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
Magill Campus
Mawson Lakes Campus
Mount Gambier Campus
Roseworthy Campus
Waite Campus
Whyalla Campus
July, 2026
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
2026 fee information is not available.
Commonwealth-supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
A Commonwealth Supported Place is a higher education place where the Australian Government subsidises your fees so that you only pay a portion through a student contribution amount.
The amount of student contribution you’ll pay depends on:
- Number of courses you are enrolled in.
- Unit value of courses.
- Funding cluster your courses fall under.
A HECS-HELP loan allows students to borrow from the Australian Government to cover some or all of their student contribution. To be eligible for HECS-HELP, you must be studying in a Commonwealth Supported Place.