Indigenous Education and Research Centre Study with IERC at JCU Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies

Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies

Advance your career with Indigenous-led knowledge for real-world impact

Gain the full benefit of Indigenous-led knowledge to shape your professional practice, enhance your cultural capability, and contribute to positive change. Whether you're advancing your career, returning to study, or looking to make a difference in your community, this flexible part-time online course gives you the tools to do just that.

Flexible Online Delivery

  • 100% online and part-time
  • Take one or two subjects per study period
  • Complete in 12 to 24 months
  • Real-time academic support and no textbook costs

You can start in any trimester period in January, May, or September

Your next step - apply now!

What You’ll Gain

By completing the Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies, you will:

  • Develop a deep understanding of Indigenous traditions, colonisation impacts, and contemporary challenges
  • Learn to apply Indigenous Knowledge to solve complex, real-world issues
  • Build cultural capability and ethical engagement valued across sectors
  • Position yourself for roles in education, health, policy, business, and community
  • Open a pathway into the Master of Philosophy (Indigenous) for future research
Two Cairns Students

Course Structure

This part-time online program is designed for working professionals and community members. You’ll complete four subjects, each grounded in Indigenous standpoints and designed to build on one another for a transformative learning experience.

Subject CodeTitleWhat You'll Explore
IA5013Indigenous AustraliansInvestigate Indigenous ways of knowing, traditional knowledge systems, and relationships between people and place.
IA5022Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People as Colonial SubjectsExamine how colonisation shaped Indigenous identities, policies, and ongoing systemic impacts.
IA5029Comparative Indigenous StudiesExplore global Indigenous perspectives and responses to colonisation.
IA5030Navigating the Cultural InterfaceApply Indigenous and Western knowledge to real-world challenges in professional contexts.

Who Should Apply?

The Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies is designed for a wide range of people who are passionate about cultural understanding, ethical engagement, and creating meaningful impact. Whether you're seeking professional development, personal growth, or a pathway into research, this course supports your journey.

This course is ideal for:

  • Professionals in health, education, policy, and community sectors
  • Individuals returning to study or transitioning careers
  • Anyone wanting to engage more deeply and respectfully with Indigenous knowledge systems
Staff at IERC

Course Fees & Support

Pathway to Further Study

For students wanting to undertake an Indigenous Research Degree, completing the Graduate Certificate provides a chance to refresh your academic skills and extend your knowledge about the issues affecting Indigenous people today.

How this program is strengthening professional practice

"One of the most valuable aspects of the program was applying the frameworks to real-world policy, which challenged me to think critically about how policy is developed and whose perspectives are prioritised. This opened up new ways of approaching complex issues and considering more meaningful, community-aligned outcomes.

The staff genuinely believe in students’ capacity and provide the support needed to succeed. The tutoring program was especially helpful in keeping me accountable while working full-time and strengthening my academic writing.”

Thea Sievers

Graduate of the Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies

Project Officer at Yardhura Walani and the Secretary for Maiam nayri Wingara.

Thea Sievers_Grad Cert Graduate

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Learn More:

The Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Studies consists of the following four subjects:

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 2 for 2025 or in Trimesters 1, 2 or 3 in 2026 onwards. Click here to view JCU's academic calendars.