Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Research
2025 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2025 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Research |
| Deakin course code | A601 |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts and Education |
| Campus | Offered at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) |
| Online | No |
| Duration | 1 year full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Course Map - enrolment planning tool | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2025. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| 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
- Alternative exits
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
- Fees and charges
Course overview
Are you interested in a qualification that is a pathway to a Masters or PhD by Research?
Are you interested in how Indigenous knowledge can reconfigure systems of thought in general?
The focus of this course is to equip students with in depth research training specific to Indigenous knowledge systems. The units of this course centre on:
- Indigenous research methodologies and ways of knowing
- Designing Indigenous research
- Investigating debates in your discipline area
All these culminate in a comprehensive thesis that build research capabilities and capacity. This unique research qualification is delivered by Indigenous academic staff with interdisciplinary skills across diverse areas.
Career opportunities
This course provides students with comprehensive research training which equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in a researcher role in educational, government or private institutions. As a pathway to Higher Degree by Research programs, opportunities are open to research and academic roles in universities.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Alternative exits
| Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Research (A501) |
Course Learning Outcomes
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Employ a specialised understanding of how to plan, analyse, and apply advanced knowledge and skills in Indigenous research methods and methodologies within a local, national, and international context as guided by appropriate protocols. Critically engage with the complexities of Indigenous Knowledge systems and the way they shape axiologies, ontologies and epistemologies. |
| Communication | Apply a range of modalities to communicate Indigenous ways of Valuing, Being, Knowing, and Doing to diverse audiences and communities. Transmit, receive, and strengthen knowledge exchanges between and within Country, communities, and individuals demonstrating reciprocity through verbal, nonverbal and written modalities. |
| Digital literacy | Strengthen individual capability in navigating multiple digital spaces to responsibly and competently locate, research, express, promote and manage the complex voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. |
| Critical thinking | Critically analyse the multiple histories of Australia from an Indigenous standpoint and critique and evaluate past and current research methodologies and processes utilised by Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers. Facilitate culturally appropriate processes of enquiry to engage, analyse and to contribute towards the progression of Indigenous Knowledge systems and positive social justice outcomes. |
| Problem solving | Identify critical issues of significance with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ and determine research approaches and strategies to generate solutions that address issues, community priorities and enhance collective and individual agency for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’. |
| Self-management | Apply cultural responsiveness, autonomy and adaptability when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples within a research relationship. Implement sophisticated reflexivity in the ongoing development of individual goal setting, advancing research skills, refining ethical relationships and reciprocity in progressing Indigenous Knowledges. |
| Teamwork | Co-construct respectful relationships within group processes in a collaborative, adaptable, reflective and culturally responsive manner, engaging with multiple Indigenous standpoints and perspectives. Proactively contribute to the collective responsibility for problem solving and relationship building within the broader educational goals of Indigenous research. |
| Global citizenship | Deepen cultural responsiveness through ongoing reflexivity, ethical and critical evaluation of the community-driven research priorities. Contribute to the progression of Indigenous Knowledges through investigations of critical issues contextualised within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and integrating respective global worldviews and innovations. |
Approved by Faculty Board February 2022
Course rules
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Research students must pass 8 credit points and meet the following course rules to be eligible to graduate:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 6 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of research units
Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements. See the enrolment codes and terminology to help make sense of the University’s vocabulary.
Course structure
At least six credit points chosen from the list below:
| IND721 | Standpoint Theory in Indigenous Research |
| IND722 | Indigenous Research: Ways of Valuing and Being |
| IND723 | Indigenous Research: Ways of Knowing and Doing |
| IND724 | Indigenous Knowledge Modalities in Research |
| IND725 | Theories and Debates in Indigenous Knowledges: Sites of Struggle |
| IND726 | Designing An Indigenous Research Project |
| IND727 | Research Project A |
| IND728 | Research Project B |
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central
Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study, and their study discipline or your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current students website.