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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March, July
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Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
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Location
Online
Online students attend compulsory residential workshops at Lismore campus for some units. -
Placement
No
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ATAR
60
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
BIndigK
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Course code
3009250
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Credit points
288
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Equivalent units
24
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Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
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Start Date
-
Duration
3 years full-time
-
Location
-
Placement
No
-
ATAR
60
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
BIndigK
-
Course code
3009250
-
Credit points
288
-
Equivalent units
24
-
Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
-
CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
Southern Cross University is renowned for its commitment to Indigenous education. The Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge is an important part of that dedication towards better environmental, social and economic outcomes.
The course generates greater understanding of Indigenous world views, by exploring histories, knowledge systems, determinants of health and wellbeing and ways of living, in a culturally diverse and supportive environment. You will build theoretical and practical capability in areas including cultural protocols and Indigenous ways of knowing and being. You'll learn to engage with communities and work towards better environmental, social and economic outcomes. You can focus your degree with a major in Indigenous Knowledge or choose a shared major from disciplines across the University.
Graduates may consider diverse career opportunities in government, commercial or social enterprise, land management, Indigenous tourism, and Aboriginal, family or environmental health.
Eligible graduates can also apply for further study through Honours and other postgraduate programs.
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“We look at a broad range of ideas and concepts. It’s a way of contextualising the world we live in. And for non-Indigenous people who want to work with Indigenous communities, it gives a better understanding of the context we live in.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Exercise analytical thinking, critical thinking and and reasoning and problem solving skills. |
GA2: Creativity Demonstrate innovative, sensitive, creative responses and solutions to challenges in cultural and Indigenous community contexts. |
GA3: Ethical practice Demonstrate a knowledge of, and commitment to, social responsibility, ethics and human rights in cultural and Indigenous contexts. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of cultural concepts and Indigenous ways of knowing and being including physical, social, political, ecological or cultural influences that impact Indigenous cultural settings. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Integrate responsibility for independent, self-directed learning and reflective practice including the ability to locate, analyse, evaluate, and use information from a range of sources. |
GA6: Communication and social skills Demonstrate collaboration, teamwork and communication skills in cultural and Indigenous settings through communicating sensitively and appropriately in oral and written forms. |
GA7: Cultural competence Demonstrate an understanding of Indigenous contemporary realities and protocols by applying and integrating social, Indigenous and cultural diversity, and respect for the identity of all persons. |
You can focus your degree with a major in Indigenous Knowledge or design your own degree by choosing a shared major from disciplines across the University and combine more of your interests.
Eligible graduates of the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge can apply to undertake the one-year Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge with Honours, as a pathway to the Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies or to other postgraduate programs in the University.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Online | Term 1, Term 3 |
Career Outcomes
Career opportunities exist in project management or administration with Indigenous, government or community-based organisations, especially those with a focus on Indigenous issues. Typical career sectors include: health services, paralegal work, social welfare, environmental management, education or business.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
Language requirements
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
Credit for prior learning
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is available for this course. For more information please view the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge RPL guide.
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
- 16 core units (192 credit points), and
- 1 major (96 credit points) OR
- 1 shared major (96 credit points) OR
- 8 university wide electives (96 credit points).
Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree of Indigenous Knowledge after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points) comprising 8 core units and 8 elective/major units.
Students may be eligible to exit with the Diploma of Indigenous Knowledge after completing the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points) comprising 5 core units and 3 elective units.
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why Indigenous Knowledge at SCU
Culturally safe
We deliver a culturally safe, dynamic and innovative course for all people
Strong links
Strong links with local Elders and communities as well as international relationships
Pathways
Pathways to Honours and Postgraduate programs through the Bachelor of Indigenous Knowledge
Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
How can we help?
How can we help?
How can we help?
Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway