Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Science

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 Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidature subject to fulfilment of requirements for candidature as specified in the Higher Degree by Research Policy . The grade achieved will determine entry to either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Master of Philosophy (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.

To be eligible for admission to the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Science, 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) with a minimum Grade Point Average of 5.0 (using a 7.0 point scale).

In addition to the academic qualifications required as described above, the following criteria need to be satisfied:

• there is a qualified member of staff holding confirmed, continuing or fixed term appointments of sufficient length for the purposes of supervision.

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 Science. 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.

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.