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.
Majors
The Bachelor of Arts is also available with majors in the following:
- Archaeology and Classical Studies
- Art History and Visual Culture
- Anthropology
- Chinese Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Creative Writing
- English Literature
- Environmental Management
- French Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Geography
- German Studies
- History
- International Development
- International Security
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Population and Migration Studies
- Screen Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 18 units for Core courses, and
- 96 units for 2 Majors from Majors, and
- 18 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 12 units for all Electives
Complete 18 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Cultures
|
Course code
INDG1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Indigenous Philosophies
|
Course code
INDG1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Space, Place and Belonging
|
Course code
INDG2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Peoples Law and Land
|
Course code
INDG2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Relatedness and Indigenous Peoples
|
Course code
INDG2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Wellness and Wellbeing
|
Course code
INDG3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Indigenous Nation Building and Governance
|
Course code
INDG3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Sovereign Stories and Subjectivity in Media
|
Course code
INDG3002
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 1
|
Course code
SOCI1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Art History and Visual Culture
|
Course code
ARTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Cultural Studies
|
Course code
CULTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
English Literature
|
Course code
ENGLBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Security
|
Course code
INTSBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
French Studies
|
Course code
FRENBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Politics
|
Course code
POLIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Population and Migration Studies
|
Course code
POPUBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Screen Studies
|
Course code
SCRNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Sociology
|
Course code
SOCIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Spanish Studies
|
Course code
SPANBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
German Studies
|
Course code
GERMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Archaeology and Classical Studies
|
Course code
ARCYBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing
|
Course code
CREWBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Chinese Studies
|
Course code
CHINBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Gender and Sexuality Studies
|
Course code
GENDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Geography
|
Course code
GEOGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
History
|
Course code
HISTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
International Development
|
Course code
INTDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Italian Studies
|
Course code
ITALBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Japanese Studies
|
Course code
JAPNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
|
Course code
LINGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Philosophy
|
Course code
PHILBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Social Research and Policy Analysis
|
Course code
SOCRBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Kaurna Languages
|
Course code
KAURBARTS
|
Units
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.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
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.
