Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Exercise analytical thinking, critical thinking and and reasoning and problem solving skills.
2. Demonstrate innovative, sensitive, creative responses and solutions to challenges in cultural and Indigenous community contexts.
3. Demonstrate a knowledge of, and commitment to, social responsibility, ethics and human rights in cultural and Indigenous contexts.
4. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of cultural concepts and Indigenous ways of knowing and being including physical, social, political, ecological or cultural influences that impact Indigenous cultural settings.
5. Integrate responsibility for independent, self-directed learning and reflective practice including the ability to locate, analyse, evaluate, and use information from a range of sources.
6. Demonstrate collaboration, teamwork and communication skills in cultural and Indigenous settings through communicating sensitively and appropriately in oral and written forms.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of Indigenous contemporary realities and protocols by applying and integrating social, Indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons.

Southern Cross University is renowned for its commitment to Indigenous education. The Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge is an important part of that dedication towards better environmental, social and economic outcomes.

The course generates greater understanding of Indigenous world views, by exploring histories, knowledge systems, determinants of health and wellbeing and ways of living, in a culturally diverse and supportive environment. You will build theoretical and practical capability in areas including cultural protocols and Indigenous ways of knowing and being. You'll learn to engage with communities and work towards better environmental, social and economic outcomes. You can focus your degree with a major in Indigenous Knowledge or choose a shared major from disciplines across the University. 

Graduates may consider diverse career opportunities in government, commercial or social enterprise, land management, Indigenous tourism, and Aboriginal, family or environmental health.

Eligible graduates can also apply for further study through Honours and other postgraduate programs.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Indigenous Scholarship

• Indigenous Knowledge

• Aboriginal Cultural Strengths

• Indigenous World-Views.

Plus there’s a selection of majors. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

• 16 core units (192 credit points); AND
• 1 major (96 credit points); OR
• 1 shared major (96 credit points); OR
• 8 university wide electives (96 credit points).

Choose your subjects

Majors

You can focus your degree with a major in Indigenous Knowledge or design your own degree by choosing a shared major from disciplines across the University and combine more of your interests.

Eligible graduates of the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge can apply to undertake the one-year Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge with Honours, as a pathway to the Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies or to other postgraduate programs in the University.

Exit points

Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Indigenous Knowledge after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) comprising 5 core units and 3 elective units.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $50,976

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

Learn more about SCU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

ATAR of 60 or equivalent.

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows:

Overall 6.0

• Listening minimum 5.5
• Reading minimum 5.5
• Speaking minimum 5.5
• Writing minimum 5.5.

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.