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Postgraduate Coursework

Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Policy Development

Key details

Duration

1 year/s full-time
2 year/s part-time
1 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1, Semester 2
On campus - Semester 1, Semester 2
Online - No
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Online
Casuarina campus

Credit points required

80

Course code

TIPD01
SATAC/UAC codes

Overview

Our Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Policy Development, will build on your professional knowledge and experiences by providing you with a critical understanding of important aspects of Indigenous economic and policy development in modern Australia.



You will examine key issues of Indigenous policy development and implementation, economic development and participation, traditional and modern governance structures, and intellectual and cultural property rights in current social and political contexts.



This unique course is an essential foundation for respectful and accountable engagement with Indigenous people and the current social and political issues they face in Australia and internationally.



This is an important course, if you want to develop your knowledge and understanding of:

  • the workings of government and policy
  • the structures and functions of governance in relation to Indigenous people
  • the practice of cultural engagement with and between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people
  • the culture and language of Yolngu people.



Credit transfers and advanced standing

Pathways


Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education

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

Both Commonwealth supported (CS) and full fee (FF) places are available for this course. If you would like to apply for a CS place use the SATAC code 1GD021 or UAC code 822050. If you would like to apply for a FF place you will need to use the SATAC code 1GD521 or UAC code 872050.

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.

Non-Commonwealth supported places

Full fee paying places are available in this course.

Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.

International tuition fees

The annual tuition fee for full time study is AUD $34,248.00. This equates to $ $4,281.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.

You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.

CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.

First nations people in ceremony

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
group-students

Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?

Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).

  • Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
  • Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries
First nations people in ceremony

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
group-students

Why study a postgraduate degree at CDU?

Study a postgraduate course at Charles Darwin University, the #2 Australian university for postgraduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024).

  • Top 100 university globally for quality education (THE Impact Rankings 2021)
  • Our graduates enjoy higher than average employment rates and starting salaries

What will I study?

Your graduate diploma studies will require the completion of 80 credit points of study including four core units and up to four units offered at a 500 level in the offerings in the Faculty of Arts and Society. You will be able to complete a 20-credit point dissertation and can complete up to 20 credit points of study outside the offerings of the College or cross-institutionally so long as they are able to meet the dual requirements of being at an advanced level of study and approved by the course coordinator.

Course structure

Your graduate diploma studies will require the completion of 80 credit points of study including four core units and up to four units offered at a 500 level in the offerings in the Faculty of Arts and Society.



You will be able to complete a 20-credit point dissertation and can complete up to 20 credit points of study outside the offerings of the College or cross-institutionally so long as they are able to meet the dual requirements of being at an advanced level of study and approved by the course coordinator.


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 80 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.

Unit type

Credit Points

Specific requirements
Core Units

(4 units)

40cp

Compulsory Core units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below.



IAS530 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development (replaced ATI501 2020)

IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics (replaced ATI502 2020)

IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation (replaced ATI503 2020)

IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies (replaced ATI504 2020)

 
Specialist Elective

(2-4 units)

40cp

Unit totalling 40 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below.

Indigenous Policy Research

IAS501 Research Methods 1 (20cp) (replaced ACH401 2020)

IAS512 Humanities and Social Science Project (20cp) (replaced ATI720 2021)

IAS521 Principles of Research in Indigenous Contexts

IAS522 Indigenous Research Methodologies

IAS523 Indigenous Research Project (replaced IND590 2020)

Indigenous Policy Engagement

IAS524 Indigenous Representation and Ethical Practice

IAS534 Partnerships and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management (replaced ATI505 2020)

IAS535 Indigenous Peoples in the Context of Colonised Australia (replaced IND500 2020)

IAS536 Indigenous Sovereignty and the Challenges of Reconciliation (replaced IND502 2020)

IAS537 Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts (replaced IND501 2020)

IAS538 Challenging Educational Paradigm (replaced IND503 2020)

IAS539 Intercultural Mediation

IAS547 Indigenous Knowledges and Wellbeing

IAS548 Healthy Country, Health People

IAS549 Learning an Indigenous Australian Language (not offered 2024)

Yolngu Languages and Culture

IAS541 Yolngu Languages and Culture 1 (replaced CAS501 2020)

IAS542 Yolngu Languages and Culture 2 (replaced CAS502 2020)

IAS543 Yolngu Literature (replaced CAS511 2020)

IAS544 Indigenous Language Project (replaced CAS512 2020)

IAS545 Yolngu Conversation 1 (replaced CAS521 2020)

IAS546 Yolngu Conversation 2 (replaced CAS522 2020

 

80

Total Credit Points

Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure)

 

COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022

Unit Changes:

The following units are no longer available for enrolment as part of this course. Students who completed these units prior to 2022 may continue to count the units towards Specialist Electives.

