A bunch of students at the Medical School talking at a table
DR-ABOR

Aboriginal Studies

Doctorate by research

Undertake meaningful research in our doctoral program grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing.

Course outline
  • Qualification
    Doctor of Philosophy - Aboriginal Studies
  • Duration

    Duration

    4 years full-time
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Overview

Overview

Develop expert research skills and gain expertise in Indigenous research methods and knowledge-sharing practices.

This doctorate research program is grounded in Indigenous knowledges, experiences and values – also known as Indigenous Terms of Reference. It is designed to honour and uplift Indigenous worldviews and ways of learning by focusing on Indigenous ontology and epistemology – that is, Indigenous ways of being, doing and seeing.

This program draws on the many ways Indigenous pedagogy and practice can deepen and grow Indigenous knowledges. The course is crafted to respect the wisdom and teachings of those who came before – Elders and Ancestors.

You will be invited to explore the concept of connection in its many forms – connection to Country, spirit and the environment. Your work will be guided by a commitment to meaningfully give back to people, communities, Country and the natural world.

You may work in areas where:

  • self-determination is of paramount importance
  • Indigenous knowledges are given due respect and acclaim
  • Indigenous leadership is emphasised
  • research impacts must be of real value to communities
  • research must align with AIATSIS Guidelines.

Upon completing this program, you’ll acquire a deep and critical understanding of Indigenous research methods, knowledge-sharing practices and specialised research skills. You will be able to explore, question and contribute to your chosen area of research in line with the Australian Qualifications Framework Level 10 requirements.

Graduates may work in local government, such as the Department of Communities or the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

Guiding ethics and principles

Ethical practice is central to this program, with a strong emphasis on reciprocity, respect and accountability in research and community engagement. This program also highlights the importance of protecting Country, caring for the environment, and sustaining Indigenous languages and knowledges for future generations.

The overarching themes of People, Planet and Partnerships will guide your work. In alignment with our Curtin values and the core ideals of Indigenous research, you will embody integrity, courage, impact, respect, excellence and beneficence in your work and scholarly practice.

Your research

There are three ways you may undertake your research:

  • Through a creative work – like music, writing, visual or performing arts – with an explanation (exegesis).
  • By writing a thesis of up to 100,000 words.
  • By submitting a publication or compilation thesis which features an introduction chapter, conclusion chapter and five to seven chapters published within.

Why research at Curtin

Curtin is widely recognised for applied research firmly focused on solving real-world problems. Underpinning our research endeavours are strong partnerships with industry, business and government, which result in outcomes that greatly benefit the broader community locally, nationally and globally. Our international reputation for being a strong partner in industry-driven research ensures our graduates enjoy outstanding opportunities to become innovators in their fields.

What jobs can the Aboriginal Studies course lead to?

Careers

  • Consultant
  • Freelancer
  • Project lead
  • Research fellow

Industries

  • Community services
  • Education and training
  • Environmental protection
  • Government and non-government
  • Health

What you'll learn

  • Demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that knowledge and their practice
  • Think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge
  • Apply expert creative, technical and professional skills to the field of work or learning
  • Explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions
  • Present a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards
  • Communicate complex research concepts, plans and outcomes to the general community, peers and the national and international research community
  • Design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice

Professional recognition and accreditation

Depending on your research, you may be eligible for membership of various professional health, community services and environmental protection organisations upon graduation.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Entry requirements for domestic students

Applicants are required to demonstrate a capacity to carry out independent research, and applicants for a Doctoral Degree are required to meet University academic and English language entry standards. Applicants are required to demonstrate a capacity to carry out independent research and have adequate training and ability to pursue the proposed research course. Generally, this may be a Master's Degree or Bachelor's Degree with first or upper second class honours. See Section 3.2.1 of the HDR Admission Policy (https://policies.curtin.edu.au/findapolicy/index.cfm) for detailed information. Any specific course entry and completion requirements must also be met. All Curtin courses have compulsory and other core capabilities that are essential for demonstrating the achievement of course learning outcomes and graduation. Students who are unable to meet or demonstrate those requirements, now or in later stages during their studies, may seek reasonable adjustments from the University wherever possible to facilitate alternative ways of achieving those requirements. If reasonable adjustments cannot be accommodated, Curtin will discuss study options to find an alternative course of study or an exit degree.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

7

Speaking

6

Reading

7

Listening

6.5

Overall band score

6.5

Other requirements and notes for this course

Course Completion Requirements 

Type 1: Standard Thesis-Driven Approach Milestone 1 consists of an oral presentation and a written proposal. Each milestone is reviewed, and feedback is provided. Candidates can complete a standard thesis of up to 100,000 words, with longer or shorter theses negotiable. Topics can cover any area suitable for the student and supported by the Centre for Aboriginal Studies. Research that has a positive impact is highly valued, with beneficence being a key component. Type 2: Creative Works and Exegesis Approach For candidates incorporating a body of creative works—such as music, performance, visual works, material production, cultural artefacts, poetry, or a book—part of Milestone 1 can be presented creatively through an Artist Statement, Oral Presentation, or Installation, alongside the written proposal. This approach is developed in consultation with the supervisory team and is outlined in a structured program, explained and supported in Milestone 1. A Doctor of Philosophy - Aboriginal Studies (DR-ABOR) by Creative Work and Exegesis requires the completion of a substantial creative work at a PhD level. The exegesis, which contextualizes and critically examines the creative artefact, must be 35,000 words in length. The artefact may include, but is not limited to: performance, musical compositions, digital works (including gaming), books, poetry, teaching kits, cultural kits, photographic and visual arts projects, sculptures, installations, and other community-oriented creative outputs (e.g., works designed for libraries, schools, prisons, hospitals, churches, institutions, or professional fields such as healthcare). The exegesis will explain any stylistic and literary influences on the work and include scholarly research that supports the creative practice. Type 3: Publication-Based Thesis Candidates may opt for a thesis based on published works. Milestone 1 involves negotiating the proposed format, including a written and oral presentation of a well-defined and clear research proposal. This approach requires an introductory chapter, a concluding chapter, and at least five published works forming the core thesis chapters. The publications must be completed during the candidature and should be cohesive, as explained in the introduction. The total word limit is 100,000 words. Projects exceeding the word limits may be approved through negotiation with the Research Panel.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and scholarships

Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens who are successful applicants of a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program are eligible for a tuition fee exemption under the Australian Government’s Research Training Program (RTP): up to four years of full-time equivalent study for Doctoral or PhD programs and up to two years for Master of Philosophy programs.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen please see information for international students.

Fee information is not available for this course at this time. Find estimated course fees.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right 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.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

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  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

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  • Curtin course code: DR-ABOR
  • Last updated on: 9 July 2025

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