Griffith University
Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
The course 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.
Course overview
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.
Students may choose to exit the graduate diploma program (after successfully completing the specified courses) with the Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business.
Key facts
Nathan
What you will study
To be eligible for the award of Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business, you must complete 80 credit points (CP). Each course is valued at 10 CP.
Foundation Module
Complete the following:
- Research Design
- Quantitative Methods
- Translating Research into Academic Outputs
Choose one of the following:
- Qualitative Methods
- Advanced Quantitative Methods and Econometrics
Core Module
Complete the following:
- GBS Dissertation - 8001GBS_P1
- GBS Dissertation - 8001GBS_P2
- GBS Dissertation - 8001GBS_P3
- GBS Dissertation - 8001GBS_P4
Entry requirements
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 the following:
Pathway 1 - 0.5 year program (40 credit points):
- A Griffith Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business (3275) with a minimum GPA of 5.0.
- All applicants require a research topic and a suitable supervisor confirmed at the point of application.
Pathway 2 - 1-year program (80 credit points):
- Any Bachelor's/Master's (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 a suitable supervisor confirmed at the point of application.
*Professional experience includes but is not restricted to business owners, managers, team leaders, or any work within the proposed research field.
Students who complete courses in the Graduate Certificate in Research Studies in Business with a minimum GPA of 5.0 without graduating can transfer to the Graduate Diploma of Research Studies in Business. Students who graduate with the Graduate Certificate and seek admission to the Graduate Diploma must complete 40 credit points to complete the course successfully.
The Program Director will consider the following criteria 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. The Griffith Experts website may be a valuable resource for this purpose. Students needing help finding an appropriate supervisor and developing a research proposal should contact the Program Director.
English language requirements
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.
- A minimum score of 575 on the TOEFL.
- An internet-based (iBT) TOEFL score of 79 (no sub-score less than 19).
- No score less than 3+ in each skill of the ISLPR (conducted by ISLPR Language Services only).
- 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).
- An overall score of 58 in the Pearson Test of English (Academic) with no score less than 50.
English test results must be no more than two years old.
Suppose you do not meet the university's specified English language requirements. In that case, you may contact the Griffith English Language Institute to increase your eligibility for entering a Griffith University program. This institute offers several English language and other courses at its Brisbane and Gold Coast branches.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Griffith University grants credit and recognition of prior learning which may relate to prior formal learning or prior informal and non-formal learning. The university's Credit Precedent Database allows you to find out what credit decisions have been made in the past. These precedents will give you an idea of what you can expect. Contact the university for more information.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
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.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2025: $32,500 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative annual tuition fee is calculated based on a standard full-time study load which is usually 80 CP.
The indicative annual tuition fee is based on current conditions and available data and should only be used as a guide. These fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.