Graduate Certificate in Research and Evaluation for Practice

Develop advanced research and evaluation skills for policy and practice improvement

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Entry requirements

Key information

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Bachelor degree or equivalent qualification.

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Direct Entry

Yes

Duration

1 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start Dates

March

Annual Fees

2026 : $16,050 (FFP)

2026 : (FFP)

Delivery mode

Online

Practical experience

Available

Study abroad

Not available

English language requirements

Entry requirements by country

Why study the Graduate Certificate in Research and Evaluation at Flinders?

Advance your career with in-demand skills in research, evaluation, and data-informed decision-making. Ideal for those working in education, health, social services, or policy, you’ll learn to assess programs, influence strategy, and drive meaningful change in your organisation

Turn research into real-world impact

Learn to translate research into meaningful action that improves outcomes in your workplace or community.

Build practical, job-ready skills

Develop hands-on capabilities in data collection, evaluation, and analysis that you can apply immediately.

Advance your career across sectors

Gain in-demand skills valued in education, health, social services, and government policy roles.

Go beyond theory

Understand how to design research, interpret findings, and share evidence that drives positive change.

Scholarships can ease the financial challenges of university study

Flinders has scholarships for high achievers, those in need of financial aid, indigenous, rural, and STEM students.

Learn more.

Flinders has scholarships for high achievers, those in need of financial aid, indigenous, rural, and STEM students.

Find out if you're eligible.

What you will study

Across four core topics studied part-time over one year, you’ll learn to critically interpret evidence, design and evaluate programs, and communicate findings to create meaningful change in your workplace or community - all while fitting study around your life.

Course handbook

Topics

Your topics might include:

Research and Evaluation for Practice
Research Informed Decision Making
Gathering Data in the Real World
Evaluating Practice and Policy

Your career

Strengthen your ability to make evidence-based decisions and drive change in your organisation. Graduates are equipped to design and evaluate programs, interpret research, and influence policy across sectors such as education, health, social services, and government.

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary

$95,000^*

Expected salary

$105,000^*

Expected salary

$100,000^*

Expected salary

$85,000^*

Expected salary

$105,000^*

Potential occupations

You could be a

Expected salary

$95,000^*

Expected salary

$105,000^*

Expected salary

$100,000^*

Expected salary

$85,000^*

Expected salary

$105,000^*

Potential employers

State and Federal Government Departments
Universities and Research Institutes
Non-government Organisations (NGOs)
Health and Social Services Agencies
Consulting and Evaluation Firms
Education and Training Providers

Practical experience

Gain hands-on skills to design and evaluate programs that create real-world impact. Through applied learning, you’ll develop the confidence to collect, interpret, and communicate evidence that drives change in your field.

Analyse real case studies from education, health, and community contexts

Apply evaluation frameworks to your current workplace or professional interests

Develop ethical research proposals aligned to your industry

Connect with industry

Connect with organisations and professionals committed to evidence-based practice. Flinders maintains relationships with government departments, non-government agencies, education providers, and community services that engage in program evaluation and research. Through these connections, you’ll gain insight, mentorship, and pathways into evaluation work across sectors.

Flinders University is a future you can count on

Financial support - eligible students an receive significant financial assistance, such as government subsidies and scholarships, reducing the cost of the degree.

No. 1 in Australia for postgraduate employment*.

Flexible online study - study anywhere, anytime and start, stop and restart your studies when life allows.

Flinders University is ranked No. 1 in South Australia in Education & Training for learner engagement, learning resources, overall educational experience, student support and teaching quality***.

^{*QILT 2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-longitudinal **Source: Jobs and Skills Australia 2023 employment projections to May 2033

***The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only)}

Get inspired

Discover more about Research and Evaluation at Flinders.

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James Mingorance

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I loved my time at Flinders and the connections I made.

This degree is strongly supporting my current role and aligned perfectly with my career goals.

The teaching staff are approachable and genuinely invested in helping students.

I loved my time at Flinders and the connections I made.

This degree is strongly supporting my current role and aligned perfectly with my career goals.

The teaching staff are approachable and genuinely invested in helping students.

