Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge

2024 course information for Domestic Students
2024 course information for International Students

updated 6:02 AM on Wed, 24 May

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
60
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
3 years full-time
Location
Lismore, Online
Start date
March
Course code
3009250
Course abbreviation
BIndigK
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

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.

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.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

Credit for prior learning

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is available for this course. For more information please view the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge RPL guide.

Language requirements

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

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

About the course

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.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
LismoreTerm  1
OnlineTerm  1

Online students attend compulsory residential workshops at Lismore campus for some units.

International students

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Early Offer

If you're a current Year 12 student you can register for our Early Offer program. You may be eligible to receive an early offer based on your School Principal's recommendation.

Apply now for your Early Offer
View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

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

Exit Awards

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.


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core Units

INDG1006Indigenous Scholarship
INDG1002Indigenous Knowledge
INDG1004Aboriginal Cultural Strengths
INDG2005Working with Aboriginal Communities I (Professional Engagement)
INDG3002Independent Study: Indigenous Research Project
INDG1001Indigenous World-Views
INDG1009Colonising Histories
INDG2012Indigenous Rights
INDG1003The Mental Health of Australian Indigenous Peoples
INDG2001Health and Indigenous Australian Peoples
INDG2003Country, Culture and Heritage
INDG1011Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Issues
INDG3004Indigenous Australians in Education
INDG3001Caring for Country
INDG2015Aboriginal Social Enterprise I
INDG2010Indigenous Health Promotion I
Students can select either the below listed Indigenous Knowledge major (96 credit points), OR one university shared major (96 credit points) OR eight elective units (96 credit points) from university wide offerings.

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
INDG1007Introduction to Indigenous Research
INDG1010Trauma and Resilience I
INDG2016Aboriginal Social Enterprise II
INDG2008Racism and Eugenics
INDG2011Aboriginal Social Realities
INDG5001Living Knowledge: The Rights of Country
INDG2013Aboriginal Community Organisations: Ethics and Sustainability
INDG3003Working with Aboriginal Communities II (Professional Placement)



Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

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 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.


Assessment methods

The assessment methods used in this course vary from unit to unit and connect with the types of learning outcomes for each unit. Assessment tasks may include essays, reports, presentations, group work, journals, online activities and exams.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities exist in project management or administration with Indigenous, government or community-based organisations, especially those with a focus on Indigenous issues. Typical career sectors include: health services, paralegal work, social welfare, environmental management, education or business.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

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