Australian Indigenous Studies concerns matters of interest and importance to First Nations Peoples. Indigenous studies are often conducted in interdisciplinary contexts, and at ANU, the field combines insights from anthropology, archaeology, art, history, linguistics, music, public policy, and gender studies. The discipline explores the extraordinary breadth, depth and diversity of First Peoples' knowledges and ways of knowing, the diverse perspectives and experiences of Australia’s First Peoples, and seeks to deepen awareness of and respect for Indigenous Peoples' rights.
Key topics that will be explored by students at ANU include Indigenous epistemologies; Indigenous occupation and adaption on the Australian continent; Indigenous socio-cultural, ceremonial, artistic and linguistic practices past and present; impacts of European colonisation; histories of relationships between Indigenous and other Australians; the situation of Indigenous peoples in Australia today; and related issues of representation. These themes are investigated in tandem with an awareness about their situation within global issues for First Nations people across multiple nations, especially in the Asia-Pacific.
For further information on Australian Indigenous Studies offered across the university, please see the Australian Indigenous Studies at ANU page.
^Times Higher Education - Global University Employability Ranking 2021
Key facts
Degree programs
Bachelor of Arts
Key facts
Bachelor of Languages
Key facts
Bachelor of Political Science
Key facts
Bachelor of Public Policy
Key facts
Diploma of Languages
Key facts
Graduate Certificate of General and Applied Linguistics
Key facts
Graduate Certificate of Studies
Key facts
Master of Applied Anthropology and Development
Key facts
Master of General and Applied Linguistics
Key facts
Master of History
Key facts
PhD & MPhil
Key facts
My brilliant career
Emma Henke, Bachelor of Development Studies and Bachelor of Law (Hons)
Hear from our students
Karlya Parnell, Master of Applied Anthropology and Participatory Development (MAAPD)
View discipline flyers
Learn more
Check our series of videos about degree programs, majors and disciplines, and research strengths for your enjoyment.