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Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Newcastle
INTAKE: February
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle, Australia, is a unique and interdisciplinary undergraduate degree that combines the study of Indigenous cultures, histories, and knowledges with the rigorous training in law. This program is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of Indigenous issues, legal principles, and social justice frameworks, preparing them for careers in law, policy development, advocacy, and community leadership. Students learn about Indigenous legal traditions, Indigenous rights and sovereignty, and contemporary legal issues affecting Indigenous communities globally.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of both Indigenous studies and law. Courses cover a wide range of topics including Indigenous cultures, languages, and knowledges; Indigenous histories and perspectives; Indigenous legal systems and governance structures; constitutional law; criminal law; contract law; property law; and human rights law. Students also have the opportunity to undertake experiential learning through internships, moot court competitions, and community-based projects, gaining practical legal skills and real-world experience.
Research Focus: The University of Newcastle is committed to promoting research excellence in Indigenous studies and legal studies. Faculty members and students engage in research activities aimed at advancing knowledge, promoting reconciliation, and addressing key issues affecting Indigenous peoples and communities. Research areas may include Indigenous legal theory and practice, Indigenous land rights and title, Indigenous environmental justice, Indigenous health law and policy, and Indigenous cultural heritage protection. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects, collaborate with faculty members on research initiatives, and contribute to ongoing efforts to advance Indigenous rights and sovereignty.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle maintains strong connections with Indigenous communities, legal organizations, and government agencies to ensure that its curriculum remains relevant and responsive to the needs of Indigenous peoples. The university collaborates with Indigenous legal services, advocacy groups, tribal councils, and community organizations to provide students with opportunities for practical legal training, community engagement, and cultural immersion experiences. Industry professionals are involved in curriculum development, guest lectures, and workshops, providing students with insights into Indigenous legal issues, community perspectives, and advocacy strategies.
Global Perspective: As a globally focused institution, the University of Newcastle promotes a multicultural and global perspective in its Indigenous studies and law program. Students have the opportunity to learn from Indigenous scholars, legal experts, and community leaders from around the world, engage with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, and participate in global Indigenous rights movements and advocacy campaigns. The program emphasizes the interconnectedness of Indigenous issues and the importance of global solidarity, social justice, and decolonization efforts, preparing graduates to work effectively in multicultural settings and contribute to Indigenous rights and sovereignty movements worldwide.
Location
Newcastle
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
AUD 34935
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 with a minimum of 12 in each section.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 58 with a minimum of 50 in each section.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.
The University of Newcastle, Australia, is making high-quality education accessible to international students. One of the ways it achieves this is by offering a wide range of scholarships designed to support and reward academic excellence, diversity, and achievement among international students.
International Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are aimed at high-achieving international students who have a strong academic record. They provide financial assistance to cover a portion of tuition fees, making quality education more affordable.
Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Newcastle offers scholarships tailored to specific countries, ensuring students from various regions have the opportunity to study in Australia. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria and benefits.
Women in STEM Scholarships: To promote gender diversity in STEM fields, the university provides scholarships specifically for women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Newcastle opens up diverse and impactful career opportunities at the intersection of Indigenous issues, law, and social justice.
Indigenous Rights Lawyer: One of the most common career paths for graduates of this program is to work as Indigenous rights lawyers. Indigenous rights lawyers advocate for Indigenous communities and individuals, providing legal representation in cases related to land rights, treaty negotiations, cultural heritage protection, and self-determination. They work for Indigenous legal services, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private law firms, using their legal expertise to uphold Indigenous rights and sovereignty and address systemic injustices.
Community Legal Advisor: Graduates may pursue careers as community legal advisors, working directly with Indigenous communities to provide legal advice, advocacy, and support on a range of legal issues affecting community members. Community legal advisors collaborate with Indigenous organizations, tribal councils, and community leaders to address legal challenges such as family law matters, child protection issues, housing disputes, and criminal justice issues. They empower community members to understand their legal rights, navigate the legal system, and access justice.
Policy Analyst: Some graduates may choose to work as policy analysts, focusing on Indigenous policy development, analysis, and advocacy. Policy analysts work for government agencies, research institutes, advocacy groups, and non-profit organizations, researching Indigenous issues, analyzing legislation and policy proposals, and making recommendations for policy reforms that promote Indigenous rights, social justice, and reconciliation. They engage with stakeholders, conduct consultations, and contribute to the development of culturally responsive and rights-based policies and programs.
Human Rights Advocate: For graduates passionate about human rights and social justice, a career as a human rights advocate may be appealing. Human rights advocates work for human rights organizations, international NGOs, and advocacy groups, campaigning for Indigenous rights, equality, and justice at local, national, and global levels. They monitor human rights violations, raise awareness about Indigenous issues, mobilize public support, and lobby governments and international bodies to uphold Indigenous rights, protect cultural heritage, and address systemic discrimination and marginalization.
Legal Educator: Some graduates may pursue careers in legal education, teaching Indigenous law, Indigenous studies, or human rights law at universities, colleges, or law schools. Legal educators engage with students, conduct research, and deliver lectures and seminars on topics such as Indigenous legal traditions, treaty rights, Indigenous land rights, and international human rights law. They inspire the next generation of lawyers and advocates to critically examine legal frameworks, challenge injustice, and work towards positive social change.
Community Organizer: Graduates may choose to work as community organizers, mobilizing Indigenous communities and grassroots movements to advocate for social, economic, and environmental justice. Community organizers work with community-based organizations, grassroots networks, and social movements to build solidarity, organize campaigns, and empower community members to take collective action on issues such as land rights, environmental protection, and cultural revitalization. They facilitate community-led initiatives, foster leadership development, and promote Indigenous self-determination and sovereignty.
