Study Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MBAA

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 32,800 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
108402G

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.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education

Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent

AND

Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

Higher education study

Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

Work and life experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

English language entry requirements

In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:

English language test

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Bangladesh HSC	3.5
Canada High School (OSSD)	60
Eynesbury FSP	310
German Abitur	3.8
Kenya KCSE (average)	B
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	32
Norway GPA	2.8
Pakistan HSSC	75
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	6
Sweden GPA	12.5
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	6
Vietnam	7
Australia	65
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1050
India (best 4) State Board	70
India (best 4) Central Board	60
HKDSE	15
Nepal NEB	2.41

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

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.
Enhance your employment prospects by studying a double major - you'll graduate with an in-depth knowledge of two distinct but complementary areas.
Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Cultural Studies and Linguistics¹.
Gain work experience in the Professional Experience Program.
Benefit from flexible learning options and choose to study this degree partially online.
Use this degree as a pathway to further study, including the Master of Teaching (Secondary) and Master of Social Work.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Snapshot

The Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies) will prepare you to engage thoughtfully with Aboriginal Australians, and will provide you with a broad understanding of issues pertinent to Aboriginal people and communities. You will develop an understanding of the complex interface between Aboriginal knowledges and Western knowledge, perspectives, and practices, and engage in critical dialogues with the many voices and priorities of Aboriginal Peoples and communities.

Key areas of study include:
Aboriginal knowledges and cultures
Aboriginal history and colonialism
Aboriginal governance structures and nation building
globalisation, national and international trends in relation to Aboriginal peoples
caring for Country and its role in Aboriginal heritage issues.

This degree will give you the knowledge and skills to think critically about the various issues impacting Indigenous communities locally, nationally, and globally, and will enable you to engage thoughtfully with Aboriginal communities and contribute to ethical and professional practice.

What you'll learn

You will engage in analysis, discussion and debate around key issues that are of significance to Aboriginal peoples and international Indigenous Peoples, such as language revitalisation, Aboriginal nation building and the broader pursuit of self-determination, social and economic development, and social justice.

You will build interdisciplinary knowledge, community leadership skills and cultural awareness, graduating with the skills necessary to succeed in the rapidly changing global workplace.

You will be given the opportunity to study two majors, ensuring you graduate with advanced skills and knowledge that will set you apart from your competitors in the workplace.You can choose a second major from the following:

In addition to your two majors, you will also be required to complete two core courses, four courses from a selected list of minors (also from the above list), and Professional Directions Program 1 & 2 or two electives.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Truth, Lies and Being Human	HUMS 1060	4.5	Note(s): 1
Aboriginal Cultures	HUMS 1035	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 2,3,5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Intercultural Communication	LANG 1054	4.5	Note(s): 1
Caring for Country	ENVT 1017	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 2,3,5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Communication and Reciprocity	COMM 2060	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 2,3,5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 4
OR
Professional Directions Program 1	COMM 2098	4.5	Note(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Aboriginal Australians and the Human Services	WELF 2015	4.5	Note(s): 6
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 2,3,5
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 4
OR
Professional Directions Program 2	COMM 2099	4.5	Note(s): 4
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Law, Land and Peoples	LAWS 3086	4.5
Aboriginal Philosophy: Contesting Knowledge in Social Science	PHIL 3008	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Aboriginal Nation Building and Governance	HUMS 3056	4.5
Aboriginality and Globalisation	HUMS 3057	4.5
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1
Major 2		4.5		Rule(s): 1

Majors, Sub-majors & Minors

French Studies

Italian Studies

Japanese Studies

Psychology

Creative Writing and Literature

Applied Linguistics

Sociology

History and Global Politics

Cultural Studies

Law, Policy and Politics

Aboriginal Studies

Criminology and Criminal Justice

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units

Pitjantjatjara Language and Culture	LANG 2031	4.5
Teaching and Learning in Aboriginal Education	EDUC 2061	4.5
Aboriginal Public Health Practice and Research	HLTH 2039	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are required to complete their second major from: Creative Writing and Literature, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Applied Linguistics, Sociology, Languages, Cultural Studies, or Psychology. Students who wish to complete the Criminology and Criminal Justice major, or a major or minor learning area from the list of available university major and minor options should contact the Program Director for approval and enrolment advice. International student visa holders cannot select Criminology and Criminal Justice as a specialisation or major.

2. Students intending to undertake a Master of Teaching (Secondary) should consult with their program director for a schedule of recommended courses.

Notes

1. This course is one of two core courses that provide a foundation for the program.

2. A minor consists of four courses (18 units), two of which are generally Level 1 (Introductory) and two at Level 2 (Intermediate).

3. The Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience course can be chosen in place of the minor sequence and is equivalent to 18 units. Students who choose this option will swap their first year (Level 1 Introductory) minor sequence to Elective 1 and Elective 2. Students can then choose to study the Hawke course in their second year (Level 2 Intermediate). Students will be required to complete the two available Level 2 Intermediate course options at second year in the opposite study period to undertaking the Hawke course.

4. Students complete either Electives or Professional Directions Program courses 1 and 2. Students may be directed to complete English Language courses in place of their electives.

