Course Curriculum

The Graduate Diploma of Indigenous Policy Development requires the completion of 80 credit points and offers students a strong foundation in Indigenous governance, policy analysis, and community engagement, supported by opportunities for focused research. The program begins with 40 credit points of core units that explore neocolonialism, advocacy, policy agendas at federal and state levels, Indigenous knowledge systems, property rights, economic participation, and the philosophical underpinnings of Indigenous epistemologies. These core units establish the conceptual and analytical skills necessary to understand the complexities of Indigenous policy in Australia. Students then tailor their studies through 40 credit points of specialist electives chosen from three broad thematic areas: Indigenous Policy Research, Indigenous Policy Engagement, and Yolngu Languages and Culture. The Indigenous Policy Research stream offers rigorous training in research methodologies, ethics, and independent research projects, enabling students to develop strong investigative and analytical skills. The Indigenous Policy Engagement stream focuses on applied learning in community-based practice, covering areas such as intercultural communication, sovereignty and reconciliation, land and sea management, cultural safety, ethical representation, education paradigms, and wellbeing. Students interested in language and cultural depth may select from the Yolngu Languages and Culture units, which provide structured learning in Yolngu language, literature, conversation skills, and community-led language project work. Students also have the option to complete a 20-credit point dissertation, allowing them to undertake a substantial research project in an area of personal or professional interest, supervised by an academic specialist. Additionally, up to 20 credit points of study may be taken outside the College or cross-institutionally, provided the units are at an advanced level and approved by the course coordinator. This structure offers a balance of theoretical grounding, applied learning, cultural knowledge, and research capability, preparing graduates for effective and culturally informed work in Indigenous policy contexts across government, community organisations, and research settings.