Graduate Certificate in Designing with Country

On successful completion of the program students will:

1. Integrate Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural awareness learning into design practices, recognising the deep ecological insights, sustainable practices, and harmonious approaches to Country- guided practices.
2. Foster ethical collaborations with Indigenous communities, acknowledging their agency, rights, and contributions to navigate complex cultural landscapes in design projects.
3. Apply knowledge of communication and collaboration theories, practices, and skills to engage respectfully, listen actively, and collaborate meaningfully with Indigenous Knowledge Holders and community members.
4. Create culturally responsive designs that reflect the unique identity and authenticity of Indigenous communities.
5. Reflect on the cultural impact of design decisions, acknowledging the potential implications on Indigenous identity, heritage, and community spiritual connectivity.

This program will examine the relationship between Indigenous concepts of Country, including the impact of colonisation that has impacted on an authenticity to place. Students will gain an understanding of how narratives of the past can articulate a sense of place-creation and place-knowing through exploring storytelling methods across a variety of historical and contemporary mediums. 

Students will critically analyse contemporary ways of collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, encompassing organisations and communities. This exploration will offer insights, protocols, and practices for achieving culturally responsive engagement. The program delves into the structures and interactions within these communities, examining roles, responsibilities, and connections to Country. Students will gain an understanding of the inherent values, knowledges, and practices in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, fostering a culturally cohesive approach for positive reconciliation aligned with self-determination processes.

Additionally, students will explore Indigenous knowledge systems, gaining insights into the practical, conceptual, and spiritual role of Country. The curriculum examines dimensions of place and space, emphasising the reciprocal relationship between human beings and the environment through Indigenous perspectives. Comparative analysis of Global Indigenous peoples' knowledge provides students with insights into the diversity and commonalities among Indigenous cultures worldwide.

The program also investigates how Eurocentric models have shaped views of Indigenous cultures, encompassing aspects of architecture and environmental management.

Recommended study pattern

Complete the following core subjects to fulfil the requirements of this program:

ARBE6801 Indigenous Collaboration

ARBE6802 Indigenous Cultural Heritage: Spatial dimensions within cultural place and spiritual space

ARBE6803 Decolonised Country Guided Practice

ARBE6804 Indigenous Creative Methodologies in Country Guided Research Design.

Award requirements

Completion of required subjects as per the recommended study pattern.

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

Indicative total fee $17,444

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.

The University of Newcastle is dedicated to outstanding education and research. Their degrees are shaped around global learning, work placements and entrepreneurial opportunities. The university is known as a champion of innovative approaches, striving for a dynamic teaching culture that delivers world-class outcomes. Welcoming students from diverse backgrounds, they focus on equity and developing the next generation of socially-oriented leaders.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

16

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

19

Admission to the program will be available for applicants who:

• Are First Nations people who have been accepted to the program via an Indigenous Admissions Scheme interview, OR
• Have a completed AQF level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher) tertiary qualification OR
• Have a completed AQF Level 6 Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in a cognate* area plus a minimum of one year relevant experience, OR
• Have a completed AQF Level 5 Diploma in a cognate* area plus a minimum of two years relevant experience, OR
• Have at least 5 years full time relevant professional work experience.

Work experience can be evidenced through a detailed Curriculum Vitae, and a statement of service or signed letters from employers confirming your role, duties and period of employment.

* Cognate fields include Architecture, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture.

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.

• IELTS Overall Minimum: 6.5
• IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6.

Admission to the program will be available for applicants who:

• Are First Nations people who have been accepted to the program via an Indigenous Admissions Scheme interview, OR
• Have a completed AQF level 7 Bachelor degree (or higher) tertiary qualification, OR
• Have a completed AQF Level 6 Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree in a cognate* area plus a minimum of one year relevant experience, OR
• Have a completed AQF Level 5 Diploma in a cognate* area plus a minimum of two years relevant experience, OR
• Have at least 5 years full time relevant professional work experience.

Work experience can be evidenced through a detailed Curriculum Vitae, and a statement of service or signed letters from employers confirming your role, duties and period of employment.

*Cognate fields include Architecture, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture.