Key details
Duration
This short course is delivered over 3 weeks commencing 23th June 2025.
Student Visa holders must study internally full time
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This short course is available online to domestic and international students
This short course introduces methods in realist review (the realist approach to synthesis of existing literature and evidence) and explains their grounding in a realist philosophy of science. Students practice skills in scoping a realist review, developing program theory to guide the review, developing a realist search strategy for evidence, extracting evidence from literature, and synthesising findings. International reporting and quality standards for realist review will be used for self-assessment and as a tool for instructor feedback.
Participants will be able to:
1. Explain the implications of a realist approach for the tasks necessary to undertake a realist literature review.
2. Formulate an overarching and subsidiary questions for a realist literature review.
3. Develop an initial tentative theory explaining how a selected policy or program is expected to operate, or for a realist research or evaluation question.
4. Create and justify a realist literature search strategy.
5. Create and trial a coding framework for a realist literature review.
This course will be delivered over 3 weeks between 23rd June - 13th July 2025.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Skills recognition is not applicable to this course. CDU's short courses are highly targeted courses designed to help you improve a specific skill. They will help you improve your career prospects, maintain currency in your field, or allow you to try out something completely new.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Credit transfer, or advanced standing, is awarded based on previous relevant studies completed successfully within the past seven years.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of advanced standing where credit is granted based upon the assessment of a student's prior formal, non-formal and informal learning (or a combination thereof) to determine the extent to which the student has achieved the required learning outcomes of a specified unit.
To apply for credit transfer or RPL, you must apply to study at CDU and submit the relevant supporting documents including:
- HE113 Application for Exemption Form (PDF, 216.84 KB)
- Official Academic Record (Academic transcript and award certificates)
- Unit outlines or syllabus matching time-frame of studies. Unit outlines must be specific to the teaching period in which the unit was undertaken and must include:
- aims/objectives
- learning outcomes
- assessment items
- resources required and institutional identifiers (web links are not accepted, these must be converted to PDF prior to submission)
Please make sure you submit all the required documents with your application to ensure processing time is reduced.
Fees
Course Fees
2025 - fees for this course are $590.00
International course fees
2025 - fees for this course are $590.00
International VET Package
Why study at CDU?
Whether you learn on campus or online, you will be studying with a proud multi-sector university that’s a leader in research and flexible study delivery. CDU is innovative, industry-relevant and student-centred. Our students are at the heart of all that we do.
- Benefit from smaller class sizes for more personalised attention
- Online learners receive the same support as their on-campus peers
- Enjoy inclusive, welcoming learning environments
- Utilise our deep connections with industry, businesses and communities in the Northern Territory, across Australia, and beyond
Why study at CDU?
Whether you learn on campus or online, you will be studying with a proud multi-sector university that’s a leader in research and flexible study delivery. CDU is innovative, industry-relevant and student-centred. Our students are at the heart of all that we do.
- Benefit from smaller class sizes for more personalised attention
- Online learners receive the same support as their on-campus peers
- Enjoy inclusive, welcoming learning environments
- Utilise our deep connections with industry, businesses and communities in the Northern Territory, across Australia, and beyond
What will I study?
Candidates will enrol in the unit listed below to participate in this short course.
Course structure
A Certificate of attendance will be issued upon completion.
| Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Hours |
| UNITS OF COMPETENCY | ||
| ZSCRSC022 | Realist Review | 9 |
| Total | 9 | |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Participants should have a recognised undergraduate degree and a working understanding of/exposure to the field of evaluation in relation to policy or programs. There is an expectation that applicants will have easy access to a computer and the internet, basic computer literacy skills, a high degree of literacy suitable for reading academic English language texts and are proficient in English. Students will need a personal computer with videoconferencing capability, headset (optional) or quiet environment for online class meetings, and internet connection.
Completion of or prior enrolment in the Introduction to Realist Philosophy of Science short course is a prerequisite for this course.
This short course is ideal for postgraduate students using, or considering use of, realist approaches in their research; professionals and academics using realist approaches; and commissioners of realist evaluation and other realist research.
Admission criteria
As part of the application process, it is important that you meet the minimum academic entry requirements. If you have any questions, please email the International team: international@cdu.edu.au. We look forward to helping you through the process of applying to study with us at CDU.
| Programs | Entry requirements |
| Certificate level programs | A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 10 |
| Diploma and advanced diploma programs | A qualification equivalent to Australian Year 12 |
Essential requirements
English language requirements
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
The people-first approach to flexibility and supportive learning environment at CDU meant I could find a balance with study, work and family life.
Nikki
CDU student
CDU graduates have the best career and employment prospects. International students have ranked CDU 1st in Australia for learning and living experience
Hema
CDU student
Course details
Location and study mode
Locations: Online
Study Mode: Online
Additional information
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply direct to CDU
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
You will need a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner to help you apply
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from theAustralian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like VET and undergraduate.
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