The Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Science is an 80 credit point program that provides an alternative route for entry into a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program for applicants who do not possess the required qualifications for direct admission.

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

The Program Director will be responsible for the overall supervision of the student and 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 Research Studies in Science.

Related degrees

• Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Science – 3321 

Attendance information

The Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Science is offered full-time on-campus at the Nathan and Gold Coast campuses.

Students enrolling in the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Science are required to complete coursework and a dissertation.

During enrolment in the dissertation component of this program, it is expected that students will be able to work independently for most of the time. The requirement for on-campus attendance is relatively flexible and unstructured. However, students will be required to meet regularly with their supervisor and it is recommended that students discuss the on-campus attendance requirements with their supervisor prior to the start of the dissertation.

If you are an International student on a student visa, you must ensure that you enrol in a way that will allow you to complete your enrolment within the expected program duration as stated on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

Pathways to further study

Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Science (and have achieved a Grade Point Average of 5.0 or higher with a Grade of 5 in the Dissertation component) will be eligible for admission into the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) program subject to fulfilment of requirements for candidature as specified in the Higher Degree Research Policy.

Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Science (and have achieved a Grade Point Average of 5.5 or higher with a Grade of 6 in the Dissertation component) will be eligible for admission into the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program subject to fulfilment of requirements for candidature as specified in the Higher Degree Research Policy.

Changing programs

If an International student changes to a different program they will be subject to the approved program fee for the trimester in which they are enrolled.

Permanent resident status

If an undergraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will be provided with a domestic fee-paying place.

The student may then apply for a Commonwealth supported place at the next admission period provided that the student satisfies the conditions for transfer from a domestic fee-paying place to a Commonwealth supported place as set out in the Undergraduate Programs Admission Policy.

If a postgraduate student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth supported place (subject to availability) or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.

If a research student obtains permanent resident status in Australia after commencing study in a program, and the student can provide evidence of permanent resident status prior to the census date (of the trimester in which they are enrolled), the student will automatically be considered for a Commonwealth Government Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset or a domestic fee-paying place as applicable for the program.

My career opportunities

Graduates of this program will be able to plan and conduct research in their relevant field of study, and therefore, will be well-placed for positions in the private, not-for-profit and public sectors. In addition, graduates will also be able to progress to Griffith Graduate Research School programs thereby preparing them for high-level research careers.