GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN
RESEARCH METHODS
CRICOS Course Code: 118293B
Duration: 6 months
Advance your research skills with the Graduate Certificate in Research Methods (GCRM) at CIHE Australia. This focused program equips you with essential research skills and foundational knowledge in your discipline, preparing you for further study or research-focused roles in diverse professional contexts. The GCRM is designed to develop your ability to design, conduct, and evaluate research projects, and provides a pathway to the Master of Research (MRes) or a stand-alone qualification for enhancing your professional expertise.
ABOUT
ADMISSION
REQUIREMENTS
CREDIT FOR
PRIOR LEARNING
COURSE STRUCTURE
AND CONTENT
MODES OF STUDY
ASSESSMENT
ABOUT THIS COURSE
The Graduate Certificate in Research Methods (GCRM) is an AQF Level 8 qualification designed to equip students with essential research skills and foundational knowledge in their chosen discipline. Offered by CIHE Australia, the GCRM develops the competencies needed to undertake independent research or contribute to research-informed roles in academia, industry, government, and beyond.
The program combines rigorous coursework in core research methodologies, ethics, and discipline-specific contemporary issues. Its philosophy rests on building both generic research capabilities and discipline-specific insight, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to critically evaluate research, design and conduct projects, and support evidence-based decision-making.
To fulfill the requirements of this course, students must complete 40 credit points over four units: three core units (Quantitative Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods, and Research Integrity and Ethics) and one discipline-focused unit (Contemporary Issues in Accounting or Information Technology). The GCRM can serve as a pathway into the Master of Research or as a stand-alone qualification enhancing professional expertise.
Duration
Full time: 0.5 years
(or equivalent part time)
Start dates
Study options
Part Time (Domestic students only)
Full Time
Fees
FEE-HELP applicable to Domestic Students only
GRADUATE ATTRIBUTES
- Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Research Methods (GCRM) program at CIHE Australia are distinguished by their solid foundation in research methodologies, critical thinking, and ethical awareness. Through its focused curriculum, graduates gain essential research skills, discipline-specific knowledge, and transferable competencies that enable them to contribute effectively in both academic and professional contexts. They develop the ability to design and evaluate research, analyse and interpret complex data, think critically, and communicate findings clearly to varied audiences. Graduates are also trained to uphold ethical standards in research, work both independently and collaboratively, and engage thoughtfully with cultural and contextual factors.
- The program prepares GCRM graduates for roles such as research assistants, policy analysts, data analysts, market researchers, program evaluators, and research consultants, as well as roles across business, technology, education, and public policy. With a strong grounding in research methods and discipline-specific insight, GCRM graduates are well-prepared to continue into the Master of Research or pursue research-informed roles in industry, government, and non-profit sectors. CIHE’s Graduate Certificate in Research Methods is designed to meet high academic standards and ensure graduates are ready to contribute meaningfully to research and evidence-based decision-making in their chosen fields.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
To satisfy the general entrance requirements for admission to the GCRM course, applicants must meet at least one of the following entry requirements:
DOMESTIC APPLICANTS:
- Applicants must hold a recognised cognate Bachelor’s degree at AQF Level 7 or above, or higher qualification, with a GPA of at least 5.0 (credit average). They must also submit a satisfactory research proposal (approximately two pages) demonstrating motivation for research and an emerging area of focus.
INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS:
International students must meet the conditions above.
In addition, international students or local applicants with international qualifications completed in a language other than English must demonstrate English language proficiency. This can be shown through an Academic IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall, with a minimum writing score of 6.0; a TOEFL score of 550–583 (paper-based) with a TWE of 4.5, or 79–93 (internet-based) with a minimum writing score of 21; a Pearson PTE Academic score of 58–64 with a writing score of at least 50; an AE5 Pass; or a C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency score of 176–184 with a minimum writing score of 169.
Where an international student has achieved an AQF qualification or equivalent overseas qualification and where the language of instruction is English, students are deemed to have met the English language fluency requirement.
| Unit Code & Title | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| RES901: Quantitative Research Methods | 10 |
| RES902: Qualitative Research Methods | 10 |
| RES903: Research Integrity and Ethics | 10 |
| ACC950: Contemporary Issues in Accounting or ICT950: Contemporary Issues in IT | 10 |
CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING
CIHE Australia grants credit towards a course of study on the basis of prior learning, whether from formal studies or professional work experience to ensure that students commence study at a level appropriate to their learning experiences.
MODES OF STUDY ASSESSMENT
At CIHE Australia we provide workshop-based engaged learning. All GCRM units involve participation in 3 hours of on-campus workshops per week for 12 weeks. Each week’s workshop requires preparation — including readings, activities, and online work.
All units are supported by Moodle, our online learning management system, which provides access to learning materials and additional resources.
We use a variety of assessment tasks in the GCRM to help you monitor and develop your learning — including seminar presentations, reflective portfolios, research proposals, and applied research projects.
Our assessment tasks are designed to reflect real-world research practices, preparing you to critically evaluate and conduct research independently and professionally.
INDICATIVE STUDENT NUMBERS
Indicative student numbers for this course are 10 enrolled students at any one time.