Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business

Graduates of the Graduate Certificate in Research Studies (Business) will have advanced theoretical and specialist knowledge in the principals and methods that underpin research within the field of business, equipping students with the research training and skills for further learning.

The Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business is a 40 credit point program that provides training in modern social science research methods. Upon successful completion of the program, students may be able to progress to the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business.

The Griffith Business School will be responsible for the overall supervision of the student and monitoring their progress throughout the program.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Research Design
• Quantitative Methods
• Qualitative Methods
• Industry Project.

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

For the award of Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business (GCertResSt), you must acquire 40 credit points made up of:

• 40 credit points for the Foundation Module.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $19,250

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

With a network of campuses spanning three cities in South East Queensland, Griffith University is committed to progressive multidisciplinary teaching and research and a valuable online provider with Open Universities Australia. Already attracting students from over one hundred countries, Griffith's dedication to academic excellence is available across Australia through OUA.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

18

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

From 2025, the following admission requirements will apply.

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business, you must have one of:

• Any Bachelor/Graduate Diploma/Masters (a Graduate Certificate is not sufficient on its own) OR 5 Years Related Professional Experience*.  

*Professional Experience including but not restricted to: Business Owner, Manager, Team Leader or any work within the field of proposed Research. 

The minimum English Language proficiency requirements for applicants to Higher Degree Research (HDR) programs are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on the IELTS (Academic) with no band score less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on the paper-based TOEFL including a score of no less than 5.0 on the TWE
• OR a score of 79 on the internet-based (iBT) TOEFL with no sub-score less than 19
• OR a score of no less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only)
• OR a minimum overall score of 176 (no score less than 169) on C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English) or C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English)
• OR an overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.

Only in-person tests are accepted.

English test results must be no more than two years old prior to the commencement of the program.

Applicants should be aware that these test scores are the minimum scores required by Griffith University for most disciplinary areas and that some elements may require higher levels of proficiency.

Reduce the time it takes to finish your degree. You can apply to Griffith to recognise your prior learning, including: 

• Formal learning through courses completed at uni and TAFE. 
• Informal learning through workplace experience or volunteer training. 
• Non-formal learning through social experiences and hobbies.