Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business

The Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business 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 may be eligible for admission to a MPhil or PhD 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 (see the Pathways to further study section for further information).

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 Business.

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business, 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 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) with a minimum Grade Point Average of 5.0 (using a 7.0 scale), OR
• have completed the Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 (using a 7.0 point scale).

Students who successfully complete courses in the Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 without graduating will be able to transfer to the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business (4160). Students who graduate with the Graduate Certificate and seek admission to the Graduate Diploma will be required to complete 60 credit points in order to successfully complete the Graduate Diploma.

The Program Director will take the following criteria into consideration when assessing applications for admission:

• evidence of the willingness of an appropriately qualified staff member to serve as a research supervisor.

Applicants are required to find a suitable supervisor and have their research project approved. Students may find the Griffith Experts website a useful resource to this end. Students requiring assistance in finding a suitable supervisor and developing a research proposal should contact the Program Director.

From 2025, the following admission requirements will apply.

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

Pathway 1 - 0.5 year program (40CP):

• A Griffith Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business (3275) with a minimum GPA of 5.0.
• All applicants require a research topic and suitable supervisor confirmed at point of application.

Pathway 2 - 1 year program (80CP):

• Any Bachelor/Masters (with GPA of 5.0 in the two most recent years of study) OR 7 Years full-time (or equivalent) Related Professional Experience*.
• All applicants require a research topic and suitable supervisor confirmed at point of application.

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

Students who successfully complete courses in the Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business (3245) with a minimum GPA of 5.0 without graduating will be able to transfer to the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business (4160). Students who graduate with the Graduate Certificate (3245) and seek admission to the Graduate Diploma (4160) will be required to complete 40 credit points in order to successfully complete the Graduate Diploma (4160).

The Program Director will take the following criteria into consideration when assessing applications for admission:

• evidence of the willingness of an appropriately qualified staff member to serve as a research supervisor.

Applicants are required to find a suitable supervisor and have their research project approved. Students may find the Griffith Experts website a useful resource to this end. Students requiring assistance in finding a suitable supervisor and developing a research proposal should contact the Program Director.

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.

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

The Direct Entry Program (DEP) is not available for Domestic students.

Applicants should refer to the English language requirements section of the following University procedure for exceptions to these overall requirements:

• Admission Procedure

If you do not meet the University's specified English language requirements, you may wish to contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This Institute offers a number of English language and other courses at both its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.

• Griffith English Language Institute

Applicants should be aware that these test scores are the minimum scores required by Griffith University for entry into the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business. Students intending to progress to Higher Degree Research studies should refer to the language requirements for Higher Degree Research programs as they may require higher levels of proficiency.

You will be able to plan and conduct research in business and commerce and be well placed for career opportunities in the private, not-for-profit and public sectors. You may also be able to progress to a higher degree by research and pursue a high-level research career.