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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March
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Duration
1 year full-time; 2 years part-time
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Location
Lismore, Online
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Placement
No
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ATAR
N/A
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 5.5
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
DipIndigK
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Course code
2125605
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Credit points
96
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Equivalent units
8
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
-
Start Date
-
Duration
1 year full-time
-
Location
-
Placement
No
-
ATAR
N/A
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 5.5
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
DipIndigK
-
Course code
2125605
-
Credit points
96
-
Equivalent units
8
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
The Diploma of Indigenous Knowledge (Land and Sea Management) provides a culturally grounded pathway into higher education and employment in land and sea management.
The course integrates Indigenous Knowledge systems with foundational environmental and conservation sciences, preparing students for roles in ranger programs, natural resource management, cultural heritage work, and community engagement.
Students learn from Indigenous educators and knowledge holders while also studying key science and environmental units delivered across the University.
This Diploma offers strong pathways into the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge and the Bachelor of Science.
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"This Diploma equips students with the cultural grounding and practical knowledge to contribute meaningfully to Land and Sea management. Whether you’re preparing for a role in community or building a pathway into further study, the course brings together Indigenous perspectives, environmental learning, and community relationships to support purposeful and engaged study.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
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 (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Apply critical, analytical, and problem-solving skills to environmental and cultural challenges within defined Indigenous Knowledge systems and Country-based contexts. |
GA2: Creativity Develop innovative, culturally informed, and contextually appropriate solutions to issues in Indigenous community, cultural, and ecological management. |
GA3: Ethical practice Exhibit ethical awareness, social responsibility, and respect for human rights in decision-making processes that affect Indigenous peoples, cultures, and environments. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Integrate and apply broad knowledge of Indigenous ways of knowing and being with foundational principles of environmental, marine, and earth sciences to evaluate social, cultural, political, and ecological factors influencing Indigenous ranger practice. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Apply information and digital literacy skills, reflective practice and self-directed learning to support ongoing professional and personal development. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Communicate and collaborate effectively, sensitively, and inclusively in oral, written, and digital forms to support teamwork, cultural exchange, and shared learning within Indigenous and cross-cultural contexts. |
GA7: Cultural competence Communicate knowledge of Indigenous cultural diversity, protocols, and governance to design and justify culturally respectful approaches that support identity, belonging, wellbeing, and engagement with Country. |
Land and Sea Management
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Lismore | Term 1 |
| Online | Term 1 |
Career Outcomes
Prepares graduates for positions across Indigenous ranger programs, land and sea country management, cultural heritage, environmental monitoring, fire management, natural resource management, environmental science, and community engagement.
The Diploma also provides a pathway into the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge or the Bachelor of Science.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
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. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs.
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.0 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.0 |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Indigenous Knowledge, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points), comprising:
- 1 specialisation in Land and Sea Management
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why study Indigenous Knowledge at Southern Cross University
Culturally grounded learning
Delivered in a culturally safe environment that honours Indigenous Knowledge systems and community relationships
Strong community and industry connections
Developed in partnership with Elders, Aboriginal organisations, and environmental stakeholders
Clear education and employment pathways
Pathways to the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge and the Bachelor of Science, and preparation for professional roles
Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access, an initiative created to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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How can we help?
How can we help?
Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway