Graduate Certificate in Education (Indigenous Education)

Indigenous education in Australia is one of the Australian government's core education commitments, and is a vital part of its Close the Gap initiative. To achieve the aims of closing the gap in education, professionals who specialise in Indigenous education are essential.

If you are an existing teacher or educator working in diverse education contexts, this course will open a pathway to exploring your interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.

In this specialised area of study, you will learn to draw on your own knowledge foundations and apply your understanding of broader pedagogy to thinking about the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. As you do so you will deepen your understanding of the context of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education in Australia, while strengthening your knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, including parents/guardians, knowledge holders, school-community liaison workers. In doing so you will be able to lead and influence education partnerships that enhance outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learners.

Upon graduation you will find yourself well-prepared for a role that strengthens the foundation of education for Reconciliation, while rethinking what is possible in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education.

"Studying through QUT Online, you have access to all that QUT has to offer, but you're able to engage in self-paced study, with lots of support." ~ Master of Education - Sue Irvine

Gain professional insights into the effective design and delivery of education with and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Develop an understanding of the importance of kinship systems, and understand how the relationships between family, country and community are essential to developing strategies of engagement.

Interrogate your own way of knowing and develop your ability to analyse the cultural contexts that underpin Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander education in Australia.

Locate the role of Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander education throughout history and understand the ways policy has, and will continue to have, an impact on their ways of knowing.

If you are a qualified teacher, this course will equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to teach Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students, and to do so with a strong cultural and historical awareness.

Provide specialised support for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students within a tertiary education institution.

Work at state or federal level education departments, employing your expertise in Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander education to help the government chart a positive and effective direction for Indigenous education in Australia.

Work within Indigenous communities to support Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students and their families to remain engaged with education, leading to positive student outcomes.