Previous Unit Code

New Unit Code

New Unit Title
ATI501IAS530Neocolonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development
ATI502IAS531Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics
ATI503IAS532Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation
ATI504IAS533Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies
ATI720IAS512Humanities and Social Science Project
ACH401IAS501Research Methods 1
IND500IAS535Indigenous Peoples in the Context of Colonised Australia
IND501IAS537Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts
IND590IAS523Indigenous Research Project
IND503IAS538Challenging Educational Paradigm
ATI505IAS534Partnerships and Engagement in Indigenous Land and Sea Management
CAS501IAS521Yolngu Languages and Culture 1
CAS502IAS542Yolngu Languages and Culture 2
CAS511IAS543Yolngu Literature
CAS521IAS545Yolngu Conversation 1
CAS522IAS546Yolngu Conversation 2

Course Changes and Transition Arrangements for 2018

GCP501 has been replaced by IND500. Students who have completed GCP501 should not complete IND500.

GCP502 has been replaced by IND501. Students who have completed GCP502 should not complete IND501.

GCP503 has been replaced by IND502. Students who have completed GCP503 should not complete IND502.

GCP504 has been replaced by IND590. Students who have completed GCP504 should not complete IND590.

GCP505 has been replaced by IND503. Students who have completed GCP505 should not complete IND503.

Previous Unit CodePrevious Title2018 Code2018 Title
GCP501Respectful HistoriesIND500Indigenous Peoples in the Context of Colonised Australia
GCP502Communication and RelationshipsIND501Building Relationships in Indigenous Contexts
GCP503Reconciliation and Opportunities in an Australian ContextIND502Indigenous Sovereignty and the Challenges of Reconciliation
GCP504Partnership ProjectIND590Indigenous Research Project
GCP505The Meaning of EducationIND503Challenging Educational Paradigms

Course Changes and Transitional Arrangements - 2016

Students who started this course prior to 2015 may continue to include 300 level undergraduate units as part of their course but can also include any of the new postgraduate units as part of their Specialist Elective study.

Students who started this course in 2015 can also include any of the new postgraduate units as part of their Specialist Elective study.

Students who have started the course prior to 2016 can still use LGA501 (repeatable recoded from LGA400 in 2016, not offered in 2017) (no longer available) to study Central Australian Languages. If students are seeking to study Yolngu Languages and Culture, they should enrol in the specific, appropriate Yolngu Studies units from the list included in the above course structure.

Unit Code Changes 

 

Previous Unit CodeNew Unit Code (2016)Unit Title
ATI401ATI720Dissertation #20 (20cp)
ATI410ATI501Neocolonialism, Advocacy and Critique of Development 
ATI420ATI502Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics
ATI430ATI503Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation
ATI440ATI504Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemology
CAS431CAS501Yolngu Languages and Culture 1
CAS432CAS502Yolngu Languages and Culture 2
CAS444CAS511Yolngu Literature
CAS445CAS521Yolngu Conversation 1
CAS446CAS522Yolngu Conversation 2
CAS448CAS512Indigenous Language Project
GCP401GCP501Respectful Histories
GCP402GCP502Communication
GCP403GCP503Reconciliation
GCP404GCP504Partnership Project
GCP405GCP505Meaning of Education

 

Study plan


Students commencing in Semester 1

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard load.

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics (replaced ATI502 2020)COIAS530 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development (replaced ATI501 2020)CO
IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies (replaced ATI504 2020)COIAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation (replaced ATI503 2020)CO
Specialist Elective*SESpecialist Elective*SE
Specialist Elective*SESpecialist Elective*SE



Students commencing in Semester 2

The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard load.

Legend:CO = Core UnitSE = Specialist Elective
Semester 1Semester 2
Year 1
  IAS530 Neocolonialism, Advocacy and the Critique of Development (replaced ATI501 2020)CO
  IAS532 Indigenous Knowledges, Property Rights and Economic Participation (replaced ATI503 2020)CO
  Specialist Elective*SE
  Specialist Elective*SE
Year 2
IAS531 Indigenous Policy Agendas in Federal and State Politics (replaced ATI502 2020)CO  
IAS533 Indigenous Knowledges and Epistemologies (replaced ATI504 2020)CO  
Specialist Elective*SE  
Specialist Elective*SE  

 

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma, masters degree or equivalent international qualification in a relevant field.



Consideration will also be given to those who do not have one of the above qualifications, but who have at least five years relevant professional experience, for example in policy development, research, governance or service delivery. Applicants must provide further documentation in the form of a curriculum vitae (CV) with their application.

Essential requirements

English language requirements

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. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.

The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.

CDU English for Academic Purposes 4 (ZEAP40)Successful completion of EAP004 English for Academic Purposes 4
IELTS Academic ModuleA minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0.
Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169.
Common European Framework Certificate of English ProficiencyA minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic moduleA minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50.
TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT)A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21.

* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.

* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.

Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.

 

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

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

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

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

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 8.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
Yes
Award
Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Policy Development
Faculty/College
Faculty of Arts and Society
Sector
HE
Area of study
Indigenous Knowledges

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

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 or TAS.

UAC

UAC is the application channel for residents of NSW.

International applications

Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.

You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.

Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.

SATAC/UAC codes

Location
SATAC Code
UAC Code
Casuarina campus (CSP)
1GD021
822050
Casuarina campus (FF)
1GD521
872050
Online (CSP)
1GD021
822050
Online (FF)
1GD521
872050
* CSP = Commonwealth supported place
FF = Full fee

CRICOS codes

Location
CRICOS Code
Casuarina campus
093307M

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