Major overview
Enhance your studies with our Indigenous Knowledges and Practices major and gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and perspectives. Grounded in Noongar ways of knowing, doing and being, you'll explore knowledge systems that have sustained communities and Country for more than 60,000 years, while developing valuable cultural awareness and understanding.
You’ll learn how to respectfully apply Indigenous ways of knowing alongside Western approaches, building practical skills to work across different knowledge systems. Through our connection with the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre, you’ll learn from Indigenous academics in a supportive, community-led environment.
Drawing on tens of thousands of years of knowledge production equips you with unique perspectives that elevate your career, broaden your worldview, and deepen your everyday life. By applying these time-tested insights, you can foster genuine reconciliation, enhance cross-cultural collaboration, and help shape more inclusive, sustainable futures for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities
3 reasons to study Indigenous knowledges and practices at Murdoch University
- Learn with and from Indigenous peoples and academics through our on-campus School of Indigenous Knowledges at the Kulbardi Aboriginal Centre.
- Study our Indigenous studies major that is unique in its focus on applying First Nations knowledge to real-world environmental, social and workplace challenges.
- Learn through our multidisciplinary approach that brings together perspectives from social, health and physical sciences, as well as history and culture.
What you’ll learn
- Gain real-world insights into how Indigenous knowledges shape key sectors, including health and wellbeing, environmental stewardship, law, governance, and community development.
- Explore connections between land, culture, community and wellbeing, including Indigenous models of social and emotional wellbeing.
- Develop relationship-centred practices to collaborate meaningfully with Elders, knowledge holders, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
- Understand how Indigenous epistemologies and Western systems can work alongside each other to solve complex contemporary challenges.
- Apply Indigenous perspectives to environmental and social challenges.
- Develop cross-cultural communication skills and learn to work respectfully with Indigenous peoples and communities.
Having completed three semesters and my honours research in Indonesia, I was able to get a much better idea of development on the ground. I found that when I graduated, I had a more realistic idea of what to expect in the workplace.
Karis Erceg, Bachelor of Arts
Your future career using Indigenous knowledges and practices
Potential roles include:
- Community development officer
- Policy or program officer
- Environmental or land management roles
- Education or outreach roles
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online | Mixed mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| , 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| , 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| , 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| , 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | Yes | Yes |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Major Structure
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
How to Apply
Majors are part of a degree and can't be applied on their own. Apply for a related degree first, then choose your major once enrolled.