Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice

What you will study

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

Core units

• Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (zero credit points)
• Research Project Part A (two credit points)
• Research Project Part B (two credit points)

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

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

• A bachelor's 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's 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning that exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students must complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University or four credit points, whichever is the greater. For 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.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Graduate with practical research skills and experience to manage and contribute to research projects for universities and government and non-government organisations. The soft skills you will develop throughout the course and your deep knowledge of your research topic will put you in a strong position to pursue various 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 the necessary skills and knowledge to advance your professional research training and satisfies some of the research training requirements for a higher degree, including a PhD.

Learning outcomes

• Apply advanced cognitive and technical skills to develop a deep understanding of research philosophies, ethics and principles in one or more disciplined practice areas, such as nutrition, exercise, or health.
• With minimal direction, clearly and accurately communicate research proposals and outcomes and 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 nutrition, exercise or health.
• 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.
• 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.
• Investigate and address the research question in an appropriate, realistic and ethical manner and contribute to advancing knowledge in nutrition, exercise and health by appropriately disseminating the research findings.
• Use self-assessment to identify personal learning goals and needs to create a realistic project management plan and timeline incorporating the literature review, obtaining ethical approval (if applicable), sourcing and/or collecting and analysing data and disseminating the findings.
• Contribute constructively and collaboratively as a member of the research team of specialists from various disciplines and backgrounds.
• Apply ethical standards governing research and professional practice in nutrition, exercise and health while maintaining confidentiality and respecting inclusive cultural sensitivities.

Fees and FEE-HELP

Estimated tuition fee in 2025: $14,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Estimated tuition fees are based on a full-time study load of four credit points.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

• The number of units studied.
• Choice of courses.
• Credit from previous study or work experience.
• Eligibility for government-funded loans.
• Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.