Study with IERC at JCU
Our suite of Indigenous Studies fosters the learning of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. We will guide you to better navigate Indigenous ideas and concepts within the Western world. Moving away from colonisation as the center point, our subjects focus on Indigenous agency and how we are all bound by various constructions of knowledge. This focus allows students to thrive in conditions that require flexibility and builds their comfort with navigating the unknown.
You can take the Undergraduate subjects as a major or minor through the Bachelor of Arts. You can also use individual subjects to enhance other Bachelor degrees, placement experiences and professional development giving you the skills to work confidently with communities across Australia. The Graduate Certificate is for working professionals who want to enrich their skillset and the Masters/Doctorate of Philosophy (Indigenous) is for those looking to further their education and research pursuits. Scroll past our YouTube video below for more information.
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Ancient Knowledges, Current Solutions
Indigenous Studies
Interested in learning about Indigenous people, communities and ideas? How about exploring Indigenous People of Place, People of Knowledge and People of Science? Our Indigenous Studies programs can teach you! We have our:
- Undergraduate Studies (Indigenous), which is made up of 8 undergraduate subjects. These can be taken as a major or minor in the Bachelor of Arts or contribute to your chosen field as single elective subjects.
- Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies is for working professionals and/or interested community members. This part time course is made up of 4 online subjects that you can work on at your own pace.
- Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) and Doctorate of Philosophy (Indigenous), where you can further develop your independent research skills, work alongside leading researchers and produce meaningful academic contributions.
Students graduate with cross-cultural understandings ready for diverse perspectives, narratives and conversations.
Why choose Indigenous Studies?
Whatever your background, we will guide and support you as you engage and actively participate in conversations about our Indigenous people, their concepts and knowledge systems. This knowledge is invaluable for sustainability in today's ever changing world. Even choosing these subjects as electives adds to the diversity of students’ majors and Bachelor degrees. The knowledge gained can be applied to your career, offering fresh perspectives on issues affecting Indigenous peoples and broader societal challenges.
Other Courses Offered at JCU
JCU has a multitude of study areas for you to look at. You can explore your various discipline options from Allied Health and Pharmacy through to Veterinary and Animal Science.
There is also information covering what each discipline is about and the various courses you can do, such as Diploma of Education, Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates. Whether you are studying on any of our campuses or studying online, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to pursue your dream career!
Our courses
Undergraduate Studies (Indigenous)
These 8 subjects look at Indigenous people, communities and ideas, and the everyday experiences and knowledges that are shaped by them.
Learn more
Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies
This part time course allows working professionals and interested community members to learn about current topics affecting Indigenous people today.
Learn more
Postgraduate Coursework
This coursework is used to build on your previous undergraduate degree. You can either do a Graduate Certificate of Indigenous studies, enrol in Indigenous studies as electives or undertake a research thesis through the Master of Philosophy (Indigenous).
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Higher Degrees by Research
Through a Higher Degree by Research you can contribute to the interface of Western and Indigenous scholarly standpoints. Our two programs offered are the Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) and the Doctorate of Philosophy (Indigenous).
Learn more
“The Indigenous subjects were just mind blowing. They expanded my thoughts and my ideas and how I operate myself as a person now which has been amazing.”
Tracey Hough
JCU Alumni
BA (major)
More than one way to get to your dream career
JCU offers multiple Pathways to University. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a course, there are pathway options for you.
Would you like to find out more about a course?
If you have any questions, whether you are new or returning to university, or a family member who wants to know more about the university journey, we can help.