Graduate Certificate in Science Management

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.

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.

Graduates may find employment with government agencies and science-based industries, or with 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.

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/policy/000104.html

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.

Discussions are ongoing with the Australian Institute of Project Management.

International students can only study this program online and must comply with the University's English Language proficiency requirements before an application is accepted. All students can also access additional learning support mechanisms provided by the Centre for Teaching and Learning at http://www.newcastle.edu.au/unit/ctl/index.html

The support structures of the Student Support Unit will be available to assist any students with a disability or chronic illness. The Faculty and School 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 can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

The program requires the completion of 40 units of courses comprising:

• Core Courses - 10 units
• Directed Courses - 30 units

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

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 August. Please refer to the term dates on the University website at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/dates/

Students who commenced the program prior to 2012 and have:

• successfully completed GSBS6020 will be able to count it as a directed course toward their program.
• failed GSBS6020 or have not yet completed it, may enrol in GSBS6004.