Information on this page is for Australian residents
Course not available to international students
Duration: 
0.5 years full time or longer for part time
Location: 
Footscray Park
Delivery mode: 
In person
Application due dates:
Applications are not being taken at this time.
Register your interest

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.

Commonwealth Supported Places in 2023

Fees are heavily subsidised and HECS-HELP loans available for eligible students in 2023. Apply now or register your interest - there's never been a better time to study!

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:

  • an orientation program
  • a specialised Graduate Research School
  • 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.

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

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.

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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)

Core Units

Elective Units

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 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.

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.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

Applications for this course are not being taken at this time.

Browse our other Arts & humanities courses or send us an enquiry to be notified of updates relating to this course.

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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.