Student testimonials
When you choose to study Aboriginal Studies or Australian Studies, you will be part of the University of South Australia's David Unaipon College of Indigenous Education and Research (DUCIER), which provides you with study opportunities to equip you with a set of special qualities to help you face a very changing world.
- Marion Overduin - Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies), Bachelor of Social Science (Human Services)
- Roslyn Bradley - Bachelor of Arts Aboriginal Studies
- Samara Wyten - Bachelor of Arts (Australian Studies), Bachelor of Education (Middle and Secondary)
- Latu Rabuatoka - Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies)
- Stacey Mack - Bachelor of Arts (Australian Studies)
- Tara-Louise Cowell - Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies)
Marion Overduin
I chose to study at UniSA as it was the only university where I could do my double degree of a Bachelor of Arts, Aboriginal Studies and a Bachelor of Social Sciences, Human Services. I have a sound interest in both degrees. I did not (and do not) see myself in a role as social worker but I do like to engage in social matters on a level where it could make a difference. The benefits of doing a double degree is that with only Human Services I would not feel grounded enough in Aboriginal matters that have such an impact on the lives and future of Aboriginal peoples. What one course has certainly done is give me a first insight in the, at times, horrific experiences of Aboriginal people with the white colonizers. I do not get the impression white Australians do realize or appreciate that fact very much. There is this atmosphere of caring about the wellbeing of students. I would love to work with Aboriginal communities and do realize they give preference to their own qualified people but I'd love to fill in till they get those qualified people on the job.
Roslyn Bradley
I chose to study at UniSA as the university offered me the flexibility that I
needed, offered a great variety of programs as well as a great environment in
which to study.
I chose to study DBAS (Bachelor of Arts Aboriginal Studies) as I wanted to gain
a much broader understanding of Indigenous Australian culture and values.
The facilities within City West are fantastic. Computer pools and
resources are accessed very easily. Facilities such as the City West Post
Office allow for easy access of postal services for ease of paying bills and
general banking for students also. Lecture theatres and tutorial rooms are
comfortable, air conditioned and easily found.
The best thing about being a Unaipon College student is learning within a rich, interesting, caring environment, I am very keen to further my study as I have enjoyed myself and have been given the incentive to continue. The teaching staff are all very professional, knowledgeable, approachable and keen to help you achieve your study goals. The Unaipon staff are very helpful, professional and approachable. The lecturers are approachable, provide a rich and interesting learning environment and offer great support. The atmosphere within the college is relaxed yet very professional. Both the Australian Studies and Aboriginal Studies programs are very valuable programs that the wider Australian community would benefit from having the knowledge of.
As I studied part time, my time table was very flexible. I wasn't required on campus every day for lectures etc so I had free time to access computer pools or work in the library on assignments on days without formal sessions. Many of my lectures/tutorials would commence in the morning at around 9.10 through to 11am. This allowed for an easy commute into the City West campus usually in plenty of time for the session. On campus before and after lectures gave me an opportunity to study, complete assignments or prepare for the session in a computer pool. After graduation I am interested in further study & I am hopeful in obtaining honours before contemplating further future study.
Samara Wyten
When I was first applying for University my automatic option was to go for UniSA. One of the reasons behind that was the amount of courses that they offered so there was more opportunity. The other reason was the course I am currently studying which is Bachelor of Arts (Australian Studies), Bachelor of Education (Middle and Secondary) was available, and this course was exactly what I wanted to do. It not only had the option of studying Australian studies which was a focus I wanted to take but also the studying teaching so I could teach in my specialty area or Australian Studies. When I studied Australian History in year 12 I knew that I wanted to become a teacher and teach this topic and know as much as I could about Australia and that is what this course has allowed me to do. No other university really had a course that offered exactly what I wanted to do but UniSA. I chose to study the degree I am studying because it has so much to offer. I have always wanted to be a teacher and then as the years went by I decided I wanted to teach at a secondary level specialising in Australian Studies and this course allowed me to do just that. It has offered everything I have expected from a University and I have enjoyed my time studying this degree.
There are many benefits behind a degree in this area such as learning more about the country that we live in. You know how to live in the country we are and are evolving into. It covers so many areas about Australia looking at the history thoroughly to the contemporary of Australia. You also have a great insight to the Indigenous Australians looking again at the history thoroughly again right to contemporary times. It gives you so much understanding and knowledge that you could not grasp on your own. It has been fantastic, you look at all aspects of Australia that you can think of which is very useful.
