Major overview
In this course, you’ll gain the understanding to challenge dominant worldviews and prepare for diverse roles that require knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity, history and connection to Country.
This course includes on-Country experiences and study tours, and you’ll also have access to the facilities of Curtin’s renowned Centre for Aboriginal Studies.
Upon completing this course you'll have the skills for diverse professional roles, including in government departments, the private sector and Indigenous organisations.
How to study this major
A major is a set of eight or more units you complete as part of a degree, including at least two in your final year. To study this major, you’ll need to apply for one of the degrees listed below.
Degrees
Double Degrees
Career outcomes
Careers
- Aboriginal support officer / consultant
- Indigenous culture consultant
- Heritage consultant
- Tourism and travel consultant
- Curator
- Museum officer / consultant
- Researcher / research assistant
- TAFE teacher (may require an additional teaching qualification)
Industries
- Arts
- Tourism
- Regional development
- Health
- Mining and energy
- Education
- Foreign affairs
Why study at Curtin?
On-Country experiences
Participate in on-Country experiences and significant site visits.
Indigenous community linkages
Curtin has strong engagement with Indigenous community organisations.
Taught by Indigenous cultural experts
This course is taught by experts in the areas of Indigenous cultural and Custodian viewpoints and historical narratives.
Major structure
What you’ll learn
In this course you will learn to identify the key components of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity and explore cross-cultural and Indigenous ways of seeing and knowing. You’ll gain a strong understanding of Indigenous Australian communities and worldview and be able to contrast that with the dominant worldview.
You’ll also learn about the events and ideas that led to the development of colonial, political and ideological structures; and how to challenge dominant discourses of development – including in the context of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
You’ll explore the importance of land and sea in Indigenous Australian culture and learn how to appraise the significance of sacred and significant sites within local and global contexts. This knowledge will also help you to apply appropriate cultural competencies when engaging with Indigenous artists.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
How to apply
This major is part of a degree. To apply, choose the degree you want to study and review its entry requirements. Then, prepare any required documents and submit your application before the deadline for your chosen intake.
After you receive and accept your offer, you can enrol in this degree either at the start of your degree or later in your studies, depending on your course structure.
Choose your degree
To study this major, you'll need to apply one of the degrees listed below.Degrees
Double Degrees
Explore more
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