Graduate Diploma of Research Studies

Torrens University Australia

CRICOS Institution Code 03389E

Duration

52 weeks

Delivery

On campus, Online, Blended

Study Load

Full time / Part time · 10 hours of study per week (made up of classes and self-directed study)

Intakes

14 Sep 2026

Course Overview

About This Course

The Graduate Diploma of Research Studies offers advanced theoretical and technical knowledge and skills in research. Students undertake eight core subjects, including a Preliminary Research Thesis, building a strong foundation in research skills, project planning and implementation, along with the analytical and communication skills required for future research, graduating equipped to work in research-related fields and support researchers with foundation research skills. The course develops advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills used to analyse, evaluate and transform information, and to generate and transmit solutions to complex problems.

Learning outcomes include critically analysing a substantial body of knowledge to independently devise a research project, reviewing and appraising literature to develop an evidence-based framework for a research proposal, demonstrating an understanding of a variety of research approaches and methodologies, understanding the ethical implications of a research proposal for different stakeholders, and using high-level written and verbal communication skills to convey complex and abstract ideas in line with academic writing conventions. Delivered on campus, online and in blended mode at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and online, the course runs full time over one year or part time over two years, by Torrens University Australia Ltd.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

90 Bowen Terrace, Fortitude Valley, Queensland (QLD) 4006

Open in Maps ↗

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students:

A completed bachelor degree in any discipline from an Australian university or college with a distinction average, or equivalent OR
A completed coursework master's degree with a credit average OR
A minimum of five years' relevant professional experience, plus a Graduate Certificate OR
A Graduate Certificate of Research Studies with a credit average

International students:

Same criteria as domestic students above AND
Academic IELTS 7.0 with skills band no less than 6.5 (or equivalent TOEFL, CAE or PTE)

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

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

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units9 units

RES611

Critical Literature Review

Students learn practical planning, searching, recording, analysing, interrogating and writing skills for conducting a literature review. Develops mastery in identifying research gaps from the literature to establish future research directions, culminating in a project statement.

RES612

Developing the Research Proposal

Develops foundations of research, critical problem solving and evidence-based decision-making skills. Students understand the core structure of the research proposal and gain skills to communicate in a structured project proposal capturing emergent propositions.

RES613

Methodology and Research Design

Builds methodological literacy for higher degree research. Covers advanced topics in qualitative and quantitative research methodology and research design, resulting in the project research design.

RES614

Preliminary Research Thesis

Provides students with skills for planning, conducting, analysing and reporting for a research project, including responsible conduct of research and ethical review. Students report their project in a preliminary independent short thesis.

RES615

Research Communication

Provides essential skills and conventions of academic writing, authorship, research communication and dissemination of research outcomes. Develops skills in constructing arguments and different types of publication formats.

RES616

Leading Research Innovation and Commercialisation

Develops a business case for commercialisation of an idea resulting from the student's own research. Focuses on building traits of entrepreneurial leadership for research and innovation and translating knowledge into commercial products or services.

RES617

Qualitative Research Methods

Students develop core knowledge and skills for designing qualitative research including collecting, analysing, interpreting, and presenting qualitative data. Topics include ethnography, observation, case studies, focus groups, interviews, and participatory action research.

STAT6200

Biostatistics

Addresses the application and interpretation of statistics in public health research and practice, including descriptive methodologies, statistical inference and probability, analysis of variance, and simple linear regression.

STA601

Statistics and Applied Analytics

Covers essential techniques such as descriptive statistics, distributions, machine learning, and recommendation systems. Students apply statistical techniques to different datasets using various tools to perform analysis and reporting.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply to the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies based on work experience rather than formal qualifications?

Yes. If you have professional, administrative or managerial work experience, you may be eligible for admission even if you don't have any formal qualifications. Relevant work and life experience, including self-tuition, community activities, volunteering and industry experience, are all taken into account.

Can I receive credit for previous study or work experience towards the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies?

Yes. Under Torrens University's Recognition of Prior Learning policy, you may be eligible for a reduction in tuition costs if you have previous study and/or work experience.

What special consideration options are available for applicants to this course?

Torrens University assesses applicants on an individual basis and may grant special consideration if your study, work or life experiences have been impacted by disability, illness or family disruption; if you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; if you are a domestic student with overseas qualifications; or if you have not studied secondary level English.

Are VET qualifications accepted as an entry pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies?

Yes. If you have fully or partially completed any VET qualifications, including units of competency, formal or informal study, these will be considered as part of your application.

Who can I contact if I'm unsure whether I meet the entry requirements for this course?

From study options to entry pathways, Torrens University's Future Student Advisors can help find a course that fits you perfectly. You can contact them directly through the university's website.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

💬

Need guidance?

Free advisor support

Our advisors help international students choose the right course and navigate visa pathways — at no cost.

Hear From the Students

Honestly I was lost when I first started looking at Australian colleges. There are just too many options and every agent gives you different info. A friend told me about FindTheCourses and within a week I had shortlisted 3 programs that actually matched my budget and visa situation. My advisor Sanjay was super helpful — never felt like I was being pushed into anything.

Priya Sharma

India

Master of Nursing · Griffith University

Promote your Institution with Find the Courses