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Adelaide University

Graduate Certificate in Research Design

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Certificate

Designed to help you bridge that gap and kickstart your career in research.

Course overview

This graduate certificate is available to people with a bachelor's degree in any field who have already completed 0.5 years (full-time equivalent) of eligible research development courses, either through their undergraduate studies or equivalent professional experience as approved by Adelaide University. Professional experience will be assessed and approved on an individual basis.

At Adelaide University, they understand that balancing study with work, family responsibilities and other important commitments can be challenging. It’s why they designed the Graduate Certificate in Research Design to be flexible – so you can choose to study full-time or part-time and advance your study goals without compromising your current commitments.

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Research Design with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 or higher, you’ll be eligible for admission to the Master of Research program. You’ll also be eligible for credit and be able to complete the Master's in just one year of full-time study.

Key features

  • Learn how to plan and prepare a research project, including writing a research proposal.
  • Examine effective methods for defining a clear, open-ended and rich research question.
  • Explore approaches for communicating complex information and concepts.
  • Become familiar with relevant ethical frameworks and professional accountability standards.
  • Develop high-level analytical and critical thinking skills by examining research relevant to your field.
  • Gain the specialised knowledge, skills and experience valuable for conducting research at the Master’s level.

CSP Subsidised Fees Available

This program has a limited quota of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). The indicative CSP price is calculated based on first year fees for EFT. The actual fee may vary if there are choices in electives or majors.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Certificate
Duration
More Information
Can be studied part time
6 months (Full time)
Campus
Adelaide City Campus
Magill Campus
Mawson Lakes Campus
Mount Gambier Campus
Roseworthy Campus
Waite Campus
Whyalla Campus
Intake
July, 2026
Units
4
Fees
More Information
HECS-HELP loans are available to eligible CSP students to cover their student contribution amount.
HECS, CSP

What you will study

Students must complete 24 units comprising two core courses. Each course is worth 12 units.

Core courses

Complete 24 units for all of the following:

  • Research Project Definition
  • Research Planning and Proposal

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission:

  • A completed bachelor's degree (AQF level 7) or higher from a recognised higher education institution; OR
  • Equivalent professional / employment experience.

Additional requirements

  • Admission will be conditional on the availability of a suitable supervisory panel and resources to support the proposed research proposal development.

Outcomes

Learning outcomes

You will develop key skills in planning and preparing a research project, including how to write a research proposal. This will set you up for many career pathways in which understanding research is important, or for pursuing your research degree journey at Adelaide University.

Career outcomes

You could apply your expertise as a policy analyst for a government organisation, helping to draft new policies based on research and analysis or perhaps you’ll continue your research journey and undertake your own independent research to make an original contribution to your field through a Master of Research.

Depending on your area of expertise, further research qualifications can open doors in a range of areas, including:

  • Healthcare and Clinical Research
  • Education and Academia
  • Information Technology and Data Science
  • Government and Policy Research
  • Scientific Research and Development
  • Consulting Services
  • Environmental Science and Sustainability
  • Finance and Economics
  • Creative Practice

Fees and CSP

Fee information not provided.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of courses studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of courses.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

Commonwealth Supported Places

The Australian Government allocates a certain number of CSPs to the universities each year, which are then distributed to students based on merit.

If you're a Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS), you'll only need to pay a portion of your tuition fees. This is known as the student contribution amount – the balance once the government subsidy is applied. This means your costs are much lower.

Limited CSP spaces are offered to students enrolled in selected postgraduate courses.

Your student contribution amount is:

  • Calculated per the course you're enrolled in.
  • Dependent on the study areas they relate to.
  • Reviewed and adjusted each year.

HECS-HELP loans are available to CSP students to pay the student contribution amount.