Indigenous Australian Studies

The Indigenous Australian Studies major is an interdisciplinary major offered through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

About the major

Indigenous Australian Studies is an interdisciplinary program of study.

It gives students an opportunity to develop a deep understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and knowledge systems, drawing upon the ideas and methods of disciplines including history, anthropology, sociology, literature, linguistics, film and health studies. It involves these disciplines in a critical dialogue with traditional and contemporary Indigenous people and cultures, and with social and political histories of colonisation and decolonisation.

The units offered reflect the evolving discipline of Indigenous Studies and articulate the many voices, perspectives and priorities of Indigenous Australian peoples and communities. Students are given the opportunity to engage in analysis, discussion and debate around key issues that are of significance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Some of these issues include language revitalisation, world-leading Indigenous film and literature, the ongoing efforts to improve Indigenous health outcomes and the broader pursuit of Indigenous self-determination and social justice.

Taught by Indigenous and non-Indigenous academic staff from across the University, and experts from the wider community, Indigenous Australian Studies units are offered through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and are available to all students.

Pathways through the major

A major in Indigenous Australian Studies requires a minimum of 36 senior credits points, including the compulsory unit KOCR2600, and at least 6 credit points taken at 3000 level.

The units of study for the major can be found in the unit of study table for Indigenous Australian Studies. The table shows units of study on offer in the current handbook year. Information regarding a full list of units of study can be found on the departmental website (see below).

Junior units of study (1000 level)

Students must complete 18 junior credit points before enrolling in the major and its senior units of study. There are no junior units in Indigenous Australian Studies, so these must be taken elsewhere.

The Indigenous Australian Studies major draws students from a wide range of disciplines, which is reflected in the wide variety of junior units available for progression into senior units.

Senior units of study (2000 and 3000 level)

You complete one compulsory 6 credit point 2000 level unit of study (KOCR2600), and you must also complete a minimum of 6 credit points taken at 3000 level. The remaining 24 credit points can be taken from 2000 and 3000 level units of study found in the unit of study table.

Contact/Further information

For further information see the department website: sydney.edu.au/koori/studying/aborig_studies.shtml

Indigenous Australian Studies Coordinator: Dr Peter Minter
Email: