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- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
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Discipline info for Australian students
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
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Learn from world-class educators and researchers – we’re number one in South Australia for research in Cultural Studies and Linguistics1.
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Study at a university ranked No.1 in SA for graduate employability2 and Top 10 in Australia for learning resources3.
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Gain an understanding of the past and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal Peoples in Australia and internationally.
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Develop your cultural competence and be equipped with the skills and strategies to work effectively with Aboriginal clients and communities.
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Combine courses from diverse disciplines to gain a broad understanding of Australian Aboriginal societies and cultures, both past and present.
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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.
- 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.
- Choose from flexible learning options to suit your needs and lifestyle including online, on-campus, full-time and part-time study.
- 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
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.
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.
Short programs
Are you after a career change or looking to upgrade your existing skills? Or perhaps you just have an interest in a particular subject area and want to further your experience, skills and knowledge. At UniSA we offer a suite of short programs that will allow you to build your knowledge and skill set.
If you are interested in Aboriginal and Australian studies you may be interested in our Pitjantjatjara Language and Culture Program. This short program consists of oral practice, elementary vocabulary, basic grammar and written exercises.
Industry facts
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
