Indigenous Knowledges exists along a spectrum, from the traditional ecological knowledge and practices that allowed our cultures to survive and thrive on Country for more than 60,000 years, to the contemporary practices that keep our selves, families and communities strong. The School of Indigenous Knowledges delivers a multi-disciplinary program that teaches Indigenous Knowledges, both local and global, grounded in Noongar ways of knowing, doing and being.

Units within the School are designed to complement students’ learning in each of their disciplines. This means that students from all disciplines are encouraged to add a minor in Indigenous Knowledges and Practices to their Murdoch University degree.

Our new courses in Indigenous Knowledges and Practices

• MJ-IKP – Major in Indigenous Knowledges and Practices
• CJ-IKP – Co-Major Indigenous Knowledges and Practices
• MN-TWS Minor in Two-Way Science
• MN-IKPH Minor in Indigenous Knowledges and Practices in Humanities
• MN-IKPL Minor in Indigenous Knowledges and Practices in Law
• MN-ICOM Minor in Indigenous Strategic Communications
• MN-ICD Minor in Indigenous Community Development
• MN-ISJ Minor in Indigenous Social Justice
• MN-IKP - Minor in Indigenous Knowledges and Practices
  
  

Add Indigenous Knowledges to your degree

There are five ways that you can study Indigenous Knowledges at Murdoch University.

 

1. Complete as a Major (8 units)

The Major in Indigenous Knowledges and Practices brings students on a transformative learning journey, delivering a comprehensive introduction to Indigenous Knowledges which extends beyond the social sciences to include health, culture and sciences. You’ll explore how Indigenous knowledges shape and inform areas like wellbeing, governance, environmental stewardship, and community development. The curriculum is built to be interdisciplinary, meaning you’ll engage with units and ideas that connect across faculties, giving you a rich, layered understanding of how Indigenous knowledges operate in both traditional and contemporary contexts and how they can be of benefit to broader society.

 

2. Complete as a Co-Major (6 units)

The Co-Major in Indigenous Knowledges and Practices offers a powerful and flexible option. Positioned between the depth of a full major and the focus of a minor, this co-major provides a well-rounded academic experience that engages with both complementary and alternative worldviews to Western-based disciplinary knowledge. It’s designed to work alongside your main degree, allowing you to integrate Indigenous perspectives into fields like science, media, law, nursing, or the humanities—making your education more relevant, inclusive, and socially conscious.

3. Complete as a Minor (4 units)

Enrol in one of our seven interdisciplinary Minors and tailor your studies to explore themes like community development, social justice, health and wellbeing, law and practice, and more, all through the lens of Indigenous knowledges and practices. You'll gain valuable insights into Indigenous worldviews, strengthen your intercultural competence, and graduate with the kind of social awareness and leadership skills that employers are increasingly looking for.

 

4. As a Discovery Unit

From 2026, Discovery units will become a required part of all Murdoch University degrees. The following Indigenous Knowledges units have been approved as university-wide Discovery units:

SIK101: Katitjin Bidi (Learning Journey)

SIK102: Wandju Boodja (Welcome to Country)

 

5. As a general elective

Any of the units offered within the School of Indigenous Knowledges can be undertaken as a general elective.