Bachelor of Arts
Indigenous
Australian
Studies
Bachelor of Arts
(Indigenous Australian Studies)
Campus: Cairns; Townsville; External*
Mode: on campus or external; full time or part time
Duration: 3 years full time
Prerequisites: English
Mid-year entry: Yes
QTAC codes: Cairns 321031; Townsville 311031
External 311039
* depending on subjects chosen
Why study Indigenous Australian Studies?
Your study
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have an important place in
tropical Queensland as the traditional custodians of the land and sea, and
as part of a culturally-diverse community. Traditional connections and
responsibilities remain strong, making an important contribution to the
region’s cultural life. The School of Indigenous Australian Studies (SIAS)
provides subjects in this course, and manages research projects that
provide the opportunity for students to undertake research in the field of
Indigenous studies.
A selection of subjects for this course includes:
Major overview
The Indigenous Australian Studies major can be studied on campus
or online, and is designed to give students a deeper understanding
of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their histories,
environment, cultures, languages, politics and economies.
This major is offered to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
It recognises the significance of Indigenous languages and cultures as an
important part of the heritage of all Australians.
Students can choose to combine this major with another Bachelor of Arts
major (double major). To add further value it is possible to combine the
Bachelor of Arts with another degree (see Joint degree opportunities).
Major highlights
Through collaboration with Indigenous communities, Indigenous
Australian Studies offers first-hand experience of the diversity of
Indigenous life in northern Australia. Field trips will give you first-hand
experience of contemporary Indigenous communities, enhancing your
understanding of community histories and current issues. You will also
gain an insight into research ethics and protocols for consulting with
communities.
• Ecology & Australian Indigenous Culture
• Impact of Change on Indigenous Peoples: A Global Perspective
• Indigenous Family Wellbeing & Community Development
• Language and Culture in Indigenous Australia
• Media and Race Relations.
Students are encouraged to gain a second major in an Arts or Social
Science area, thereby providing a further distinguishing feature to their
course. The subjects required for a second major will utilise the space
allocated to electives and will not extend the duration of your studies.
For full course outline details, visit www.jcu.edu.au/courses
Honours
An Honours program is available to students demonstrating high
academic performance. Honours consists of an extra year of study and the
development of a personal research project and thesis.
Joint degree opportunities
Joint degrees give students expertise in a complementary discipline in a
reduced time, and can enhance career prospects. At JCU, the Bachelor of
Arts (Indigenous Australian Studies) can be combined with:
• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Law
• Bachelor of Science.
For further details, visit page 46.
Career opportunities
This is an employment-orientated major that equips Indigenous and
non-Indigenous peoples to work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
Islander people. Career pathways exist with the private sector, Indigenous
community organisations and government departments.
Graduates work in the public and private sectors in:
• Management
• Politics
• Policy and planning
• Research
• Advocacy
• Administration
• Community engagement
• Cultural heritage management
• Education and training
• Community welfare.
Key industries include tourism, the arts, media, health, law, the
environment, human services, and resource management.
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