Graduate Diploma of Research Methods

Graduate Diploma of Research Methods

Course overview

Gain the formal research training experience you need to begin an exciting research degree at James Cook University.

Campus
Singapore
Intakes
Term 1 (January to June) Term 2 (July to December)
Duration
1 year full time | 2 years part time
Study Mode
Blended

Subjects

Study Program

Students are required to complete (24 credit points) as follows.

Course Structure

4-6 subjects in 2 terms

Core Subjects

  • Research Planning
  • Research Project

Options

Note: Optional subjects will be determined in consultation with research supervisors and will be put on the student’s study plan.

Select 6 credit-points of discipline appropriate postgraduate Research Methods subjects from List 1 or equivalent subjects in consultation with the research project advisor and College Associate Dean, Research Education or Course Coordinator


Advanced Bioinformatics
Toolkit for the Field Biologist
Scientific Research Methods
Data Mining
Field Studies in Tropical Land and Water Science
Research Design and Proposal
Introduction to Educational Research
Advanced Geographic Information Systems
Remote Sensing
Research Methods for Global Development
Multidisciplinary Research and Communication in CRM
Statistical Methods for Data Scientists
Research Methods and Communication Skills
Quantitative Methods in Science
Design and Analyses in Ecological Studies
Post-Graduate Research Methods for the Social Sciences

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Select 6 credit-points of discipline appropriate postgraduate coursework or research dissertation subjects in consultation with the research project advisor and College Associate Dean, Research Education or Course Coordinator

*1 subject worth 6 credit points or 2 subjects each worth 3 credit points

Total Credit Points: 24

For a comprehensive listing and outline of the respective course subjects and assessment details, please click here.

Eligibility & Requirements

Entry Requirements

Completion of at least an AQF level 7 bachelor degree in a relevant discipline, with a minimum grade point average of 5.0 (credit average) in the final year; or other qualifications recognised by the University as equivalent

Refer below for the course articulation level requirement.

Course Articulation

Students seeking admission to a research higher degree should consult the University’s Higher Degree by Research Requirements.

(Website: https://www.jcu.edu.au/policy/research-education/higher-degree-by-research-requirements)

Students seeking admission to a Master of Philosophy must have obtained at least a GPA 5.0 (Credit) for the supervised research component of the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods (Research Planning & Research Project).

To be eligible to apply for direct admission to a Doctorate of Philosophy, must have obtained at least a GPA 6.0 (Distinction) for the supervised research component of the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods (Research Planning & Research Project).

Advanced Standing

Application for advanced standing from the core subject will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

English Requirements

  • Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of IELTS 6.5 (no component lower than 6.0) / TOEFL (Internet Based) 86 (no component less than 21) / Pearson PTE Academic 58 (no component less than 54); or
  • Satisfactory completion of James Cook University Singapore English Language Preparatory Program (ELPP); or
  • Successful completion of other qualifications completed in English Language deemed comparable to Australian standards on a case-by-case basis in accordance to JCU admissions guidelines

Attendance Requirements

International students holding a valid Student's Pass are required to attend at least 90% of scheduled classes per month. Failure to attend classes is a breach of the student visa conditions. Being absent from classes for a continuous period of seven days or more, or attendance falling below 90% without valid reasons will result in the student needing to surrender their Student's Pass for cancellation.

Domestic students must attend at least 75% of the scheduled lecture and tutorial activities to be eligible for assessment.

Tuition Fees

Domestic** International
S$29,364.60 S$30,890.60

**Fees apply to all Singapore residents (Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and all pass holders excluding those holding a Student Pass).

Note:

  • Effective for students commencing from Trimester 2, 2026. Tuition fees are subject to change in following years.
  • All course fees include the corresponding Singapore Goods and Services Tax (GST), which is 9%.
  • The details of the instalment breakdown will be provided in your Student Contract. Please contact us for further details.

Note: International students in Singapore on a Student Pass are not permitted to work. For more information please visit http://www.ica.gov.sg.

James Cook University is EduTrust-certified. The EduTrust Certification Scheme (EduTrust) is a quality assurance scheme administered and governed by SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) for Private Education Institutions (PEIs) in Singapore. The EduTrust Certification Scheme requires all students to be covered under the Fee Protection Scheme (FPS). In James Cook University, this is provided through Fee Protection Scheme Group Insurance. All students from James Cook University are covered hospitalization, surgery and treatment costs in accordance to insurance policy term and conditions under the Group Hospitalisation and Surgical insurance scheme. James Cook University will advise in the Standard Student Contract the total amount of insurance payable.

For more details please visit SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) website: https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/pei

Disclaimer
Although James Cook University endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.

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