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Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
Step into a transformative journey that empowers you to teach, lead, and preserve First Nations languages and cultures.
This Associate Degree is more than just a qualification, it is a commitment to embedding First Nations knowledges, languages, and pedagogies in education. Designed in close collaboration with First Nations Elders, educators, and communities, this course equips you with the skills to deliver culturally responsive and inclusive learning experiences.
Grounded in Aboriginal theoretical frameworks and First Nations ways of knowing, this program emphasises place-based learning, storytelling, and community-led approaches. You will gain hands-on experience in designing and delivering First Nations language and culture programs that align with the Australian Curriculum Frameworks, ensuring that students learn in a way that is both academically rigorous and culturally affirming.
Whether you are an emerging educator or looking to deepen your impact in First Nations education, this program provides the knowledge, pedagogical expertise, and work-integrated learning to shape the future of culturally responsive teaching.
Career opportunities
Join a program that values who you are and what you bring. Step into leadership, empower your community, and contribute to embedding First Nations knowledges and languages in education. Graduates pursue meaningful careers as cultural educators, language teachers, community program leaders, and education advocates. Opportunities span schools, government, cultural organisations, and non-profits, offering pathways that celebrate and strengthen First Nations education. This course equips you to lead in culturally responsive education.
Whether your passion lies in revitalising First Nations languages, leading cultural programs, or shaping inclusive learning environments, this qualification provides the skills and knowledge to drive real change.
Practical experience
This course includes 80 hours of work integrated learning.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
Why study Indigenous knowledges at CDU?
Study Indigenous knowledges at CDU to ensure the advancement and preservation of Indigenous knowledge systems. We're uniquely positioned to offer learnings from cultural experts so you can make change through careers in Indigenous policy, advocacy, research, or more.
- Relevant to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students
- Strong relationships with Indigenous community groups
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study Indigenous knowledges at CDU?
Study Indigenous knowledges at CDU to ensure the advancement and preservation of Indigenous knowledge systems. We're uniquely positioned to offer learnings from cultural experts so you can make change through careers in Indigenous policy, advocacy, research, or more.
- Relevant to Indigenous and non-Indigenous students
- Strong relationships with Indigenous community groups
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
Why study an undergraduate course at CDU?
Study an undergraduate course at Charles Darwin University to turn your passion into a profession. Choose from hundreds of certificates, diplomas and degrees and enjoy a flexible, supportive learning environment. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you at CDU.
- Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
This program provides a structured and scaffolded approach to developing culturally responsive teaching skills, First Nations cultural and linguistic education expertise, and professional teaching experience. It is designed to equip students with foundational and advanced knowledge, ensuring they are prepared to support First Nations language and cultural education in diverse educational settings.
Course structure
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in teaching principles, First Nations cultural contexts, and language studies. They begin developing culturally responsive teaching practices, exploring essential concepts of classroom learning, and understanding language structures within First Nations communities.
The second year deepens this knowledge, focusing on classroom management, student wellbeing, and the integration of First Nations cultural perspectives into teaching. This phase provides hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world classroom environments while refining their professional practice.
A key feature of this degree is the Yolngu Languages discipline area, which prepares educators to actively support and promote Yolngu language and culture in schools. Grounded in First Nations knowledge systems and teaching methodologies, this discipline area fosters a deep understanding of the connections between language, culture, and education. Students develop practical strategies for teaching First Nations languages and gain expertise in professional development and assessment planning for diverse classrooms.
