Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies

School of Arts & Sciences

If you work in Indigenous Communities in any field, the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies will give you a sound understanding of issues related to Aboriginal People in Australia. The program covers a range of significant and contemporary areas of study, including Aboriginal history, spirituality, culture, politics, and issues surrounding the principles and practices of reconciliation. The program is to be studied over one year part-time with flexible blended delivery. You will have the opportunity to attend The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Broome Campus in Western Australia for intensive study to gain a sound understanding of issues related to Aboriginal people. Start making a difference today.

• Why study this degree?

  While the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies will be of particular value to those already working with Indigenous communities, this program also provides valuable background for anyone whose career in health promotion, medicine, justice, education or social work brings them into contact with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This degree will be of great value for anyone working in local, State or Federal Government – or indeed staff employed by NGOs in Australia.

  The Graduate Certificate is a part-time program, with four courses completed over the year. All students are required to undertake a course entitled The Silent History. This provides you with a foundational knowledge of the history of Indigenous Australia, as well as how various government policies have affected the lives of Indigenous Australians.

  The remaining three electives allow you to specialise in topics such as Aboriginal People and the Legal System, the role of the media in representing Indigenous Peoples, Aboriginal culture and spirituality and more. To encourage a genuine understanding of Indigenous cultures, students will have the opportunity to spend time at Notre Dame’s Broome Campus.

  You will be mentored by well-known and highly respected Indigenous facilitators, who have previously included Yawuru man and WA Senator Patrick Dodson; Peter Yu, a Yawuru man from Broome with more than 35 years’ experience in Indigenous affairs and advocacy; and Traditional Owners from both Yawuru Country (Broome) and Karajarri Country (just south of Broome).

• Program summary

  Here you can find full details of the courses on offer Fremantle | Sydney

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

  Please note: The availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Mode of study and assessment

• Entry requirements

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge regarding past and present Indigenous policy, Indigenous experiences, and cultures and the social, cultural, political, historical, and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples
  2. Analyse past and present issues and policies affecting the lives of Indigenous Peoples
  3. Assess the quality of public debate about Indigenous policy and contribute respectfully to it
  4. Construct and communicate well-structured arguments and ideas effectively using appropriate forms
  5. Plan and conduct investigations into complex issues, synthesising information from a range of sources
  6. Reflect on how increased cultural self-awareness has influenced their ways of thinking, being and doing in relation to Indigenous People in their lives as both citizens and professionals
  7. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others.

• Career opportunities

  A Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies can lead to or enrich careers in community and youth work, justice, education, local, state and federal government departments, health care and health promotion and Non-Government Organisations (NGOs).

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. While there are no practicum requirements for this program, you will gain from the on-Country experience in Broome, which includes an overnight camping trip with Karajarri Rangers and Traditional Owners.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  
  

  FEE-HELP
  The FEE-HELP loan scheme assists eligible fee-paying students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your FEE-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  
  

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees Page.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?

  Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.

  
  

  For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

  Fremantle and Broome Phone: +61 8 9433 0533 Email: future@nd.edu.au

  Sydney and Melbourne Phone: +61 2 8204 4404 Email: sydney@nd.edu.au