Meet your academics

Our incredible teaching and professional staff are experts in their fields and well-connected to industry.

Professor Gretchen Geng

Course Coordinator

See full profile

Professor Gretchen Geng leads as Professor in Innovative Education Futures at Flinders University. She brings over a decade of senior leadership in higher education - at Australian Catholic University, RMIT, Beijing Foreign Studies University and more - and a deep international reputation for work on digital play, XR learning, and early childhood innovation. Her “Playful Reading” framework has already supported tens of thousands of teachers across Southeast Asia and reflects her commitment to transforming learning through technology, creativity and inclusion.

Zamzami Zainuddin

Senior Lecturer

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Dr Zamzami Zainuddin is a Senior Lecturer in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work at Flinders University. He brings international experience from his work as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Malaya and holds a PhD in Information and Technology Studies in Education from the University of Hong Kong. His research spans areas such as digital learning, immersive technologies (VR/AR), gamification, learner motivation, and AI-enhanced pedagogy, and he is committed to translating technology-driven research into meaningful educational practice.

Entry requirements

To apply, you’ll need a bachelor degree (or equivalent) plus at least 2 years of relevant work experience. If you don’t quite meet these requirements but have significant professional experience, you may still be considered.

Take the next step: from Graduate Certificate to Master Degree

When you complete the Graduate Certificate in Research and Evaluation for Practice, you’ve already taken the first step towards a Master of Advanced Social Work Practice, Master of Education or Master of Inclusive and Specialised Education. Your completed topics count directly toward the Master’s degree, meaning you can continue your studies and graduate with a full Master’s qualification when you’re ready. Use your Graduate Certificate as the foundation for higher qualifications and further career opportunities.

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

What will I learn in the Graduate Certificate in Research and Evaluation for Practice?

You’ll gain skills in data collection, research design, and program evaluation, learning to interpret evidence and use research to improve professional practice across sectors.

Is this course suitable for non-education professionals?

Yes. This course is ideal for professionals in health, social services, policy, or community sectors who want to strengthen their research and evaluation capabilities.

How long will it take to complete the course?

You can complete the course in six months full-time, or part-time to suit your schedule, through flexible 100% online learning.

What career opportunities are available after graduation?

Graduates can work as Program Evaluators, Research Officers, Policy Analysts, or Project Coordinators, applying evidence-based approaches to drive real-world change.

Can I continue into a Master’s degree?

Yes. Completing this course can provide credit towards the Master of Education or related postgraduate qualifications at Flinders University.

How to apply in 4 easy steps

Step 1

Choose your course

Select your preferred course.

Step 2

Entry requirements

Check the entry requirements and your eligibility.

Step 3

Key dates

Confirm the key application and enrolment dates.

Step 4

Submit application

Apply and submit your application via Direct Entry.

Apply now via Direct Entry

Who is eligible to apply?

Flinders Online courses are available for Australian or New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of Australian permanent humanitarian visas and Pacific Engagement visa holders.

International students in Australia who hold a student visa are not eligible to apply.

For further information regarding course eligibility, refer to the individual entry requirements for each course.

When do I apply?

You are encouraged to apply as soon as possible and by no later than teaching commencement dates. If places fill, applications for your preferred start date may close without notice and you will be considered for the next available intake.

Semester 1: teaching commences 2 March 2026 – Applications close 27 February 2026

Please refer to the individual Flinders Online course for more information.

Other critical and key dates

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted directly with Flinders.

You can apply for up to three courses in order of preference in your application. More information is available in the Application Guide.

Flinders Online Application guide

I've applied - what happens next?

Normally, we will inform you of the outcome of your application within 3-5 working days after submission.

If further information is required, we will contact you via email with details on what is needed and how to provide it.

Are HELP Loans available?

Yes, government-supported HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP loan area available to help eligible students pay for their higher education tuition fees.

HECS-HELP is for students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) to cover their student contribution amount.
FEE-HELP is for eligible domestic fee-paying students to cover their full tuition fees.

Both loans are indexed to reflect changes in the cost of living but are otherwise interest free. HELP Loans must be repaid through the tax system once your income reaches a certain threshold, with payments increasing as your earnings rise.