Your choice of discipline
Online study with campus intensive
Pathway to further research degree
Why choose health research practice at Deakin
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 masters by research, 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.
The course consists of a research project conducted over two trimesters. In your 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 also be able to create your own topic if we have the supervisory expertise to support your research. In your second trimester, you will conduct research and write a thesis on your topic. Throughout the course, you will build practical research skills that are essential for further research and sought after by employers.
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Build applied research skills
Learn how to design, deliver and evaluate health research in a variety of health settings.
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Advance your career pathway
Get valuable research experience for roles in health research or further postgraduate study.
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Flexible postgraduate study
Balance study with work and other commitments while completing a focused graduate certificate in health research.
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Learn from research-active experts
Be mentored by academics dedicated to health research and innovation.
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
Gain practical research skills that can support your career in health research or prepare you for further study. Build experience in reviewing evidence, developing research proposals, conducting research and communicating findings.
Industries you may work in
- Universities and higher education
- Medical and health research institutes
- Hospitals and health services
- Government health departments and agencies
- Non-government and community health organisations
- Clinical research organisations and pharmaceutical companies
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 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 Research Practice?
This course focuses on practical research skills for health professionals, helping you design, implement and evaluate research in applied healthcare settings.
Applied health research skills
Plan and design applied research
Learn how to frame research questions and select methods suited to a variety of health practice settings.
Work with data in practice contexts
Develop confidence in collecting, analysing and interpreting data to support service improvement and decision-making.
Translate research into practice
Strengthen your ability to implement findings in workplace settings, bridging the gap between evidence and everyday healthcare delivery.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice, you must pass 4 ; credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. This course is available part time only, with students typically studying one to two credit points each study period.
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
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.
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
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.
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.
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 |
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| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Use self-assessment to identify personal learning goals and needs to create a realistic project management plan an timeline that incorporates the literature review, obtaining ethical approval (if applicable), sourcing and/or collecting and analysing data, and dissemination of the findings. |
| Contribute constructively and collaboratively as a member of research team of specialists from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Apply ethical standards governing research and professional practice in the field of nutrition, exercise or health whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting inclusive, cultural sensitivities. |
- Award granted
- Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice
- Year
2027 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
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
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 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
This course satisfies some of the research training requirements for undertaking higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.