Name: Graduate Diploma of Research Studies
Price: 13184 AUD

What is a Graduate Diploma of Research Studies?

A Graduate Diploma of Research Studies offers advanced theoretical and technical knowledge and skills in research. During your studies, you will undertake eight core subjects including a Preliminary Research Thesis. The course includes a strong foundation in research skills and research project planning and implementation which will provide students with the analytical and communication skills required for future research.

You will also gain advanced cognitive technical and communication skills, which you will use to analyse, evaluate, and transform information to complete a range of activities, and generate and transmit solutions to complex problems. On completion you will be equipped to work in research-related fields and support researchers with foundation research skills.

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Learning outcomes

Critically analyse and evaluate a substantial body of knowledge in the chosen field of study to independently devise your research project.
Develop critical thinking, digital literacy and problem-solving skills to review and appraise the existing literature to develop an evidence-based framework for your research project proposal.
Demonstrate the application of knowledge of a variety of research approaches and methodologies in conducting your research project.
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the ethical implications of your research project proposal for a range of different stakeholders.
Use high level written and verbal communication skills to communicate complex and abstract ideas in compliance with the conventions of academic writing.
Demonstrate professional skills including leadership, reflective practice, ongoing learning and accountability by planning an original research project proposal in the chosen field of study.

Download course guide Start online application

Study mode

On campus, Online, Blended

Campus locations*

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Online

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

Full time: 1 year, Part time: 2 years

Start date

15 Sep 2025

16 Feb 2026

01 Jun 2026

14 Sep 2026

View all key dates

Fee & scholarships

Learn more

This course is delivered by Torrens University Australia Ltd, ABN 99 154 937 005, RTO 41343, CRICOS 109130G.

*For more details on international student study options.

Transferable skills and a new career

Build upon your expertise, opening doors to unique career opportunities in academia and industry.

Gain course credit

Take your credits with you into a Master, Doctor or Professional Doctorate qualification.

Be a catalyst for change

Become an innovative changemaker by challenging current research and finding new ways forward.

Career opportunities

Graduates will be well-positioned to contribute to research projects or to work in research-related fields. The Graduate Diploma of Research also provides an alternative entry path for further study into the Master of Philosophy and Professional Doctorate courses.

Subjects and units

Delivered both on campus and online, the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies comprises eight core subjects, each requiring 10 hours of study per week, with three hours facilitated and seven hours self-directed. Assessments may include activity-based assignments or online quizzes. There are no formal exams.

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Core

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Core subjects

Critical Literature Review | RES611

In this subject you will learn practical planning, searching, recording, analysing, interrogating and writing skills for conducting a literature review. This subject provides the critical reading skills required to undertake a research project. You will develop an understanding of the differences between practice and theory-based literature. You will develop mastery in identifying research gaps from the literature to establish future research directions. This subject will culminate in the development of a project statement for further scholarly research.

Pre-requisites:

Health:

Master of Counselling and Advanced (MCO20): ATC401, TAC402, LSD403, SDR404, MEH505, DGC506, CPS507, ACS504

Master of Counselling and Advanced (MCO24): WRG617, ATC401, TAC402, LSD403, SDR404, MEH505, DGC506, CPS507, ACS504

Master of Public Health and Advanced: PUBH6007, PUBH6000, PUBH6002, PUBH6003, PUBH6005, PUBH6206, STAT6200, PUBH6001

Education:

Master of Education (Inclusive Education) and Advanced: EEDUSD400, ECP404, EEDUSD402, TED403, EEDUSD401, EEDUSD500, EEDUSD502, EEDUSD501

Master of Education (Inclusive Literacies) and Advanced: TED403, ECP404, EEDUSD402, EEDUSD400, EEDUSD505, EEDUSD503, EEDUSD504, EEDUSD500

Master of Education (Leadership and Innovation) and Advanced:TED403, ECP404, EEDUSD402, EEDUSD400, , IED402, MGT601, MGT600, EDUC6000

