Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies

Degree Level Postgraduate

Years

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
0.5 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DCAG

SATAC Code
4GC004 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the program will normally have:
- A completed Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution; or
- 5 years relevant work experience in a role in Indigenous communities or related organisations.
View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

Aim

The Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies qualifies individuals who apply a body of knowledge in Aboriginal world views and cores issues relating to law, health, education, social and cultural competency which are cornerstones for professional work in the Indigenous context, and as a pathway for further learning.

Content & Structure

Graduates of a Graduate Certificate will have specialised knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge of Aboriginal Studies, in particular the advanced understanding of Aboriginal worldviews in law and land, health and well-being, languages and identity, cultural competency for professional practice.

This program forms part of a nested suite of programs consisting of 72 units as follows: Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies:18 units comprising four 4.5 unit courses; Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies which consists of a further 18 units; Master of Aboriginal Studies: 36 units which involve negotiating and completing a research project within an Aboriginal context on a topic deemed to be important to Aboriginal people or the completion of a minor thesis.

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.

Apply now to study with Adelaide University in 2026.

What courses you'll study

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
Cultural Competency: Challenging Racism in Australian and Indigenous Contexts	SOCU 5018	4.5	Note(s): 1
Australian Indigenous Languages, Identity and Belonging	SOCU 5017	4.5	Note(s): 1
Choose 2 of the following courses:
Law and Land	SOCU 5013	4.5
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing	SOCU 5011	4.5
Rebuilding Aboriginal Nations	HUMS 5049	4.5
Indigenous Perspectives on Globalisation	SOCU 5012	4.5
Aboriginal Futures	SOCU 5010	4.5
Pitjantjatjara Culture and Language	LANG 5029	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. On completion of the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies students will be eligible for entry to the Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies. 18 units of advanced standing will apply.

Notes

1. Students must complete core courses SOCU 5017 Australian Indigenous Languages, Identity and Belonging and SOCU 5018 Cultural Competency: Challenging Racism in Australian and Indigenous Contexts.

2. This program forms part of a nested suite of programs consisting of 72 units as follows: Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies 18 units comprising four 4.5 unit courses; Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies which consists of a further 18 units; Master of Aboriginal Studies: 36 units which involve negotiating and completing a research project within an Aboriginal context on a topic deemed to be important to Aboriginal people or the completion of a minor thesis.