Indigenous Education and Research Centre Postgraduate Courses

Postgraduate Courses

Master of Philosophy (Indigenous)

A JCU Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) provides exceptional students with the opportunity to complete a significant independent research thesis.

A Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) takes between 1 and 2 years full-time. Full-time, part-time and external students are invited to apply for the course.

What to expect

The Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) offers an innovative approach to research education, combining structured intensives with a cohort model. A MPhil, or Masters by Research, differs from coursework in that you will develop and undertake your own research project with the assistance of advisors and the academic team at the IERC.

In an MPhil (Indigenous), you will undertake two research intensives where you will work with peers and advisors to learn about Indigenous research, develop your research skills and advance your project. Following the intensives, regular meetings with your experienced advisors will assist you as you undertake your research, culminating in the presentation of a thesis.

Choose from a broad range of research areas to suit your professional qualifications and interests. Research areas include:

  • Indigenous studies, knowledge and culture
  • Indigenous education
  • Indigenous community development
  • Indigenous intersections with other disciplines

Make a meaningful contribution to the future of Indigenous research and affairs. Master of Philosophy students are equipped with the critical skills required to work in research or to continue on to study a PhD.

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Advisors

Meet our highly qualified HDR Advisors who are here to guide you through your masters program.

Get prepared with the Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) Intensive

Gain the confidence and independence you need to complete your research with the Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) Intensive.

The first 6-day intensive, held at the commencement of your masters, is designed to step students through the processes of how to undertake research. This dynamic and innovative program helps students understand literature reviews and allows collaboration between student peers and advisors.

The second 6-day intensive is held after your first six months of candidature. In this week, students will learn more about developing an appropriate approach and methods to their project. This intensive will help students to understand the theory and practice of undertaking research within the exciting and complex field of Indigenous Studies.

"I've never had this level of support in any of my previous education" - Georgia Storm, MPhil (Indigenous) Student

“It’s chopping off about three months’ worth of flailing around that everybody seems to do at the beginning of the degree. It has leapfrogged our students a couple of months down the track.” – Dr Dianna Hardy, HDR Advisor

Gain the confidence and independence you need with the Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) Intensive.

Fees and Scholarships

The MPhil (Indigenous) is supported by the Australian Government Research Training Program. Domestic students can access this course fee free*.

*Student Services and Amenities (SSA) fees apply

For information on living scholarships, click here.

More information

View the Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) Handbook for more information about the program.

For enrolment information, please contact ierc.hdr@jcu.edu.au. Please note that enrolling in a research degree can take several months, so enquire today. The IERC will advise the next enrolment intake.