Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies

School of Arts & Sciences

If you work in Indigenous Communities in any field, the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies will give you a sound understanding of issues related to Aboriginal People in Australia. The program covers a range of significant and contemporary areas of study, including Aboriginal history, spirituality, culture, politics, and issues surrounding the principles and practices of reconciliation. The program is to be studied over one year part-time with flexible blended delivery. You will have the opportunity to attend The University of Notre Dame Australia's Broome Campus in Western Australia for intensive study to gain a sound understanding of issues related to Aboriginal people. Start making a difference today.

While the Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies will be of particular value to those already working with Indigenous communities, this program also provides valuable background for anyone whose career in health promotion, medicine, justice, education or social work brings them into contact with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. This degree will be of great value for anyone working in local, State or Federal Government - or indeed staff employed by NGOs in Australia.

The Graduate Certificate is a part-time program, with four courses completed over the year. All students are required to undertake a course entitled The Silent History. This provides you with a foundational knowledge of the history of Indigenous Australia, as well as how various government policies have affected the lives of Indigenous Australians.

The remaining three electives allow you to specialise in topics such as Aboriginal People and the Legal System, the role of the media in representing Indigenous Peoples, Aboriginal culture and spirituality and more. To encourage a genuine understanding of Indigenous cultures, students will have the opportunity to spend time at Notre Dame's Broome Campus.

You will be mentored by well-known and highly respected Indigenous facilitators, who have previously included Yawuru man and WA Senator Patrick Dodson; Peter Yu, a Yawuru man from Broome with more than 35 years' experience in Indigenous affairs and advocacy; and Traditional Owners from both Yawuru Country (Broome) and Karajarri Country (just south of Broome).

A Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies can lead to or enrich careers in community and youth work, justice, education, local, state and federal government departments, health care and health promotion and non-government organisations (NGOs).

Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.