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  • Postgraduate
  • Degree

Graduate Certificate of Educational Research

How to apply
Entry requirements
Duration
  • 0.5 years (or part-time equivalent)
Location
  • Online
Start
Fees
  • AUD 2,312
  • (Indicative annual fee)

Overview

  • Build the expertise to examine critical issues in education and evaluate educational interventions and programs. Study UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Educational Research - a comprehensive degree of advanced professional learning and research designed for experienced educators.  
  • Lay the foundation for further study – this certificate provides a pathway into the UniSQ Doctor of Philosophy.  
  • Become a competent and confident researcher, gaining advanced theoretical knowledge, an ability to solve complex problems and evaluate issues. This certificate is centred in the philosophy that education is a critical foundation in socially inclusive societies and acknowledges the complex challenges that educators face in diverse and rapidly changing communities. 
  • Under the guidance of experiences academics, you will learn to plan and execute independent projects which consolidate, build upon and apply the capabilities developed through your degree and professional practice. A final project undertaken at the end of your certificate provides the opportunity to demonstrate these capabilities in practice. 

Supportive

My academic journey at UniSQ has been amazing, the lecturers are supportive and genuinely want students to do well.

Nicole

Career outcomes

This postgraduate certificate offers career opportunities in advanced roles across education and research and serves as a pathway to PhD study. As a graduate, you can find work as a: 

  • academic 
  • education advisor 
  • education consultant 
  • school leader or head of department 
  • policy maker 
  • educational researcher. 

Why study Education and Teaching at UniSQ?

Feel secure in your future

Rated 5/5 stars for graduate starting salary.
(Good Universities Guide, 2025)

Be future ready, today

UniSQ is future-focused, we teach skills that are directly transferrable to today’s workplace and jobs of the future.

Flexible study options

Balance life and learning with online study. 

What you'll study

To graduate from the Graduate Certificate of Educational Research, you must successfully complete 4 units of study.

Degree structure

A postgraduate university degree typically comprises of advanced coursework and research opportunities, allowing you to deepen your expertise in a specific field while building upon foundational knowledge.

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.

Other study options

If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Doctor of Philosophy (if you meet all the entry requirements).

Entry requirements

There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes. You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this postgraduate degree.

  • Completion of an Australian university 3-year bachelor degree, or equivalent, in any area.

You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:

  • IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.5 and a minimum score of 6.0 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.

Entry pathways

There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.

Fees and scholarships

Commonwealth supported AUD 2,312
The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your degree, and you need to pay a student contribution.
  • This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (4 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee
  • This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
  • We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
  • Further details are available on the Fees website.

Additional costs

You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.

Payment options

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.

UniSQ Scholarships

We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!

Find out more

How to apply

Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply
Degree code
GCRE

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1 or 2.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Start date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 10 February Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February 
Trimester 2, 2025 Monday 26 May Monday 19 May Monday 26 May 
Trimester 1, 2026  Monday 16 February Monday 9 February  Monday 16 February 

More information on application key dates is available.

Preparing to apply

You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:

Each degree has unique entry requirements so it’s essential to know the specifics for your chosen degree.

The entry requirements for your degree will provide you with details regarding the documentation to provide. These may include:

  • interviews and selection criteria
  • CV/resume or LinkedIn profile
  • referee reports.

Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.

Apply online directly to UniSQ for your chosen degree.

After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.

Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.

Find out more

Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.

Live Chat

Available 5 days a week
Chat now

Phone

Freecall
1800 269 500

Email

Email us at study@unisq.edu.au

Appointment

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

This degree is designed for experienced educators who want to take their career to the next level by enhancing their research skills and evaluate educational programs and interventions. You may be able to pursue careers in:

  • educational research
  • university research
  • curriculum development
  • teaching standards and practices
  • policy.

UniSQ’s Graduate Certificate of Educational Research offers a blend of advanced professional learning and research training, designed to elevate your research expertise and open a direct pathway into our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research degree.

We know that cost can play a big part in your decision to study. Learn about the fees related to your degree and the financial support options we have available during your studies on our fees and scholarships website.

Yes! UniSQ provides you with the flexibility to study our postgraduate Graduate Certificate of Educational Research online. Your online education degree can be tailored to your individual needs, allowing you to experience the same level of support and opportunity as on-campus students.

Studying an educational research degree online allows you to fit study into your life and access learning resources, forums, assessment information and study support from wherever you are.

So why study an Education and Teaching degree online at UniSQ?

  • We have 40+ years of experience delivering flexible study options via online learning.
  • You won’t be alone – over 75% of UniSQ students choose to study online.
  • Visit your online classroom anywhere, anytime, 24/7.
  • We know what we’re doing! UniSQ’s fastest growing cohort is online.

UniSQ offers carefully crafted education degrees that prepare you with the essential skills and knowledge to guide you in your career. By selecting UniSQ, you'll gain the knowledge needed to make well-informed decisions about educational interventions, socially inclusive societies and the challenges facing educators.

Gain a strong start to your career and study educational research with UniSQ.

  • UniSQ is rated 5/5 stars for education and training learning resources.*
  • We are rated 5/5 stars for postgraduate starting salary.*

* (Good Universities Guide, 2025)