Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
This course is available through the National Indigenous Knowledges, Education, Research and Innovation (NIKERI). Students undertake intensive blocks of study under community-based delivery (CBD). Please refer to the NIKERI website and the NIKERI applications for further information
Course overview
Are you interested in a qualification that is a pathway to a Masters or PhD by Research?
Are you curious about how Indigenous knowledge can challenge and reshape systems of thought in general?
The focus of this course is to equip students with in-depth research training specific to Indigenous knowledge systems. The units of this course centre on:
- Indigenous research methodologies and ways of knowing
- Designing Indigenous research
- Investigating debates in your discipline area
All these culminate in a comprehensive thesis that build research capabilities and capacity. This unique research qualification is delivered by Indigenous academic staff with interdisciplinary skills across diverse areas.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Research
- Year
2026 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
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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.
An 8-credit point Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Research includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in their first study period
- 6 credit points of core units
- 2 credit points of research units.
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.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
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:
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
*part-time study only
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute.
Course duration
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.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree or higher
- at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Applications for credit transfer will be considered depending on the quality and subject matter of the student’s prior qualifications and professional experience.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fee - (CSP) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$17,399 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above.
Tuition fees are determined by your enrolment:
- If you are offered a full fee paying place, your tuition fees are calculated based on your course.
- If you are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place, your tuition fees are calculated depending on the units you choose.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical tuition fees for students completing this course within the same year they started. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the University handbook.
Higher Education Loan Program
Take the next step towards your ultimate degree with a Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loan to help pay your tuition fees. You may be eligible for a HELP loan including FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP, depending on your course, type of fee place, and your citizenship or residency status. Check your eligibility and learn more about Government HELP loans.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship can open the door to new opportunities. Whether you have something unique to offer or simply need a bit of extra support to reach your goals, we’re here to help. Scholarships can assist with course fees, living costs and study materials – so you can focus on achieving your best. Explore the range of opportunities and find the right fit for you.
Postgraduate bursary
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Apply now
Indigenous students
Courses at Deakin are flexible and culturally inclusive. Explore the various ways you can apply to study this course - including through the NIKERI Institute and via the Indigenous Access Scheme.
Need more information on how to apply?
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Pathways
Alternate exits
- Graduate Certificate of Indigenous Research (A501)
Career outcomes
This course provides students with comprehensive research training which equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in a researcher role in educational, government or private institutions. As a pathway to Higher Degree by Research programs, opportunities are open to research and academic roles in universities.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | 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. |
| Communication | 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. |
| Digital literacy | 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. |
| Critical thinking | 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. |
| Problem solving | 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’. |
| Self-management | 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. |
| Teamwork | 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. |
| Global citizenship | 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
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
