Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice
2023 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2023 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice |
| Course Map | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2023. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Campus | This course is only offered Online |
| Online | Yes |
| Duration | 1 year part time |
| Deakin course code | H541 |
| Approval status | This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Research and research-related study
Course overview
The Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice trains you in practical research skills that prepare you for a rewarding career in health research, or a higher research degree such as a PhD. Become a true expert in a topic you’re passionate about and thrive under the mentorship of leaders in health research.
Want to become a world-class health researcher?
The Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice is designed for graduates of any health discipline looking to advance their research capabilities. You can use the degree as a stepping-stone to a PhD or Master by Research degree; or as a pathway to careers that involve managing, reviewing or implementing research projects. Flexible online delivery makes it easier for you to fit your degree around your schedule. While the short two-trimester study duration (part time) allows you to reach your professional goals sooner.
The course consists of a research project conducted over two trimesters. In the first trimester, you will choose a topic that matches your interests – there are lots to pick from – before writing a literature review and developing a research proposal (you may be able to create your own topic if we have the expertise to support your research). In the second trimester, you will conduct research and write a thesis on your topic. Throughout both components of the course, you’ll build practical research skills that are essential for further research and sought by employers. These include:
- a deep understanding of research philosophies, ethics and principles
- the ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific literature
- data management and proficiency with tools and methods for research practice
- skills in planning, writing, reviewing and implementing research
- skills in developing a research proposal
- the ability to translate complex ideas into clear communications for different audiences.
As an added benefit, many students are recognised for their research contributions by having their findings published in peer-reviewed journals.
Another highlight of the degree is exploring your passion under the guidance of leading researchers from our high-achieving School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, which is ranked the #1 sport science school in the world*. Work one-on-one with your research supervisor, drawing on their experience and insights to enrich your studies and enhance your research.
*ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments 2021
Indicative student workload
As a student in an online course in the Faculty of Health, you will be expected to spend 300 hours over the trimester studying, interacting online and completing assessment tasks for each unit in your course.
Career opportunities
Graduate with the practical research skills and experience to manage and contribute to research projects for universities, government and non-government organisations. The soft skills you will develop throughout the course, in addition to your deep knowledge of your research topic, will put you in a strong position to pursue a range of other roles in Australia’s fast-growing healthcare industry where communication, problem solving, self-management and critical analysis are valued.
This course can also be used as a pathway to further research. It provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to advance your professional training in research and satisfies some of the research training requirements for a Higher Degree by Research, including a PhD.
Participation requirements
Not applicable. Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability.
Mandatory student checks
There are no mandatory student checks required for this course.
Pathways
This course satisfies some of the research training requirements for undertaking higher degree by research courses and other postgraduate coursework programs.
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, the type of fee place you hold, your commencement year, the units you choose and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
Use the Fee estimator to see course and unit fees applicable to your course and type of place. Further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods is available on our Current students fees website.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Apply advanced cognitive and technical skills to develop a deep understanding of the philosophies, ethics and principles of research in one or more discipline areas of practice in nutrition, exercise or health. Under supervision, identify an original research question; select the appropriate methodological procedures for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; and disseminate research findings to advance knowledge in nutrition, exercise or health. |
| Communication | With minimal direction, clearly and accurately communicate research proposals and outcomes, defend and discuss all elements of the research project in the chosen field of study in nutrition, exercise and health to academics, specialists and others. |
| Digital literacy | With minimal supervision, select and use appropriate technologies to source, interpret, adapt, collate, analyse and disseminate evidence-based information to an academic audience and specialists in the field of nutrition, exercise or health. With minimal supervision, select and use appropriate technologies to manage data and apply data analysis methodologies appropriate for nutrition, exercise or health sciences. |
| Critical thinking | Autonomously and critically review, interpret and synthesise scientific literature in the chosen field of study in nutrition, exercise or health; select and apply appropriate methodological principles suitable for the research project. Select and apply appropriate analytical techniques to test the hypothesis; and interpret the findings and their contribution to advancing knowledge in the chosen field of study. |
| Problem solving | Under supervision, identify an original and worthwhile research question based on the literature in the chosen field of study that can be completed within the timeframe. Conduct an investigation to address the research question in an appropriate, realistic and ethical manner, and contribute to advancement of knowledge in the field of nutrition, exercise or health by the appropriate dissemination of the research findings. |
| Self-management | Use self-assessment to identify personal learning goals and needs to create a realistic project management plan and timeline that incorporates the literature review, obtaining ethical approval (if applicable), sourcing and/or collecting and analysing data, and dissemination of the findings. |
| Teamwork | Contribute constructively and collaboratively as a member of research team of specialists from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Global citizenship | Apply ethical standards governing research and professional practice in the field of nutrition, exercise or health whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting inclusive, cultural sensitivities. |
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice students must attain 4 credit points. Both 2 credit point units are core units (these are compulsory).
All commencing Faculty of Health Undergraduate and Postgraduate course work students are required to complete HAI010 Academic Integrity in their first trimester of study (0 credit point compulsory unit).
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Trimester 1
| HAI010 | Academic Integrity (0 credit points) |
| HSR701 | Research Project Part A |
Trimester 2
| HSR702 | Research Project Part B |
Work experience
The course comprises two mandatory 2-credit point units (HSR701 Research Project Part A and HSR702 Research Project Part B) that require students to undertake 22 weeks (approximately 600 hours in total) of practical research experience. This experience is at Deakin University, where the student, under supervision, conducts authentic research in a specified area of human nutrition, exercise, or health.
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
Research and research-related study
Research and research skills are developed through two linked 2-credit point units – HSR701 Research Project Part A and HSR702 Research Project Part B. The first of these units requires students to write a comprehensive literature review and develop a detailed research proposal. The second unit requires students to undertake a research project, critically evaluate the outcomes, and write a research thesis. The project is mostly student led, with direction from an academic supervisor with expertise in the field.