Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies
Degree Level Postgraduate
Year 2025
This degree is only available to Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Mode
On-campus/Online
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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.
Degree overview
- Study the only Aboriginal Studies qualification in South Australia.
- Learn from highly respected Aboriginal professionals.
- Benefit from flexible study options, including part-time, intensive and online study.
- Benefit from the University’s strong industry and government links.
- Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Cultural Studies and Linguistics1.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Snapshot
This postgraduate qualification is designed for students of any discipline with an interest in Aboriginal history, culture, politics and education. You will graduate with a broad knowledge of Aboriginal issues and world views as they relate to:
- health
- law
- history
- education
- environment
- policy
- research.
This six-month graduate certificate forms part of a nested degree, which means that on completion you will be eligible for entry to the Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies (Advanced Standing will apply). You are also able to study this degree on-campus or online. Part-time study options are available.
What you'll learn
Through a mix of theoretical and practical learning you will cover topics relating to the global, cultural, social and political themes relevant to your area of interest. This graduate certificate enables you to explore Aboriginal culture, society and history as they relate to a broad range of disciplines, including health, law, history, education, environment, policy and research.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials and workshops. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums. 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:
- essays
- portfolios
- research papers
- literature reviews.
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 Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies
You will learn from industry experts and leading researchers and you will benefit from our relationships and ties with industry and the State Government.
Many leading Aboriginal organisations, including the Aboriginal Health Council of SA, the Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement and the Aboriginal Health Division of the SA Department of Health, have been involved in the development of this qualification, ensuring the content is culturally appropriate.
You will also have the opportunity to learn from highly respected Aboriginal professionals and will benefit from our flexible study options - you can choose to study on-campus or online, which is great news for those trying to fit study in among work and other life commitments.
Real-world connections
A number of our academics and lecturers are Aboriginal professionals who offer a wealth of valuable experience and knowledge. We also host regular University-wide employee master classes and employment expos and alumni events in Australia and overseas.
Online study
Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. This means that you can:
- study online, including accessing videos and course resources
- participate in an interactive online learning environment
- submit your assignments and get feedback online
- use discussion forums for team work and communication
With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment, you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle.
Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any applicable requirements will be detailed on individual course pages.
Your career
Graduates from this specialisation work as project officers, community service personnel and executive officers across a range of industries and business areas. You could find employment in the following areas:
- public service
- human and community service organisations
- private sector organisations.
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.
Scholarship for student leadership
Available for students who are interested in undertaking specified activities with the aim of enhancing the overall student experience at UniSA.
International travel grants
Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.
Your study experience and support
Our campuses have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, tech zones, and spaces that simulate real work environments. You’ll also find student gyms and campus sport activities to keep you active. We also offer flexible study options, with online resources available for accessing lecture recordings, virtual classrooms, library resources and learning support.
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. You can access a full range of support services including academic and personal counselling, career advice, social support services, as well as those 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 program director
Previously a junior primary teacher for over a decade and an active member of the Department for Educations Expert Advisory panel on Aboriginal Education, I have taught several courses in the Aboriginal Studies programs with a focus on education and Indigenous knowledges and research methodologies. I am excited to bring to this program a commitment to privileging Indigenous knowledges, pedagogies and voices. I am committed to collaborative teaching and learning, particularly in the online environment. I believe our graduates will graduate from our Aboriginal Studies programs with nuanced understandings of ways that Indigenous knowledges and research are engaging local solutions and global opportunities in powerful ways.
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.
