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Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice

Postgraduate coursework

Gain practical skills that prepare you for a rewarding career in health research or a PhD. Become a true expert in a topic you're passionate about.

Learn from world leaders in health research

Build the skills to pursue a Higher Degree by Research

Flexible study on our premium online learning platform

Key facts

Duration

1 year part-time

Locations

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

The Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice trains you in practical research skills that prepare you for a rewarding career in health research, or a higher research degree such as a PhD. Become a true expert in a topic you’re passionate about and thrive under the mentorship of leaders in health research.

Want to become a world-class health researcher?

The Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice is designed for graduates of any health discipline looking to advance their research capabilities. You can use the degree as a stepping-stone to a PhD or Master by Research degree; or as a pathway to careers that involve managing, reviewing or implementing research projects. Flexible online delivery makes it easier for you to fit your degree around your schedule. While the short two-trimester study duration (part-time) allows you to reach your professional goals sooner.

The course consists of a research project conducted over two trimesters. In the first trimester, you will choose a topic that matches your interests – there are lots to pick from – before writing a literature review and developing a research proposal (you may be able to create your own topic if we have the expertise to support your research). In the second trimester, you will conduct research and write a thesis on your topic. Throughout both components of the course, you will build practical research skills that are essential for further research and sought by employers. These include:

  • a deep understanding of research philosophies, ethics and principles
  • the ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific literature
  • data management and proficiency with tools and methods for research practice
  • skills in planning, writing, reviewing and implementing research
  • skills in developing a research proposal
  • the ability to translate complex ideas into clear communications for different audiences.

As an added benefit, many students are recognised for their research contributions by having their findings published in peer-reviewed journals.

Another highlight of the degree is exploring your passion under the guidance of leading researchers from our high-achieving School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, which is ranked the #1 sport science school in the world*. Work one-on-one with your research supervisor, drawing on their experience and insights to enrich your studies and enhance your research.

*ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice
Year

2025 course information

Deakin code
H541
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

Course structure

To complete the Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice students must attain 4 credit points. Both 2 credit point units are core units (these are compulsory).

All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first trimester of study.

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Core units

Trimester 1

  • Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0 credit points)
  • Research Project Part A
  • Trimester 2

  • Research Project Part B
  • 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.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Online

    Additional course information

    Course duration

    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

    Mandatory student checks

    There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.

    Workload

    As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health, you will be expected to spend 300 hours over the trimester studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course.

    Participation requirements

    Not applicable. Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability.

    Work experience

    The course comprises two mandatory 2-credit point units (HSR701 Research Project Part A and HSR702 Research Project Part B) that require students to undertake 22 weeks (approximately 600 hours in total) of practical research experience. This experience is at Deakin University and can be completed via online or on campus, where the student, under supervision, conducts authentic research in a specified area of human nutrition, exercise, or health.

    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 to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

    Academic requirements

    To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

    • a bachelor degree or higher in a related discipline which includes training in research methods, with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) greater than 65 in all level three and level four units (for Deakin awards) or final year units (for awards from other providers)

    English language proficiency requirements

    To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

    Admissions information

    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

    The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

    The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of study. Four credit points is used as it represents a typical enrolment load for a Graduate Certificate.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together four credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

    Learn more about fees and available payment options.

    FEE-HELP calculator

    What is FEE-HELP?

    FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.

    Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

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    *Disclaimer

    Deakin University (Deakin):

    • gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
    • advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
    • instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.

    Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.

    The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:

    • does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
    • does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
    • assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
    • assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
    • assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
    • where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.

    Search or browse through our scholarships

    Postgraduate bursary

    If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.

    Learn more about the 10% Deakin alumni discount

    Apply now

    Apply directly to Deakin

    Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 are open.

    To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

    Need more information on how to apply?

    For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.

    Pathways

    This course satisfies some of the research training requirements for undertaking higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Graduate with the practical research skills and experience to manage and contribute to research projects for universities, government and non-government organisations. The soft skills you will develop throughout the course, in addition to your deep knowledge of your research topic, will put you in a strong position to pursue a range of other roles in Australia’s fast-growing healthcare industry where communication, problem solving, self-management and critical analysis are valued.

    This course can also be used as a pathway to further research. It provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to advance your professional training in research and satisfies some of the research training requirements for a Higher Degree by Research, including a PhD.

    Course learning outcomes

    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.

    Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
    Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities

    Apply advanced cognitive and technical skills to develop a deep understanding of the philosophies, ethics and principles of research in one or more discipline areas of practice in nutrition, exercise or health.

    Under supervision, identify an original research question; select the appropriate methodological procedures for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; and disseminate research findings to advance knowledge in nutrition, exercise or health.

    Communication

    With minimal direction, clearly and accurately communicate research proposals and outcomes, defend and discuss all elements of the research project in the chosen field of study in nutrition, exercise and health to academics, specialists and others.

    Digital literacy

    With minimal supervision, select and use appropriate technologies to source, interpret, adapt, collate, analyse and disseminate evidence-based information to an academic audience and specialists in the field of nutrition, exercise or health.

    With minimal supervision, select and use appropriate technologies to manage data and apply data analysis methodologies appropriate for nutrition, exercise or health sciences.

    Critical thinking

    Autonomously and critically review, interpret and synthesise scientific literature in the chosen field of study in nutrition, exercise or health; select and apply appropriate methodological principles suitable for the research project.

    Select and apply appropriate analytical techniques to test the hypothesis; and interpret the findings and their contribution to advancing knowledge in the chosen field of study.

    Problem solving

    Under supervision, identify an original and worthwhile research question based on the literature in the chosen field of study that can be completed within the timeframe.

    Conduct an investigation to address the research question in an appropriate, realistic and ethical manner, and contribute to advancement of knowledge in the field of nutrition, exercise or health by the appropriate dissemination of the research findings.

    Self-management

    Use self-assessment to identify personal learning goals and needs to create a realistic project management plan and timeline that incorporates the literature review, obtaining ethical approval (if applicable), sourcing and/or collecting and analysing data, and dissemination of the findings.

    Teamwork

    Contribute constructively and collaboratively as a member of research team of specialists from a range of disciplines and backgrounds.

    Global citizenship

    Apply ethical standards governing research and professional practice in the field of nutrition, exercise or health whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting inclusive, cultural sensitivities.

    ^ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022, 2023