Indigenous Research and Leadership

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

340 hours

The following subject or equivalent (see Entry Requirements for GC-IRL)

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website.

This subject builds on
participants' prior experience and expertise in Indigenous research. It is expected that participants will be near completion of, or have recently completed, their Research Higher Degree (RHD), and that they are now in a position to develop leadership skills and capacity in, or involving, research.

In this subject, Indigenous research is defined as research carried out - in any discipline area - by students who are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent. It may also include research by RHD students (of any background) whose research is on Indigenous topics. A quota, and selection criteria, will apply (see Entry Requirements for GC-IRL).



The curriculum is underpinned by contemporary theories and models of leadership, with a particular focus on Indigenous perspectives. Participants will develop leadership skills relevant to academic contexts such as research supervision; research grants and project management; and the mentoring of junior researchers, especially Indigenous. They will also develop skills – individually and collaboratively - in applying research findings and/or an evidence base to issues arising in professional, community and industry contexts.



Assessment includes a verbal presentation; a short group project; and a longer individual research project tailored to the participant’s work context and career.

To provide a supportive cohort experience, and a culturally appropriate learning environment, with opportunities to develop high-level professional skills and aptitudes, for students aspiring to become leaders in Indigenous research.
To facilitate the establishment and strengthening of professional and/or academic networks.
To build leadership capacity in areas such as supervision, publication, grants, and project management, especially in relation to the mentoring of Indigenous students and early career researchers.
To enable potential leaders in Indigenous research to:

• tackle complex issues in Indigenous research and resolve them by applying a sophisticated awareness of Indigenous perspectives;
• develop the capacity to influence the ethical conducting of Indigenous research;
• develop the ability to influence both Indigenous research policy, and the application of research in policy contexts beyond universities;
• demonstrate high-level competence in professional presentation of research, both verbally and in writing;
• undertake a research project directly relevant to the student’s professional or academic context;
• enhance skills in critical reflection, including self-awareness, in relation to Indigenous leadership.

• A verbal 20 minute presentation (hurdle requirement) to be held on the final day of intensive (10%)
• Group Project, 2000 words. Begun during intensive, due 6 weeks after intensive program (20%)
• An individual research project, 5000 words, topic to be individually negotiated (70%)

All course materials will be supplied.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Graduates will be expected to:

• have a sophisticated awareness of and respect for Indigenous knowledge, cultures and values
• contribute constructively to change in communities, professions and workplaces, including academic
• have excellent interpersonal, collaborative and decision-making skills
• be able to mentor future generations of Indigenous scholars and researchers
• draw on research to contribute to public policy discourse, with a profound awareness of Indigenous community needs
• be able to utilise research in order to fulfil social, civic and community responsibilities and problem-solving
• have a high regard for human rights, equity and ethics in relation to Indigenous research