Build the skills for a career that embraces indigenous culture

Indigenous Studies provides the opportunity to examine important historical and emerging issues that influence the lives of Indigenous people across the globe, with a focus on the experiences of Australia's First Peoples. As society evolves, professionals who have studied the accomplishments and contributions Indigenous peoples have made throughout history develop skills in investigation, evaluation and analysis of Indigenous Australian political issues, and will find themselves sought after by employers in a range of fields.

UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Indigenous studies designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to make a meaningful contribution at work. Our long-standing commitment to preparing adults for the ever-evolving job market means that our Indigenous studies courses will focus on Indigenous knowledge systems, Indigenous Australian education, and Australian history to ensure you are ready for cultural change in any workplace. You’ll learn from leading experts and elders who have a passion for teaching.

Most of our students decide to pursue online education, where they belong to a community of adult learners who bring their life and work experience together to establish networks for the future. On-campus students can utilise campus accommodation, sports and support services. Whether online or on campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.

By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

Explore Indigenous Studies courses on offer at UNE.

Courses by study level

Bachelor of Arts

One of our longest-standing degrees, the Bachelor of Arts (BA) is increasingly relevant in today's agile, dynamic world. It equips you with the creative, critical and analytical skills in demand by employers, and is transferable across a range of workplaces. When you study a BA at UNE, you have the freedom to become a specialist in the discipline of your choice.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Geoscience plays a crucial role in finding, extracting and managing earth resources. These minerals and energy resources are essential to almost every aspect of our day-to-day modern life. Studying UNE's Bachelor of GeoScience online or on campus will open doors to a range of opportunities for you in this critical field.

Our course has a strong practical focus on earth science, geology and GIS, allowing you to upskill and future fit your career. You will expand your knowledge of our planet's composition, structure and natural geological systems, and hone your skills in managing the earth's resource to secure their continuing contribution to our socio-economic wellbeing in the future.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

This flexible education degree incorporates a wide range of subjects to prepare you to work in a range of educational fields, including training and management environments. With UNE’s Bachelor of Educational Studies, you will learn in a flexible and supportive environment. Hone your skills to be transferable across a range of contexts and future-proof your career.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 8 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Criminology is the study of crime and our responses to crime. UNE's Bachelor of Criminology investigates factors that cause criminal behaviour and how crime can be prevented within wider society. The course offers a variety of key topics and issues including policing and punishment, rural crime, victimology and how crimes may be prevented in practice and solved through criminal profiling and forensic science. You will get to hone your skills in critical thinking, problem solving and analysis to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Work with people to build a better world and make a real difference with the Bachelor of Sustainability at UNE. Our degree integrates the social sciences and humanities with environmental sciences and natural resource management to give you a thorough understanding of sustainability and help you build on your experience to develop real-world strategies that work.

By broadening your knowledge, plus honing your critical, analytical and problem-solving skills, you can advance your career while working towards finding tangible solutions for environmental and social dilemmas.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Do you love delving into our rich past? Is history your passion? The Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice is designed for people who want to make history their profession, those who already work in a historical context and want to upskill, or for people planning a career that would benefit from a strong background in history.

Professions that graduates of the Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice can consider include historical fiction and writing, social history and criminology, family history and sociology, national history and languages, cultural history and music, to name a few. Gain a solid grounding in history, its meaning and impacts, and the importance to communities of the role of the historian, and learn how to effectively research and apply history in a professional context.

Duration
  • 3 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

The UNE Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws provides you with the opportunity to combine your study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. As a double degree for the future, it has been developed in response to the needs of today’s rapidly changing workplaces and a growing employer demand for double degree graduates.

Your choice of arts major allows you to become an expert in a discipline of your choice. The legal knowledge and practical skills will also enable you to pursue many pathways in law, benefiting from UNE’s deep expertise in regional, rural and remote legal issues.

Duration
  • 5 years full-time
  • Up to 12 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Workplaces value employees who have a broad range of real-world skills, and this combined degree will equip you to excel in today’s dynamic working environment. In our Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business, you’ll gain business knowledge and learn to think like an entrepreneur. You’ll develop creative and socio-cultural knowledge, and vital skills in critical thinking and communication.

