University of Tasmania, Australia

About the Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Research has been introduced by the University to assist higher degree by research (HDR) candidates systematically acquire the skills and training they need to complete their research. The Graduate Certificate is also part of an initiative by the University to internationalise and increase the transferability of UTAS degrees, improve student experience and retention rates, and ensure the timeliness of completion of higher degrees by research.

Who needs to do the Graduate Certificate in Research?

All PhD and Research Masters candidates commencing after 1 January 2011 are required to participate in the program.

PhD candidates will normally complete the full Graduate Certificate in Research. The Graduate Certificate in Research requires the completion of four standard units: two core units which are compulsory and two electives, unless their degree program has other coursework requirements, ie in the case of the QMS program or professional doctorates.

All PhD candidates must complete XGR501 Introduction to Higher Degree by Research, and one other unit prior to Confirmation of Candidature and must complete all of the Graduate Certificate (where applicable) within two years of full time (or equivalent) candidature.  It is highly recommended that the second unit completed for Confirmation be XGR502 Communicating Research, however it is understood that in some cases greater benefit may be gained from completion of another unit at this time. Please discuss with your supervisor and the Coordinator of the Graduate Certificate in Research if a unit other than XGR502 is being considered.

Research Masters candidates must complete 50% of the Graduate Certificate: XGR501 Introduction to Higher Degree by Research prior to confirmation of candidature and a second unit (XGR502 or an elective) before submission for examination.

Candidates for other doctoral degrees (i.e. professional doctorates or QMS) should consult the Graduate Research Office for information regarding the Graduate Certificate requirements for their course.  

Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January 2011 can choose to do elective or core units comprising the Graduate Certificate in Research or, with the consent of their head of school, complete the entire course. 

Graduate Certificate Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Research includes two core units. The first, XGR501 Introduction to Higher Degree by Research, is a generic unit that exposes candidates to the issues surrounding ethical research, long term data storage, intellectual property, commercialisation of research. The second, XGR502 Communicating Research, gives candidates a grounding in the advanced principles of academic writing, managing and reviewing the literature, and presenting and communicating their research. These core units are taught by way of a short intensive study school.

To complete the full graduate certificate, in addition to these two core units, candidates complete two elective units. One elective unit is chosen from a schedule of approved electives (below). One further unit is required and can also be from this list. However, candidates can also choose a unit not on the schedule, but such a choice is subject to approval by the candidate’s supervisor and the Dean of Graduate Research and restrictions regarding academic level and normal prerequisites and availability.

Students may apply for academic credit towards the Graduate Certificate on an Application for Credit form.

To find out more about the Graduate Certificate in Research please contact the Course Coordinator.
Phone: +61 3 6226 1903.

• Upcoming Core Units - Sessions for 2013
  
• Enrol in Graduate Certificate units
  
• Schedule of Approved Graduate Certificate in Research Units 

Download the Graduate Certificate in Research Brochure.