DBIS - Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies)
- Introduction
- Majors
- Indigenous studies
- Career outcomes
- Degree structure
- Recommended study pattern
- Degree requirements
- Credit for previous study
- Procedures for gaining degree
- Further information
Introduction
The Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies) develops a knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultures and societies within the Australian community and a broader international context. The degree recognizes social diversity and emphasizes human rights and social justice within a framework that promotes ethical action, social responsibility, and empowerment. The recent decision of the United Nations General Assembly to adopt the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples also adds a significant international dimension to the field of study.
The Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies) is the only completely online Indigenous Studies program in Australia.
This degree ensures that graduates will display the specialist knowledge and analytical skills of the profession for which they have trained and will also possess broader, generic knowledge, skills and understanding.
Majors
Students have the ability to specialise in Indigenous Studies and to include a second major (or two minors) of their choice.
Indigenous studies
This degree offers students the opportunity to gain an understanding of the cultures, histories and contemporary issues that apply to Indigenous Australians prior to and following European colonisation. Students will study the relations between Indigenous Australians and the wider community, encompassing insights and analysis of social and cultural experience. Units will cover Indigenous culture, Indigenous identity through literature and history.
Career outcomes
The degree will be of interest to people who are intending to work in education, teaching Aboriginal Studies and Indigenous education. Other career options include community development, the environmental sector, and cultural studies. Employment opportunities can be strengthened when students gain skills and knowledge in subject areas such as information technology, business, financial planning, and communications through studying relevant units as electives, part of a second major, or minors.
Degree structure - 24 units
Core units - 4 units
- SSK10 - Tertiary Learning Strategies
- CPT110 - Information Technology 1
- ABT11 - Research Methods 1A
- ABT12 - Knowledge, Ideology and Social Science
Indigenous Studies major - 8 units
First Level
- ABT13 - Aboriginal Cultures
- ABT14 - Contemporary Aboriginal Issues
- ABT15 - Aborigines, History and Colonialism
Second Level
- ABT21 - Australian Society, Aboriginal Voices
- ABT23 - Archaeology and Aboriginal Studies
- ABT24 - Rights and Racism
Third Level
- ABT31 - Comparative Indigenous Studies
- ABT32 - Australian Ethnographies
Second major or 2 minors - 8 units
Students must complete a second major (8 units with no more than 4 units at First Level) or two minors (4 units, with no more than two units at First Level in each minor) through Open Universities Australia. Students may also choose to complete an additional minor in Indigenous Studies from a wide range of Indigenous Studies units offered by Open Universities Australia. Students should confirm their minor or second major unit choices with the OUA UniSA Student Advisers before enrolling.
Electives
Students need to complete 4 electives, which can be chosen from any undergraduate unit offered through Open Universities Australia. When choosing electives, students should make sure they have no more than 12 First Level units across the degree.
Please visit the OUA website for more information about the Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies).
Recommended study pattern
To get the most from this study program, students are recommended to follow these steps:
- Students without university experience start with SSK10.*
- Boost your computing skills, take CPT110 early in your program.*
- Begin the Indigenous Studies major with the First Level units.
- Complete ABT11 and ABT12 before starting the major.
*If you have already completed some successful university study you could seek exemption from SSK10 and CPT11. If you have an exemption for SSK10 and CPT11 it is recommended that ABT12 is the first unit to commence the major. Exemption means we allow you to choose elective units to replace these units.
For further information, please refer to the Ask OUA @ UniSA FAQs on Credit and exemption.
Degree requirements
To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts (Indigenous Studies), University of South Australia students must complete 24 units meeting the following criteria:
- Complete 4 core units
- Complete an Indigenous Studies major of 8 units
- Complete a second major of 8 units or complete two additional minors -4 units each
- Complete 4 elective units
-
Maximum of 12 units at First Level.
Credit for previous study
The University of South Australia policy on credit, exemption, studies-in-lieu and recognition of prior learning will be implemented on an individual basis, and be determined by the Program Director in consultation with Unit Coordinators where appropriate. It is recommended that credit applications are submitted at least 6 weeks prior to registering in program units.
For further information, please refer to the Ask OUA @ UniSA FAQs on Credit and exemption.
Procedures for gaining degree
Subject to degree requirements, the University of South Australia will award students with a formal qualification upon successful completion of the appropriate Open Universities Australia units.
For more information, please refer to the Ask OUA @ UniSA FAQs on Graduation.
Further information
- If you have any queries or require further information please contact the OUA UniSA Student Advisers.