Specialist Certificate in Research Practice for Scientists

University of Melbourne

Australia, Melbourne

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University of Melbourne

Australia , Melbourne

Key Facts

Program Level

Certificate

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

Online

Campuses

Online

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesFebruary-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Tuition Fee

AUD 14,000 / year

Next Intake February-2026

Specialist Certificate in Research Practice for Scientists

About

Overview

Making the leap from a PhD to the workforce can be challenging, and that’s where the Specialist Certificate in Research Practice for Scientists comes in.

The Specialist Certificate allows you to undertake a paid internship with a company or organisation relevant to your PhD research, gaining practical experience, enhancing your soft skills and building networks.

The Specialist Certificate is taken over 3–6 months after submission of your thesis, so the internship can be your main focus.

Enhance your employability

The real-life experience will be an important addition to your CV but, just as importantly, it’ll give you the chance to connect with other people in your field.

You’ll also gain some perspective when it comes to career planning and professional development considerations, and prospective employer expectations.

The world is your oyster

You can source your own internship, or access unique opportunities with highly-regarded organisations via the Australian Postgraduate Research Internship program.

Internships can be completed across all industries, government sectors, research institutions or not-for-profit organisations. You might be working on a distinct project or across a range of activities within the organisation.

This course is only available to international students within the terms of your existing visa.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission criteria

To be considered for entry into this course, you must:

Have a completed PhD in Science (or equivalent), or
Be admitted to the Doctor of Philosophy (Science) with a candidature status of ‘Under Examination’ (having submitted your thesis).
- You must also have subject coordinator approval following endorsement of your application.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Where our admission criteria includes a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

English Program Requirements

English language test score requirements

If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0

TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60

CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169

*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

Career

Professional skills

You'll further develop your employability skills, including communication, interpersonal understanding, analytical thinking, problem-solving, organisation, project-management and time-management.

Industry ready

You’ll develop an enhanced ability to apply theory to practice, while adding to your vocational experience and gaining insight into the conditions, cultures and complexities of a workplace setting.