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Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies

Doctorate by Coursework and TB Thesis

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

    3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

  • Location

    View in availability
    All students must attend the compulsory tutorial and residential.

  • Placements

    No

  • Course abbreviation

    DIndigPh

  • Course code

    1447189

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee


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

GA1: Intellectual rigour

apply critical analysis to Indigenous social and cultural realities.

GA2: Creativity

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

GA3: Ethical practice

apply Indigenous knowledge systems to investigate and evaluate principles of social justice and equity.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

create and transmit concepts and theories that contribute to the emergence of knowledge in a major area of study.

GA5: Lifelong learning

demonstrate well-developed reflective practice and autonomy in ongoing professional development.

GA6: Communication and social skills

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

GA7: Cultural competence

demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to interact appropriately with diverse Indigenous communities.

The focus of the candidate’s research will be negotiated and agreed to by the candidate, their supervisor, and the Dean 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 terms.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Lismore Term 1 N/A N/A
Online Term 1 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. 

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall Score or equivalent7.0
Readingminimum 6.5
Writingminimum 7.0
Listeningminimum 6.5
Speakingminimum 6.5

Credit for prior learning

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

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points) of study and research comprising:

  • 3 double-weighted units (72 credit points), and 
  • 2 single-weighted units (24 credit points), and 
  • 1 thesis unit (192 credit points)

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

Complete units in the following order to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

Part time students should undertake units in the order listed when units are available

First Year

INDG7007 Advanced Academic Skills for Postgraduates
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term1
N/A
INDG7004 Indigenous Research Theory and Practice
Term2
24 Note 1, Note 4
Location Domestic International
Online
Term2
Term2
INDG7002 Learning from Country
Term3
24 Note 1, Note 4
Location Domestic International
Online
Term3
N/A
INDG7003 Knowing with Community
Term4
12 Note 3
Location Domestic International
Online
Term4
Term4
INDG7005 Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies Research Proposal
Summer Term
Term5
24 Note 1, Note 4
Location Domestic International
Online
Summer Term
Term5
N/A
Pre-requisites To successfully complete this unit you should have completed 72 credit points in the Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies

Second Year

INDG7006 Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies Thesis
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
192 Note 2
Location Domestic International
Online
Summer Term
Term1,2,3,4,5
N/A
Enrolment information Gnibi recommends that students complete 96 credit points in the 1447189 - Doctor of Indigenous Philosophies before enrolling in this unit.

Note 1:

Double-weighted unit

Note 2:

16-unit equivalent

Note 3:

Compulsory 3 hours tutorial weekly

Note 4:

Compulsory 1 day Residential weekly

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