Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies will have advanced knowledge in the chosen disciplinary fields in Criminology and Criminal Justice; and specialised knowledge of research principles and practices in Criminology and Criminal Justice; and knowledge of community expectations of responsible research practices and ethics.

The Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies is an 80 credit point program designed to provide graduates in the criminology and criminal justice discipline with the opportunity to undertake advanced study in research methodology and to undertake supervised research work in the discipline area appropriate to their research trajectory.

The program provides the necessary preparation for entry into a higher degree research program (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or equivalent program) for applicants who do not possess the required qualifications for direct admission into these programs. The program will also be available to students who wish to undertake advanced studies in the identified disciplinary fields but who may not wish to progress to MPhil or PhD study.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for admission to MPhil or PhD candidature subject to fulfilment of the requirements for candidature as specified in the Higher Degree Research Policy. The grade achieved will determine eligibility for admission to either a PhD or MPhil candidature.

The Program Director will be responsible for the overall supervision of students in the program and for monitoring their progress throughout the program.

Students may choose to exit the Graduate Diploma program (after successfully completing the specified courses) with the Graduate Certificate in Criminological Research Studies.

Recommended study pattern

The Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies will be offered full-time and part-time; on-campus and online.

Students enrolling in the Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies will be required to complete coursework and a dissertation.

Coursework: As far as possible, courses will be available for study through a variety of modes.

Dissertation: During enrolment in the dissertation component of this program, it will be expected that students will be able to work independently for most of the time. Students will be required to confer regularly with their supervisors and it is recommended that students discuss on-campus attendance requirements with their supervisors prior to the start of the dissertation.

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

• Managing Research Projects
• Quantitative Skills for Criminologists
• Justice and Crime
• Research and Evaluation Methods 

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

Award requirements

To be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies (GDipCrimResSt), a student must acquire 80 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 40 credit points for the coursework component and
• gain 40 credit points for the research dissertation component.

Exit points

To apply to exit the Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies with the Graduate Certificate in Criminological Research Studies award, a student must acquire a minimum of 40 credit points as prescribed below:

• gain 40 credit points for the coursework component
• OR gain 40 credit points for the research dissertation component
• OR gain 40 credit points for the research dissertation component plus 10 credit points for 6008CCJ Managing Research Projects OR 7022CCJ Research and Evaluation Methods, if an equivalent course has not been previously completed.

To exit, a student should apply for a program transfer.

Note: Students admitted to the Graduate Diploma who have a relevant Masters qualification but have not completed the 40 credit points of research content required for admission to a Higher Degree Research will be eligible to exit the Graduate Diploma with the Graduate Certificate in Criminological Research Studies award upon completion of the 40 credit point dissertation component. Those students who have not already completed a research methods course in their prior study will also be required to complete the 10 credit point research methods course (6008CCJ Managing Research Projects OR 7022CCJ Research and Evaluation Methods.

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Indicative total fee $27,500

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.

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To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies, a student must:

• hold an undergraduate degree in a related discipline from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing) with a minimum grade point average of 5.0 (using a 7.0 point scale) over the last two years of the Bachelor degree
• OR hold a Masters degree in a related discipline from a recognised University (or another tertiary education institution of equivalent standing)
• OR evidence of qualifications or learning equivalent to either of the foregoing categories.

As a condition of acceptance into the program, students will be required to find a suitable supervisor or supervisors and have their research project approved by the supervisor/s and the Program Director. Students requiring assistance in finding a suitable supervisor should contact a HDR Convenor in that discipline. The supervisor/s will be responsible for assessing and recommending applications for admission into the program and plans for programs of study and will act as the nominated student contact for any concerns and issues that arise in their study. The Program Director will have final approval for admissions into the program.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this program are as follows:

• A minimum overall band score of 6.5 on IELTS (Academic) with no sub-score of less than 6.0
• OR a minimum score of 575 on TOEFL
• OR an internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19)
• OR no score 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.

English test results must be no more than two years old.

Students who successfully complete the Direct Entry Program (DEP) will satisfy the English Language requirements for this Griffith degree.

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.