Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice
2027 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2027 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice |
| Deakin course code | H541 |
| Course credit points | 4 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Health |
| Course information | For students who commenced from 2017 onwards |
| Campus | This course is only offered Online |
| Duration | 1 year part-time |
| Course map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2027 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
- Indicative student workload
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Pathways
- Course learning outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Work experience
- Research and research-related study
- Fees and charges
Course overview
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 masters by research, 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.
The course consists of a research project conducted over two trimesters. In your 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 also be able to create your own topic if we have the supervisory expertise to support your research. In your second trimester, you will conduct research and write a thesis on your topic. Throughout the course, you will build practical research skills that are essential for further research and sought after by employers.
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
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
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
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Use self-assessment to identify personal learning goals and needs to create a realistic project management plan an timeline that incorporates the literature review, obtaining ethical approval (if applicable), sourcing and/or collecting and analysing data, and dissemination of the findings. |
| Contribute constructively and collaboratively as a member of research team of specialists from a range of disciplines and backgrounds. |
| Apply ethical standards governing research and professional practice in the field of nutrition, exercise or health whilst maintaining confidentiality, and respecting inclusive, cultural sensitivities. |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Health Research Practice you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units.
Most units are equal to one credit point. Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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.
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
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.