This program is open to both Yolngu and non-Indigenous individuals who are currently working or aspire to work in the East Arnhem region. By embedding First Nations perspectives, knowledge, and languages at its core, this degree strengthens Indigenous-led learning and supports the continued revitalisation of First Nations languages and cultures in the Northern Territory.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Students are required to:
- Complete 11 compulsory core units (including 2 compulsory work integrated learning (WIL) units)
- Complete 4 specialist elective units
- Complete 1 general elective unit
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (11 units) | 110cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 110 credit points from the list below. LAL100 Language, Literacy and Sustainability |
| Specialist Elective Units (4 units) | 40cp | Specialist Elective Units totalling 40 credit points from the units detailed below. Students are advised to select units from a single discipline area to maximise potential credit toward the Bachelor of Education Secondary. Yolngu Language Language and Culture Music Visual Arts
|
| General Elective Units (1 unit) | 10cp | General Elective Units totalling 10 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. You may take 1 general elective unit, which is selected from undergraduate units offered by CDU, including units offered within the Associate Degree of First Nations Culture and Language program that are not part of your discipline area selection. When selecting electives, choose units at a suitable level. The first number in each unit code indicates the year level at which the subject is taught. You may only select units that are at 100 to 300 level.
|
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | WIL = Work Integrated Learning | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning | CO | TES204 Understanding Language Acquisition | CO |
| LAL100 Language Literacy Sustainability | CO | EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice | CO |
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | EST202 First Nations Languages and Literacies | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
Year 2 | |||
| FNE200 Professional Practice (Culturally Safe Learning) | WIL | FNE201 Professional Practice (On Country) | WIL |
| CRA102 Art, Dance, Songs and Stories of Place | CO | EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO |
| EST211 Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages in Schools | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
| Specialist Elective | CO | General Elective | E |
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | WIL = Work Integrated Learning | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning | CO | TES204 Understanding Language Acquisition | CO |
| LAL100 Language Literacy Sustainability | CO | EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice | CO |
Year 2 | |||
| FNE200 Professional Practice (Culturally Safe Learning) | WIL | EST202 First Nations Languages and Literacies | CO |
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
Year 3 | |||
| CRA102 Art, Dance, Songs and Stories of Place | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
| EST211 Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages in Schools | SE | EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO |
Year 4 | |||
| FNE201 Professional Practice (On Country) | WIL | General Elective | E |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time or part-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the assumed knowledge, pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each unit.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research | SE = Specialist Elective |
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning | CO | ||
| LAL100 Language Literacy Sustainability | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
Year 2 | |||
| FNE200 Professional Practice (Culturally Safe Learning) | WIL | TES204 Understanding Language Acquisition | CO |
| EST211 Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages in Schools | SE | EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice | CO |
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | EST202 First Nations Languages and Literacies | CO |
| CRA102 Art, Dance, Songs and Stories of Place | CO | Specialist Elective | SE |
Year 3 | |||
| FNE201 Professional Practice (On Country) | WIL | ||
| EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO | ||
| Specialist Elective | SE | ||
| General Elective | E | ||
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | R = Research | SE = Specialist Elective |
Part-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| ETL102 Introduction to Teaching and Learning | CO | ||
| LAL100 Language Literacy Sustainability | CO | ||
Year 2 | |||
| CRA102 Art, Dance, Songs and Stories of Place | CO | TES204 Understanding Language Acquisition | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | EST202 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages and Literacies | CO |
Year 3 | |||
| IAS163 Introduction to Linguistics | CO | EST203 First Nations Contexts in Learning and Teaching Practice | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | FNE200 Professional Practice (Culturally Safe Learning) | WIL |
Year 4 | |||
| EST211 Teaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages in Schools | SE | EST300 Assessment, Moderation and Reporting | CO |
| Specialist Elective | SE | Specialist Elective | SE |
Year 5 | |||
| FNE201 Professional Practice (On Country) | WIL | ||
| General Elective | E | ||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Australian Defence Force (ADF) members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
- Current School Leaver Pathways:
- Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades
- School recommendation program
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. All applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
ATAR profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don’t be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
The Arts courses at CDU are flexible and adaptable, with the option to choose from a wide range of both practical and specialised majors or study themes. We encourage students to ask about how a program can be tailored to fit their interests and career goals. Don't be afraid to ask that question.
Professor Ruth Wallace
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 6.
Student profile
There are no statistics available for this course. It may be that the course is new or the profile data is unavailable.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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