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University of South Australia (UNISA)

Adelaide , South Australia ,Australia

Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal Studies)

Degree overview

  • Gain an understanding of the past and contemporary experiences of Aboriginal Peoples in Australia and internationally. 
  • Develop your cultural competence and be equipped with the skills and strategies to work effectively with Aboriginal clients and communities.
  • Combine courses from diverse disciplines to gain a broad understanding of Australian Aboriginal societies and cultures, both past and present.
  • Enhance your employment prospects by studying a double major - you'll graduate with an in-depth knowledge of two distinct but complementary areas.
  • Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Cultural Studies and Linguistics1.
  • Gain work experience in the Professional Experience Program.
  • Benefit from flexible learning options and choose to study this degree partially online.

Campus Information

Magill

In Adelaide’s leafy eastern suburbs, Magill hosts programs in the areas of education, humanities and social sciences.

Intakes

  • Feb
  • July

Application Processing Time in Days: 14

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

Studying an Aboriginal Studies major as part of your Arts degree will prepare you for a career in a wide range of industries and business areas, and equip you with transferable cross-cultural communication skills, the ability to think critically and formulate solutions, and the technical skills and understanding to work and collaborate with Aboriginal communities. Graduates may be employed by:

  • government sectors, for example within Aboriginal-focused departments and agencies
  • non-government and private sector organisations
  • human and community service businesses and organisations that support Aboriginal communities and clients, where specific skills in cross-cultural awareness are sought.

This program helps you develop many transferable skills which are highly regarded by employers including: 

  • critical analysis 
  • real-world, contemporary research strategies 
  • cultural awareness 
  • sophisticated communication.

You could also pursue a teaching role in humanities and social sciences when you continue your studies with a Master of Teaching (Secondary). 
You may also choose to further your studies through a Master of Social Work. Students must ensure they are across the entry requirements of this postgraduate program before selecting courses in the Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree.

PSW Opportunity

Bachelor Degree or Masters by Coursework Degree - 2 years - 3 years (Adelaide)

Masters by Research - 3 years - 4 years (Adelaide)

PhD qualification - 4 years - 5 years (Adelaide)

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education

  • Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
    AND
  • Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
  • Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE,
    or
  • Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

  • Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
  • Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above
    OR

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

  • Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Diploma level or above
    OR

Work and life experience

  • Qualify for Special Entry, or
  • Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
  • Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past.