Applications are closing soon. There is still time to apply to start your study in Trimester 2. Apply by Monday 1 June.
- 1 year part-time
- Online
- Feb, Jun, Sep
- View dates
- AUD 2,368
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- Build practical research skills to analyse complex social issues and support evidence-based decision-making in your professional field.
- The Graduate Certificate of Social Research is designed for experienced practitioners and postgraduate students who want to strengthen their research capability. Whether you have already completed a masters degree or are following a research pathway, this qualification helps you develop the specialised knowledge and practical skills needed to design and conduct meaningful research.
- Learn to apply rigorous research methods and analytical frameworks to enable you to assess interventions, explore critical issues, and contribute to evidence-based practice in your field.
- Develop as an ethical and reflective practitioner, gaining confidence in your ability to critically appraise research and apply insights within your professional context. This research certificate focuses on real-world application, ensuring your learning is directly relevant to your discipline and career goals.
- A key feature in your studies is the opportunity to plan and undertake an independent research project. This allows you to consolidate your learning, apply your expertise, and demonstrate your research capabilities in practice.
- This qualification prepares you to contribute to research in a meaningful way and is also a pathway into advanced research degrees, such as UniSQ's Doctor of Philosophy.
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.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Graduate Certificate of Social 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
- This estimated 2026 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 moreHow to apply
Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
ApplyYou can select to start your study in Trimester 1 or 3.
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1, 2026 | Monday 16 February | Monday 9 February | Monday 16 February |
| Trimester 3, 2026 | Monday 14 September | Monday 7 September | Monday 14 September |
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:
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.
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.
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 Social 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.
Yes! UniSQ provides you with the flexibility to study our postgraduate Graduate Certificate of Social 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.
