Program Overview

---

Overview of the Indigenous Knowledges and Practices Major

The Indigenous Knowledges and Practices major at Murdoch University offers a comprehensive and holistic learning experience, deeply rooted in Noongar ways of knowing, doing, and being. This major spans a broad spectrum of Indigenous Knowledges, encompassing traditional ecological knowledge and practices that have sustained cultures on Country for over 60,000 years, as well as contemporary practices that continue to strengthen communities.

What You Will Learn

Through this major, you will explore valuable alternative and complementary perspectives to Western-based disciplinary knowledge, engaging with Indigenous histories, cultures, social and emotional wellbeing, and the connections between Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. Key areas of study include:

• How to thoughtfully and respectfully participate in public conversations important to Indigenous peoples and communities.
• The synergies and points of divergence between Indigenous and Western knowledges and cultures and how they can be integrated.
• Skills to engage with cross-cultural topics, strengthening your intercultural communication in diverse professional settings.
• Indigenous models of social and emotional wellbeing, grounded in Indigenous perspectives, values, and practices.
• How to critically analyse key social justice issues affecting contemporary Indigenous peoples and communities in Australia.

Structure of the Major

The Indigenous Knowledges and Practices major requires 24 credit points, consisting of:

• Core Units: 21 credit points
  • SIK101: Katitjin Bidi (Learning Journey)
  • SIK102: Wandju Boodja (Welcome to Country)
  • SIK200: Hot Topics in Indigenous Australia
  • SIK201: Two-Way Science
  • SIK202: Passion Projects in Indigenous Social Justice
  • SIK300: Indigenous Knowledges in Health and Wellbeing
  • SIK301: Global Indigeneity: Exploring Indigenous Knowledges around the World
• Specified Elective Units: 3 credit points
  • COD301: Indigenous Community Development
  • OR
  • SIK302: Two-Way Science in Action

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the Indigenous Knowledges and Practices major, you must meet the minimum admission requirements, which include:

• Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA).
• English proficiency requirements, which can be met through various means, including completion of Year 11 and 12 in Australia, English language proficiency tests, or previous tertiary study.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by:

• Providing evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (for domestic students).
• English proficiency tests.
• University preparation courses.
• English language courses.
• Previous tertiary study.
• Vocational education.

Fees and Scholarships

The cost of the course will vary depending on the units you choose. You can estimate the cost using the Fee Calculator. Murdoch University also offers a range of scholarships to help reduce the financial costs of your university experience.

How to Apply

To apply, you will need to provide documentation, including:

• Completed official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion.
• ATAR results.
• STAT Test results (if applicable).
• English Language Proficiency Document (if available).

Recognition of Prior Learning

Murdoch University recognizes prior learning, whether formal or informal, which can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree. You may be eligible for advanced standing through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Adjustment for Murdoch RISE

Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment that can help students from regional, Indigenous, and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry. If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may be applied to your raw ATAR score.