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Study with CDU

Indigenous Knowledges

We need your community-mindedness to help build a better world. Join us to study First Nations perspectives across a range of themes, online or on campus. 

You make CDU.

Summer Semester applications close 8 November

Add your voice to Australia's story

Explore subjects in Indigenous engagement, governance and policy, culture and community, languages, land and resources, research, and more.

Choose CDU for Indigenous studies courses

  • Focus on unique Indigenous and Asia Pacific perspectives

    Learn from cultural experts and benefit from strong links to Northern Australia and South East Asia

  • 100% flexible study that suits you

    Choose to study online or on campus, part-time or full-time

  • #4 in Australia for humanities and social services employment outcomes

    According to the Good Universities Guide 2024

Top Indigenous studies courses

  • Indigenous Knowledges

    Bachelor of Arts

    The Bachelor of Arts is a highly flexible, new-age degree featuring a choice of nine majors, each offering a unique perspective on the world around you and your role in it. 

    See course structure
  • First nations students walking in front of acike building

    Diploma of Arts (Indigenous Governance and Policy)

    Ideal for anyone who wants a taste of studying Indigenous policy and engagement, but may not be ready to commit to a full degree.

    See course structure
  • Indigenous students at ACIKE

    Graduate Certificate of Arts (Indigenous)

    Diversify your Indigenous knowledge with this six-month course, with options to study Indigenous policy, engagement, research, language and culture. 

    See course structure
Need some help finding the right course or career path?
Academy arts NAIDOC 2021

The Pedagogy of Indigenous Knowledge Sharing through Creative and Cultural Practices

Understand Indigenous artmaking as knowledge sharing to reflect on your professional practice and engage learners in innovative ways.

Find more

Inside CDU's Indigenous studies courses and research

Molly Wardaguga Research Centre_Promo

 

Why study an Indigenous studies degree?

Indigenous Knowledge at CDU

Gain your understanding of both traditional and contemporary Indigenous studies at Charles Darwin University.

Our Indigenous studies lecturers will present you with truth-telling, invaluable experiences and Indigenous epistemics across politics, education, language, health and fine arts. 

Within the Bachelor of Arts, there are multiple majors available for students interested in Indigenous Australia. You can focus on Indigenous governance and policy, contemporary Indigenous Australia, or Yolŋu languages and culture within the languages and linguistics stream. Explore subjects that interest you in Indigenous policy agendas in federal and state politics, intercultural mediation, ethics and protocols in Indigenous contexts, cultural resource and site management, and much more. 

You’ll learn to critically analyse knowledge practices and think beyond the constraints of Western theories and frameworks that may inform your thinking and living.

Studying an Indigenous studies degree online

Arts student Ally studying online in a cafe

Indigenous knowledges can be studied 100% online at Charles Darwin University so you can fit your learning around your lifestyle. Our online Indigenous studies courses give you the flexibility to:

  • Study 100% online or on campus, part-time or full-time
  • Switch between study modes as needed
  • Access academic and technical support when you need it
  • By using Learnline, our digital learning platform, you can access your learning materials on demand, engage in online discussions and tutorials, and collaborate with your peers. 

Learn more about CDU’s online study experience.

Your career in Indigenous studies

Beth used TEP to gain entry into her law degree

From health and education to government and social work, your Indigenous studies course can boost your prospects across a wide variety of industries and roles. Undertaking Indigenous studies with CDU will develop your skills in critical thinking, ethical problem-solving, intercultural communication and cultural awareness, all highly sought after in professional environments.

Indigenous studies graduates find diverse roles in youth outreach, advocacy, government agencies, land councils, public policy, community development, community engagement, arts and cultural centres, language centres and more.

While you elevate your career with an in-demand set of transferable skills and an in-depth understanding of the historical, political and cultural complexities of Australia’s First Nations peoples, you will also be playing your part in ensuring the transmission and preservation of valuable Indigenous knowledge systems.

Study your way with confidence

  • Students talking

    Study pathways

    At CDU, there's a study pathway for everyone.

    Explore our course and student types, admission requirements and pathways to study so you can apply with confidence.

    Find out more
  • Student Courtney on laptop

    How to apply

    Choosing your course was the hard part, now it’s time to apply. Visit our how to apply page for easy-to-follow steps for all study pathways.

    Find out more
  • CDU student with a laptop looking confident

    Flexible study options

    Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction. With on-campus, online, part-time and full-time study options, you'll have the flexibility and support to do it your way.

    Find out more
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