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

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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)

Australian students

Start Date
February
July

Campus
City West

Duration
2 year(s) full-time

Program Code
DMAL

SATAC Code
4CM130 (Internal)
4CM138 (Internal)
4CM139 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Fees
Commonwealth Supported

Entry requirements

Applicants must have completed a three-year Bachelor degree in any discipline or equivalent from a recognised higher education institution.

Applicants who have completed a Bachelor degree or a Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal or indigenous studies are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1.5 years of full time study or equivalent part time study.

Applicants who have completed a Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal or indigenous studies are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL Advanced Standing and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study.

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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.
Graduate with research and project management skills.
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.

It will provide you with a broad knowledge of Aboriginal issues and world views as they relate to health, law, history, education, environment, policy and research. You will graduate with knowledge of Aboriginal research methodologies and the project management skills needed to work with various Aboriginal groups.

This two-year degree forms part of a nested suite of degrees, which means that if you decide to exit early, you will graduate with a Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies or a Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal Studies, depending on the number of courses already studied. You can choose to study this degree on-campus or online. Part-time study options are also available.

What you'll learn

This master degree 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.

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. You will complete a selection of core subjects and an elective, as well as a research project or a minor thesis. You will also have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience when you work within the community, or learn about research methodologies in preparation for the completion of your project.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
Cultural Competency: Challenging Racism in Australian and Indigenous Contexts	SOCU 5018	4.5		Rule(s): 1,2
Law and Land	SOCU 5013	4.5		Rule(s): 1,2
Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing	SOCU 5011	4.5		Rule(s): 1,2
Australian Indigenous Languages, Identity and Belonging	SOCU 5017	4.5		Rule(s): 1,2
Aboriginal Futures	SOCU 5010	4.5		Rule(s): 2
Rebuilding Aboriginal Nations	HUMS 5049	4.5		Rule(s): 2
Indigenous Perspectives on Globalisation	SOCU 5012	4.5		Rule(s): 2
Aboriginal Studies Master Class	SOCU 5020	4.5	Note(s): 5	Rule(s): 2
SECOND YEAR
Aboriginal Research Methods and Ethics	SOCU 6001	9
Pitjantjatjara Culture and Language	LANG 5029	4.5	Note(s): 4
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 2
Research Thesis 1	SOCU 5023	9	Note(s): 3
Research Thesis 2	SOCU 5024	9	Note(s): 3

Electives

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units

People, Leadership and Performance	BUSS 5114	4.5
Managing Across Cultures	BUSS 5349	4.5
Community Partnerships	ENVT 5034	4.5
Social Work and Policy Practice	WELF 5099	4.5
Aboriginal Education, Culture, Curriculum and Change	EDUC 5140	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. Applicants who have completed a Bachelor degree or a Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal or Indigenous studies are eligible to enter the program with 0.5 EFTSL (18 units) Advanced Standing in lieu of these courses and complete the program in 1.5 years of full time study or equivalent part time study.

2. Applicants who have completed a Graduate Diploma in Aboriginal or Indigenous studies are eligible to enter the program with 1.0 EFTSL (36 units) Advanced Standing in lieu of these courses and complete the program in 1 year of full time study or equivalent part time study.

Notes

1. Students will be supported in their negotiations with workplaces, community groups and organisations regarding their Thesis.

2. The Elective is selected from those listed above; other postgraduate elective courses may be approved by the Program Director. In consultation with the Program Director students may choose an elective in a field related to their topic of research.

3. The thesis to be undertaken must be negotiated with the appropriate Aboriginal people/community/organisation to determine whether the issue being investigated addresses their concerns and is deemed to fit with their priorities and aspirations. The thesis must meet the ethics approval and research design requirements and procedures of the relevant Aboriginal people; it must also meet the ethics approval and research design requirements and procedures of the University of South Australia.

4. Students not undertaking Pitjantjatjara Culture and Language can undertake an elective from those listed.

5. The Aboriginal Studies Master Class is a two day intensive led by leading Aboriginal scholars and international Indigenous researchers. If this course is not offered in any given year the students may take an approved elective in lieu.

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. 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
discussion papers.

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 Master of Aboriginal Studies

You will learn from industry experts and 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 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.

Our commitment to research with an industry focus is unprecedented in South Australia. In the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia evaluation, 100 per cent of our assessed research was rated world-class or above¹.

¹2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)

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.

Career outcomes

Your career

Graduates from this specialisation find work as project officers, community service personnel and executive officers across a range of industries and business areas. Graduates may be employed by public service, human and community service organisations or private sector organisations.

UniStart - your 100% online pathway to a degree

Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.

Apply now

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

go to the top of this page and make note of the relevant SATAC code (see below) then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Advanced standing

You may be eligible for Advanced Standing and complete the requirements of this qualification in less than 2 years. Please see entry requirements for further details. When applying through SATAC, please refer to the codes below. If you are uncertain about your eligibility for Advanced Standing, please include more than one SATAC code in your list of application preferences.

2 years - SATAC CODE 4CM130
1.5 year - SATAC CODE 4CM138
1 year - SATAC CODE 4CM139

Alternative Pathways

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

This master degree is part of a nested suite of degrees, which means it may be possible to exit early and graduate with a graduate certificate or graduate diploma.

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

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.

Learn more

International travel grants

Travel Grants are available to participate in our Study Overseas Programs. UniSA has agreement with over 80 institutions globally.

Learn more

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 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

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.

AsPr Karen Sinclair

Program Director

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AsPr Karen Sinclair

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

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.
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.
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.

More FAQs

What others are saying

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