Adelaide University’s North Terrace campus sits on the banks of the Karrawirra Pari, meaning Red Gum Forest River in Kaurna language. This was a place of learning and connection long before Australia was colonised.
Opportunities to learn from Aboriginal scholars and community leaders in Australia are few and far between. Gain big knowledge in a short amount of time through this concise, flexible qualification with part-time and online offerings.
Learn beyond the mainstream. Explore the richness of Aboriginal cultures. Give yourself the tools to navigate hard conversations. Reflect on your cultural identity and biases. Prepare to confront and challenge inequity.
Our Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies is a six-month offering for postgraduate students from any field seeking to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal cultures, history and futures.
The curriculum centres First Nations knowledges, perspectives and voices. It combines theory with practical experiences, guiding you through Aboriginal views on law, health, education and Aboriginal Nation building and governance.
Learn from esteemed Aboriginal professionals, academics and lecturers. Understand historical and current-day issues and debates. Explore concepts of representation, power and privilege. Build a deeper understanding of yourself – and others.
You'll graduate better equipped to discuss matters important to Aboriginal Peoples and communities, contribute to community and workplace initiatives, and qualify for jobs requiring knowledge of Aboriginal cultures and histories.
Study Aboriginal cultures and history – including law, health, education, Aboriginal Nation building and governance. Benefit from flexible learning options and part-time study paths. Learn from highly respected Aboriginal academics. Get the most out of our extensive community connections. Immerse yourself in a curriculum informed by industry partnerships and world-class research. Choose a short, focused and cost-effective path to deeper cultural understanding. Adelaide University has strong ties and relationships with industry and government – including many leading First Nations organisations. Aboriginal community leaders are actively involved in the development of our courses and we have experienced Aboriginal professionals on staff. This means the content is accurate, relevant and culturally sensitive.
Your core courses will cover:
Then, you’ll choose two of the following courses, focusing on your areas of interest:
Learn directly from experts working in the field, each with different insights, expertise and approaches. Attend guest lectures, engaging with highly respected Aboriginal speakers and thought leaders. Experience a truly collaborative teaching and learning environment. Choose to study on-campus or online with part-time options.
This six-month graduate certificate is part of a nested degree suite, which means that on completion you will be eligible for entry to the Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies.
This degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications, meaning your study choices are flexible. If your goals shift, you can exit after six months of study with a standalone Graduate Certificate or after one year with a Graduate Diploma qualification.
You can also begin your studies with a shorter qualification like the six-month Graduate Certificate and continue on to complete the Graduate Diploma (one year) or full master’s degree.
Complete 24 units comprising:
Complete 12 units comprising:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Australian Indigenous Languages, Identity and Belonging
|
Course code
INDG5009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Cultural Competency: Challenging Racism in Australian and Indigenous Contexts
|
Course code
INDG5010
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Australian Indigenous Languages, Identity and Belonging
|
Course code
INDG5009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cultural Competency: Challenging Racism in Australian and Indigenous Contexts
|
Course code
INDG5010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
Complete 12 units comprising:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Indigenous Perspectives on Globalisation
|
Course code
INDG5003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Law and Land
|
Course code
INDG5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
|
Course code
INDG5005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Futures
|
Course code
INDG5008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Pitjantjatjara Culture and Language
|
Course code
INDG5014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Rebuilding Aboriginal Nations
|
Course code
INDG6002
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Australian Indigenous Languages, Identity and Belonging
|
Course code
INDG5009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Cultural Competency: Challenging Racism in Australian and Indigenous Contexts
|
Course code
INDG5010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
A Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies can open doors to roles that require specific knowledge about Aboriginal communities, including positions in government agencies, not-for-profits and educational institutions.
You could use your new knowledge to make your workplace more culturally inclusive. You might co-create content that highlights Aboriginal voices, issues and achievements. Perhaps you’ll deliver health screenings and wellness programs with increased collaboration and sensitivity – or curate better, more tailored events.
You could also be a:
Or, continue straight into the Graduate Diploma or Master of Aboriginal Studies, using your credits to accelerate your total study time
The rejection of the 2023 Voice referendum, which aimed to establish a formal Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, further highlighted Australia’s complex and contentious history with Aboriginal rights and recognition.
With the Voice now off the table, how can we move forward? Out of the 19 socioeconomic targets set in the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, only five are on track to be met (Productivity Commission, 2024). This is unacceptable.
A Graduate Certificate of Aboriginal Studies at Adelaide University will give you the knowledge, ethical reasoning and critical thinking skills to engage with these issues in an informed way. You’ll collaborate with First Nations peoples to address social disadvantage, systemic discrimination and environmental degradation.
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
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:
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.
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
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.
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:
