Duration
1 year full time / 2 years part time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
February
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
AUD $33,984 (2026 indicative first year fee). Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) are not available
Learn more
Learn more
Career outcomes
Overview
- Gain advanced competencies for a career in clinical research
- Graduate with expertise to expand your career prospects in healthcare
- Meet the entry requirements for further study, including a PhD pathway
The Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research is driven by industry needs and highly regarded by employers. The specialist knowledge developed through this course will expand your career prospects and put you at the heart of opportunities in healthcare.
Upon completion of this course, you should have the clinical competencies and specialised skills to practice clinical research at an advanced level. You will be qualified to plan, implement, and manage clinical research programs, as well as translate your research into clinical practice.
Graduate Diploma in Clinical Research careers
You will graduate with a range of varied career opportunities across numerous healthcare and research settings, including:
- Clinical research and contract research organisations
- Academic and research institutions
- Healthcare organisations and hospitals
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Clinical trial management and coordination roles
- Research project management and leadership positions
Further Study
You may choose to progress to the Master of Clinical Research, which can also be a pathway to your PhD - it satisfies the 25-point research credit to PhD admission, allowing you to further advance your expertise and research in the field of clinical research.
Profile
Maria Kirby
Since starting the program, I have been appointed to work part time as medical lead for clinical trials for the Australian children's cancer cooperative group (ANZCHOG) in addition to my clinical and site level trials work. This involves ensuring sponsor responsibilities are met throughout clinical trial life cycles from conception to completion - without the knowledge gained through the program I would not have had the confidence to take on this role.
My professional background is as a paediatric oncologist, and I had a lot of experience as site investigator for multi-site academic and cooperative clinical trials, but much less experience with pharma trials and in overall study leadership. This course initially attracted me because the structure of intensive blocks fitted well with taking professional development leave and travelling to Melbourne for study blocks, and the subjects and course structure covered areas I felt I needed to understand better.
The course provides a really good comprehensive overview of clinical research regardless of career stage, from those starting out to those with experience moving into more complex roles in research.