5. Students are advised to select their minor from within the majors offered by the MBAA Bachelor of Arts.

6. With the permission of the Program Director, this course may be substituted with a suitable alternative or elective (see elective list below).

7. The Justice & Society Study Tour course can be chosen in place of an elective course as part of this program. Additional fees apply for the study tour component of this course, and enrolment is conditional upon successful application in a competitive Expression of Interest process as well as successful completion of 36 units.

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

Your studies at UniSA will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

case studies
critical analysis
essays
individual and group presentations
online quizzes
reports
research assignments
portfolios.

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies)

This exciting degree offers a future-focused perspective around Aboriginal knowledges, issues and governance, as well as discussing international perspectives. You’ll explore different aspects of Aboriginal cultures and their historical and contemporary contexts. If you’re interested in Aboriginal history, as well as contemporary Aboriginal issues, this arts degree is a great choice.

You will learn from industry experts and study a curriculum informed by world-class research¹. You will also benefit from our relationships and ties with local Aboriginal communities, and have the opportunity to learn from highly respected Aboriginal professionals. This flexible degree can be studied on-campus or online – perfect for those trying to fit study in among work and other life commitments.

If you finish your degree with a credit or higher grade point average (GPA), you could be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree. You may also choose to continue your studies with a Master of Teaching and teach Humanities and Social Sciences in Australia or overseas. If this interests you, please visit the How Do I Become a Teacher web page before selecting your courses.

You may choose to further your studies through a Master of Social Work. Students must ensure they are across the entry requirements of this postgraduate program before selecting courses in the Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

Real-world connections

As part of this degree you will have opportunities to engage with community, build industry connections and gain valuable work experience.Such opportunities include:

Placements in over 100 organisations though the Professional Directions Program in second year.
Attending regular University-wide employee master classes, career development planning, employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

This could be you

UniSA’s Bachelor of Arts is taught by world-class educators and researchers and enables you to pursue two areas of academic interest at once. Hear from UniSA student Luke Heathorn and Program Support Coordinator Louis Everuss on what it's like studying our Bachelor of Arts degrees.

Career outcomes

Your career

Studying an Aboriginal Studies major as part of your Arts degree will prepare you for a career in a wide range of industries and business areas, and equip you with transferable cross-cultural communication skills, the ability to think critically and formulate solutions, and the technical skills and understanding to work and collaborate with Aboriginal communities. Graduates may be employed by:

government sectors, for example within Aboriginal-focused departments and agencies
non-government and private sector organisations
human and community service businesses and organisations that support Aboriginal communities and clients, where specific skills in cross-cultural awareness are sought.

This program helps you develop many transferable skills which are highly regarded by employers including:

critical analysis
real-world, contemporary research strategies
cultural awareness
sophisticated communication.

You could also pursue a teaching role in humanities and social sciences when you continue your studies with a Master of Teaching (Secondary).
You may also choose to further your studies through a Master of Social Work. Students must ensure they are across the entry requirements of this postgraduate program before selecting courses in the Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree.

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

Scroll to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code*, then click Apply
You will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

*There are two SATAC codes – one for this degree, and one for this degree packaged with the Master of Teaching. You can apply to study this degree on its own. However if you already know you would like to combine it with a Master of Teaching, you can apply for both together.

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

UniSA College Diploma in Social Sciences
UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Social Sciences)
SAIBT Diploma of Arts

International

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Your program director

I am Director of the Bachelor of Arts Programs, Lecturer in Applied Linguistics, and Fellow of the Advanced Higher Education Academy, UK. My academic background is in Languages and Applied Linguistics (BA Hons, PhD), following extensive experience in clinical practice across a range of health and medical domains in Australia. My work places a strong focus on developing reciprocal, trusting relationships in my teaching, mentoring and engagement with students, and in my research in partnership with colleagues, community and industry. My teaching and research inform each other. I coordinate and teach core courses in the Bachelor of Arts, and my research focuses on language and communication in professions and organisations in various contexts. These include state and nationally funded projects in health care, aged care, education, counselling, and policing. The upshot is that our Bachelor of Arts program develops each student’s interests, strengths and aspirations, enabling each student to explore and prepare for a wide range of career and life goals. The unique double major structure combines theory and practice with real-world experience to develop strong interdisciplinary skills that are highly valued by industry, government and community.

Dr Fiona O'Neill

Program Director

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Dr Fiona O'Neill

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

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?

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?

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?

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

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

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

Since undertaking my Aboriginal Studies degree, I have been able to use those skills to teach both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students in a culturally responsive way. Supported by Sam Osbourne, Associate Director: Regional Engagement (APY Lands), my thesis was a great way for me to really delve deep into culturally responsive pedagogies and how it relates to education for Aboriginal students across the state. My studies at UniSA were foundational for all that I have achieved. I was able to share the confidence and knowledge I gained from my degree with others once I embarked on my role as Aboriginal Education Teacher at Balaklava High School, and I’m proud that this is positively impacting students across South Australia.

Joshuah Jenner

Aboriginal Education Teacher | Balaklava High School