Key facts
Duration
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent
Locations
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
Designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, the Graduate Diploma of Land and Sea Country Management builds specialist skills in Caring for Country and the management of Australia’s natural and cultural environments. You will develop the knowledge and capability to contribute to Country-based decision making, working within approaches that recognise land as a cultural landscape and integrate environmental and cultural perspectives.
Your studies focus on land and environmental management, sustainability, project planning and implementation, and cultural heritage protection. You will also engage with collaborative approaches to knowledge systems to support effective outcomes and strengthen your ability to apply Caring for Country practice across community, organisational and government settings. Delivered through the NIKERI Institute, the course combines community-based study with on-campus intensives to support flexible, culturally grounded learning.
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 Land and Sea Country Management
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- A660
- 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
ACHIEVE WORK-LIFE BALANCE AT THE #1 VICTORIAN UNI FOR COURSE SATISFACTION
Course structure
To complete the Graduate Diploma of Land and Sea Country Management 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 Land and Sea Country Management includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 8 credit points of core 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.
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
And
Or
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)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can apply directly through the NIKERI Institute.
Alternative exits
A560 Graduate Certificate of Land and Sea Country Management (Exit option only)
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).
Examples of relevant work experience include, but not limited to: roles within Aboriginal and Torres Strait organisations, environmental agencies, Cultural Heritage organisations, Caring for Country agencies (including those focused on water, coastal and land management) and educational institutions.
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.
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'.
$13,777 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Learn more about fees.
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical full-time enrolment of 8 credit points undertaken within the same academic year 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.
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.
Deakin alumni discount
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.
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.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Articulate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural knowledge and its underlying custodial ethic in the context of contemporary natural and cultural resource management. Apply Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and use the principles of project planning, management and implementation to contribute, realise and protect cultural heritage and the environment. Integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and Western knowledge to inform contemporary environmental management practices. |
| Apply Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge of cultural perspectives to communicate with a variety of audiences and engage in a community-based approach to contribute to and influence Western government policy designs and managerial practice. |
| Apply knowledge of relevant technical tools and methodologies to locate, collect, analyse, interpret and synthesise complex information regarding natural and cultural landscapes. Transform information and experiences into a narrative and use digital technologies to demonstrate the ability to record and document experiences and cultural practice. |
| Critically analyse contemporary natural and cultural resource management governance frameworks and evaluate practices in order to include Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander perspectives to mitigate negative outcomes for natural and cultural heritage and resource environments. |
| Facilitate dialogue, consult with community Elders, government and non-government agencies and research institutions to identify possible approaches to managing natural and cultural resources. Integrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural perspectives and natural and cultural resource management frameworks to create realistic solutions to authentic real world projects and programs. |
| Demonstrate the ability to initiate projects and work independently and collaboratively to plan, manage, respond to and realise the management of natural and cultural resources. |
| Critically reflect on the needs of the community and develop processes in order to work as a team in a sensitive manner to coordinate, facilitate and manage natural and cultural resources. |
| Observe appropriate protocols when discussing and facilitating management of Country in a consultative, ethical and sensitive manner for scholarship or professional practice. |
Approved at Faculty Board July 2016
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some courses still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
*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.
