Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice

2025 Deakin University Handbook

Year	2025 course information
Award granted	Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice
Deakin course code	H541
Faculty	Faculty of Health
Campus	This course is only offered Online
Online	Yes
Duration	1 year part-time
Course Map - enrolment planning tool	This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025 Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central.
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

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 will 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.

Course Learning Outcomes

Deakin 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 pass 4 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
4 credit points of core units

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.

Note:

This course is part-time only.

Course structure

Core units

Trimester 1

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (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 and can be completed via online or on campus, where the student, under supervision, conducts authentic research in a specified area of human nutrition, exercise, or health.

Course duration

Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing 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.

Fees and charges

Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or 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.

Estimate your fees

For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.