Overview
Launch a career in research or prepare for a research degree, with a Graduate Certificate in Research Skills from Victoria University.
You will gain essential understanding of the research process, including:
- research methods
- analytical skills
- organisational skills
- research ethics
- academic writing
- professional communication.
While studying, you will make invaluable connections with other research students and staff from diverse backgrounds – establishing a support network for your future.
Graduate well prepared for professional roles that require research skills, or for further postgraduate study – and take an important step towards your study goals or dream career.
Research with impact
Victoria University is part of the rapidly growing global planetary-health community, which recognises the intersect between the health of people and the planet – and the impact of human behaviour upon the natural world.
We are committed to life-changing, world-changing research. Our researchers develop solutions to the complex challenges facing our world. We work with communities, industry, and governments to benefit the health of country, cities and regions, communities and the environment.
Be part of a research community taking care of our planet for future generations.
Research opportunities & development
VU Research gives you opportunities to:
- connect with other researchers
- participate in research festivals and competitions
- develop your research skills
- get funding for your research
- publish and promote your findings.
We offer support for graduate researchers including:
- an orientation program
- a specialised Office for Researcher Training, Quality & Integrity
- study spaces within your discipline area
- units to help you conceptualise and contextualise your research
- research ambassadors and student association.
Find out more about graduate opportunities at VU.
World-class research institutes
If you progress to a research degree, you will have the opportunity to study with one of our world-class institutes:
- Institute for Health and Sport – sport, exercise, health, nursing and sport business.
- Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities – arts, business, engineering, legal, scientific, social and IT research.
- Centre of Policy Studies (CoPS) – economic modelling.
- Centre for International Research on Education Systems (CIRES) – education methods and policy.
- Moondani Balluk – Indigenous history, society and culture.
- The Mitchell Institute – health and education policy.
- Sir Zelman Cowen Centre – law-related topics for industry, government and the community.
- The School for the Visitor Economy – tourism innovation.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers in research
Research is an important skill in a wide range of professional careers. A research qualification will help you find a satisfying role in the competitive job market, or progress to further study.
You'll have the experience and confidence to apply for research-related roles in your area of expertise, such as:
- education settings
- business fields
- policy development
- media or communications
- libraries or museums
- public sector
- scientific research organisations
- health or sport organisations.
Course structure
To attain the Graduate Certificate in Research Skills, students will be required to complete:
- 24 credit points of core units
- 24 credit points elective units (from list)
Course structure and units
Core Units
-
- Unit code
- UGR7001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- UGR7003
- Credits
- 12
Elective Units
Select 24 credit points from the following:
-
- Unit code
- UGR7004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- UGR7005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- VPH6001
- Credits
- 12
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. | Understand the expectations associated with undertaking rigorous and ethical research in a range of disciplinary and applied contexts for quality outcomes; | ||
2. | Recognise and apply a range of research methods to investigate research problems; and | ||
3. | Communicate research plans in a transparent and accessible manner. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent) in any discipline.
OR
Applicants with a minimum five (5) years approved work experience will be considered for admission to this course.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 1 August 2022
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 24 July 2022 for our next intake which starts on 1 August 2022.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.