Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous)

Program Overview

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The Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous) program at JCU empowers students to bridge Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives, fostering innovative approaches to complex issues. Through specialized research intensives and experienced advisors, students develop a novel research project and contribute to existing understandings through a PhD thesis. Graduates become experts in navigating Indigenous and Western ideas, pursuing careers in policy, public service, research, and more.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous) program at JCU empowers students to navigate Indigenous and non-Indigenous perspectives, enabling them to develop innovative approaches to complex issues. Designed for high-achieving university graduates, this postgraduate research degree revolves around a supervised project of original research.

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Objectives:

• Foster confidence in understanding and bridging Indigenous and non-Indigenous standpoints
• Equip students with the skills to create novel approaches to real-world problems
• Guide students in developing a research question, designing and executing their project, and analyzing findings
• Enable students to contribute to existing understandings through the completion of a PhD (Indigenous) thesis

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Program Description:

Through a series of specialized Indigenous research intensives, students receive support from highly experienced advisors. They embark on identifying a novel approach to explore a real-world issue, developing a research question, designing and implementing their project, and analyzing the findings. This culminates in a proposition that contributes to existing understandings through the completion of a PhD (Indigenous) thesis.

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Outline:

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Content:

• Indigenous studies
• Indigenous knowledges
• Indigenous cultures
• Indigenous education
• Indigenous community development
• Indigenous intersections with other disciplines
• Other research topics relating to Indigenous peoples and Indigenous ideas

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Structure:

• Structured support through a series of intensives
• Supervision from experienced advisors
• Opportunity to identify a novel research approach
• Development of a research question
• Design and implementation of a research project
• Analysis of findings
• Completion of a PhD (Indigenous) thesis

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Individual Modules:

Coursework subjects may include:

• RD7001:03 Planning the Research: Doctoral Candidates
• RD7002:03 Situating the Research: Doctoral Candidates
• RD7003:03 Professional Development: Doctoral Candidates

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program employs a structured approach with specialized research intensives designed for Indigenous research.

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Faculty:

Students benefit from the guidance of experienced advisors who provide support and mentorship throughout the research journey.

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Unique Approaches:

The program fosters a collaborative learning environment where students work closely with peers and advisors, engaging in dynamic and innovative discussions that encourage the sharing of ideas and perspectives.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

Graduates of the Doctor of Philosophy (Indigenous) program are recognized as experts who can navigate Indigenous and Western ideas to generate innovative solutions to complex challenges. They pursue careers in various fields, including:

• Policy
• Public service
• Corporate organizations
• Not-for-profit sectors
• Media
• Research
• Education

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Opportunities:

The program offers opportunities for industry internships, enabling students to apply their knowledge in professional settings. Graduates can also continue their independent research through postdoctoral research or research fellowships.