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Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies)

Degree Level Undergraduate

Australian students

Start Date
July

Campus
City West

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DBAS

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Fees
Commonwealth Supported arrow-small-right

Entry Requirements
View full entry requirements

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

  • Entry requirements

    Admission criteria

    The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

    Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

    To be eligible for selection, applicants are required to have:

    Completed the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE); and

    • completed 200 credits of subjects;
    • achieved a grade of C* or better in the Personal Learning Plan, 20 credits of literacy, 10 credits of numeracy and the Research Project at Stage 2;
    • achieved a grade C- or better in an additional 60 credits at Stage 2;
    • obtained a competitive ATAR.

    * For Stage 2 subjects a grade of C- or better is required

    Alternatively, the minimum educational requirements may be met by those who have fulfilled prerequisite requirements and:

    • Completed the equivalent secondary education qualifications as required for University entry under SACE and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements or
    • Completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements or
    • Completed or partly completed a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements or
    • Completed at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at the appropriate level and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements or
    • Completed an award from TAFE or from another registered training organisation at AQF Certificate IV or above and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements or
    • Qualified for Special Entry Sub-quota and fulfilled any prerequisite requirements or
    • Completed the University Foundation Studies program or
    • Special entry provisions may also apply for ATSI applicants

    Essential requirements for admission

    Prerequisites

    None

    Assumed Knowledge

    None
    View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

This program has no further intakes, please view our full suite of current Aboriginal and Australian Studies programs.

Quick links

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Aim

The Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies) program is designed to provide students with a knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultures and societies and their relationships within the broader Australian context while also allowing students to engage in a second major (or two additional minors).

Content & Structure

Students are required to complete 108 units (typically 24 x 4.5 unit courses). The program consists of eight required courses which make up the Aboriginal Studies major, including one Aboriginal Studies elective, six required Foundation courses, plus one Free Elective and a further Aboriginal Studies elective. These courses provide students with a broad understanding of societies, social and political concepts such as human rights, democracy and citizenship, the media, gender and culture; principles of communication and vocationally relevant computing, research and project management skills. The remaining eight courses may be completed by choosing from a number of options. This allows students to broaden their educational and professional experience by developing a second area of study. This may include either a full second major, a sub-major and two electives, or two minors.

Study at the new Adelaide University in 2026

The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia are combining their strengths to create a new university for the future, Adelaide University, opening in January 2026.

From 4 August 2025, the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will no longer be accepting applications for new students.

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Apply now to study with Adelaide University in 2026.

What courses you'll study

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Communications Concepts: Research and Application COMM 1032 4.5 Note(s): 1
Computers and Information Management COMP 1004 4.5 Note(s): 1
Aboriginal Cultures HUMS 1035 4.5 Note(s): 2
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Australian Politics, Civics and Citizenship POLI 1013 4.5 Note(s): 1
Aboriginal People, History and Colonialism HUMS 2010 4.5 Note(s): 2
Free Elective 4.5 Note(s): 5
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 3
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Aboriginal Studies Elective 4.5 Note(s): 2,4
Contemporary Aboriginal Issues HUMS 1034 4.5 Note(s): 2
Aboriginal Studies Elective 4.5 Note(s): 4
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Rights and Racism HUMS 2008 4.5 Note(s): 1
Communication, Culture and Indigenous Australians COMM 2060 4.5 Note(s): 2
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 3
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 3
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Australian Society, Aboriginal Voices LANG 2007 4.5 Note(s): 2
Identity and Representation HUMS 3014 4.5 Note(s): 1
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 3
Major 2 4.5 Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Indigenous Philosophy: Contesting Knowledge in Social Science PHIL 1002 4.5 Note(s): 1
Indigenous Australians and the Human Services WELF 2015 4.5 Note(s): 2
Indigenous Art, Culture and Design VSAR 3017 4.5 Note(s): 2,6
Major 2 Note(s): 3
  • Electives minus-thick plus-thick
    Course name Area and cat no. Units
    Aboriginal Studies Elective
    Comparative Indigenous Studies HUMS 2017 4.5
    Education, Change and Society EDUC 4169 4.5
    Indigenous Australians: Culture and Colonisation HUMS 1051 4.5
    Cultural Perspectives on Health NURS 1036 4.5
  • Rules & notes minus-thick plus-thick

    Notes

    1. These courses are the six Foundation courses.

    2. These eight courses make up the Major in Aboriginal Studies. The major includes one Aboriginal Studies Elective.

    3. Students should consult with the Program Director before selecting courses for their second major. Students may complete a sub-major plus two electives or two minor sequences in place of the second major.

    4. The two Aboriginal Studies Electives should be selected from the specified list (or as negotiated with the Program Director). Not all electives are available externally.

    5. All students complete at least one Free Elective as part of their undergraduate program. See undergraduate elective courses.

    6. All courses are available externally with the exception of VSAR 3017 Indigenous Art, Cultures and Design and WELF 2015 Indigenous Australians and the Human Services.

Contact us

Australian students

Phone: +61 8 8302 2376
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

International students

Phone: +61 8 9627 4854
Enquiry: unisa.edu.au/enquiry

For further information please visit unisa.edu.au/study
Information correct at the time of publication. CRICOS provider number 00121B.
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