Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies

The Graduate Certificate in Aboriginal Studies is a short postgraduate qualification for people who want a grounded understanding of Aboriginal histories, cultures, knowledges and contemporary issues in Australia. It suits graduates from any discipline, and professionals already working in fields such as education, health, community services, government or media who want to work more effectively with Aboriginal communities and organisations. You do not need a prior degree in Indigenous studies to get in.

As a graduate certificate, this is a nested qualification at AQF level 8. It is made up of a small set of units of study, typically four, and each unit carries credit points. The 26-week duration means most students complete it in one semester of full-time study, or spread it over two part-time semesters. If you later decide to continue, the credit points you earn here can usually be counted towards a graduate diploma or master's in the same field, subject to the receiving course's rules.

Content covers the impact of colonisation and government policy on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, Aboriginal ways of knowing and being, and the practical side of working respectfully and effectively alongside communities. Teaching is often delivered through a mix of seminars, online material and on-County or community-based learning where the course arranges it. Assessment is generally by written work, presentations and applied projects rather than exams. The University of Adelaide sits within a state with strong Aboriginal community organisations, Native Title bodies and health and legal services, so there are genuine opportunities for placements or project work with those organisations. Confirm the exact units, delivery mode and any placement requirements on the official course page before you apply.

English proficiency is required for international applicants. The published standard for coursework postgraduate courses is IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, though higher scores apply in teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university's own English programmes are accepted as equivalents. Note that the Department of Home Affairs sets its own separate English threshold for the Student visa. As an international student you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on the visa rules at the time. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 115790J, check there for the current figure.

• Aboriginal community liaison or engagement officer in local councils, state government departments and Aboriginal community-controlled organisations
• Policy or project officer in Indigenous affairs, health, education or housing portfolios
• Case worker or support worker in Aboriginal health services, family services and justice programs
• Education support or Aboriginal education officer in schools and TAFE
• Cultural heritage or Native Title assistant with land councils, native title representative bodies and heritage consultancies
• Communications or media officer in Aboriginal media organisations and community sector bodies
• Pathway into further study, the credit points can count towards a graduate diploma or master's in Aboriginal studies or a related social science field