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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.

301358 v.4 Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies

GradCertIndigAustCultStds(Curtin)

Course CRICOS Code: 032965D
Registered full-time Duration for International Onshore Students on student visas: 0.5 Years


Course Overview

Graduate certificates prepare students to develop advanced knowledge and skills for professional or highly skilled work and further learning corresponding to AQF level 8 qualifications.


This course is for those working or intending to work with Indigenous Australian people. Provision is made to enhance knowledge, competence and skills for culturally appropriate practice with diverse Indigenous Australian groups, communities and organisations. It examines the cultural, social, economic, political contexts and issues confronting Indigenous Australian people. The dynamic and complex environment in which Indigenous Australian people are positioned is considered through an Indigenous Australian perspective. It adopts an approach embodying principles of social justice in both andragogical processes and intended outcomes, informed by emergent Indigenous Australian critical theory.


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. Applicants generally require a bachelor degree or equivalent credit gained for recognised learning.


Specifically, applicants require a degree level qualification or equivalent. Applicants with other qualifications, experience and expertise are considered for admission, but may be required to complete appropriate preliminary units.


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.


Pathway to Further Study

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



Course Organisation

Graduate certificates contain a series of units which may include compulsory (core), optional or elective units to cater for student preferences.


Course Learning Outcomes

A graduate of this course can:

1. work in culturally appropriate ways and apply cultural protocols and Indigenous Cultural competencies as defined by the Centre for Aboriginal Studies that acknowledge, empower and develop Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ rights to fairness, social justice and human rights.

2. critically analyse and reflect on issues of cultural significance in order to work effectively with Indigenous Australian people and Indigenous communities

3. select, evaluate and integrate information from various sources which is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives

4. implement best practice and culturally appropriate ways of working when communicating with Indigenous people

6. apply self-directed learning strategies and reflect critically on your life-long learning in partnership with Indigenous peoples

7. contextualise and evaluate local and national Indigenous issues alongside international pan-Indigenous issues and the impact of globalisation

8. understand the complexity and diversity of Australian Indigenous cultures, perspectives, identities, spiritual beliefs and their relationships with one another and apply understanding to professional practice

9. work collaboratively and ethically with Indigenous people recognising Indigenous organisational structures and using best practice models


Duration and Availability

This fee-paying course can be undertaken part-time commencing in semester 1, or full time commencing in semester 2. International students can only commence in semester 2 on a full time basis.


Location and delivery Mode


Year Location Period All* Internal Partially Online Internal^ External Fully Online#
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 1 Y        
2014 Bentley Campus Semester 2 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
311879 v.5 *   Communities Contact and Aboriginal Heritage 545 3.0 25.0
313908 v.1   Working in Indigenous Australian Contexts 501 3.0 25.0
305842 v.4   Indigenous Australian Research Positioning 411 6.0 25.0
301451 v.3   Introduction to Indigenous Australians 501 3.0 25.0
  100.0

*    Only available in Semester 2




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.