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Curtin University
Courses Handbook 2014

This handbook contains information for courses and units at Curtin in 2014.
Information for the previous year's courses and units is available at Courses Handbook 2013.

114010 v.7 Bachelor of Applied Science (Indigenous Community Management and Development)

BAppSc(Curtin)

This course is not available to International Onshore Students on Student Visas



Course Overview

Bachelor degrees prepare students to develop broad and coherent knowledge and skills in a discipline for professional work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 7 qualifications.


This course is designed for those interested in, or who work in, community management and/or development positions. It aims to further Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander self-determination and self-management; extend the knowledge and skills required to bring about effective, culturally appropriate social change in Indigenous service organisations and communities; and strengthen the process of indigenisation in organisations responsible for Indigenous services. The course covers management theories and practices, community development processes, policy development and implementation issues. The course also incorporates Indigenous community management and development ethics and principles into practice, and strengthens leadership in the area. This course covers five main areas of study considered essential for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community management and development practitioners including management theories and practices, community development processes, policy development and implementation issues. It also covers an analysis of the main historical, social, political and economic factors and the ways in which they have influenced contemporary Indigenous society. In the final year students undertake a major evaluation project using relevant approaches and criteria to further improve existing practice, processes and outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander settings.


Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks and other essential study materials.



Course Entry and Completion Details

Applicants are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards; details are provided at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au and include flexible entry pathways.


This course is available only to applicants of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.Entry requirements inculde successful completion of the Curtin Aboriginal Bridging Course, or the Associate Degree in Indigenous Community Management and Development or other relevant qualifications. It is preferable that prospective students be working or prepared to undertake voluntary work in an Aboriginal community management and development related position.


Credit for Recognised Learning

Applications for credit towards a course are assessed on an individual basis. Credit reduces the amount of learning required to complete the course and may be granted for formal education qualifications, non-formal learning from non-award programs of study and informal learning through work experiences. Further information can be found at http://futurestudents.curtin.edu.au.


Credit for recognised learning may be awarded following completion of the Associate Degree in Indigenous Community Management and Development or other relevant qualifications.


Pathway to Further Study

Graduates may qualify for entry to a bachelor degree with honours and some graduate certificates, graduate diplomas and master degrees. For further details, see the University website http://curtin.edu.au.



Course Organisation

Bachelor degrees typically contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences. They may contain a range of majors/streams for students to choose from to pursue learning in a specialised area of study.


Course organisation is based on a block system of education. There are four, two-week blocks per annum. Attendance at all study blocks is compulsory. For the first two years, students will enrol in the same units as the Associate Degree in Indigenous Community Management and Development.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. apply knowledge of Indigenous Community Management and Development principles and practices. Extend the boundaries of knowledge through research

2. critically analyse issues related to community management and development to generate positive social change for Indigenous communities

3. research, synthesise and critically evaluate information relevant to the development of sustainable futures for Indigenous communities

4. communicate effectively to negotiate and strengthen ongoing relationships with Indigenous communities and relevant stakeholders

5. use customary and modern technologies; recognising their advantages and limitations when applied to Indigenous Community Management and Development principles and practices

6. utilise the Indigenous experience and knowledge to sustain intellectual curiosity whilst taking responsibility for own learning and ongoing professional development

7. work with consideration of pan-Indigenous issues and human rights from a global perspective

8. apply and practice cultural understanding within diverse contexts. Maintain culturally appropriate research methodology

9. demonstrate professional behaviour and ethical leadership within a range of multi-disciplinary professions


Duration and Availability

The course is three years full-time. Compulsory study block releases, four blocks per year, are conducted at Bentley campus. Study blocks may also be held at other locations depending upon student numbers and available funds.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1   Y      

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

* The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.

^ Course and associated units are offered in this mode permitting International Onshore student enrolment.

# Course and associated units are offered in this online only mode and DO NOT permit International Onshore student enrolment.




Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
313510 v.1   Study Management and Communication Skills 111 30.0 25.0
303237 v.5   Indigenous Issues and Factors in Local Region 114 30.0 25.0
303245 v.5   Indigenous Ways of Working 124 30.0 25.0
303228 v.5   Indigenous Community Practice 112 30.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
303242 v.5   Indigenous Community Practice 121 30.0 25.0
303257 v.5   Indigenous Organisational Management 125 30.0 25.0
303262 v.4   Introduction to Managing Indigenous Projects 126 30.0 25.0
303233 v.4   Indigenous Organisational Practice 123 30.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
303305 v.3   Indigenous Project Management (Initiation) 211 30.0 25.0
303306 v.3   Indigenous Political Contexts 212 30.0 25.0
303307 v.3   Indigenous Project Management (Planning) 213 60.0 50.0
  100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
303317 v.3   Indigenous Ways of Working 225 30.0 25.0
303326 v.3   Indigenous Project Management (Implementation and Monitoring) 226 60.0 50.0
313511 v.1   Indigenous Project Management (Closure and Benefits) 221 30.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
303329 v.5   Evaluation Research Processes 313 30.0 25.0
303339 v.5   Community Program Evaluation 311 30.0 25.0
303342 v.5   Indigenous Community Education Practice 312 30.0 25.0
303347 v.5   Indigenous Community Practice 314 30.0 25.0
  100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
303354 v.5   Indigenous Community Practice 325 30.0 25.0
303348 v.5   Evaluation Research Processes 322 30.0 25.0
303349 v.5   Community Program Evaluation 324 30.0 25.0
303352 v.5   Indigenous Community Education Practice 323 30.0 25.0
  100.0



Further Information

For more information about the course, please contact the Centre for Aboriginal Studies on telephone (08) 9266 7091, email cas.enquiries@curtin.edu.au or visit our website: http://gunada.curtin.edu.au.


Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.




Handbook Disclaimer

The online handbook is the repository of Curtin University of Technology (“Curtin”) course information. While Curtin makes all reasonable endeavors to keep its online courses handbook up-to-date, information within this website is subject to change from time to time. Curtin reserves the right to change the contents and/or the method of assessment, to change or alter tuition fees of any unit of study, to withdraw/any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program without notification via the website.

For course overviews and enrolment information please visit our future students website.