Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies is Australia's first postgraduate degree focusing on the intersection of Indigenous and Western knowledge. It equips professionals and community members with skills to enhance intercultural communication and embrace Indigenous thinking. Graduates develop specialized knowledge of Indigenous communities and gain advanced intercultural communication skills, preparing them for careers in various industries and academia. The program also provides a pathway to further study in Indigenous-focused Master's and Doctoral programs.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies is Australia's first postgraduate coursework degree that explicitly focuses on the intersection of Indigenous and Western ideas, priorities, and knowledge positions. It equips professionals and community members with skills to enhance their intercultural communication abilities and embrace Indigenous thinking. By completing online learning materials, participating in discussions, and engaging in practical activities, students develop the language and dispositions to work more effectively with Indigenous communities and individuals.

Objectives:

• Integrate and apply specialized knowledge of the historical and contemporary position of Australian and international Indigenous communities in professional and academic settings.
• Review, analyze, and engage with the problematic body of knowledge about Indigenous peoples to navigate the boundaries of Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge standpoints, communicating these ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Critically analyze complex situations to identify, plan, and evaluate innovative and ethical solutions that respond to the contemporary position of Indigenous communities in the tropics, both in Australia and internationally.
• Demonstrate highly advanced intercultural knowledge and communication skills to transfer complex theoretical and practical ideas in professional and academic settings.
• Demonstrate personal autonomy and accountability, reflecting on the possibilities and limits of one's knowledge, understanding, and standpoints and how these reflective practices can be used in working with Indigenous people, communities, and organizations.

Outline:

Core Subjects:

• IA5013:03 Indigenous Australians
• IA5022:03 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as Colonial Subjects
• IA5029:03 Comparative Indigenous Studies

Careers:

Professionals with education and experience in navigating the intersection of Indigenous and Western ideas and social models are highly valued in both Australian and international settings. The knowledge and skills gained through the Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies are applicable to almost every industry and field of work or academia. Graduates can enhance their capacity within their current roles, stand out to prospective employers, and take on roles with greater responsibility and interpersonal requirements. Graduates commonly pursue careers in policy, public service, corporate organizations, not-for-profit sectors, media, research, and education. They may also pursue further study and research with the Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) and the Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous). The Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies qualifies graduates to enroll in the Master of Global Development, with a focus on Indigenous Futures.