Faculty of Science and Information Technology

Graduate Certificate in Science Management

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Back to topDescription

The Graduate Certificate in Science Management is a unique program that provides professional training in science-related project management and administration. This program is ideally suited for anyone who needs to know how to develop and manage solutions for science-based projects. This program is fully on-line, and includes a compulsory topic in project management and planning, plus choices of topics that allow students to develop expertise and sharpen skills in areas of specific interest.

Students completing this program can apply for credit into the Master in Science Management, which provides professional training in how to use these management skills to respond to critical science issues.

Back to topWhy study with us?

Designed around the contemporary needs of science, the Graduate Certificate in Science Management will introduce you to the key management issues affecting government, society and the broader economy today.

Back to topCareer Opportunities

Students will be drawn from government agencies and science-based industries, or from individuals seeking employment in those areas. Graduates will have enhanced employment and career progression opportunities in government agencies (eg. CSIRO, Co-operative Research Centres and Environmental and Regulatory Agencies) where science-based processes and project management are required and in industries where there is an emphasis on science-based R&D, or on the application of science in production and consulting. Career progression opportunities to more senior management positions will be highest for the Honours graduates.

Back to topAdmission Requirements

Applications for admission are initially assessed on the basis of an undergraduate degree but, for those who fall outside this criterion, applications will be assessed on the basis of "admissions points" as described in the Additional Selection Criteria. The Master of Science Management requires 100 admission points. Those applications who score 60 points will be offered a place in the Graduate Certificate in Science Management.

All applicants must satisfy the University's English Language requires as set out in the University's English Proficiency Policy: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/poicy/000104.html

Back to topSelection Criteria

Additional Selection Criteria:

  • Alternative entry will be assessed on the basis of the admission points scheme as described below.

    • An incomplete undergraduate degree or equivalent from an approved institution (with a Grade Point Average of 4.0 or greater):Up to 50 points depending on number of units successfully completed.
    • An AQF approved diploma or Associate Diploma or equivalent from an approved institution: Up to 50 points (50 points for a relevant area;

    30 points for a non-relevant area)

    • Approved professional qualifications: Up to 50 points.
    • Relevant work experience:20 points per year (maximum 60 points)
    • Related area of research or management project completed with appropriate documentation: Up to 50 points
    • Statement of professional aims and achievements and/or interview: Up to 20 points

    • An overseas qualification from an approved institution equivalent to an undergraduate degree, Diploma, Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma will be allocated the appropriate admission points as specified above.

Back to topCredit Transfer

Credit may be granted for coursework courses if they can be demonstrated to be directly equivalent in terms of content and depth of study to the corresponding courses in the Science Management program, and they were completed within the previous 5 years. Credit will be granted by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and IT in accordance with the Rules Governing Postgraduate Coursework Programs.

Back to topProfessional Accreditation

Discussions are ongoing with the Australian Institute of Project Management.

Back to topInternational Students

International students can only study this program on-line and must comply with the University's English Language proficiency requirements before an application is accepted. Consequently no additional strategies in relation to English language beyond those provided by the University should be required.

Back to topSpecial Needs

The support structure of the Student Support Unit will be available to assist any student with a disability or chronic illness. The Faculty accepts responsibility, in liaison with the Student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students will draw on the assistance and support provided by the Wollotuka Indigenous Support Unit.

Back to topRequirements and Structure

The program can be completed over one trimester full-time or equivalent part-time. Courses are offered online on a trimester basis. Students may commence studies in January, May or July. Please refer to the term dates on the University website at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/dates/trimester/2008.html

The program requires the completion of 40 units of courses comprising a 10 unit core (compulsory) course, and 30 units of Group A courses.

Students who have successfully completed the Graduate Certificate in Science Management may progress to the Master of Science Management program.

Back to topCourse Information

Back to topCore Courses
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.
INFT6304Project Planning and Management10 units
Back to topDirected Courses
Choose 30 units from Directed courses.
BIOL6001Science Policy and Commercialisation10 units
EDUC6157History, Nature, and Practice of Science10 units
GENG6006Research and Development, Managing Intellectual Property10 units
GSBS6020Management & Organisational Behaviour10 units
STAT6100Total Quality Management10 units
STAT6107Statistics for the Sciences10 units