Assessment Tasks: Concept Map, Literature Review, Project Statement

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online
Developing the Research Proposal | RES612

This subject develops the foundations of research, critical problem solving and evidence-based decision-making skills required when undertaking a higher degree research project. Students will gain an understanding of the core structure of the research proposal; research integrity and the importance of positioning a chosen research project to offer significant contribution to new knowledge. Through the compilation and review of emerging constructs from literature, students will establish key concepts for analysis and build a framework for critical evaluation and investigation in the chosen field of study. On completion of this subject, students will understand the interrelationship of concepts, constructs, models and frameworks in research; and possess the skills to communicate this in a structured project proposal capturing their emergent propositions ready for further investigation.

Pre-requisite (Health Courses Only): RES611 Critical Literature Review

Assessment Tasks: Report, Research Design

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online
Methodology and Research Design | RES613

This subject aims to build methodological literacy for higher degree research. It addresses methodological questions and specific issues connected with the choice of research methods and the associated forms of data. The subject includes discussion on the process of discovery and the formulation of the researcher’s paradigm of reality for a higher degree research project. This subject caters equally for students pursuing various quantitative and qualitative methodologies in their research projects. This subject covers advanced topics in qualitative and quantitative research methodology and research design relevant to the current set of projects to be undertaken by the cohort of students at this level. It provides targeted training in key research methods as well as developing the students’ overall understanding of the use and usefulness of various research methods in the field of research resulting in the project research design. This subject covers advanced topics in qualitative and quantitative research methodology relevant to the current set of projects undertaken by the cohort of students at this level.

Pre-requisites (Health Courses Only): RES611 Critical Literature Review

Assessment Tasks: Report, Research Design

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online
Preliminary Research Thesis | RES614

This unit of study aims to provide students with the skills for planning, conducting, analysing and reporting for a research project. For students enrolled in Higher Degree Research, this subject will develop your understanding of the requirement for responsible conduct of research including ethical review for your future projects involving human research participation. On completion of this unit of study, students should be able to further understand the significance of research and the challenges associated with undertaking independent research and design and complete a qualitative and/or quantitative research study using public data. You will report your project in a preliminary independent short thesis.

Pre-requisite:

Health and Education: RES611 - Critical Literature Review, RES612 - Developing the Research Proposal, RES613 Methodology and Research Design

Higher Degrees By Research: RES611 - Critical Literature Review, and RES612 - Developing the Research Proposal

Assessment Tasks: Report

Delivery Mode: Online
Research Communication | RES615

This subject provides students with essential skills and conventions of academic writing, authorship, research communication and dissemination of research outcomes to the broader community. This subject will prepare students for targeting communication to appropriate audiences. Students will learn about critical analysis, planning, receiving feedback, revision for engagement and impact. The subject also develops students’ skills in constructing arguments, the different types of arguments and publication formats for output. This subject will draw from the field of communications studies and related discipline areas and build critical writing skills.

Pre-requisite:

Health Courses: RES611 - Critical Literature Review

Higher Degrees By Research Courses: RES612 - Developing the Research Proposal

Assessment Tasks: Report, Infographic, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online
Leading Research Innovation and Commercialisation | RES616

The subject offers students an opportunity to develop a business case for commercialisation of an idea resulting from a student’s own research. This subject will encourage students to communicate and plan to lead others in the research process within organisations including start-ups and build research teams to support practical research outcomes. This subject will focus on building the traits of entrepreneurial leadership for research and innovation and assist students in translating their knowledge and own research into a commercial products or services. Preparing students to be more effective in this area will move research outcomes toward market relevance. Students will work on their own research in order to identify a commercial opportunity, identify the challenges of launching and operating their new product or service resulting in the skills to lead research, innovation and commercialisation in professional practice.

Pre-requisite (Higher Degrees By Research Courses Only): RES612 - Developing the Research Proposal

Assessment Tasks: Report, Oral Presentation

Delivery Mode: Online

Select one

Choose one of these Core subjects.