Our degree fosters the accumulation of knowledge and the acquisition of a diverse set of skills, essential to helping you be an independent thinker, and empowering you to create a new future, new career prospects and the ability to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing modern workplace.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • Up to 10 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Add an area of expertise to your CV and gain an undergraduate qualification — without committing to a full bachelor's degree. You will develop research, critical thinking, and writing skills in the core units. With the minor and elective units, you tailor the course to your specific interests and career objectives by choosing from an extensive selection of arts, humanities and social science units.

With our Advanced Diploma in Arts you have the freedom to explore related subjects, or a range of different topics. With this flexibility, your advanced diploma can be customised to your aspirational and practical needs. It will also qualify you to go on to a Bachelor of Arts if you're keen to continue your studies. Become future fit with these advanced studies. 

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Diploma in Business

The world of business and work is changing rapidly. To safeguard your career in this new era, you must keep up to date by building on your knowledge and skills.

UNE’s Diploma in Business will help you build on your experience to develop the business skills you need to respond to opportunities in the workplace and to meet challenges with confidence. We focus on equipping you with the ability to apply academic knowledge to your work in business, as an entrepreneur, or as an employee.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Diploma in Arts

Are you looking to add an additional area of expertise to your CV to enhance your career prospects without committing to a full degree? Perhaps you just want to dip a toe into university study, with the option of continuing on to an advanced diploma or even a bachelor's degree? Well, our Diploma in Arts is the perfect way to achieve both goals. This course will equip you with a variety of fundamental skills and knowledge in a range of subjects in the arts, humanities and social sciences.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Master of Arts

UNE’s Master of Arts is designed to equip you with specialised knowledge as well as a wide range of transferrable skills that employers highly value, such as communication and critical thinking. This course is also a focused pathway to higher degree research.

With a master's degree, you can make a switch to a new career field or gain additional expertise to enhance your existing path. At UNE, you can select a major from a wide range of specialty areas, dive into research and tailor the program to your interests and career goals. Explore history, linguistics, theatre and digital performance, philosophy, sociology and more.

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Master of History

Are you looking to extend your skills in history for professional or personal interest? When you study our Master of History degree you can gain and polish your research, analysis and writing skills, whether you already have a history qualification or are new to the discipline.

Gain advanced knowledge of history as a discipline, specialised knowledge of historical periods of your choice, and the skills required to write history. Immerse yourself in historical research by completing two research projects, a minor and a major project. Hone your skills in critical thinking, problem solving and analysis and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online

Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work with you to design a course to match your skills and aspirations.

You will have the freedom to assemble your course from a full breadth of subjects, play to your strengths and draw from your experience to achieve your goals. Learn in a way that suits your timeframe and do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor — with one-on-one guidance from start to finish. You'll be paving your pathway to the next stage of your career.

Duration
  • 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online

Have you traced your family tree and been bitten by the history bug? Or perhaps you are a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV, to help future proof your career? With so many online resources now available, interest in local and family research has exploded. With the Graduate Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History, you can add a formal history qualification to your CV.

In this course, you will have the opportunity to acquire the specific skills and knowledge required to investigate, interpret and present histories to a professional standard, utilise different sources and media, and engage a variety of different audiences.

Duration
  • 1.5 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online

Are you a graduate looking to add new skills to your CV to reinforce or redirect your career? Perhaps you are keen to pursue a personal interest in the arts or humanities. Or maybe you are interested in completing a master's but aren't sure if you can commit to a full degree. If any of the above fits your situation, the Graduate Certificate in Arts is the perfect course for you.

Your choice of majors include, but are not limited to, history, philosophy, media and communications, English literature, writing, and a range of modern cultural studies. In addition, you will be trained to discover and process information, think independently, and communicate effectively.

Duration
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new career direction, we will work with you to customise a course to match your skills and aspirations.

Choose from a full breadth of subjects. Avoid getting bogged down in a lengthy, traditional course, and instead, play to your natural strengths, refine your skills and draw on your experience to prepare for the future. And do it all with the support of an expert academic success advisor with 1:1 guidance from start to finish.

