Indigenous Studies

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

About the major

In the Indigenous Studies program, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students have the opportunity to learn about Indigenous Australia. You will 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, education and health studies. Indigenous Studies involves these disciplines in a critical dialogue with traditional and contemporary Indigenous peoples and cultures, and with social and political histories of colonisation and decolonisation.

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.

Graduates with a major in Indigenous Studies have gone on to work in fields as diverse as education, health, law, the arts, and the media. The program offers unique opportunities to develop knowledge and competencies about Indigenous Australia and about the past, present and future of relations between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Taught by Indigenous and non-Indigenous academic staff from across the University, and experts from the wider community, Indigenous 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 Studies requires a minimum of 36 senior credits points, including two core units of study at 2000 level, two elective units at 2000 level and two core units at 3000 level.

The units of study for the major can be found in the unit of study table for Indigenous 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 12 junior credit points in Indigenous Studies (INDG1001 and INDG1002).

Senior units of study (2000 and 3000 level)

Students will need to complete four units at 2000 level. This includes at least two of the core units of study (INDG2001, INDG2002, INDG2003, KOCR2603) and a maximum of two electives units of study at 2000 level.

Students complete the major with two core units at 3000 level (INDG3001 and INDG3002).

Contact/Further information

For further information see the department website: sydney.edu.au/arts/ias/

Indigenous Studies Coordinator: Dr Peter Minter
Email: