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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March
-
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
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Location
Lismore, Online
All students must attend the compulsory tutorial and residential. -
Placement
No
-
ATAR
Not applicable
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 7.0
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Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
DIndigPh
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Course code
1447189
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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
-
Start Date
-
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
-
Location
All students must attend the compulsory tutorial and residential. -
Placement
No
-
ATAR
Not applicable
-
Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 7.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
DIndigPh
-
Course code
1447189
-
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 widely acknowledged for its commitment to Indigenous culture, education, participation, respect and reconciliation.
The Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies is a program of study by coursework and research that comprises 24 units which include a research thesis. The course is designed to provide high-level research skills for Indigenous people and for those interested in careers in the Indigenous sector.
The qualification is aimed at providing important and specific opportunities at both national and international levels for Indigenous peoples, those working within Indigenous communities, the private and public sector, for the progression of in-depth studies on issues relevant to Indigenous communal futures.
In leading your own research project – with support and guidance from our experts – you'll work towards providing tangible benefits to Indigenous peoples.
In the process, you'll gather relevant, resonant skills that contribute to Indigenous Knowledges and may lead you into working with, and for, Indigenous communities.
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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 apply critical analysis to Indigenous social and cultural realities. |
GA2: Creativity develop innovative and creative responses to contemporary and historical Indigenous social and cultural issues. |
GA3: Ethical practice apply Indigenous knowledge systems to investigate and evaluate principles of social justice and equity. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline create and transmit concepts and theories that contribute to the emergence of knowledge in a major area of study. |
GA5: Lifelong learning demonstrate well-developed reflective practice and autonomy in ongoing professional development. |
GA6: Communication and social skills access, interpret and evaluate sources of information relevant to Indigenous research paradigms. |
GA7: Cultural competence demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to interact appropriately with diverse Indigenous communities. |
The focus of the candidate’s research will be negotiated and agreed to by the candidate, their supervisor, and the Dean of Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples. The candidates will be encouraged to restrict their investigations to issues that are relevant and provide benefit to Indigenous peoples.
Note: Students are required to take units in all terms.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Lismore | Term 1 |
| Online | Term 1 |
Career Outcomes
Students who graduate with a Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies will be well placed for a career in research and academia, the government, professional or community sector, working in policy development, service delivery and program evaluation, and as leaders and high-level managers.
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
Students applying for the Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies must complete a successful interview with Gnibi academics and Elders prior to entry in the degree.
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 Score or equivalent | 7.0 |
| Reading | minimum 6.5 |
| Writing | minimum 7.0 |
| Listening | minimum 6.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 6.5 |
Credit for prior learning
Advanced standing is applied as per Rule 8 - Professional Doctorate Awards
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points) of study and research comprising:
- 3 double-weighted units (72 credit points), and
- 2 single-weighted units (24 credit points), and
- 1 thesis unit (192 credit points)
Other things to consider
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.
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