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

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
TAFE/RTO: DIP
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2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 60.00
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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.
Recent secondary education ATAR profile

OR

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
OR

Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR

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
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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.
Study at a university ranked No.1 in SA for graduate employability², and learning resources³.
Engage with community and industry partners and explore employment pathways through placements and mentoring in the optional Professional Directions 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).²QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey, 2020-22 – Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities. ³ ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21 – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.

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.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

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

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you're eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a Pathway

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

UniSA Excellence Scholarships

$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.

Learn more

UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship

Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads 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 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:

academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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

Enquire

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.

Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.

For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.

Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Master of Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
Is there a closing date for applications?

Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.

Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

Credit transfer or advanced standing

You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

Recognised prior learning

If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.

How do I get credit?

Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.

Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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.

If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.

Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.

We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!

There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.

You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
Where can I get further information?

It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.

Find a course or a provider

TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.

More information on university admission

Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.

Questions about your application

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.

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