Indigenous studies courses
Help me choose a courseIntroduction to Indigenous studies
Learn about the issues that matter to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia.
When you choose an Indigenous studies course, you will investigate rich topics such as representation, identity, colonialism and connection to Country. The insights you gain will give you a profound respect for Indigenous Australian experiences, and help you to build stronger connections with diverse members of your community. This can inform your work in any number of industries, including education, allied health, media and social welfare.
Use this page to compare undergraduate, postgraduate and short study options with different universities. We’re here to help you find the most relevant Indigenous knowledge course for you.
Explore Indigenous studies coursesDiscover Indigenous studies courses
Online Indigenous studies subjects and short courses
Undergraduate
CUR-COM155100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Starts 27 May 2024, 26 Aug 2024, 25 Nov 2024
Next enrolment closes 19 May
Undergraduate
USA-HLTH1054100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Starts 16 Sep 2024
Undergraduate
MAQ-ABSX1000100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Starts 22 Jul 2024, 09 Dec 2024
Undergraduate
TAS-ZAC209Building Cultural Capability in Health and Community Services
100% online
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Online Indigenous studies degrees
Undergraduate
MAQ-ART-DEGAn arts degree that no one else has
Make your degree unique and study what interests you. Analyse critically, think creatively and problem-solve at work or in everyday life. Complete foundational studies then tailor your degree with a major. Create a portfolio and build your connections.
100% online
3 years full time or part time equivalent
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Available majors
- Ancient History,
- Applied Ethics,
- Creative Writing,
- English,
- Indigenous Studies,
- International Relations,
- Modern History,
- Philosophy,
- Politics,
- Sociology
Undergraduate
USQ-FNA-DEG100% online
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Postgraduate
CSU-ICC-GCEBe part of the change for Indigenous Australians
Enhance your cultural competency. Gain skills to build local solutions to the challenges that impact Indigenous peoples. Reflect, shed preconceived ideas and make a real difference in the lives of Indigenous Australians.
100% online
Undergraduate
SCU-IND-DEGExplore Indigenous world views
Interact with Indigenous Knowledge as you learn about country, culture, and ancestry. You’ll explore environmental, legal, and health issues and strive for better outcomes. Conduct a research project. Learn how to engage with Aboriginal communities.
100% online
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Need help choosing the right course?
Our student advisors are here to guide you with expert advice on:
- Enrolling and planning your studies
- Finding a study option that suits your needs
- Understanding your funding options
When would you like to chat?
Let me pick a time
Find a time that suits you for a free 1:1 consultation with a student advisor.
Call me anytime
A student advisor will call you, usually within 30 minutes during business hours.
Looking for other ways to start the conversation? Contact us
Student reviews
We support thousands of students on their study journey every year
Our advisors are here to help with your study goals from enrolment to completion 7 days a week.
Indigenous studies study FAQs
Indigenous studies is an academic field that explores areas of significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. There are two ways you can study this discipline—you can enrol in a straight Indigenous studies course, or select Indigenous Studies as your major in a Bachelor of Arts. In either case, you will focus on a combination of history, art, politics, sociology and health so that you have a well-rounded view of Indigenous Australian experiences.
You can expect to unpack settler colonialism and the historical events that have shaped Indigenous Australian life. You will also learn about the cultural traditions and knowledge systems that are upheld today—and how they may influence how we tackle modern issues such as conservation and climate change.
Some courses will explore topics that are relevant to a specific industry. For example, you could learn about Indigenous Australian contributions to pop culture, or examine culturally safe social work practices. You may also have the opportunity to go on a work placement in a professional context.
The knowledge that you gain in an Indigenous studies course can inform your work and life in many ways. Your cultural awareness will help you to build more respectful relationships with those from diverse backgrounds, including colleagues, clients and prospective employers.
You will also have the understanding you need to work directly with those from Indigenous Australian communities, to connect with them more constructively and advocate for their needs. This can be particularly powerful if you work (or want to work) in healthcare, social justice, journalism, community development or education.
You should consider completing your course online if you want a more flexible study experience. You will have the freedom to build your cultural competency on your own schedule, because online students aren’t required to attend lectures or tutorials at set times on campus. Instead, you get to study when it suits you. Many people choose to earn their Indigenous studies qualification online so they have the availability to volunteer or work in their field during the day. This added work experience often helps them stand out in the job market.
There are a lot of reasons to study your course online through us.
- You can enrol without entry requirements
We have a unique open-door policy that makes it possible for everyone to enrol in university study, no matter their academic history. If you don’t meet the entry requirements for a degree, we’ll help you get in through single undergraduate subjects and transition into a qualification from there. - You have total control over how you study
Upskill without committing to a whole degree upfront. Or enrol in a full degree, but take it a subject at a time. We’ll introduce you to flexible study options you didn’t even know about, so you can fit uni around what matters to you. - You’ll graduate with the same qualification as an on-campus student
Once you enrol through us, you’ll study online with the university that provides your degree. This means that when you complete your qualification, you’ll graduate with the same degree as on-campus students. - We’ll help you navigate the university world
Our friendly student advisors will be your guide every step of the enrolment journey. They'll help you compare universities, choose a course, provide documentation and understand your finance options.
- You can enrol without entry requirements
Your Indigenous studies course can lead to a range of rewarding job opportunities.
Graduates commonly work in areas such as:
- Community development
- Social welfare
- Public policy
- Health services
- Social justice
- Environmental management
- Education
- Journalism and media
Before starting an enrolment, it’s important to read the entry requirements for your chosen course to ensure that you’re eligible to apply. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, we may be able to help you find a pathway into your course through open-entry subjects, which anyone can study.
Chat with us to find out more.
Here at Open Universities Australia, we make enrolling online as straightforward as possible. To get started, find the course for you by browsing the options on this page. You can also compare different qualifications using our handy comparison tool, or request help from one of our student advisors.
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Apply now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
Student stories and study advice
The 10 best creative writing short courses to kick off your practice
Whether you want to write a short story, novel, children’s book, biography or simply give in to your creative writing compulsion, we have the short course you didn’t know you needed.From arts law to actress: Elise McCann’s road to success
We chat with actress Elise McCann to find out how her arts/law degree helped her carve a career as a celebrated stage actress, producer, and health and wellness entrepreneur.What is Auslan? Here are 7 facts to know
It’s a beautiful, complex and creative visual language that uses hand shapes, facial expressions and body language. And no, it’s not just English conveyed through signs.How long does it take to learn a language?
It’s an impressive skill, and a surefire way to make your resume stand out; but is it possible to learn a new language without around the clock study? We chat to an expert to find out.We’re here to guide you to the right uni course
Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation helping every Australian to access thousands of university courses.
Over 515,000 students have enrolled in university through us since 1993.
How we can help you
Studying through Open Universities Australia means we take care of the guesswork and administration of university study, so you can focus on learning.
You don't need a strong academic history to go to uni
We make it possible for everyone to start university through single subjects, regardless of ATAR or study experience. These subjects are covered by government loans, and can be used to upskill or gain entry into a qualification.
You have the flexibility to start at multiple points during the year
We’re not restricted by a traditional academic calendar, so you can enrol when it suits your life. You also have total control over how you study. You can scale up (or down) your study load and even pause your course if you need to.
You can rely on us as an unbiased destination for online tertiary education
As a not for profit, we have your best interests at heart. Our advisors are here 7 days a week to guide and support you. It’s our priority to get you qualified with the university of your choice.