Biostatistics | STAT6200

Analysing data is one of the central activities in the public health industry. Learn how to investigate basic statistics and concepts used in public health research and practice to interpret results in journals and government reports. A practice-based approach to statistical analysis (using specialised software) will enable you to apply basic analyses to public health data.

Assessment Tasks: Online Test, Statistics Report, Presentation

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online
Statistics for Financial Decisions | STAT6003

This subject covers the role of statistical analysis in decision-making for accounting and finance professionals. It is divided into descriptive and inferential statistics. Students will learn about statistical techniques for the quantitative evaluation of data in decision-making for accounting, finance, and business applications. Students will develop analytical and statistical skills through Excel data analysis to manipulate data into meaningful information for the purpose of decision-making. Students will also learn to interpret statistical results and communicate their statistical analysis in business reports.

Assessment Tasks: Test, Presentation, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive
Statistics and Applied Analytics | STA601

Have you ever considered how a streaming service recommends which shows to watch? When you take this subject, you will learn about essential techniques such as descriptive statistics, distributions, machine learning, and recommendation systems. The activities will allow you to apply these statistical techniques to different datasets using various tools to perform analysis and reporting. Your ability to communicate these data-informed insights effectively will be practiced throughout the subject.

Assessment Tasks: Presentation, Test

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online

Select one

Choose one of these Core subjects.

Qualitative Research Methods for Public Health | PUBH6013

Qualitative research in public health is about understanding people's knowledge, attitude, behaviours, and experiences in different matters related to health and well-being as well as exploring the issues and problems that are prevalent in the society they are living. Exploring the issues and problems in context of people's socio-cultural and economical aspects and proposing solutions to address them needs an in- depth understanding of various methods with presumed knowledge on relevant areas of public health. This course is designed to make students conceptually clear about the need for and importance of qualitative research in public health and making them capable of conducting qualitative research projects in real-life settings. To make it possible, this course adopts stepwise approach of designing and implementing qualitative research in public health viz. identifying the research gap, formulating research questions, selecting appropriate methods, collecting & analysing data, maintaining ethics and quality, and report/paper publications.

Assessment Tasks: Discussion Forum, Report

Delivery Mode: On Campus, Online, Intensive
Qualitative Research Methods | RES617

In this subject, students develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research including collecting, analysing, interpreting, and presenting qualitative data. Topics include exploration of the nature of qualitative inquiry, broad theoretical approaches in qualitative research, research methods (ethnography, observation, case studies, focus groups, interviews, participatory action research), research design issues (sampling, ethical considerations, quality, and rigor) and ethical issues in qualitative research. Students will demonstrate mastery of qualitative research methods through justifying a chosen research approach, developing a protocol to a project, and construct and present a methodology for research.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Research project

The Graduate Diploma of Research comprises eight subjects including a Preliminary Research Thesis. Students will gain an understanding of literature and future research requirements, research proposal writing, ethics and ethical clearance applications, methodology and data collection and specific method choices to support projects in advanced professional practice. You will report your project in a preliminary independent short thesis.

Entry details

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

We're serious about supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer partial scholarships for both international and domestic students undertaking HDR. Please discuss these options with international and domestic admissions on application. For more information, please email HDR@torrens.edu.au

Admission criteria

Before you get started with your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below.

A completed bachelor degree in any discipline from an Australian university or college with a distinction average, or equivalent;

OR

A completed coursework masters with a credit average;

OR

A minimum of five years relevant professional experience and Graduate Certificate;

OR

A Graduate certificate of research studies with a credit average.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We're serious about supporting your studies from start to success, which is why we offer partial scholarships for both international and domestic students undertaking HDR. Please contact the HDR Office at hdr@torrens.edu.au for more information.

Admission criteria

Before you get started with your course application, check you meet all the requirements listed below.

