Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge

Course Learning Outcome

• Exercise analytical thinking, critical thinking and and reasoning and problem solving skills.
• Demonstrate innovative, sensitive, creative responses and solutions to challenges in cultural and Indigenous community contexts.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of, and commitment to, social responsibility, ethics and human rights in cultural and Indigenous contexts.
• 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.
• 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.
• Demonstrate collaboration, teamwork and communication skills in cultural and Indigenous settings through communicating sensitively and appropriately in oral and written forms.
• 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

Core Subjects

INDG1006 Indigenous Scholarship

INDG1002 Indigenous Knowledge

INDG1004 Aboriginal Cultural Strengths

INDG2005 Working with Aboriginal Communities I (Professional Engagement)

INDG3002 Independent Study: Indigenous Research Project

INDG1001 Indigenous World-Views

INDG1009 Colonising Histories

INDG2012 Indigenous Rights

INDG1003 The Mental Health of Australian Indigenous Peoples

INDG2001 Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples

INDG2003 Country, Culture and Heritage

INDG1011 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Issues

INDG3004 Indigenous Australians in Education

INDG3001 Caring for Country

INDG2015 Aboriginal Social Enterprise I

INDG2010 Indigenous Health Promotion I

Indigenous Knowledge Major

INDG1007 Introduction to Indigenous Research

INDG1010 Trauma and Resilience I

INDG2016 Aboriginal Social Enterprise II

INDG2008 Racism and Eugenics

INDG2011 Aboriginal Social Realities

INDG5001 Living Knowledge: The Rights of Country

INDG2013 Aboriginal Community Organisations: Ethics and Sustainability

INDG3003 Working with Aboriginal Communities II (Professional Placement)

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).

Exit points

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Indigenous Knowledge after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points) comprising 8 core units and 8 elective/major units.

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 $84,000

The amount shown here is 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.

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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

Category Score

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.