A major in Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage will allow you to explore the worldview and historical experiences of Indigenous peoples in Australia as well as critically analyse Western disciplinary constructs around Indigenous knowledges and peoples.
Introduction
How do Indigenous people view the world? How does Indigenous knowledge inform the world around us?
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Course description, features and facilities
The Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage major is comprised of an multidisciplinary program that will provide you with an opportunity to learn about the history, culture and philosophy of Indigenous peoples in Australia. We will explore the philosophical underpinnings of an Indigenous worldview. The units offered enable you to critically engage with the issues covered, across a number of disciplines, and connect to contemporary Australian social issues. Studying the major will give you a strong grounding in Aboriginal knowledge systems as well as Western disciplinary constructs around Indigenous knowledges and peoples. The central principle in teaching the major is to provide a space for students to be able to critically engage and interact with Aboriginal voices. The major will be taught in an interactive manner. Students will engage with Indigenous people, Elders in the community and guest speakers. The major includes a range of experiential activities, intensive sessions and field work. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with a range of source material, including community and family histories, art, poetry and film. Indigenous knowledge is applicable to all fields and disciplines because it allows students to engage with a different way of knowing and understanding the world.
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Student profile
Student profile – Kelsi Forrest
Ever since I was little I dreamt of becoming a lawyer, and being a student at UWA has helped me realise I really want to help create change for my people, Aboriginal people. I am on a continuous learning journey at University, and the Indigenous Knowledge, Heritage and History major has provided great insight to me.
If I want to work to create a better future for my people, it is important to have a deep understanding of who we are, and our history. It is a major that should be considered by everybody, as it tells the story of our Australia, the good and the bad, which is still little known to many.
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Structure
UWA's streamlined course structure allows you to pursue studies in a wide range of areas and to take one or two majors in your degree. Your second major can be from a similar field to your first (degree-specific) major, or from a different area or degree entirely.
As well as the units specified in your major, you will study broadening units outside your main area of study and may be able to take a number of elective subjects as well.
You can explore the structure of this major in detail in the University Handbooks.
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Career opportunities
The broad skills base and adaptable approach of graduates from this major are valuable in areas such as legal and human rights organisations, government departments, business and industry, education, trade and tourism, health and the environment and native title and cultural heritage.
I want to be a…
This course could lead to becoming a:
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Further study opportunities
This major lays the foundation for further study options at honours and postgraduate level and a range of vocational studies such as journalism, museum curation, archive management, cultural heritage and tourism as well as other postgraduate studies
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Check the Entrance requirements
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Additional information
- English competency
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
| Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) | 80 |
| International Baccalaureate | 29 |
Additional information
Please note: to complete this major within the Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) will require a minimum ATAR of 98 (or equivalent).
English competency
University study demands strong English language competency. To be eligible for admission to a undergraduate program at UWA, you must demonstrate satisfactory performance in a UWA-approved test of English. This is the case even if English is your first language.
The minimum requirement is a scaled score of 50 or more in WACE English, Literature or English as an Additional Language/Dialect achieved at Stage 2 or Stage 3 – or an equivalent level of achievement in an interstate or international qualification.
Advanced standing
If you have undertaken prior tertiary study within the last five years, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit and/or exemption).
Applications for advanced standing are assessed upon acceptance of any offer of admission made by the University.
On this page
- Prerequisites and minimum scores
- Advanced standing
Prerequisites and minimum scores
| Qualification and prerequisite subjects | Course entry score |
French Baccalaureat
| 12 |
International Baccalaureate
| 29 |
UWA Foundation Programme (UWAFP)
| 66 |
GCE or Cambridge Advanced-level Examinations
| 8 |
Western Australian Universities Preparatory Program (WAUPP)
| 63 |
Trinity College Foundation Program
| 85 |
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
| 270 |
Canadian Matriculation (except Quebec)
| 60 |
Chinese Unified Examinations (UEC)
| 12 |
Chinese Gao Kao
| 525 |
All India Senior School Certificate (CBSE)
| 12 |
Indian School Certificate (CISCE)
| 60 |
Norwegian Vitnemål
| 4.14 |
Swedish Slutbetyg
| 15.70 |
German Abitur
| 3.17 |
Singapore-Cambridge A-Levels
| 8 |
South African National Senior Certificate
| 4.60 |
These are the required prerequisites for applicants who have completed these particular qualifications.
If you are applying for a place based on other qualifications
you need to demonstrate that you have knowledge at least equivalent to the subjects specified.
Advanced standing
Students with previous tertiary level qualifications will be considered for advanced standing (credit).
How to apply
This course is available to Australian and international students.
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
We have two intakes of undergraduate students each year: first and second semester.
First semester entry
Australian citizens or permanent residents, including humanitarian visa holders, and New Zealand citizens apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre.
Contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
Second semester entry
Apply online for second semester entry to a range of courses at UWA.
After the closing date, contact the Admissions Centre for advice.
How to apply
Information for
UWA Admissions Centre (M353)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Location
- UWA Map
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 2477 – General enquiries
- 1800 653 050 – General enquiries (country callers)
- Fax
- (+61 8) 6488 1226
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Opening hours
- Monday – Friday, 9am–4pm
On this page
- First semester entry
- Second semester entry
- How to apply
- Fees
- Information for…
- Contact details - admission information
First semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
Second semester entry
International undergraduate applicants must complete this application form and submit it through an authorised UWA overseas representative or directly to the UWA International Centre.
You must also:
How to apply
This contains text about How to Apply - International
Fees
$24866, per year.
This figure has been arrived at by assuming that you study a full-time study load for one year made up of units all within the same fee band. As some units vary in cost, the actual student fee will depend on the mix of units you choose. The international student fees page has further details.
Information for
UWA International Centre (M352)
- Address
- The University of Western Australia
35 Stirling Highway
Crawley, Perth
Western Australia 6009
- Telephone
- (+61 8) 6488 3939
- Fax
- (+61 8) 9382 4071
- Contacts
- International Centre
- Enquire on-line
- askUWA
- Location
- UWA Map
- Opening hours
- Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm
- About UWA

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