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
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 MoreCourse 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, 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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Note:
- This course is part-time only
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
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing 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 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.
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:
- 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)
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
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
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.
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.
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2026 open in July.
In the meantime, why not speak to our student advisers about your course and career options? It’s the best way for future students like you to get expert advice on preparing your application.
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.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
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. |
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Footnotes
^ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021, 2022, 2023