Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies

Ever wanted to learn more about Indigenous thinking? Interested in how Indigenous ideas can provide solutions to the big issues that we face in our world today?

If you’ve finished your undergraduate Bachelor studies and want to contribute to the future of Indigenous societies, the Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies offers you a unique opportunity to enhance your career choices. Here at JCU, Indigenous Studies works at the cutting edge of scholarship. This course will push you to work in the intersection of Indigenous and non-Indigenous thinking.

This Graduate Certificate is designed for working professionals and interested community members. Access your coursework online, working through self-paced modules with real-time support from experienced lecturersr. For students wanting to undertake an Indigenous Research Degree, the Graduate Certificate provides a chance to refresh your academic skills and extend your knowledge about the issues affecting Indigenous people today.

The Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies includes four online subjects, grounded in Indigenous standpoints. You will:

  • Learn about traditional knowledges and practices
  • Study the ruptures caused by colonisation
  • Analyse case studies of Indigenous people throughout the world
  • Investigate contemporary issues by navigating Indigenous and Western viewpoints

Learn More:

The Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies is only available part-time. You can take one or two subjects each semester.

Students who have undertaken postgraduate subjects in relevant fields can apply for a credit transfer in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure.

The Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies will prepare you to work more effectively with Indigenous families and communities throughout Australia and the world, with an emphasis on Northern Australia. You will also be ready to shape industry and government responses to current and future issues by drawing on long traditions of Indigenous thinking.

The course will prepare you to better understand the possibilities and limits of Indigenous and Western ideas; and to offer innovative solutions to complex problems.  The four subjects will give you a deep understanding of the intersection of Indigenous and Western knowledge ideas.

The Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies can be used to further your professional career in a variety of fields by developing expertise in Indigenous issues. If you are looking to return to the workforce after a break, studying this course part-time is a flexible way to establish routines and upskill.

The Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies is also a pathway to apply for the Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) for students wanting to undertake a higher degree by research. This degree will help you to develop the confidence and competence you need to take on a research thesis.

Each subject is structured into a series of modules, which you will work through to successfully complete the subject. These modules include different learning materials, like videos, text-based learning, practice activities, readings, and resources to support you with your assessment. Optional real-time online workshop sessions provide the opportunity to discuss the content with peers, ask questions, and get to know the teaching staff.

There is no need to purchase textbooks. All learning resource materials are provided as a digital resource. We take pride in our high-quality and up-to-date resources.

Find out current postgraduate subject fees here.

Domestic and international full-fee paying students can find the costs for postgraduate subjects here. Students who are eligible for a FEE-HELP loan can defer their payment.

Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies students can apply for a Commonwealth Supported Place to study. Students who are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan can defer their payment.

JCU Staff can apply for financial support via the Staff Study Assistance Procedure.

To find out more about this Graduate Certificate and to enrol, go to the course page and choose “How to apply”.

Students can commence in Study Period 1 or 2