Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Research
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2026 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Research |
| Course Credit Points | 4 |
| Deakin course code | A501 |
| Course version | 1 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Education |
| Course Information | For students who commenced from 2019 onwards |
| Campus | This course is available as an exit only option from A601 Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Research |
| Duration | 0.5 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8 |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Other learning experiences
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Are you interested in a qualification that sets you on a pathway towards a Masters or PhD by Research?
Are you curious about how Indigenous knowledge can challenge and reshape our systems of thought in general? The focus of this course is to equip students within in-depth research training specific to Indigenous knowledge systems.
The units of this course centre on:
- Indigenous standpoint theories and cultural relationality
- Traditional and non-traditional research methodologies and ways of knowing
- Designing and implementing Indigenous research
- The four core subjects will provide a solid foundation in Indigenous Research theories, practices, and interdisciplinary skills across diverse areas.
Career opportunities
This course provides culturally appropriate Indigenous research training which equips you with the necessary knowledge to work alongside researchers in educational, government or private institutions. As a pathway towards a higher degree opportunities are open to research and academic roles in universities.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate a specialised, developed knowledge of how to research, plan and produce critically analysed solutions to complex challenges in Indigenous knowledge research. Advanced knowledge and skills for analysing Indigenous research methods and methodologies and their application in a local, national and international context. |
| Communication | Demonstrate sophisticated and effective communication skills using critical analysis and engagement with Indigenous knowledge literature and lived experience. Transmit ideas, analysis, findings and strategies through advanced written and oral presentation and understand ethical and culturally appropriate ways of engaging with Indigenous communities. |
| Digital literacy | Employ a range of skills using computer programs and other digital literacies to source, analyse, generate and disseminate critical solutions of Indigenous Research issues/problems to an advanced level. |
| Critical thinking | Demonstrate advanced understanding of ethical and cultural issues surrounding Indigenous knowledges and research. Acquire advanced skills in the critical evaluation of Indigenous knowledge and methodological practices, research design and ethical issues and demonstrate application in discipline and research area. |
| Problem solving | Demonstrate the ability to analyse and evaluate information to inform Indigenous knowledge methodologies and knowledges in the discipline area. Employ specialized knowledge, skills and creativity supported by research based theoretical underpinning to generate advanced crucially analysed solutions to complex issues and problems. |
| Self-management | Not directly assessed. |
| Teamwork | Demonstrate an ability to work and learn collaboratively, collegially and responsibly with a range of disciplines, colleagues and community representatives. Building relationships and understanding both within and across communities. |
| Global citizenship | To foster cultural literacy and comparative first nations people. Demonstrate a responsibility to understanding, and appreciation of global, economic, political and ethical influences on Indigenous knowledges and methodologies. |
Approved at Faculty Board August 2016
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Research you must pass 4 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 4 credit points of core units.
Most units are equal to one credit point.
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Course structure
Core units
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
| DAI001 | Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin |
Units
| IND721 | Standpoint Theory in Indigenous Research |
| IND722 | Indigenous Research: Ways of Valuing and Being |
| IND723 | Indigenous Research: Ways of Knowing and Doing |
and either:
| IND724 | Indigenous Knowledge Modalities in Research |
or
| IND725 | Theories and Debates in Indigenous Knowledges: Sites of Struggle |
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Other learning experiences
There are opportunities to engage with the research of IKE staff and students currently enrolled in Higher degrees by research during the intensive weeks. We encourage students to engage and discuss their work with a broader audience and talk with additional academics in their field of expertise (Social Work, Law, Arts, Education...) about their research and publications.
Fees and charges
Tuition fees will vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, your study load and/or unit discipline.
Your tuition fees will increase annually at the start of each calendar year. All fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD) and do not include additional costs such as textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment, mandatory checks, travel, consumables and other costs.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.
Further information
Contact Student Central for assistance in course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements. Student Central can also provide information for a wide range of services at Deakin. To help you understand the University vocabulary, please refer to our Enrolment codes and terminology page.