Important Information
Programs
Courses
Residential Schools
International Students
Current Handbook
Glossary
Program Level
Select Study Level Undergraduate Postgraduate Bridging and Access Research Higher Degrees HonoursStudy Area
HonoursCK27 - Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Studies - No Enrolments in 2013
CK27 - Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Studies - No Enrolments in 2013
At a GlanceInformation on where the program is available, duration, units of credit as well as contacts for further information.
Aims - StructureAn outline of the programs aims, objectives and outcomes, as well as information on the structure of the program.
Course PlansA detailed list of courses and electives required to complete the program.
Career Opportunities
This program features eight different majors. Graduates opportunities depend on the major chosen. Career opportunities for graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Studies (Business) include those of Business Development Manager, Operations Manager, Business Analyst, Financial Analyst and Sales Director. Opportunities for those with this qualification are strong because of the burgeoning interest in establishing viable Indigenous businesses, sometimes with the assistance from Indigenous Business Australia, mining royalties or Community Development Employment Projects during the establishment phase.
Career opportunities for graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Studies (Human Resource Management) include senior roles in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous organisations such as Human Resources Director, Recruitment Specialist, Recruitment and Retention Manager, Talent Manager and Training Specialist. The need for this type of qualification is related to the widespread development of Indigenous employment strategies, particularly amongst medium and large organisations. The continuing emergence and growth of Indigenous organisations (e.g., health clinics, land councils, development hubs, employment service providers, family and relationships centres, women's' shelters) provides another reason as to why there is a considerable need for Human Resource Specialists who possess particular knowledge and skills with regard to Indigenous issues.
Career opportunities for graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Studies (Education) include those of Principal, Deputy Principal, Curriculum Advisor and Head of Curriculum. In secondary schools the attainment of an advanced level degree has become a standard expectation for those who are seeking to gain promotion to school leadership positions. Given that Indigenous history, cultures and perspectives are steadily becoming more strongly incorporated into school curricula, education professionals who possess a high level of knowledge with regard to Indigenous matters are becoming particularly sought after. The impetus for such initiatives is also derived in part from the politically bipartisan acceptance of the need to ‘close the gap' between Indigenous and non-Indigenous educational attainments.
Career opportunities for graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Studies (Environmental Management) include those of Environmental and Cultural Resources Advisor, Environmental Consultant, Cultural Resources Officer and Indigenous Protected Area Coordinator. The need for those with such a qualification is due to the clear government and industry recognition of the importance of natural resource management, environmental and social impact assessments, cultural resource management and land rehabilitation through processes of consultation and involvement with traditional owners.
Career opportunities for graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Studies (Health Promotion) include those of Health Program Manager, Health Promotion Officer, Community Health Consultant and Wellness Coordinator. Expanding opportunities in this field relate to the bipartisan acceptance of the need to ‘close the gap' between various Indigenous and non-Indigenous indicators of health, well-being and longevity. More directly, they relate to the increasing numbers of Health Promotion specialists who are now being employed through health clinics, schools, councils and health departments.
Career opportunities for graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Studies (Project Management) include Project Manager roles in a variety of fields. There is growing need for project management skills and qualifications within Indigenous organisations and government agencies that provide human services (e.g., work-readiness training, job placement, counselling, health services and parenting programs) to a culturally diverse range of clients. Also of significant but quite separate importance are the opportunities for project managers within the mining and construction industries who have knowledge of Indigenous issues.
Career opportunities for graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Studies (Sustainable Communities) include those of Conservation Officer and Cultural Resource Consultant. There is a growing need for individuals with this kind of qualification in the Department of Environment and Resource Management, the Queensland Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, large mining companies, local gas companies, local governments, and large farms. The mission statement of an organisation is now generally expected to include a commitment to sustainability and many organisations are expected to meet quadruple bottom line accountability measures, i.e., economic, social, environmental and Indigenous-cultural. This has resulted in skills shortages. Virtually every organisation now requires employees who know what sustainability means, how to develop and implement an Environmental Management System, and how to engage competently and effectively with Indigenous communities. Town Planners and other professionals can also use this program to upskill themselves thereby move around within their organisation.
Career opportunities for graduates of the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Studies (Information & Communication Technology) include senior roles in Information Systems Business Analysis, ICT Project Management, Database Administration, ICT Security Management, Network Management, ICT Consultant, and Web Design in a variety of organisations. There is growing need for information and communication technology skills, knowledge and qualifications within Indigenous organisations or agencies that provide ICT services to a culturally diverse range of clients.
This is an interdisciplinary program that combines Indigenous Studies with one of eight majors: Education, Business, Human Resource Management, Project Management, Health Promotion, Environmental Management, Sustainable Communities or Information and Communication Technology. Students complete three courses in Indigenous Studies and three courses in their chosen major. A core course for all students in the program is Leadership and Indigenous People.
Because of the program's wide range of majors it appeals to a wide variety of individuals-both Indigenous and non-Indigenous-who have an interest in Indigenous issues and a need or desire to upgrade their professional qualifications to fully realize their aspirations. The program is most accessible to students who already possess a bachelor's degree; the precise entry requirements are dependent on the major chosen.
Through the completion of advanced level coursework in both Indigenous studies and a chosen major students will develop the kind of knowledge and professional skills that are now commonly expected for career advancement in community development, business, Indigenous organisations, the public service, education, academia and the media. The entire program will be available via distance education although certain courses within certain majors do require attendance at Residential Schools.