Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies,GC-INDAUC

Overview

This course is for those working or intending to work with Indigenous Australian people. Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies (IACS) offers both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the cultural diversity and ways of Indigenous Australians, communities and organisations.

It examines the cultural, social, economic and political contexts and issues confronting Indigenous Australian people. The dynamic and complex environment in which Indigenous Australian people are positioned is considered through an Indigenous Australian perspective.

All the units in this major are underpinned by principles of social justice and are informed by emergent Indigenous Australians critical theory. They are highly recommended to students interested in a professional career working alongside Indigenous Australians.

How this course will make you industry ready

• This Graduate Certificate value-adds to most undergraduate degree courses particularly in areas like humanities, health and social sciences.
• Students enhance their knowledge, competence and skills for culturally appropriate practice with diverse Indigenous Australian groups, communities and organisations.
• An understanding of Indigenous issues on a national and local level is explored which will give you a solid foundation for embarking on research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

What you'll learn

• work in culturally appropriate ways and apply cultural protocols and Indigenous Cultural competencies as defined by the Centre for Aboriginal Studies that acknowledge, empower and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ rights to fairness, social justice and human rights.
• critically analyse and reflect on issues of cultural significance in order to work effectively with Indigenous Australian people and Indigenous communities
• select, evaluate and integrate information from various sources which is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives
• implement best practice and culturally appropriate ways of working when communicating with Indigenous people
• apply self-directed learning strategies and reflect critically on your life-long learning in partnership with Indigenous peoples
• contextualise and evaluate local and national Indigenous issues alongside international pan-Indigenous issues and the impact of globalisation
• understand the complexity and diversity of Australian Indigenous cultures, perspectives, identities, spiritual beliefs and their relationships with one another and apply understanding to professional practice
• work collaboratively and ethically with Indigenous people recognising Indigenous organisational structures and using best practice models

Have your supporting documents to hand, and ensure they meet our guidelines. The documents may include certified copies of your qualifications, English language proficiency documents and supplementary forms for certain courses.

If your documents are not issued in English, an official translation from a recognised translation service must be provided.

Recognised translation services

• National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) accredited translator in Australia
• The Awarding institution
• A Notary Public Office
• The official Government body
• An official and accredited translator*

*Official translations are subject to review.

If you have undertaken previous study or work that matches the content of some of your Curtin course units, you may be able to obtain credit for recognised learning, which exempts you from studying those units.

You can apply direct online through our Applicant Portal. You can access the Applicant Portal by:

1. Navigating to the relevant course page
2. Click ‘Apply now’
3. When the pop-up window appears, select “Apply directly to Curtin University”.

If you want to package your course with a Curtin English course, you can submit your application with your course application documents to streamline the process.

If your application is successful, you will receive an offer that you will need to accept or reject.

If you accept your offer, you will receive a Confirmation of Enrolment ­– a document from Curtin that details your course, how long you will be studying the course, and the tuition fees. This document can be used for acquiring a student visa.

Apply to the Australian government for your student visa. Gaining a student visa will allow you to participate in full-time study in Australia and work up to 40 hours in a fortnight. If you’re under 18 years of age, you must have approved accommodation and welfare arrangements in place before a visa can be issued.

See our pre-departure resources for helpful information regarding your move to Perth.