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Gain essential skills in research design, ethics, data collection and academic writing.
The Graduate Certificate of Research Methods is your starting point for learning how research works. You’ll gain essential skills in research design, data collection, academic writing and ethics — all useful for research-related roles or future postgraduate study.
This course is ideal for students who are new to research or returning after a break. You’ll learn how to ask good research questions, review academic literature and use basic qualitative and quantitative methods. After finishing, you can continue into the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods or the Master of Research (subject to academic progression).
VIT has a long history of educating IT and Business professionals and provides a supportive environment for postgraduate learning. Students benefit from research-active academic staff and dedicated student support services that promote successful study progression.
Gain essential skills in academic writing, literature review, and basic research design.
Develop familiarity with qualitative and quantitative methods used in business and technology research.
Learn the principles of ethical research practice, data responsibility and academic integrity.
Use this qualification as a pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods or Master of Research.
Strengthen analytical and communication skills valued in industry, government and higher education settings.
Earn a degree that will elevate your international career prospects. Build a global network with students from over 100 countries around the world.
The Graduate Certificate of Research Methods is an AQF Level 8 postgraduate qualification that builds essential foundations for doing high-quality research. You’ll learn how to design research projects, review academic literature, work with data, and understand research ethics and integrity.
This course is ideal for students who are new to research or returning to study, and who want to build confidence for further postgraduate study. Successful graduates may progress to the Graduate Diploma of Research Methods or Master of Research, subject to academic progression requirements.
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Duration: Full-time, 6 months.
Domestic students may have the option to study part-time depending on study load.
Intake: Refer to Intake Dates
Course Qualification: A total of 24 credit points satisfies the requirements for qualification.
Students who successfully complete the requirements as stated above will be awarded a “Graduate Certificate of Research Methods”.
A total of 24 credit points will satisfy the requirements for qualification.
To graduate with the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods (GCResM), you need to have completed 24 credit points.
The GCResM is designed as a foundational entry pathway into higher research qualifications. As such, credit exemptions and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are not normally granted, to ensure appropriate volume of learning and research capability development.
The Graduate Certificate of Research Methods introduces core skills in research design, literature review, academic writing and ethical research practice. You will explore qualitative and quantitative approaches, learn how to review academic sources, and understand the principles of responsible research conduct. This qualification provides a foundation for research literacy in professional contexts and supports further postgraduate study.
Develop foundational capability in research design while building the professional ethics required for responsible research practice. This unit introduces the major stages of the research process, including identifying research problems, reviewing literature, designing methods and collecting and analysing data. It emphasises research integrity, national ethical standards and data governance, enabling students to design defensible methodologies and prepare ethical research plans. Students also learn to communicate and defend research designs to specialist and non-specialist audiences, building capability for later thesis work.
Develop capability in quantitative research design, analysis and interpretation. Engage with experimental and quasi-experimental methods, sampling strategies, regression and classification models, time-series approaches and model validation. Apply ethical and reproducible data practices to evaluate validity, bias, reliability and uncertainty in empirical research. Work with datasets aligned to your field and communicate quantitative findings clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Develop advanced capability in qualitative research design and analysis for IT and business research contexts. Examine epistemological foundations, design studies using interviews, observation, document analysis and case studies, and apply systematic coding and thematic analysis using computer-assisted qualitative data analysis tools (CAQDAS). Practice ethical reflexivity, apply sampling strategies and evaluate trustworthiness criteria such as credibility, transferability and dependability. Present rigorous qualitative findings with clarity and impact.
Choose one postgraduate unit offered at VIT that complements your research interests. Enrolment in the elective is subject to approval by the Course Coordinator. A recommended list of elective options may be provided for guidance.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of course commencement.
You can meet VIT’s English language proficiency requirement in any one of the following ways:
You qualify if you have completed:
You meet the requirement if you have achieved:
You qualify if you have successfully completed:
To be eligible for admission, you need to meet at least one of the following academic entry requirements:
At VIT, we believe that education should be accessible to all. Our affordable tuition fees and diverse scholarship opportunities ensure that financial constraints do not hinder your academic aspirations. Our admissions team is here to guide you through the application process, helping you meet the course entry requirements and embark on a transformative educational experience. Embrace the opportunity to pursue excellence and unlock a world of knowledge with VIT.
The fees listed below are the course/unit fees for the 2026 academic year and are subject to review on an annual basis. Please refer to Fees and Scholarships | VIT Australia for a full overview of VIT’s fees and charges for the current year.
Unlock your potential with our diverse scholarship offerings at VIT. Experience the joy of pursuing your educational aspirations with financial support tailored to your needs. Embrace a future full of opportunities and academic excellence through our "Empowering Dreams: Scholarship Opportunities." Apply now and let us be part of your journey to success.
Graduates use the Graduate Certificate of Research Methods to strengthen research literacy, analytical skills and academic writing useful across professional contexts.
Graduates may apply enhanced skills in:
Graduates may progress to:
Study and employment outcomes depend on prior qualifications, discipline and professional experience.
