Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies

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.

Highlights

96 in the world for arts and humanities

QS World University Rankings 2021

1 in Queensland for arts and humanities

QS World University Rankings 2021

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 Lavelle

Current 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 Sinha

Graduate, 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 McLay

Current 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 Mansfield

Current student, Bachelor of Arts (Writing and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies)/Bachelor of Social Science