Why Graduate Certificate in Research Design?
All research begins with a question – learn how to formulate yours.
Research is the driving force behind every sector, from healthcare to the creative arts, space, education, and more. It fuels new ideas, shapes smarter decisions and powers positive change.
Whether you’re passionate about exploring unchartered ideas, eager to make a lasting impact, or simply want to find new ways to tackle complex problems within your industry or community – we’re here for it.
Are you interested in learning how to design a research project in an area you are passionate about? Or are you aiming to tackle a Master of Research but didn’t receive the grades required for direct entry? Our Graduate Certificate in Research Design is designed to help get you there.
Overview
Are you driven by curiosity and inspired to tackle big questions, but not sure where to begin? Perhaps you’re interested in pursuing a Master of Research but don’t qualify for direct entry? Our Graduate Certificate in Research Design is designed to help you bridge that gap and kickstart your career in research.
This graduate certificate is available to people with a bachelor 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, we understand that balancing study with work, family responsibilities and other important commitments can be challenging. It’s why we’ve designed our 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.
In this graduate certificate, you will complete the following two courses:
- Research Project Definition
- Research Planning and Proposal.
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 Masters 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.
What you'll learn
Our Graduate Certificate in Research Design can be your pathway into a research degree at Adelaide University if you have already completed relevant research skills training but are either not yet eligible to enter directly into the Master of Research or would prefer to complete further training on research design.
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.
Why Adelaide University?
Adelaide University is a future-focused university that combines the strengths of our two founding institutions, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide. We deliver nation-leading curriculum and student experience, remove barriers to education, and foster a culture of world-class research excellence.
With a presence that spans several metropolitan and three regional campuses, Adelaide University is an integral part of the South Australian landscape. The success of our communities – near and far, local and international – is at the heart of everything we do.
At Adelaide University, we’re focused on delivering future-making research of scale and focus that can drive discovery, innovation and knowledge-based transformation for South Australia and beyond. Through our vibrant partnerships, we collaborate effectively to create lasting and transformative change.
To you, we offer the scale, world-class disciplines, facilities, people and connections to launch you into your future.
Program Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this program, you’ll be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of current research-based knowledge, alongside technical and/or creative skills in your specialised field.
- Apply analytical thinking skills to discover, critically review and evaluate prior research evidence and information related to your field.
- Identify open questions within a specialised field of knowledge that are suitable for inquiry and plan a research project that helps clarify and focus the question.
- Plan research projects in line with the ethical frameworks and standards of professional accountability.
- Communicate complex information and concepts clearly to a broad audience.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 24 units for all Core courses
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Research Project Definition
|
Course code
RESE6000
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Research Planning and Proposal
|
Course code
RESE6001
|
Units
12
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Research Project Definition
|
Course code
RESE6000
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
Research Planning and Proposal
|
Course code
RESE6001
|
Units
12
|
Career outcomes
Our Graduate Certificate in Research Design is designed to set you up for success, whatever your next step may be. Whether that’s kickstarting your research journey with a master’s degree or applying your expertise to bring research-backed, evidence-based improvements to your current workplace – this program will pave the way.
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.
Industry trends
Employers across various sectors are increasingly looking for candidates with higher qualifications to fill specialised positions (World Economic Forum, 2023).
Likewise, advanced qualifications are associated with higher salaries and better employment outcomes. On average, Australians with postgraduate qualifications earn more than $25,000 AUD per year than those who only hold an undergraduate qualification (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2023).
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