At VIT, we believe in empowering you to dream big and reach new heights. Take the first step towards an exceptional future by inquiring now. Our dedicated support team is here to guide you through the admissions process, answer your questions, and help you discover the myriad opportunities that await you.
Anisha Bhandari
BITS – Melbourne CampusInitially, I wasn’t sure if it was a good opportunity compared to an internal project, but I’m glad I went with the internship because I had a wonderful experience. I was able to expand my knowledge, acquire useful work experience, and develop my professional relationship. Additionally, this internship enabled me to solidify my professional objectives and given me a greater grasp of the field I intend to work in after graduation.
Ayesha Rizwan
BITS – Sydney CampusI undertook an internship in my final year through VIT, and it proved to be an exquisite growth opportunity for me and my peers. During this internship, we were introduced to the industry and gained valuable experience while developing our client’s product. Communication skills, requirements handling, prototyping, product development, version control, team co-ordination are a few of the skills I attained, additionally it enabled us to develop new capabilities which would prove incredibly beneficial to my career.
David Hudson
MBA - ONLINEI am extremely satisfied with the quality of education offered by VIT's online MBA program. The courses are comprehensive and engaging, providing a well-rounded education. What sets VIT apart is its affordability; it's one of the most affordable options in Australia without compromising on excellence. The flexibility of the program has allowed me to balance work and studies effectively. Highly recommended!
Elizabeth Pardede
Diploma of ITI would like to take a moment to thank you, Mr. Sharif, for an incredibly insightful and informative lecture. Your passion for the subject matter was evident, and it made the lecture more engaging.
I especially appreciated how you took the time to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner, making it easier for me to understand the material. Your use of real-world examples also helped to solidify my understanding of the topics covered.
Jackie Nakabira
MBA - ONLINEVIT has a supportive learning team that keeps in contact with students at each and every step plus the academic staff are very supportive too. I am happy to have enrolled at VIT.
Jingzhao Li
BITS – Melbourne Campus"I want to express my sincere gratitude for your invaluable support throughout this course. As I near its conclusion, I feel compelled to share my feedback.First and foremost, Sharif has proven to be an exceptional and knowledgeable teacher. He consistently made himself available to assist students and address our concerns. When I commenced this course with limited knowledge of the IT industry, he went above and beyond to provide me with the necessary guidance. Sharif patiently explained fundamental IT concepts, terminologies, and technical jargon.
Kavya Madam
MITS - Melbourne Campus"I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity to attend the Programmable conference on March 28, 2023. It has enriched my understanding and insights in my field of study. Your continuous support and commitment to our education inspire us to succeed. I've attached my conference pass for your reference. Thank you once again for this invaluable experience, and I'm eager to continue utilizing the resources and support available at VIT to further my growth."
Rahul Das Kathbaniya
Diploma of IT Networking – Adelaide Campus"I deeply appreciate your extraordinary dedication to our online classes. Reflecting on my journey in the Diploma of Information Technology Networking course, I recall the initial challenges I encountered while grasping the material and completing assignments. However, your teaching prowess, interactive teaching style, and knack for making intricate topics engaging transformed my learning experience. Your commitment to fostering unity among students and your relentless pursuit of excellence distinguish you as an exceptional educator.
Raojhi Bstt
MBA - ONLINECurrently I am pursuing my MBA with the Victorian Institute of Technology as an offshore student. I am highly impressed and delighted with the lecturers, and the accessibility to the library and resources helps me to do my research and study effectively. I am very happy that I study with VIT.
Sanket R Kadam
MBA - ONLINEAs a seasoned engineering professional in pursuit of enhanced proficiency in business analytics, I was drawn to VIT's online MBA program due to its comprehensive curriculum, flexible scheduling, and assessment approach. It is noteworthy to mention the personalised attention from the faculty, particularly how the professors engaged proactively ensuring clarity of modules through frequent communication and enriching insights. This bespoke academic engagement significantly enriched the learning experience. Based on the robust interactive and collaborative framework with peers within the program, I would endorse unequivocally VIT's online MBA to those who are seeking to augment their business acumen in a dynamic, supportive educational environment.
Full time means you study 6-8 units in an academic year. Part time gives you the flexibility to take a lighter course load, which gives many working people more flexibility. Part time study is only available to students not on student visa. It is estimated each unit could take between 6 and 10 hours each week of classes, readings and assignments. This can vary depending on how quickly a student becomes familiar with the course material.
You may be eligible for RPL credit if you have completed a Bachelor degree (AQF Level 7 equivalent) or above in management, IT, Engineering.
Financial aid may be available depending on your circumstances and where you are resident.
Domestic students may be eligible for FEE-HELP from the Government and could be eligible for a VIT Scholarship.
Please contact our team at [email protected] for further information.
You are considered a 'domestic' student if:
You are an Australian citizen;
You are a New Zealand citizen (or dual citizenship holders of either Australia or New Zealand);
You are an Australian permanent resident;
You are an Australian permanent humanitarian visa holder;
If you don’t hold one of the above visas or citizenships, you are considered as an international student.
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