Duration
  • 0.5 years full-time
  • 2 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online

Environmental factors play an increasing role in decision making in many fields. The ability to take these factors into account and improve the productivity and sustainability of environmental systems to meet the current and future needs of communities and industry is in demand in the workplace. UNE's Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science gives you a foundation in environmental science, allowing you to upskill and expand your knowledge, whether you wish to pivot in your career or add value to your role.

With future-proofed skills and an in-depth understanding of environmental problems and their management, you will be better placed to anticipate and respond to the challenges we're facing in a rapidly changing world.

Duration
  • 0.5 or 1 year full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.

When you complete your PhD at UNE, you will be recognised as an expert in your area of study. Your original discoveries and innovations will be applied to benefit society and industry in Australia and worldwide.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus

Practice-based research drives better decisions, stronger services and measurable outcomes. UNE’s Professional Doctorate provides foundational research training with a research thesis, supporting experienced professionals to contribute to the development of original knowledge that improves professional practice in their fields.

Co-design a workplace-embedded project with your UNE supervision team and your organisation, aligning rigorous methods with real-world challenges. Your examinable output is tailored to your discipline—for example, a thesis, a dissertation with artefacts, or an exegesis with a portfolio of creative, technical or performance works.

Duration
  • 4 years full-time
  • 8 years part-time
Start
  • Research Period 1
  • Research Period 2
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Master of Philosophy

High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform decision-making in your specialist area.

You will work independently, with personalised support from recognised experts in your area of study every step of the way. Expand your expertise, hone your research skills, and immediately apply your knowledge in a research topic of your choice.

Duration
  • 2 years full-time
  • Up to 4 years part-time
Start
  • Not Offered - Pending Review
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • Online
  • On Campus
Non-Award

The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the subjects that matter most to you? That’s what a Non-Award unit with UNE will help you to achieve.

Non-Award study means you can learn without the need to complete entire course requirements or take on a full course load. Whether it’s a language you want to learn, a business unit to enhance your career, an improvement of your IT skills, an update on education principles or developing your management style, Non-Award study gives you the flexibility and control to explore what matters to you.

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online
Cross-Institutional

If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross-institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of UNE's discipline areas.

Duration
  • 1 trimester full-time
  • 1 trimester part-time
Start
  • Trimester 1 - Feb 2027
  • Trimester 2 - Jun 2027
  • Trimester 3 - Oct 2027
View all offering start dates
Mode
  • On Campus
  • Online

What our students say

Testimonial placeholder icon of a university graduate

I look back to my study, especially in Aboriginal education and realise how valuable it was to me in all my different roles in remote areas.

Sarah Brown AM, CEO, Purple House, Northern Territory

Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Indigenous Studies

Be prepared to have an impact on social change by learning about Indigenous history and culture. Strengthen your position as a progressive thinker and continue to be a leader in public and private conversations about cultural diversity. Explore the options in Indigenous studies now.

Filter by:
Showing 1 – 6 of 6 results
Australian History
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Develop your interpretative and analytical skills using current and evolving digital technologies with UNE's highly regarded history academics. Enhance your employability across the fields of business, the law, or academia, as you learn about…

Develop your interpretative and analytical skills using current and evolving digital technologies with UNE's highly regarded history academics. Enhance your employability across the fields of business, the law, or academia, as you learn about the challenges and opportunities that shape the nation.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Minor Undergraduate
Bachelor of Historical Inquiry and Practice Major Undergraduate
Master of History Major Postgraduate
Graduate Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History Specialist Course Postgraduate
Advanced Diploma in Arts Minor Undergraduate
Advanced Diploma in Local, Family and Applied History Specialist Course Undergraduate
Community Planning and Development
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Strengthen your impact with UNE’s expertise in community planning and development. Build the skills to succeed in a sector managing social license and environmental shifts. Equip yourself with tools for inclusive participation and drive positive…

