Add Indigenous Knowledges to your degree
There are five ways that you can study Indigenous Knowledges at Murdoch University.
The Major in Indigenous Knowledges and Practices brings students on a transformative learning journey, delivering a comprehensive introduction to Indigenous Knowledges which extends beyond the social sciences to include health, culture and sciences.
You’ll explore how Indigenous knowledges shape and inform areas like wellbeing, governance, environmental stewardship, and community development. T
he curriculum is built to be interdisciplinary, meaning you’ll engage with units and ideas that connect across faculties, giving you a rich, layered understanding of how Indigenous knowledges operate in both traditional and contemporary contexts and how they can be of benefit to broader society.
The Co-Major in Indigenous Knowledges and Practices offers a powerful and flexible option. Positioned between the depth of a full major and the focus of a minor, this co-major provides a well-rounded academic experience that engages with both complementary and alternative worldviews to Western-based disciplinary knowledge.
It’s designed to work alongside your main degree, allowing you to integrate Indigenous perspectives into fields like science, media, law, nursing, or the humanities—making your education more relevant, inclusive, and socially conscious.
Enrol in one of our seven interdisciplinary Minors and tailor your studies to explore themes like community development, social justice, health and wellbeing, law and practice, and more, all through the lens of Indigenous knowledges and practices.
You'll gain valuable insights into Indigenous worldviews, strengthen your intercultural competence, and graduate with the kind of social awareness and leadership skills that employers are increasingly looking for.
From 2026, Discovery units will become a required part of all Murdoch University degrees. The following Indigenous Knowledges units have been approved as university-wide Discovery units:
Students can choose any of the units from the minor to add to their general electives.
Why study Indigenous Knowledges at Murdoch?
Your studies will broaden your perspectives with both complementary and alternative worldviews to Western-based disciplinary knowledge. You’ll will be introduced to Indigenous Knowledges from a lens that extends beyond social sciences, including health and physical sciences and education.
Your studies will cover topics including Indigenous history, contemporary culture and approaches to social and emotional wellbeing, as well as the intersection between Western and Indigenous sciences, and how students can tackle diverse opinions within community on issues such as juvenile justice and Blak Lives Matter.
Learning environment
You’ll benefit from immersive learning experiences that will expand your knowledge and deepen your understanding. With opportunities to attend field-trips to culturally significant sites and take part in workshops led by local Noongar community representatives and organisations, you will gain unique and diverse insights that cannot be replicated in a classroom. Students will also have the privilege of learning from leading Indigenous academics throughout their studies.
Career opportunities
Incorporating Indigenous Knowledges into your degree will allow you to cultivate intercultural communication skills and a deeper cross-cultural awareness, meaning no matter what your main discipline is, you can be confident in broadening your career prospects and enhancing your role in the workforce upon graduation.
Combining your studies with Indigenous Knowledges allows you to learn from ancient and contemporary wisdom to tackle some of today’s biggest issues such as climate change and social injustice.
Associate Professor Jenna Woods
Dean of Indigenous Knowledges
