Indigenous Australia constitutes the world’s oldest continuous culture.
In this major, you'll develop connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities, and strengthen your skills to think creatively and critically as a citizen of the world.
Graduates typically work in a broad range of roles with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, like education, community development, public health, government and advocacy.
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Community engagement officer
- Cultural support liaison
- Employment consultant
- Education administration officer
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education worker
- Indigenous rights adviser
- Indigenous community adviser
“Be prepared for some hard hitting topics but it’s well worth it... I hope I am in a position where I can use my knowledge to empower mob and community, and educate and share knowledge with those that haven’t had the opportunities I have.”
Elizabeth LavelleCurrent student, Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies major offers us non-Indigenous students a unique space to learn how to listen to Indigenous voices, seriously consider and grapple with Indigenous thinking and consequently have the rare opportunity to gain an honest and truthful education of who we really are in this place.”
Tanya SinhaGraduate, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies major has enriched my learning experience at UQ. The courses address historical, social, and political contexts in dialogue with Indigenous perspectives, and have played a significant role in how I intend to approach my career.”
Gabriella McLayCurrent Student, Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)
“Studying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, I sought to learn the truth about Australia’s history and the resilience of First Nation peoples. I sought to challenge my personal understanding of self and place. All of these lessons have been uniquely facilitated by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.”
Grace MansfieldCurrent student, Bachelor of Arts (Writing and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)/Bachelor of Social Science
“Be prepared for some hard hitting topics but it’s well worth it... I hope I am in a position where I can use my knowledge to empower mob and community, and educate and share knowledge with those that haven’t had the opportunities I have.”
Elizabeth LavelleCurrent student, Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies major offers us non-Indigenous students a unique space to learn how to listen to Indigenous voices, seriously consider and grapple with Indigenous thinking and consequently have the rare opportunity to gain an honest and truthful education of who we really are in this place.”
Tanya SinhaGraduate, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies major has enriched my learning experience at UQ. The courses address historical, social, and political contexts in dialogue with Indigenous perspectives, and have played a significant role in how I intend to approach my career.”
Gabriella McLayCurrent Student, Bachelor of Arts (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)
“Studying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies, I sought to learn the truth about Australia’s history and the resilience of First Nation peoples. I sought to challenge my personal understanding of self and place. All of these lessons have been uniquely facilitated by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.”
Grace MansfieldCurrent student, Bachelor of Arts (Writing and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)/Bachelor of Social Science
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How you'll learn
In 2022, we'll be teaching on campus, with online options (for most programs and plans) for students who can't attend in person. See the list of programs and plans you can't commence online.
Course delivery modes may change in future semesters.
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Overseas study
What you'll study
At UQ, subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study:
- Introduction to Aboriginal Studies
- Introduction to Torres Strait Islander Studies
- Contemporary Indigenous knowledge, thought and philosophy
- Exploring Indigenous Art, Film, Music and Literature Through Iconic Works
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