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Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies

Doctorate by Coursework and TB Thesis

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    View in availability

  • Duration

    3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

  • Location

    View in availability
    All students must attend the compulsory on-campus, one week-long workshop for each unit (two weeks for double-weighted units).

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    DIndigPh

  • Course code

    1447189

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Fee paying

Overview

Southern Cross University is widely acknowledged for its commitment to Indigenous culture, education, participation, respect and reconciliation.

The Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies is a program of study by coursework and research that comprises 24 units which include a research thesis. The course is designed to provide high-level research skills for Indigenous people and for those interested in careers in the Indigenous sector.

The qualification is aimed at providing important and specific opportunities at both national and international levels for Indigenous peoples, those working within Indigenous communities, the private and public sector, for the progression of in-depth studies on issues relevant to Indigenous communal futures.

In leading your own research project – with support and guidance from our experts – you'll work towards providing tangible benefits to Indigenous peoples.

In the process, you'll gather relevant, resonant skills that contribute to Indigenous Knowledges and may lead you into working with, and for, Indigenous communities.

 

Course Learning Outcome

apply critical analysis to Indigenous social and cultural situations and problems.

develop innovative and creative responses to contemporary Indigenous and historical social and cultural issues.

investigate and evaluate issues with references to principles of social justice and equity in relation to Indigenous people.

demonstrate higher order thinking in a major area of study.

demonstrate a developed capacity to be reflective in practice and self-managed in ongoing professional development.

access and interpret and evaluate sources of information relevant to Indigenous research paradigms.

demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to interact in a culturally competent way with Indigenous communities and other diverse populations.

The focus of the candidate’s research will be negotiated and agreed to by the candidate, their supervisor, and the Director of Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples. The candidates will be encouraged to restrict their investigations to issues that are relevant and provide benefit to Indigenous peoples.

Note: Students are required to take units in all 3 sessions.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Study Period 2, Study Period 4 N/A N/A
Online Study Period 2, Study Period 4 N/A N/A

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Students applying for the Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies must complete a successful interview with Gnibi academics and Elders prior to entry in the degree. 

Credit for prior learning

Advanced standing is applied as per Rule 8 - Professional Doctorate Awards

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of a professional Doctorate, a candidate shall successfully complete twenty-four (24) units (288 credit points) of study and research. At least two-thirds of these units shall require completion of a thesis. 
  2. These units shall be comprised of those in the schedule of units attached to these rules. 
  3. A professional Doctorate shall be in a field approved by the Higher Degrees Research Committee and listed in the Schedule of Professional Doctorates attached to these rules.
  4. All Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies candidates will serve a confirmation period, no longer than six (6) months full-time equivalent.
  5. The process of assessment of the confirmation period will be developed within a general framework approved by the Higher Degrees Research Committee, to be used in the respective Faculty
  6. The assessment of the completion of the confirmation period shall result in one of five outcomes:
    1. Satisfactory: Candidate to be offered full candidature (i.e. confirmation of candidature).
    2. Unsatisfactory: Candidate to revise submission to the satisfaction of the Principal Supervisor and the relevant Director of Research and Research Training.
    3. Unsatisfactory: Candidate to resubmit to confirmation period assessment process.
    4. Remedial action: Where a resubmission results in a further unsatisfactory outcome, a course of remedial action shall be put in place. This may require a review of the Supervisor-Candidate Agreement.
    5. Termination of candidature.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes

Year 1, Session 1

INDG7007 Advanced Academic Skills for Postgraduates
Study Period3
Location Domestic International
Online
Study Period3
N/A
INDG7004 Indigenous Research Theory and Practice
Study Period2
Note 1, Note 3
Location Domestic International
Online
Study Period2
N/A

Year 1, Session 2

INDG7003 Knowing with Community
Study Period5
Note 5
Location Domestic International
Online
Study Period5
Study Period5
INDG7002 Learning from Country
Study Period4
Note 1, Note 4
Location Domestic International
Online
Study Period4
Study Period4

Year 1, Session 3

INDG7005 Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies Research Proposal
Study Period6
Note 1, Note 3
Location Domestic International
Online
Study Period6
Study Period6
Enrolment information Gnibi recommends that students complete INDG7004 - Indigenous Research Theory and Practice

Year 2, Session 1

INDG7006 Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies Thesis
Research Semester1,2
Note 2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Research Semester1,2
Research Semester1,2
Online
Research Semester1,2
N/A

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Notes

Year 1, Session 1

INDG7004 Indigenous Research Theory and Practice
Study Period2
Note 1, Note 3
Location Domestic International
Online
Study Period2
N/A

Year 1, Session 2

INDG7003 Knowing with Community
Study Period5
Note 5
Location Domestic International
Online
Study Period5
Study Period5

Year 2, Session 1

INDG7007 Advanced Academic Skills for Postgraduates
Study Period3
Location Domestic International
Online
Study Period3
N/A

Year 2, Session 2

INDG7002 Learning from Country
Study Period4
Note 1, Note 4
Location Domestic International
Online
Study Period4
Study Period4

Year 2, Session 3

INDG7005 Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies Research Proposal
Study Period6
Note 1, Note 3
Location Domestic International
Online
Study Period6
Study Period6
Enrolment information Gnibi recommends that students complete INDG7004 - Indigenous Research Theory and Practice

Year 3, Session 1

INDG7006 Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies Thesis
Research Semester1,2
Note 2
Location Domestic International
Lismore
Research Semester1,2
Research Semester1,2
Online
Research Semester1,2
N/A

Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Note 2:

16-unit equivalent

Note 3:

Compulsory 4 Day Residential School

Note 4:

Compulsory 10 day Residential school

Note 5:

Compulsory 5 day Residential school

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
INDG7007 Advanced Academic Skills for Postgraduates
INDG7004 Indigenous Research Theory and Practice Note 1
INDG7005 Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies Research Proposal Note 1
INDG7006 Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies Thesis Note 2
INDG7002 Learning from Country Note 1, Note 4
INDG7003 Knowing with Community Note 3