Some of the best things about studying at the Unaipon Collage are the friendly atmosphere and the staff are so helpful and are really great at accommodating to your needs. They look after you well and the lecturers and tutors that you have are wonderful. I have had the best experiences with them and have learnt so much, they are very insightful and understanding. There are many resources and people who can help you out with your assignments or any queries you may have. It just feels good to be a part of a community of people who care about your needs as a student and make you feel very comfortable. The teaching staff has been fantastic in many of my Uni courses. When looking at the Unaipon staff in particular they have been most helpful at helping with any queries I have whether it be about an assignment I have or just a question about what we are studying they are great at helping and understanding. They are great to ask for resources and ideas and to even just have a chat to they are friendly and very approachable. The best thing is how much support that I have received being a Unaipon Collage student and also the amount of knowledge that has been taught to me that I have taken with my everywhere. Just being given the opportunity to learn these in-depth studies about Australia has been great. You feel very special to be a part of the Unaipon Collage and it's a very satisfying experience.
If you are unsure what you want to do at Uni but you know you want to go I would study one of these courses they are so insightful and can lead many places. You may just find a course within this degree that really ignites your passion and you will follow that path. It is just a good way to learn about the country you live in and the people you live with in this country not only about the contemporary but also its history. I have my last few courses to do for my Australian Studies degree and I cannot wait to start them. I have found it a rewarding experience and very interesting. I wouldn't change studying this degree for anything.
Latu Rabuatoka
I chose to study at UniSA because it was the only place that offered the right course for me in order to get into my chosen field (Bachelor of Arts, Aboriginal Studies). I also chose it for the excellent support of the staff when I was inquiring to do a course at the uni. I chose to study my degree because I am very interested in Indigenous peoples and their rights in all aspects of their lives past, present and future. I would like to work in the government field of Land in relation to Indigenous peoples. The benefits of doing this degree is that you area able to learn and work with your own knowledge and experiences. The support of the academic staff is a big plus. I have found them to be welcoming, supporting and pool of knowledge is very helpful. The best thing about the Unaipon College is the continuation of support from the staff and the open availability and accessibility of their knowledge. I have really enjoyed studying at the Unaipon College as I get to meet with all different people from all different areas of life and the multiculturalism of the college is great.
Stacey Mack
I initially chose to study at UniSA because I liked the atmosphere the campus had when I visited on open day. Relaxed, professional and contemporary, and because it offered the course I was interested in. I originally applied to study teaching but due to not being accepted the uni offered me a degree in Australian Studies. I could have changed over to teaching at the end of my first year but I decided to continue as I fell in love with the course. The degree is very beneficial because it has so many valuable elements to it; political, historical, global, contemporary and cultural issues are covered. These will help set me up for a future in a professional workplace. I'm going to look at getting a job in the public service somewhere in rural SA. The facilities at UniSA are great. They have numerous computer pools, the lecture and tutorial rooms are fully equipped with everything you need to undertake study successfully and help is readily available at campus central.
I love the support I get from the staff at Unaipon College. It is not unusual for you to have the same tutor and lecturer over the years and it is lovely when you see them and they remember your name and ask how you are going. The teaching staff are really good. They are only an email away and get back to you asap with any question, big or small.
Tara-Louise Cowell
I had heard good things about UniSA. When I had the opportunity to do the UniPAL bridging course I jumped at the chance as it meant I would not only be acquiring much needed academic skills and knowledge but I would also get to study at UniSA. An added bonus for me was that all of the UniSA campuses are relatively close and accessible by public transport even though I live in the north.
I got involved with a group of people who were not good for me when I was in my early teens, I started stealing, lying to my family, took drugs and even ran away from home on more than one occasion. If it wasn't for my family's support and my case workers at Families SA I don't think I would be where I am today. On this basis I decided to study to be a social worker and I started my degree in 2007 studying at the Magill campus. However, at the end of my second year I felt like I wasn't quite going in the right direction with my studies so I looked into the possibility of transferring over to a double degree. I chose the double degree of social work and Aboriginal studies as the prospect of learning more about Indigenous culture and working with Indigenous clients really appealed to me and because I really believe in social justice. I think that doing a degree in this area gives more insight, understanding and knowledge about Indigenous Australians, communities, Indigenous culture, issues and struggles. I believe that it is only through education that mainstream Australian society can learn more about these things, have a better understanding, learn from our mistakes and strive for a better future for ALL Australians.
The best thing about the being a Unaipon College student is having the opportunity to learn about Indigenous issues from different angles, through a variety of lenses, taking historical events into account in order to understand contemporary issues and generally learning a completely different version of Australian history - one that sits well with me. I also believe that being a Unaipon student has meant that I will be even more competent as a professional in the field.
I would advise that any year 12 students wanting to go on to university seriously consider doing a bridging course or something similar which would provide them with the skills needed at university such as essay writing, referencing, sourcing information and time management. I believe these skills are essential for a successful university career.
I feel that I have learned so much in the last two years while I have been doing DUCIER courses. The staff are always helpful and the lecturers and tutors I have come across during my studies have had such an impact on me. Many of the ideas and perceptions of Indigenous Austrians and Aboriginal culture I had when beginning my studies with DUCIER were challenged and I now believe myself to be better informed and truly culturally competent.