Study through NIKERI Institute
Community-based delivery model
Indigenous Tutorial Network support
Why choose indigenous research at Deakin
Designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Research provides a pathway to further study through a masters by research or PhD. You will explore Indigenous knowledges as complex and sophisticated systems of thought and examine how they inform research practice.
You will engage with First Nations Ways of Valuing, Being, Knowing and Doing, with a focus on ethical research practice, cultural responsiveness and Indigenous knowledge systems. Throughout the degree, you will design and complete an individual research project that forms the basis for further research study. Delivered through the NIKERI Institute and taught by Indigenous academic staff, the degree also supports research-focused roles across universities, government, Indigenous communities and the private sector.
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Indigenous-led research learning
Learn with Indigenous academic staff and explore Indigenous research methodologies, ethics and knowledge systems.
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Community-based delivery through NIKERI
Combine week-long on-campus intensives with online study, supporting connection to community throughout your studies.
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Pathway to higher degree research
Design and complete an individual research project that supports progression to a masters by research or PhD.
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Research skills for diverse settings
Apply your research skills across universities, government, Indigenous communities and the private sector.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build research skills grounded in Indigenous knowledges and ethical practice. You may pursue research roles across educational, government and private institutions, or continue to higher degree research and academic work.
Researcher
Design and conduct research, gather and analyse qualitative and quantitative evidence, prepare reports and work with stakeholders. You may apply Indigenous research methods across education, government or private institutions.
- $108k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 12.8%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Academic
Conduct research, publish findings and contribute to university teaching and scholarly projects. With further higher degree study, you may support Indigenous knowledge systems and culturally responsive research practice.
- $123k
Typical annual salary in Australia
- 8.8%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Workplace settings
- Educational institutions
- Government institutions
- Private institutions
- Universities
Related courses
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Research?
During the degree, you move from Indigenous research standpoints and knowledge systems into research design and a substantial project, building analytical, ethical and communication skills for further research study and research-focused roles.
Build your research practice
Indigenous research standpoints
Explore Indigenous ways of valuing, being, knowing and doing, grounding your research practice in cultural protocols, ethics and responsiveness.
Research methodologies and debates
Examine Indigenous research methods, knowledge systems and key theoretical debates, developing reflexive and critical approaches to research design.
Research project development
Complete a substantial research project that builds capability in design, analysis, writing and knowledge exchange, supporting progression to higher degree research.
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Research, you must pass 8 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Units
At least six credit points chosen from the list below:
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute
This course requires students to undertake studies throughout the Trimester 3 academic period (core unit IND728)
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
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| Employ a specialised understanding of how to plan, analyse, and apply advanced knowledge and skills in Indigenous research methods and methodologies within a local, national, and international context as guided by appropriate protocols. Critically engage with the complexities of Indigenous Knowledge systems and the way they shape axiologies, ontologies and epistemologies. |
| Apply a range of modalities to communicate Indigenous ways of Valuing, Being, Knowing, and Doing to diverse audiences and communities. Transmit, receive, and strengthen knowledge exchanges between and within Country, communities, and individuals demonstrating reciprocity through verbal, nonverbal and written modalities. |
| Strengthen individual capability in navigating multiple digital spaces to responsibly and competently locate, research, express, promote and manage the complex voices and experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. |
| Critically analyse the multiple histories of Australia from an Indigenous standpoint and critique and evaluate past and current research methodologies and processes utilised by Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers. Facilitate culturally appropriate processes of enquiry to engage, analyse and to contribute towards the progression of Indigenous Knowledge systems and positive social justice outcomes. |
| Identify critical issues of significance with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ and determine research approaches and strategies to generate solutions that address issues, community priorities and enhance collective and individual agency for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’. |
| Apply cultural responsiveness, autonomy and adaptability when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples within a research relationship. Implement sophisticated reflexivity in the ongoing development of individual goal setting, advancing research skills, refining ethical relationships and reciprocity in progressing Indigenous Knowledges. |
| Co-construct respectful relationships within group processes in a collaborative, adaptable, reflective and culturally responsive manner, engaging with multiple Indigenous standpoints and perspectives. Proactively contribute to the collective responsibility for problem solving and relationship building within the broader educational goals of Indigenous research. |
| Deepen cultural responsiveness through ongoing reflexivity, ethical and critical evaluation of the community-driven research priorities. Contribute to the progression of Indigenous Knowledges through investigations of critical issues contextualised within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and integrating respective global worldviews and innovations. |
Approved by Faculty Board February 2022
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Research
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- A601
- Level
- Postgraduate (Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$18,026
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Indigenous students
Deakin courses are flexible and culturally inclusive. There are multiple ways you can apply for this course, including through the NIKERI Institute and the Indigenous Access Scheme.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.