Indigenous Studies explores the controversies, complexities and contradictions that shape what it means to be Indigenous in Australia and the world today. Contemporary Indigenous Australia is a fascinating crossroads of history, culture, power and politics. It includes the study of practical issues such as health in Indigenous communities, political issues like conflicting notions of identity and history, as well as understanding where these issues overlap.

This degree

The UOW Bachelor of Social Science (Indigenous Studies) is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to think instinctively about issues that impact on Indigenous individuals and communities on a local, national and global scale. The degree involves a common foundation of compulsory social science subjects in first year, followed by a major in Indigenous Studies.

The Indigenous Studies major consists of four core subjects that introduce you to Indigenous Australia, the critical themes, global perspectives and research methodologies.

In third year you'll have the opportunity to complete a real-world capstone project that draws together the strands of the degree. You will complement your degree with a minor study area from any field in the University offering cross-faculty enrolment. You can also study electives abroad, or stay local and undertake activities to build your cross-cultural communication skills.

What you will study

Foundational subjects in social science include human development and public health, human geography, sociology, psychology, research methods and statistics and interdisciplinary competencies. You will also begin your major in first year.

During your second and third year you'll focus on your Indigenous Studies major, covering the cultural, political, economic and social factors that have continued to shape the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Your knowledge and understanding will be developed through the study of international Indigenous experiences and engagement with a range of Indigenous perspectives and organisations on a global scale.

• Archiving and Librarianship
• Art & Design
• Arts
• Business Development & Administration
• Community & Social Services
• Consultancy
• Diplomacy
• Education
• Entrepreneurship
• Government Policy
• Healthcare Policy & Management
• Heritage Specialist
• Historian
• Human Resources
• Information Technology & Design
• Journalism
• Social Policy
• Translation & Interpreting
• Legal Work
• Marketing & Advertising
• Media & Publishing
• Politics
• Production and Management
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Writing