Postgraduate Coursework
Graduate Certificate of Business Research
The Graduate Certificate of Business Research is for graduates, including professionals from a range of backgrounds - industry, government and community enterprises, who want to develop advanced business research skills relevant to commercial and academic contexts. This course is uniquely framed around ongoing business sustainability focused projects, which provide insights to the tasks and challenges of authentic business research.
During this course you will apply advanced business research concepts, theories and methods through a series of research projects. You will have the opportunity to develop a high level of proficiency in the collection and utilisation of business research information, including the application of a range of analytical techniques.
The Graduate Certificate of Business Research may provide a pathway to a Higher Degree by Research (HDR). High achieving students should satisfy admission requirements to progress into a Master by Research (MRes). Entry into a doctorate (PhD) may also be possible for exceptional students with proven research capability. Students making good progress with a MRes may also be eligible to transfer to a PhD partway through their candidature. Please note there are a range of other considerations are involved evaluating HDR student eligibility, including availability of an appropriate HDR Supervisor.
Credit transfers and pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Additional information
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
This newly accredited course is not yet open for admission however will be available through the Tertiary Admission Centres (TACs) shortly.
Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or equivalent international qualification in a business related field, with at least a credit average (GPA 5.0).
Applicants who meet the above in a non-business-related discipline but have at least four years full time business or research experience in positions of responsibility will also be considered. Applicants must provide further documentation in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV), documented evidence from your employer detailing roles and responsibilities, and a statement of purpose addressing how the course will help you achieve your career aspirations.
Essential requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
Course structure
Graduate Certificate of Business Research components are inter-related and build upon one another across the semester (or longer for part time students). You will undertake three applied research projects that provide practical business research experience and a framework for you to learn about all aspects of the business research process. The research projects will build your understanding of research design and writing and applied qualitative and quantitative research methods. Over the duration of the course you will produce a substantial research portfolio that will illustrate your advanced research skills and learning.
The final component will see you work with academics skilled in sustainable business research to develop your own research project, including a literature review and research design appropriate for future investigation. This will take the form of an HDR research proposal. You will work on this over the duration of a semester and build upon the thorough grounding in qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well epistemological and research paradigm considerations.
Your learning will take shape through workshops and discussions to guide you in performing actual research and related tasks. This is a research-based programme that relies upon self-directed studies and research activity performed under the guidance of experienced academic researchers. Completion of the course will satisfy the eligibility requirements for admission in a Masters by Research at CDU.
- 2022 HE unit offerings and unit fees are not yet available however will be published no later than 1 December 2021.
- Always refer to the Course Catalogue for the latest information about your course prior to enrolment.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (4 units) |
40cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 20 credit points as detailed below.
BUS801 Business Research Project 1: Literature Review and Research Design |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Graduate Certificate AQF Level 8 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Study plan
- 2022 HE unit offerings and unit fees are not yet available however will be published no later than 1 December 2021.
- Always refer to the Course Catalogue for the latest information about your course prior to enrolment.
Students Commencing in Semester 1
The recommended study plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use these as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS801 Business Research Project 1: Literature Review and Research Design | SE | ||
| BUS802 Business Research Project 2: Applied Qualitative Business Research | SE | ||
| BUS803 Business Research Project 3: Applied Quantitative Business Research | SE | ||
| BUS804 Business Research Thesis Proposal | SE | ||
Students Commencing in Semester 2
The recommended study plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use these as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| BUS801 Business Research Project 1: Literature Review and Research Design | SE | ||
| BUS802 Business Research Project 2: Applied Qualitative Business Research | SE | ||
| BUS803 Business Research Project 3: Applied Quantitative Business Research | SE | ||
| BUS804 Business Research Thesis Proposal | SE | ||
Course fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
2022: Fees and charges for 2022 will be published no later than 1 December 2021.