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Indigenous studies at Melbourne

The University of Melbourne has as a high priority to consult and work with indigenous Australians in order to assist Indigenous communities meet their social and educational needs and aspirations. The University achieves this through its teaching and research offerings and through its community interactions.

This webpage provides a comprehensive listing of, and link to, all Indigenous related activities at the University of Melbourne.

Academic programs

Student support

Other relevant links


Indigenous Studies Program at Melbourne

The Australian Indigenous Studies program at the University of Melbourne offers students an opportunity to acquire and develop research skills in Indigenous studies through an exciting interdisciplinary program. The program is coordinated by Professor Marcia Langton whose appointment to the Chair of Australian Indigenous Studies created the opportunity to bring together diverse teaching and research on indigenous topics within a coordinated interdisciplinary program. The program is based in the School of Anthropology, Geography and Environmental Studies and is taught by academic staff from a range of departments and schools in the Faculty of Arts. Subjects (and lecturers) from other faculties are included in the program.

Onemda VicHealth Koori Health Unit

Onemda VicHealth Koori Health Unit seeks to foster an environment that values Indigenous knowledge and methodologies, affirms ethical practice and supports self-determination. It is committed to developing a national and international profile in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research and teaching, underpinned and informed by principles and processes of Indigenous community development. Onemda has Memoranda of Understanding with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Koorie Heritage Trust. The unit is located at the Centre for Health and Society within the School of Population Health in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences.  

Indigenous Research Network at Melbourne

The Indigenous Research Network is a web-based register of academic staff and doctoral students undertaking projects in Indigenous studies. It was established in 2004 by the Indigenous Studies Sub-Committee to strengthen links and encourage research networks between scholars interested in Indigenous history and culture. The Network aims to give a higher profile to the University¹s research strengths in this key area and is important for the continued development of the University¹s excellent Indigenous Studies program.

The Academy of Sport, Health and Education (ASHE)

ASHE is a partnership between the University and the indigenous community through the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club. By placing education participation in a sporting setting, defined and run in conjunction with the Community, ASHE will encourage Indigenous students to achieve educational potential and vocational outcomes.

Indigenous Studies Sub-Committee

This University aims to foster the development of innovative undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate academic programs of the highest quality and standards; and to monitor the delivery of and student satisfaction with academic programs with an Indigenous Studies focus, noting the inter-departmental and cross-faculty teaching in many such programs. See the Terms of Reference and current membership of the Indigenous Studies Sub-Committee.

Centre for Indigenous Education (CIE)

The Centre for Indigenous Education provides support services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students currently undertaking undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the University of Melbourne and its affiliated institutions. These services include the Indigenous Students Engagement and Development Program (includes the Aboriginal Entry Scheme, administration of the Aboriginal Tutorial Assistance Scheme, maintenance of computer facilities, liaison with University and external services and agencies and holistic support programs for cultural, academic, emotional and social wellbeing programs), the Indigenous Scholarship Program and the Indigenous Community Engagement Program. The CIE implements the University's Indigenous Education Strategy, and education of the University and wider communities about Indigenous issues. Old Physics Building, Deakin Court, open 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday

Indigenous Scholarships at Melbourne

The University offers a range of scholarships to assist Indigenous students with academic and accommodation costs. Information on these scholarships can be found at:

Indigenous Perspectives at Trinity College

Trinity College's web site provides news on visiting Indigenous scholars, resources for Indigenous students, including publications and scholarships and information on new initiatives at Trinity.

Vice-Chancellor's Fellowship

Vice-Chancellor's Fellowships were established in mid 1997 to provide "in residence" status for distinguished public intellectuals to promote their contributions to society in their particular area of expertise. Prof Lillian Holt was appointed a Fellow in 2003 and is a widely respected leader within the Indigenous community.

Indigenous Art at Melbourne

The Ian Potter Gallery has an extensive collection of Indigenous art. As a University-based art museum, the Potter offers distinctive experiences to visitors and like the University of Melbourne itself, the Potter is committed to research, teaching and the enhancement of the cultural and intellectual life of the community.

Links to other indigenous sites

You will find links to other indigenous sites on the Weblinks of relevance to Indigenous Studies site.

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