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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.

Semester 1 applications close 21 February

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

  • #6 in Australia for humanities, culture and social sciences teaching quality

    According to the Good Universities Guide 2025

Top Indigenous studies courses

  • Indigenous Knowledges

    Bachelor of Arts

    Explore Indigenous cultures and communities with a focus on policy-making, history, and social change. Develop culturally competent skills to drive meaningful impact for Australia's Indigenous peoples.

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

    Diploma of Arts (Indigenous Governance and Policy)

    Enhance your professional expertise with a critical understanding of Indigenous economic and policy development, understanding key issues from traditional and modern governance structures to intellectual and cultural property rights.

    See course structure
  • Indigenous students at ACIKE

    Graduate Certificate of Arts (Indigenous)

    Exclusively for Indigenous students, this course empowers you to conduct on-ground research informed by your heritage, knowledge and cultural traditions for the benefit of Indigenous communities, places and futures.

    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 (MIC501 - 2025)

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

Find more

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.

    Study pathways
  • 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.

    How to apply
  • 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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