The program draws on existing courses offered in all postgraduate Master award programs offered by the College of Medicine, Biology and Environment and the College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences. It is intended primarily as an exit award for students who are unable, for a variety of reasons, to complete a Master degree but have completed 24 units of credit toward their postgraduate program. The Graduate Certificate program will also provide an entry pathway to other postgraduate coursework programs such as Master degrees for those students who do not initially meet the admission requirements for Master by Coursework degrees.

Analyse, evaluate and transform information to complete a range of activities related to particular science disciplines; Analyse, generate and communicate solutions to complex problems in science; Communicate knowledge, skills and ideas to others; and Exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.