A completed bachelor degree in any discipline from an Australian university or college with a distinction average, or equivalent;

OR

A completed coursework masters with a credit average;

OR

A minimum of five years relevant professional experience and Graduate Certificate;

OR

A Graduate certificate of research studies with a credit average.

Academic IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent.

OR alternative entry requirements may be available. Alternative entry may include assessment and approval of prior study, or successful completion of a readiness assessment. Contact the International Admissions team for more information.

View full course admission information

*For more details on international student study options.

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What is a Higher Degree by Research (HDR)?

A higher degree by research is focused on undertaking self-directed independent research that contributes to discipline-based knowledge and theory building. A student pursuing a higher degree by research requires core knowledge in a discipline, research skills, self-motivation and drive, the ability to work independently with a supervisor, critical thinking skills and very strong academic writing skills.
What is the application process?
The first step in the application process is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

This document needs to be completed in full. The EOI is an opportunity to show your academic ability, your ability to follow instructions and your attention to detail. Incomplete applications and EOIs will be rejected.

The EOI needs to be submitted to HDR@torrens.edu.au along with the following supporting documentation:

Official and certified copies of all academic transcripts (including course offerings and results) and certificates attained from any and all undergraduate and postgraduate courses completed

Proof of citizenship

Evidence of English Language Proficiency (if applicable)

If applying for a PhD:

copies of, or links to, any research publications authored by you (in English), and

An up-to-date curriculum vitae.

The EOI is a screening assessment to ascertain:

Your level of academic writing

Your ability to interrogate literature

The alignment of your project area to the targeted projects of TUA

Your ability to follow instructions and problem solve, and

Your understanding of the current literature and research opportunities.

When we have received your EOI, your academic eligibility will be assessed first. If you have met the academic criteria for entry, the quality of your EOI will then be assessed based on the criteria listed above.

Late or incomplete EOIs, including EOIs submitted with insufficient documentation, will not be assessed. If the EOI is approved, we will request a two-page Research Proposal. The Research Proposal should advance on your EOI, further developing your research idea and proposed methodology. To ensure your proposal is of the standard required for entry, we suggest you interrogate the research in your chosen area, ensure your proposal is founded in research and that clear gaps for future research have been identified.

The strength and quality of your Research Proposal will also be assessed, and supervisor availability will be determined.

Please be advised that Expressions of Interest and Research Proposals are run through software which identifies similarity rates to other submitted and published work. If your submission returns a high similarity rate, it will not be accepted and we will not review any resubmissions.

Applications can be rejected at any stage during the application process for a variety of reasons, ranging from not meeting the entry requirements, to the university being unable to supervise the project. Please be assured all efforts are made to carefully review and accommodate all applications.

What is required in a Higher Degree by Research?

A Higher Degree by Research is an advanced program of study which requires the candidate to conduct independent research into a particular topic in their field, while being guided by a supervisory team. It requires the submission of a thesis comprised entirely of original work and submitted for examination at the end of the student’s candidature. The submitted thesis must demonstrate original and critical thought, contribute to the current body of knowledge in the student’s chosen area, and be clearly and coherently written.
What is the time commitment for a Higher Degree by Research?

A full-time HDR course requires a 40-hour commitment each week. HDR students are entitled to four weeks of annual leave, and can apply for 12 months of additional leave due to exceptional circumstances such as illness or injury. Although the academic year at Torrens is divided into three trimesters, HDR students do not have trimester breaks and are expected to work consistently throughout the year.

View all FAQs

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Graduate Diploma of Research Studies

What is a Graduate Diploma of Research Studies?

Learning outcomes

Career opportunities

Subjects and units

Core subjects

Select one

Select one

Research project

Entry details

Fees

FEE-HELP

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Fees

Fee payment

Scholarships

Admission criteria

How to apply

Get started

Apply

Offer

Frequently asked questions

Similar Research courses

Graduate Certificate of Research Studies

Master of Research Studies

Master of Philosophy

Doctor of Philosophy

Professional Doctorate (Research)

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