Strengthen your impact with UNE’s expertise in community planning and development. Build the skills to succeed in a sector managing social license and environmental shifts. Equip yourself with tools for inclusive participation and drive positive community change.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Arts Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws Major Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science Major Undergraduate
Cultural Heritage Management
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's established reputation in sustainable Indigenous and public heritage management. Develop skills in research, critical thinking, emerging technology and communication while you work with communities to care for living culture…

Benefit from UNE's established reputation in sustainable Indigenous and public heritage management. Develop skills in research, critical thinking, emerging technology and communication while you work with communities to care for living culture as well as historic and archaeological heritage.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Sustainability Major Undergraduate
Indigenous Australian Education
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course

Extend your professional knowledge using evidence-based practice and learn to work effectively with Indigenous Australians. Develop your skills amid advancing education tech to help students succeed and future-proof your own career.

Courses Type Level of Study
Graduate Certificate in Education Studies Specialisation Postgraduate
Indigenous Organisation Management
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course
Experts in digital technologies and innovation are in high demand in the field of indigenous organisation management. The experts at UNE will help you to develop fundamental critical thinking, analysis and communication skills with a focus on the…

Experts in digital technologies and innovation are in high demand in the field of indigenous organisation management. The experts at UNE will help you to develop fundamental critical thinking, analysis and communication skills with a focus on the context of indigenous organisations.

Courses Type Level of Study
Diploma in Business Major Undergraduate
Justice and Indigenous Peoples
  • Undergraduate
  • Bachelor Honours
  • Postgraduate
  • Major
  • Minor
  • Specialisation
  • Teaching Area
  • Specialist Course

Learn from UNE's experts in legal and Indigenous studies and develop your research, communication and analytical skills. Be prepared for a society which will increasingly focus on restorative and transformative justice for diverse populations.

Courses Type Level of Study
Bachelor of Criminology Minor Undergraduate
  • 1

Why study with us?

5 stars
For Overall Experience and Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Australian Universities
No. 1
For Undergraduate Student Support
Good Universities Guide 2024
Public NSW Universities
No. 1
For Postgraduate Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
NSW Universities

Careers in Indigenous Studies

Undertaking Indigenous studies at UNE will provide you with the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers and industries. With the need for technical expertise set to rise, professionals with skillsets in Indigenous studies can find work in a variety of settings.

  • Community development officer
    Work directly with Indigenous communities to support their social, cultural and economic development.
  • Indigenous education specialist
    Develop and implement culturally relevant and inclusive curriculum materials, providing teacher training and promoting Indigenous cultural awareness in schools.
  • Cultural liaison
    Facilitate cultural awareness, provide advice on incorporating Indigenous perspectives, and promote respectful engagement with Indigenous communities.
  • Indigenous health worker
    Provide culturally-sensitive healthcare services, deliver health promotion programs, and advocate for equitable access to healthcare.
  • Policy analyst
    Analyse policies, develop recommendations, and advocate for policies that address the needs and rights of Indigenous communities.
  • Indigenous rights advocate
    Promote and protect the rights of Indigenous peoples in a wide variety of organisations and roles.
  • Language specialist
    Work to revitalise and preserve Indigenous languages.
  • Arts and cultural officer
    Coordinate exhibitions, cultural events and artist development programs.

Excellence in experience, equity and employability

2026 Overall Experience

Five Stars,
20 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 20 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience.

Good Universities Guide 2007-2026
2026 Social Equality

Five Stars for
Social Equity

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities nationally and is #1 in NSW for Social Equity.

Good Universities Guide 2026
2026 Graduate Employment

Five Stars for
Graduate Employment

UNE rates among the top 20% of universities for Graduate Full-Time Employment and Starting Salary.

Good Universities Guide 2026 (Undergraduate)
2026 Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

Diamond-Rated Digital Learning

UNE’s leadership in digital learning earned the highest ‘Diamond’ rating in a peer review.

ASCILITE TELAS 2025

What happens next?

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1. Decide on your course

Got a question about a course you'd like to study? Contact our Future Student Team for help.

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2. Apply

2027 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!

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3. Receive an offer, enrol and start studying

Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.