Information on this page is for Australian residents
Course not available to international students
Duration: 
0.5 years full time equivalent or longer for part time
Location: 
Footscray Park
Online
Delivery mode: 
Blended
Online
Application due dates:
Direct applications are due on 27 July 2021
Apply

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.

In 2021, the government is subsidising select higher education short courses for domestic students, making them significantly more affordable.

They're also offering the HECS-HELP loan scheme – so you can study now, pay later through your tax.

So, what are you waiting for? Apply for a higher education certificate and boost your CV in 2021!

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.

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:

Find out more about graduate opportunities at VU.

If you progress to a research degree, you will have the opportunity to study with one of our world-class institutes:

Need some advice?

Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.

Request a call back

Careers 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.
History in the making

History in the making

VU Arts graduate Olivia Slater (Yamatji/Noongar) is making history as the first Indigenous Australian woman to undertake a PhD at Cambridge University.

Read more

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)

Select 24 credit points from the following:

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:

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.

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.

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

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 27 July 2021

Apply direct to VU

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

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Get help

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.