University of Queensland

Graduate Diploma in Business Research Methods

  • Delivery: Face to Face
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 12 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Diploma

Master qualitative, quantitative and scientific research methods, then complete an independent project or thesis that can support progression towards business research careers or higher-degree study.

Course overview

Move from identifying a business problem to producing original research that can inform knowledge and practice. The University of Queensland’s Graduate Diploma in Business Research Methods is designed for graduates seeking advanced research training for professional or academic purposes.

Working with internationally recognised researchers, you will examine qualitative, quantitative and scientific methods alongside research design and analysis. You will then apply this knowledge through a substantial independent research project or thesis, including defining a research question, reviewing existing literature, collecting and analysing data and drawing evidence-based conclusions. Electives allow you to connect your research with areas such as accounting, finance, information systems, strategy or marketing.

Delivered face-to-face at UQ’s St Lucia campus, the course can be completed in one year of full-time study or the part-time equivalent. The combination of advanced methods training and independent research can support business research careers or preparation for a Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy, although admission to a research degree remains subject to separate requirements.

Key facts

Delivery
Face to Face
Course Type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
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Can be studied part time
12 months (Full time)
Price Per Unit
From $5,543
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The estimated fee is determined by individual units of study and the year the course was commenced.
Campus
St Lucia
Intake
22nd February, 2027
26th July, 2027
Units
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You may be required to complete 0 credit point units throughout your course. The university will confirm this as part of your enrolment.

The unit total reflects the number of units required for course completion, not the total credit point weight. Some units may be double- or triple-weighted, so the number of units you complete may be lower.
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Fees
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FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

At UQ, a unit represents the value of individual courses that contribute to the total unit requirements of a program. Most UQ courses have a value of two units, though some may vary depending on the program or course structure.

To earn the Graduate Diploma in Business Research Methods, you must complete 16 units, normally comprising five to seven courses depending on your research option, as detailed below. Unless otherwise noted, each course is worth two units.

The course comprises:

  • Four to eight units from the research project or thesis options.
  • At least four units from the research units.
  • The remaining four to eight units from the elective options.

The research project or thesis, research units and electives must collectively total 16 units.

Flexible core units – research project or thesis

Complete four to eight units from the following:

  • Research Project (four units)
  • Research Thesis (eight units)
Research units
Elective units

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

To be eligible for this course, applicants must meet both of the following requirements:

  • Hold either:
    • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline.
    • UQ’s Graduate Certificate in Business Research Methods.
  • Have achieved a minimum Grade Point Average of 5.75 on UQ’s seven-point scale in the previous qualification.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission.

Supporting documents

Applicants must submit:

  • Official transcripts of previous studies.
  • Evidence of residency status.

English language requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of at least one of the following:

  • An IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no individual band score below 6.0.
  • A TOEFL internet-based score of 87, including at least 19 in listening, 19 in reading, 21 in writing and 19 in speaking.
  • A PTE Academic overall score of 64, with no communicative skill score below 60.
  • Another form of English language evidence accepted by the university.

OET is not accepted for this course. Permanent residents whose previous studies were completed at an institution where English was not the language of instruction are required to complete an IELTS test.

Contact the university for further information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of units that you need to study to finish your course. Contact the university for more information.

Outcomes

Career outcomes

Potential career outcomes include:

  • Business Development Manager
  • Market Research Consultant
  • Tracking Specialist
  • Workforce Planning Director
  • Quantitative Consultant
  • Market Intelligence Account Manager
  • Social and Commercial Research Consultant
  • Insight Analyst

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative annual fee in 2026: $44,344 (Full-fee paying place)

Indicative annual fees are based on your first year of study.

A student’s annual fee may vary by:

  • The number of units studied.
  • Choice of units.
  • Credit from previous study or work experience.
  • Eligibility for government-funded loans.

Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.

FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee-paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.