considerations in health research.
Build data and analysis skills
Explore how to interpret and analyse data to generate meaningful insights that inform evidence-based practice.
Communicate research effectively
Strengthen your ability to present findings clearly to both academic and professional audiences, supporting future study or workplace application.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Health and Medical Research, you must pass 4 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Professional recognition
Not applicable
What to expect while studying
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
You should be able to commit 35 hours a week to your degree.
This course requires you to undertake your own research. A year of specialised study will allow you to draw together the theory and practical skills gained in previous undergraduate studies and to develop an in-depth knowledge of your particular discipline through research and additional coursework.
Not applicable
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Apply advanced discipline-specific knowledge and understanding of health and medical research methodologies to plan and execute a research project as well as disseminate research findings. |
| Effectively use written, visual, and verbal communication of health and medical research concepts and research findings to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. |
| Utilise digital technologies to locate, collect, curate, and interpret literature and data to disseminate health and medical research concepts and relevant information. |
| Critically evaluate health and medical research literature, methodologies, and research data in a creative and constructive manner to contribute to health and medical research. |
| Define a health or medical research question and design a methodology to address the research question, in the given timeframe, that is appropriate and ethical. Reflect upon the research project in the context of health or medical literature to contribute advancement of knowledge by disseminating research data and findings. |
| Demonstrate self-management to source, curate, and interpret health and medical research literature and data with a high degree of autonomy. |
| N/A |
| Engage in professional and ethical research practices. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Health and Medical Research
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- H523
- 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
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$14,500
- Full-fee paying place
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. You may also be eligible for a FEE-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your tuition fees.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Semester 1 2027 applications close 17 January 2027
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Pathways
The proposed Graduate Certificate of Health and Medical Research will provide research training and a research experience that will be assessed by a 2 credit point thesis. Successful completion of this course does not automatically guarantee pathway. Students who complete the research project for the Graduate Certificate of Health and Medical Research with a grade of 70% or higher will be eligible for entry for a PhD candidature at Deakin University.