Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies graduates will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge regarding past and present Indigenous policy, Indigenous experiences, and cultures and the social, cultural, political, historical, and contemporary relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples
2. Analyse past and present issues and policies affecting the lives of Indigenous Peoples
3. Assess the quality of public debate about Indigenous policy and contribute respectfully to it
4. Construct and communicate well-structured arguments and ideas effectively using appropriate forms
5. Plan and conduct investigations into complex issues, synthesising information from a range of sources
6. Reflect on how increased cultural self-awareness has influenced their ways of thinking, being and doing in relation to Indigenous People in their lives as both citizens and professionals
7. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others.

A Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies can lead to or enrich careers in community and youth work, justice, education, local, state and federal government departments, health care and health promotion and non-government organisations (NGOs).

The Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies requires the completion of four courses which can be studied in one year, or up to a maximum five years. Students are required to undertake one compulsory core Aboriginal Studies course, ABOR5000 The Silent History, and three additional elective courses.

ABOR5000 The Silent History is delivered as a face-to-face intensive session over 8 days at the Broome Campus. This course is not offered online due to the valuable learning and understanding that students gain from the on-Country experience which cannot be replicated in an online environment. It includes an overnight camping trip with Traditional Owners.

Most students who come to Broome in June for ABOR5000 also stay on to complete the elective course ABOR5010 The Cultural and Spiritual Life of Aboriginal People over a further 5 days. This course is not offered online.

Students doing both ABOR5000 and ABOR5010 in the 2.5 week Broome intensive program need to study a further two electives to complete the program. The two electives can be chosen from the following online courses, via weekly webinar lectures and group discussions:

• ABOR5030 Aboriginal People in Contemporary Australian Society
• ABOR5040 Aboriginal People and the Media
• ABOR5310 Aboriginal People and the Legal System

A further self-directed, literature-based research project is also available to those who have completed at least two other courses and who have a particular area of research that interests them. This course, ABOR5250 Special Projects, is completed independently, with regular supervisor meetings across semester 1 or 2.

Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.