Why Graduate Certificate in Research Skills?
Your pathway into a research degree.
Research powers every field and industry, from the creative arts to healthcare, space, education, and beyond. It not only generates new knowledge – it also guides decision-making, inspires innovation and drives better practices.
Whether you’re passionate about a specific subject, aspire to make an original contribution to your field, or simply want to find new ways to tackle complex problems facing your industry or community – we’re here for it.
Are you an experienced professional looking to upskill your research abilities? Or perhaps you’re looking for a clear pathway to completing a PhD? Our Graduate Certificate in Research Skills can help you take the next step towards your goals – whether that’s advancing your career or tackling research qualifications.
Overview
Our Graduate Certificate in Research Skills is designed for anyone looking to advance their career or progress to a research degree by developing their research skills.
It’s available to students with a completed bachelor degree in any field.
In this Graduate Certificate, you must complete 24 units of courses focused on developing your research skills, as outlined below. Six courses (2 units each) are core to the program:
- Foundations of Research
- Information Resources
- Research Integrity and Ethics
- Research Teams and Projects
- Research Communication
- Research Engagement and Impact.
Students undertaking research in the disciplines of Earth Sciences, Economics, Finance, Mathematical Sciences, Marketing Science, Philosophy and Physics must complete courses as outlined below. Please refer to the electives rules and notes for further details.
Other students may either choose from the list of general electives or seek approval for discipline-specific courses aligned to their interests. Please talk to your School prior to choosing the elective courses (12 units in total), to ensure these are best aligned to your goals. Please refer to the electives rules and notes for further details.
Together, these courses constitute 0.5 years (full-time equivalent) of our Master of Research program. This means that, upon successful completion with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 65 or higher, you’ll be eligible for credit for the coursework component – allowing you to complete the master’s degree in just one additional year of full-time study. If you have undertaken prior studies with equivalent learning outcomes, you may be eligible for credit for these courses, up to a maximum of 12 units.
Individuals with relevant professional experience and demonstrated prior learning approved by Adelaide University will be eligible to seek admission directly into the PhD if they complete this graduate certificate with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 75 or higher.
Key features
Explore methodologies and approaches to research relevant to your field.- Undertake critical reviews of research studies and literature.
- Learn how to communicate complex information and concepts to a range of audiences.
- Become familiar with relevant ethical frameworks and professional accountability standards for researchers.
- 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.
- Graduate with the research skills that help you stand out in your industry.
What you'll learn
Our Graduate Certificate in Research Skills can be your pathway into a research degree at Adelaide University.
You will develop fundamental and invaluable research skills, build high-level analytical and critical thinking skills, and become familiar with relevant ethical frameworks and professional accountability standards for researchers. This knowledge will prepare you for further studies in research or enable you to bring essential skills to your industry in the professional world.
Whether you aspire to establish yourself as a leading authority in your field, apply your expertise in more specialised or high paying roles, or make a positive impact by translating research findings into actionable policy and practice – our Graduate Certificate in Research Skills helps you take the next step towards your goals.
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
Upon 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 and critical thinking skills to discover, critically review and evaluate complex information and ideas relevant to your field.
- Select and utilise research methods, techniques and tools relevant to one or more specialised fields of research.
- Show familiarity with the ethical frameworks and standards of professional accountability in research.
- Communicate complex information and concepts clearly to a broad audience.
What courses you'll study
Complete 24 units comprising:
- 12 units for all Core courses, and
- 12 units for Electives
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Foundations of Research
|
Course code
RESE5000
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Information Resources
|
Course code
RESE5001
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Research Integrity and Ethics
|
Course code
RESE5002
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Research Teams and Projects
|
Course code
RESE5003
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Research Communication
|
Course code
RESE5004
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Research Engagement and Impact
|
Course code
RESE5005
|
Units
2
|
Notes
Students who have completed equivalent prior learning to some or all of the Research Skills Core courses may be awarded credit for up to 12 units of Research Skills Core.
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for either of the following:
- 12 units from Program Electives, or
- One of the following:
- 12 units from Earth Sciences Electives, or
- 12 units from Economics Electives, or
- 12 units for all Finance Electives, or
- 12 units from Mathematical Sciences Electives, or
- 12 units from Physics Electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Academic Writing
|
Course code
RESE5007
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Quantitative Research Methods in Humanities and Social Sciences
|
Course code
RESE5008
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Qualitative Research Methods in Humanities and Social Sciences
|
Course code
RESE5009
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Statistical Methods in Research
|
Course code
RESE5010
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
First Nations Knowledges in Research
|
Course code
RESE5011
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Computational Methods in Research
|
Course code
RESE5012
|
Units
2
|
|
|
Course name
Creative Practice Research
|
Course code
RESE5013
|
Units
2
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Field Geoscience
|
Course code
EART5012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Geoscience Data Analysis and Interpretation
|
Course code
EART6002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Problem Solving and Programming Foundations
|
Course code
COMP5002
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Econometric Theory
|
Course code
ECONX401
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Macroeconomic Theory
|
Course code
ECONX402
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Microeconomic Theory
|
Course code
ECONX403
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Business Analytics (UoA)
|
Course code
BAFI5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Corporate Finance
|
Course code
BAFI6011
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Physics Part 1
|
Course code
PHYS4000
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Physics Part 2
|
Course code
PHYS4001
|
Units
12
|
Notes
Program Electives - Students wishing to specialise in the disciplines of Earth Sciences, Economics, Finance, Mathematical Sciences, Marketing Science, Philosophy and Physics must complete at least 12 units of Electives from the list specified for their discipline. Students undertaking research in other disciplines who have completed equivalent prior learning to some or all of the Program Electives may be awarded credit for up to 12 units of Program Electives.
A maximum of 12 units of credit in total may be awarded for a Graduate Certificate.
Graduate Research Students may, on the advice of the discipline in which they are undertaking their research and with the approval of the Dean of Research Programs, be permitted to a) enrol in any relevant courses of equivalent or higher academic standard in lieu of any courses in which they have been granted credit, instead of accepting credit for those courses and b) substitute any relevant courses of equivalent or higher academic standard for courses listed in the elective course list. Students can nominate alternative discipline electives via this form.
Earth Sciences Electives - Graduate Research students in Earth Sciences must complete EART5012 - Advanced Field Geoscience and choose one of the remaining electives.
Economics Electives - Graduate Research students in Economics must complete ECONX401 - Econometric Theory and choose one of the remaining electives.
Mathematical Sciences Electives - Graduate Research Students in Mathematical Sciences must complete courses to the value of 12 units as advised by the School of Mathematical Sciences.
| Course name | Units |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | |
| Semester 1 | |
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
2
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Our Graduate Certificate in Research Skills is designed to set you up for success, whatever your next move may be. Whether that’s taking the next step in your research journey – with a master’s degree or PhD (where relevant) – or applying your expertise to implement research-backed, evidence-based improvements in your current workplace.
You could help translate contemporary research into actionable, evidence-based insights to improve day-to-day operations. Maybe you’ll become a policy analyst for a government organisation, helping draft new policies based on research and analysis. Or perhaps you’ll continue your research journey with a Master of Research, Master of Philosophy or PhD to make an original contribution to your field.
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). With the advanced analytical, creative, and problem-solving abilities gained through research skills development, your abilities will be in high demand.
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.
