Pathway to a research masters or PhD
#1 Melbourne 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.
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Build research-ready skills
Learn how to design, analyse and communicate health and medical research in this graduate certificate.
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Pathway to a PhD
Strengthen your academic profile and prepare for higher degree research in health and medical sciences.
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Flexible postgraduate study
Fit your study around work while advancing your skills in a focused postgraduate course.
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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
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*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
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 110775D Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- 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
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Apply directly through StudyLink Connect. Depending on your location, you may need to apply through a Deakin Authorised Agent, who can support and submit your application.
See our guide to applying to Deakin for application steps and requirements.
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.