From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Why Bachelor of Arts?
Are you interested in understanding the lived experience of Aboriginal Peoples, and creating positive change through genuine and respectful engagement? Study a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Aboriginal Studies and develop your understanding of the past to change the future.
Analyse, discuss and debate key issues affecting Australian and international Indigenous Peoples such as cultural revitalisation, governance, health and social justice. Explore connections to space and place as you engage in immersive land-based learning and graduate equipped to meet demand across a range of industries.
Overview
Develop the skills to navigate Aboriginal knowledges, colonial disruptions and Indigenous re-assertion in the current era through a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Aboriginal Studies.
Learn to understand issues from the perspective of Aboriginal Peoples and engage in land-based learning to better understand connections to space and place.
You’ll develop critical thinking, communication and research skills and graduate with multidisciplinary knowledge applicable to a range of industries.
Engage with community and industry partners as you participate in a range of hands-on learning opportunities, from internships to mentoring. Discover the professional pathways available to you as you form meaningful connections with Aboriginal communities and future employers.
Key features
Engage with a curriculum designed in consultation with Aboriginal Elders and communities. - Be taught by active researchers and academics that are internationally recognised for their work.
- Explore past and contemporary perspectives of Aboriginal Peoples in Australia and internationally.
- Choose from a wide range of electives to tailor your degree to your interests.
- Undertake work placements and mentoring to connect with community and industry.
- Graduate with the skills and knowledge you’ll need to work effectively with Aboriginal communities.
What you'll learn
Aboriginal studies help you to look at the world around you from a different perspective, and to recognise the importance of Indigenous knowledge ownership. Engage in analysis, discussion and debate of key issues that are of significance to Australian and international Indigenous Peoples such as cultural and language revitalisation, governance, Aboriginal nation building, and health outcomes. You’ll also broaden your understanding of important topics like self-determination, social and economic development, and social justice.
Explore Aboriginal lore, law and land through historical and contemporary contexts, and focus on issues of concern within a globalised world.
Common Core courses are embedded in your degree, so you’ll develop the skills employers look for and graduate ready to think creatively, collaborate, and solve problems. You can also add a second major to your Bachelor of Arts, and pursue two areas of interest to boost your employment prospects.
As part of your studies, you’ll take part in experiential learning, where you’ll research potential career pathways in sectors aligning with your interests and participate in mentoring and networking opportunities. An internship in your final year will enable you to apply your knowledge in a work-based setting.
What courses you'll study
You're required to complete 144 units to complete your degree, across a mix of core courses, elective and work integrated learning. A list of indicative courses is provided below.
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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UG Common Core 1 | AUXX1000 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 2 | AUXX2000 | 6 |
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UG Common Core 3 | AUXX3000 | 6 |
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Professional Pathways and Destinations | LAWS1015 | 6 |
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Internship or Project | CREA3026 | 6 |
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Elective 1 | AUXX1011 | 6 |
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Elective 2 | AUXX1012 | 6 |
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Elective 3 | AUXX1013 | 6 |
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
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Aboriginal Cultures | INDG1000 | 6 |
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Indigenous Philosophies | INDG1001 | 6 |
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Space, Place and Belonging | INDG2000 | 6 |
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Lore and Law | INDG2001 | 6 |
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Relatedness and Indigenous Peoples | INDG2002 | 6 |
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Aboriginal Nation Building and Governance | INDG3001 | 6 |
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Sovereign Stories and Subjectivity in Media | INDG3002 | 6 |
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Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing | INDG5005 | 6 |
Complete one Major from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Art History and Visual Culture | ARTHBARTS | 48 |
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Cultural Studies | CULTBARTS | 48 |
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English Literature | ENGLBARTS | 48 |
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Environmental Management | ENVMBARTS | 48 |
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International Security | INTSBARTS | 48 |
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French Studies | FRENBARTS | 48 |
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Politics | POLIBARTS | 48 |
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Population and Migration Studies | POPUBARTS | 48 |
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Screen Studies | SCRNBARTS | 48 |
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Sociology | SOCIBARTS | 48 |
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Spanish Studies | SPANBARTS | 48 |
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German Studies | GERMBARTS | 48 |
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Archaeology and Classical Studies | ARCYBARTS | 48 |
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Creative Writing | CREWBARTS | 48 |
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Anthropology | ANTHBARTS | 48 |
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Chinese Studies | CHINBARTS | 48 |
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Gender and Sexuality Studies | GENDBARTS | 48 |
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Geography | GEOGBARTS | 48 |
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History | HISTBARTS | 48 |
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International Development | INTDBARTS | 48 |
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Italian Studies | ITALBARTS | 48 |
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Japanese Studies | JAPNBARTS | 48 |
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Linguistics and Applied Linguistics | LINGBARTS | 48 |
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Philosophy | PHILBARTS | 48 |
Career outcomes
Your Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Aboriginal Studies can lead you to some interesting career pathways. You may find employment in government sectors within Aboriginal-focused departments or agencies, with non-government or private sector organisations, or even within community service organisations supporting Aboriginal communities and clients.
Your double major will provide you with versatility and the ability to shape your career. Depending on your chosen specialisation, areas of employment may also include:
- Human services
- Corporate communication
- Policy development
- Environmental management and planning
- Foreign affairs and diplomacy
- Humanitarian work
- Management
- Marketing and public relations.
This degree also provides a pathway for further postgraduate study or research.
Industry trends
Australia’s National Agreement on Closing the Gap aims to overcome the inequality experienced by Aboriginal Peoples. This whole of government response requires specialised knowledge, and employees with an understanding of Aboriginal culture and perspectives will be in high demand. Over the next 10 years it is predicted that 92% of new jobs created will require post-secondary education (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024 ). With the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI), now, more than ever, employers are seeking a workforce with high level communication and problem-solving skills, creativity, adaptability and leadership capabilities.
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
