University of South Australia

Aboriginal and Australian Studies

Interested in Aboriginal and Australian Studies?

Gain an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the economic, social, political and cultural aspects of Aboriginal people in Australia. 

Our exciting degrees will take you on a journey to explore Australia’s rich history and culture – you will learn from industry experts and award-winning researchers1 and have the opportunity to learn from highly respected Aboriginal professionals.

You will delve into areas including Aboriginal heritage, Aboriginal writing, Aboriginal cultures and Australian society, as well as Aboriginal histories and colonialism. 

You can also benefit from the flexibility of on-campus and online study so you can balance your studies with life's other commitments. 

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Key features

  • Learn from world-class educators and researchers – we’re number one in South Australia for research in Cultural Studies and Linguistics1.

  • Study at a university ranked No.1 in SA for graduate employability2 and Top 10 in Australia for learning resources3.

  • Gain an understanding of the past and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal Peoples in Australia and internationally. 

  • Develop your cultural competence and be equipped with the skills and strategies to work effectively with Aboriginal clients and communities. 

  • Combine courses from diverse disciplines to gain a broad understanding of Australian Aboriginal societies and cultures, both past and present. 

  • Benefit from flexible learning options – our undergraduate degree can be studied partially online, and our postgraduate qualifications can be studied fully online.

  • Use this degree as a pathway to further study, including Master of Teaching (Secondary).

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2ComparED (QILT) Employer Satisfaction Survey 2021-23. SA public universities. 3Ranked #8 (Undergraduate) and #6 (Postgraduate), ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Learning Resources Indicator. Public universities.

Why UniSA?

  • You’ll be taught by industry professionals. Our academics and tutors have a very practical approach to learning, and you’ll work on real projects and get real experience. 
  • Learn the latest technologies in state-of-the-art teaching spaces.
  • We’re Australia’s youngest university to receive a five-star plus rating for excellence1 and this shines through our teaching. Our people are inspired by challenges and opportunities. We partner with local icons and international heavyweights to focus on real world projects.
  • Access hands-on learning opportunities and connect with industry professionals right from day one.
  • Explore our wide range of grants and scholarships to support your studies.
  • We are consistently recognised and awarded for our excellence in teaching, the quality of our degrees and satisfaction of our students – there's never been a better time to study at the University of South Australia.

12023 QS Stars Ratings.

UniSA offers the following Aboriginal and Australian Studies degrees

Choose your level of study

Your career

As the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers1, our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.

Working with Aboriginal communities allows you to explore the cultural, historic, social and health-related issues facing Aboriginals and Indigenous peoples. You’ll need compassion, empathy, cultural awareness and sensitivity, superior communication and problem solving skills. 

Graduates find work as project officers, community service personnel and executive officers across a range of industries and business areas. You could find employment in:

  • public service
  • human and community service organisations
  • private sector organisations.

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.

Your Career

Global networks

We are a globally connected university and our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement.

Industry facts

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Employment for welfare support workers in Australia is projected to increase by 14,900 (22.7 per cent) by May 2024.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

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Employment for education, health and welfare services managers in Australia is projected to increase by 12,100 (15.8 per cent) by May 2024.

Australian Government Department of Employment, Occupational Employment Projections 2019

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

Study at UniSA

Influence the future of Australian society. With flexible learning options including a range of courses offered online, you can gain the skills and knowledge required to work in a range of Aboriginal and Indigenous contexts and position yourself to make a difference for future generations of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

UniSA Video

What others are saying

I wrote my thesis on finding a way of identifying upon discovery of Aboriginal ancestry later in my life. A highlight of my studies was participating in a cultural exchange for four weeks at Pukyong National University in Busan, South Korea. The comradery, especially amongst other mature age students, was wonderful and I made a lot of friends throughout my time at university. The support and learning throughout my journey with UniSA has been outstanding, and I would highly recommend UniSA to anyone undertaking tertiary education.

Jill Waller

Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies) (Honours), Bachelor of Education (Middle and Secondary)
Student Support and Aboriginal Education Officer | Department for Education

Jill_Waller-1.jpg

Jill Waller

Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies) (Honours), Bachelor of Education (Middle and Secondary)
Student Support and Aboriginal Education Officer | Department for Education

Why study at UniSA?

As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:

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Accessible, helpful and flexible

We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.

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Graduate success

UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings