Online Courses Handbook 2003

188307 v.2 Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Research and Development

Introduction
This course prepares students for higher occupational levels requiring research and development capabilities relevant to policy, program and project development and human services delivery in Aboriginal and other indigenous contexts. It provides participants with rigorous training in all facets of research and development work under the supervision of senior staff from the Centre for Aboriginal Studies. Students develop high levels of competence in conceptualising, observing, describing and analysing information using a variety of observational techniques and analytic procedures. The products of these research processes are applied directly to developmental work in social, organisational and community contexts. The degree is a professional qualification requiring rigorous coursework and research work. Culturally-based inputs from Aboriginal students, Aboriginal staff and visiting Indigenous academics complement the significant academic and professional resources of the University.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
An undergraduate degree which included a significant component of Aboriginal studies. Letters of recommendation from Aboriginal or indigenous organisations, government departments or industry are also required.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis particularly for those students able to demonstrate significant formal preparation for research and development work in indigenous contexts.

Duration and Availability
This fee paying course is of two years duration or equivalent part-time. Students study in block release mode at the Bentley campus. During this time they engage in relevant course work related to the design and implementation of participatory researchprocesses in indigenous contexts in a chosen area of specialisation.

Course Organisation
The course consists of five compulsory core units, with the remainder of the course consisting of not less than an equal amount of research project work. Students are encouraged to conduct research projects using participatory and community based research methodologies incorporating data collection and analysis in an ongoing and iterative process. Project work is supported and complemented by reading, seminars and supervisor consultations. This course forms the first part of the Master of Arts (Indigenous Research and Development), which requires a further year of full-time study or equivalent part-time.

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study. Students are required tohave full-time use of a computer with electronic communication capabilities. Students are required to engage in research and are responsible for related expenses.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Year 1 Semester 1

12671 v.2 CAS 500 - Advanced Aboriginal Studies 4.0 25.0

12673 v.2 CAS 502 - Qualitative Action Research Methods 4.0 25.0

12676 v.2 CAS 505 - Research and Development Project 8.0 50.0

100.0

Year 1 Semester 2

12672 v.2 CAS 501 - Systems of Knowledge 3.0 25.0

12674 v.2 CAS 503 - Electronic Communications and Information Management 3.0 12.5

12675 v.2 CAS 504 - Specialisation Seminar 3.0 12.5

12677 v.2 CAS 506 - Research and Development Project 8.0 50.0

100.0