Graduate Diploma in Science (Research)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1, 2 & 3
- Duration
- 1 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- Program code 5304
- CRICOS code 081526K
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2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $38,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $38,000*
-
2025 Indicative first year full fee
- $56,000*
-
2025 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $57,000*
Entry Requirements
Fees
Fees
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Social impact
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Leading innovation
UNSW is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
What does this mean for my studies? UNSW is moving to a new ‘flex-semester’ calendar.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Graduate Diploma (Research) will give you specialised knowledge and research training in disciplines within the Faculty of Science. You will be expected to complete disciplinary coursework (of 18-24 Units of Credit) and a significant independent research project (24-30 UoC).
You can choose from a diverse range of disciplines, so the exact proportion of research-based work and coursework may differ by School. In addition to conducting research and coursework, you will be expected to undertake Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) training, attend and present seminars, and write a literature review and thesis.
Why study at UNSW?
This degree will benefit those wishing to upgrade existing qualifications or to develop expertise in a different but related area from that of their first degree.
Want to see more from UNSW Science?
Entry requirements
To be accepted for admission into the program students are typically expected to have a bachelor's degree with a good pass in a related (but not necessarily directly relevant) discipline to their chosen area of study.
Due to the diverse nature of the disciplines within the program, details of acceptable disciplines considered for admission are shown in relevant plan pages in the handbook. A 'good pass' is considered to be a weighted average mark of 55-64. However, particular disciplines within science may have additional entry requirements due to the competitive nature of some disciplines and the number of research places available within a School. Applicants with substantial professional experience which demonstrates an aptitude for research or significant understanding in a discipline area will be considered for admission.
These students will need to include a written submission with their application detailing their professional experience and its relevance to undertaking a research program. These students will also need to provide a statement of service from their employer verifying the position, role/responsibilities and duration of employment. This application will be assessed by the Associate Dean (Education).
To apply for admission to the Graduate Diploma (Research), students should contact the relevant School for information on research projects, available supervisors and entry requirements. Once students have located a suitable supervisor, they should lodge an application for the Graduate Diploma (Research) via Apply Online.
No advanced standing will be granted to students upon entry as students are expected to complete a full 48 units of credit to receive the award of Graduate Diploma (Research).
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
To be accepted for admission into the program students are typically expected to have a bachelor's degree with a good pass in a related (but not necessarily directly relevant) discipline to their chosen area of study.
Due to the diverse nature of the disciplines within the program, details of acceptable disciplines considered for admission are shown in relevant plan pages in the handbook. A 'good pass' is considered to be a weighted average mark of 55-64. However, particular disciplines within science may have additional entry requirements due to the competitive nature of some disciplines and the number of research places available within a School. Applicants with substantial professional experience which demonstrates an aptitude for research or significant understanding in a discipline area will be considered for admission.
These students will need to include a written submission with their application detailing their professional experience and its relevance to undertaking a research program. These students will also need to provide a statement of service from their employer verifying the position, role/responsibilities and duration of employment. This application will be assessed by the Associate Dean (Education).
To apply for admission to the Graduate Diploma (Research), students should contact the relevant School for information on research projects, available supervisors and entry requirements. Once students have located a suitable supervisor, they should lodge an application for the Graduate Diploma (Research) via Apply Online.
No advanced standing will be granted to students upon entry as students are expected to complete a full 48 units of credit to receive the award of Graduate Diploma (Research).
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
For more details, visit the English Language Requirements page.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Full program structure
When you study a Graduate Diploma in Science (Research) you'll gain specialised knowledge and research training in disciplines within the Faculty of Science.
You'll complete disciplinary coursework and a significant independent research project. Due to the range of disciplines, the exact proportion of research-based work and coursework may differ by the program you choose to study.
In addition to conducting research and coursework, you'll complete Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) training, attend and present seminars, write a literature review, and write a thesis.
You'll complete a specialisation in Biotech and Biomolecular Science. This specialisation includes study in applied sciences, human bacterial pathogens, hepatitis viruses, tissue engineering, cancer, bioinformatics, functional genomics, extremophiles, astrobiology, and more.
Research is grouped into four main disciplines:
- Environmental Microbiology
- Systems and Cellular Biology
- Molecular Medicine
- Infectious Disease
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through our Apply Online portal. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term. Some high-demand programs and Faculties with limited places may have an earlier application deadline or commencement date. Find out more.
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
*Fees are subject to annual review (or when required) by the University and may vary accordingly.
Indicative fees are a guide only and have been calculated based on the typical enrolment patterns of students undertaking the program. The indicative fees listed here is an estimate for tuition only and excludes non-tuition fees and charges. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year of enrolment, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (48 units of credit (UOC) per year).
You should not rely on indicative fees as fee increases are assessed when required and may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Actual fees are calculated on enrolment. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025
AFR Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025
Crunchbase venture capital start-up data, 2021
UNSW has a strong focus on industry collaborations with opportunities for students to network.
