The Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies) develops a knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultures and societies within the Australian community and a broader international context. The degree recognises social diversity and emphasises human rights and social justice within a framework that promotes ethical action, social responsibility, and empowerment. The decision of the United Nations General Assembly to formally adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adds a significant international dimension to the field of study.
This degree offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the cultures, histories and contemporary issues that apply to Indigenous Australians prior to and following European colonisation. Students will study the relations between Indigenous Australians and the wider community, encompassing insights and critical analysis of social and cultural experience. Units will cover Indigenous culture and Indigenous identity through literature and history.
The Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies) is the only completely online Indigenous Studies course in Australia. This degree ensures that graduates will display the specialist knowledge and analytical skills of the profession for which they have trained and will also possess broader, generic knowledge, skills and understanding.
Career Outcomes
The degree will be of interest to people in a wide range of professional studies including education, health, psychology, social work, community development, and the environmental sector. Employment opportunities can also be strengthened when students gain skills and knowledge in subject areas such as information technology, business, financial planning, and communications through studying relevant units as electives, part of a second major or minor stream.
Award Requirements
To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies) with University of South Australia, students must complete 24 units meeting the following criteria:
* Complete four core units
* Complete an Indigenous Studies major of eight units
* Complete a second major of eight units or complete two additional minors - four units each
* Complete four elective units or a minor in history
* Students can study no more than twelve units at Level 1
Recognition of Prior Learning / Credit
The University of South Australia policy on credit, exemption, studies-in-lieu and recognition of prior learning will be implemented on an individual basis, and be determined by the Program Director in consultation with Unit Coordinators where appropriate. It is recommended that credit applications are submitted at least 6 weeks prior to registering in course units.
Registering in this Course
Subject to degree requirements, the University of South Australia will award students with a formal qualification upon successful completion of the appropriate Open Universities Australia units. There is no requirement for students to register for the degree, but it is recommended that students obtain advice and guidance regarding unit choices.
Recommended Study Pattern
To get the most from this course, students are recommended to follow these steps:
- Students without university experience may want to start with SSK10 Tertiary Learning strategies as an elective unit before starting their core units and major units.
- Complete the Level 1 core units
- Begin the Indigenous Studies major with the Level 1 units
- Select a second major or minor to complete
Course Admission Eligibility Criteria
(Commonwealth supported place)
Applicants for a Commonwealth supported place are required to have ONE of the following qualifications:
- Qualified for SACE[*] : [*] To be eligible for selection in 2012, applicants are required to have the following SACE qualifications:
- completed 200 credits of subjects ;
- achieved a grade of C1 or better in the Personal Learning Plan, 20 credits of literacy, 10 credits of numeracy and the Research Project at Stage 2 ;
- achieved a grade C- or better in an additional 60 credits at Stage 2; and
- obtained a competitive ATAR of 55 or higher
1. For SACE stage 2 subjects a grade of C- or better
- Obtained an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank ATAR of 55 or higher
- Completed the equivalent secondary education qualifications as required for University entry under SACE and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements.
- Completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma, obtaining a minimum score of 24 points and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements.
- Completed or partly completed a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements.
- Successfully completed at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) Undergraduate units.
- Completed an award from TAFE or from another registered training organisation at AQF Certificate IV or above and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements.
- Qualified for Special Entry and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements.
- Completed the University Foundation Studies program or UniSA PAL.
To learn more about Commonwealth supported places, please see Commonwealth supported places.
How to Apply
The Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies) is open to all students and does not require an Application process. Simply add units from the Course units tab to your Study Cart to begin your enrolment.
Commonwealth Supported Places
The Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies) is also eligible for Commonwealth supported places. To enrol in this course as a Commonwealth supported student, you can submit your application by clicking on the Apply online button below. Please ensure you check the eligibility requirements for a Commonwealth supported place in this course in the Requirements Tab.
To learn more about Commonwealth supported places, please see Commonwealth supported places or call 1300 322 870.
Apply online
If you require an application form in an alternative format please phone a CSP Student Advisor on 1800 870 322.
About Commonwealth supported places
A Commonwealth supported place is a higher education place for which the Australian Government provides funding to the university towards the cost of your education. Commonwealth supported places are only available for students who wish to enrol in a full course of study and are required to contribute to the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Eligible students in Commonwealth supported places can also receive assistance with their student contribution in the form of HECS-HELP.
To be eligible for Commonwealth support, you must be:
- An Australian citizen OR;
- A New Zealand citizen who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your study OR;
- The holder of a permanent visa who will be residing in Australia for the duration of your study.
For more information and to download an information booklet on the eligibility requirements and the payment options available including the process for applying for HECS-HELP assistance, please visit http://studyassist.gov.au/sites/StudyAssist/
Alternatively if you do not wish to apply as a Commonwealth supported place student or are not eligible, you can still apply to study this course or units within this course. Click on the Course units tab above to find out more.
Please note that depending on the course eligibility requirements, you may be required to provide scanned and certified copies of the following supporting documents:
- Certified copies of academic transcripts - required in most cases but check course eligibility rules.(Please ensure you attach all pages of your academic transcript including both the front and back pages)
A “certified copy” is a copy of an original document which has been certified as being a true copy by an authorised person. These include a justice of the peace, lawyer, medical practitioner, pharmacist, accountant, school principal or minister of religion.
- English language test results - if your courses were not predominantly in English e.g. IELTS or equivalent test results.
- IMPORTANT: Please do not send original documents as they will not be returned.
Pricing and Payment Options
The total cost of completing a degree will vary depending on the course you have chosen to study.
Fees can also vary according to the type of unit you enrol in and the applicable fee band. Below is a guide to help you find the fees applicable for your own study path.
Please also note that the fees listed here are only indicative costs for new students in 2012. These fees may vary depending on the units you choose and do not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks.
Course Structure
Majors
1. Indigenous Studies major
Students should complete the Level 1 major units before enrolling in the rest of their Indigenous Studies major units
2. Second major or two minors
Students must complete a second major of eight units or two minors (four units each, with no more than two units at Level 1 in each minor). Students may study the Australian History minor units listed below or select from other courses offered through Open Universities Australia.
Students should contact the Program Director for further information about their second major or minor requirements.
Please note: From 2012 the Indigenous Studies major has been revised and updated to include new units. BA (Indigenous Studies) students who have completed any ABT units before 2012 should contact UniSA for enrolment advice.
Electives
Students need to complete four electives, which can be chosen from any undergraduate unit offered through Open Universities Australia. When choosing electives, students should make sure they have no more than twelve Level 1 units across the degree.
Interested in this course?
Get your questions answered with practical, tailored advice.
Get advice
Core Units
Total number of units to complete:
4 units
|
Select
|
Unit code
|
Unit name
|
Provider
|
2012 Availability
|
|
Required Units: Complete the following
4 units
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
Major - Indigenous Studies units
Total number of units to complete:
8 units
|
Select
|
Unit code
|
Unit name
|
Provider
|
2012 Availability
|
|
Required Units: Complete the following
8 units
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
Students must complete Level 1 units before enrolling in Level 2 units.
|
Minor - Australian History
Total number of units to complete:
4 units
|
Select
|
Unit code
|
Unit name
|
Provider
|
2012 Availability
|
|
Required Units: Complete the following
4 units
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
|
|
|
|
UniSA
|
|
Currently studying this course?
Need support? We're here to help.
Send an enquiry
Let's talk
Have a question? Give us a call.
Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 10:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
All times in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST)
