CREST Program
Overview
The Curtin Consumer-led Research Education and Support Training Program (known as ‘Curtin CREST’) is an online training program funded by the Western Australia State Government. It has been developed by Curtin Involve and Curtin’s Consumer Research Lab and in collaboration with the Department of Health’s Office of Medical Research and Innovation.
The program aims to educate and upskill consumers and community members with the fundamental principles of research, and to gain the skills to co-design and lead health projects in partnership with researchers and stakeholders.
Program details
- Time commitment: approximately 145–150 hours, plus voluntary fortnightly virtual drop-in sessions
- Delivery option: fully online and self-paced
- Duration: 10–12 months
- Fee: Free of charge
- 2026 intake: Opening soon
Register your interest for the next intake by emailing involve@curtin.edu.au
Phase 1: Training modules
Total workload
65 hours
Study mode
Fully online and self-paced
Duration
13 weeks
Weekly commitment
- 2 hours of learning content (13 modules)
- 3 hours of preparation and assessment
- Optional fortnightly drop-in session
Phase 2: Practical research modules
Total workload
80 hours
Study mode
Option of online or face-to-face research supervision
Duration
16 weeks
Weekly commitment
- 1 hour research supervision
- 4 hours of practical research and assessment
After completion of the full Curtin CREST program, all participants will:
- Receive a certification of completion
- Join the Curtin CREST alumni community
- Access unit content for up to 18 months (starting from the program commencement date)
- Receive 25 credit points (equivalent to one unit) for a selected graduate certificate qualification at Curtin University (each graduate certificate consists of 4 units with 100 credits in total)