Program Overview

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Master of Indigenous Australian Cultural Studies

Overview

The Master of Indigenous Australian Studies is a distinctive postgraduate masters programme. The course is informed through environmental issues and Native Title; Indigenous research methodology; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander literature and creative practice; social commentaries; unique historical and contemporary perspectives of local and global Indigenous experience; sense of place; Aboriginal organisational practice; and visits to Country to name a few. The Master of Indigenous Australian Studies will offer students and employees graduates who are ready for an HDR degree in research, or who are poised to work with high order skills and thinking regarding Indigenous knowledge systems and cultural practices. Students are offered a culturally safe learning experience. Indigenous students will flourish in this learning and research environment and non-Indigenous students will gain cultural learning and a view of Indigenous knowledge. Staff are Indigenous with much knowledge to share.

What You'll Learn

• Apply principles and concepts of Indigenous Terms of Reference, values and beliefs in a variety of contexts relevant to working carefully and respectfully with Indigenous material and Indigenous community, inclusive of Intellectual property rights (IPR) and appropriate protocol principles.
• Apply innovation in problem solving; and creative and culturally appropriate critical thinking which reflect respectful dialogues and provides trans-formative solutions and innovative ways of working and being in an Indigenous space.
• Enable and build capacity of Indigenous communities and Indigenous persons through building and enhancing digital competency.
• Gain knowledge and consider global Indigenous perspectives and how these are allied to the Australian Indigenous experience.
• Be Respectful and responsive to Indigenous values and beliefs (ITR), and being guided by elements of Reciprocity and Responsibility to Indigenous people within research and work relations; as well as understanding the significance and sensitivity of Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous Intellectual Property.
• Share skill and build capacity to work effectively in Indigenous settings by demonstrating cultural competency and responsibility.

Admission Criteria

• Students require a Bachelor (Honours) degree, a Graduate Certificate, or a Graduate Diploma (AQF Level 8 Qualification).
• Students may enter with a Bachelor Degree and relevant work experience as determined by the Course Coordinator on a case-by-case basis.

English Requirements

• Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English.
• Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below:
  • Writing: 6
  • Speaking: 6
  • Reading: 6
  • Listening: 6
  • Overall band score: 6.5

Fees and Scholarships

• Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees:
  • 2025 Fee year: $17,000*
  • 2026 Fee year: $17,000*
• *Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.
• *The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

Location

• Curtin Perth

How to Apply

• Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice.
• Each campus has different application deadlines.
• View our application deadlines page for further information.

Course Structure

• The course is one year full time or equivalent part time study.
• A full-time study load usually consists of 200 credits (approximately eight units) per year, with 100 credits (approximately four units) in each semester.
• The CRICOS Code indicates a registered program offered to international students studying in Australia on student visas.
• The course is available at Curtin Perth.

Deadlines for Applying Direct to Curtin

• Semester 1, 2025: Applications now closed!
• Semester 2, 2025: Applications now open!
• Semester 1, 2026: Applications now open!
• Semester 2, 2026: 6 April 2026 - 2 July 2026

Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL)

• Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.
• Submit an enquiry CRL search.

Course Outline

• Overview
• Admission criteria
• Fees and scholarships
• Location
• How to apply

Additional Information

• The offering information on this website applies only to future students.
• Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.
• The information on this page may be subject to change.
• Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.
• While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur.
• Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

Disclaimer

• View courses information disclaimer.

CRICOS Code

• D

Last Updated

• 12 May 2025

Curtin Course Code

• MC-INDCS

Contact

• For further information, please contact Curtin University.