Course Level

Associate Degree

Associate Degree of First Nations Cultural and Language Education

Step into a transformative journey that empowers you to teach, lead, and preserve First Nations languages and cultures. This Associate Degree is more than just a qualification, it is a commitment to embedding First Nations knowledges, languages, and pedagogies in education. Designed in close collaboration with First Nations Elders, educators, and communities, this course equips you with the skills to deliver culturally responsive and inclusive learning experiences. Grounded in Aboriginal theoretical frameworks and First Nations ways of knowing, this program emphasizes place-based learning, storytelling, and community-led approaches. You will gain hands-on experience in designing and delivering First Nations language and culture programs that align with the Australian Curriculum Frameworks, ensuring that students learn in a way that is both academically rigorous and culturally affirming. Whether you are an emerging educator or looking to deepen your impact in First Nations education, this program provides the knowledge, pedagogical expertise, and work-integrated learning to shape the future of culturally responsive teaching.

Campus
Duration
Fees
ATAR

Education and Community Precinct

Full-time - 2 years

Part-time - 4 years

N/A
N/A

CDU Online

Online/Off-campus - 2 years

Part-time - 4 years

N/A
N/A

Structure

This program provides a structured and scaffolded approach to developing culturally responsive teaching skills, First Nations cultural and linguistic education expertise, and professional teaching experience. It is designed to equip students with foundational and advanced knowledge, ensuring they are prepared to support First Nations language and cultural education in diverse educational settings. In the first year, students build a strong foundation in teaching principles, First Nations cultural contexts, and language studies. They begin developing culturally responsive teaching practices, exploring essential concepts of classroom learning, and understanding language structures within First Nations communities. The second year deepens this knowledge, focusing on classroom management, student wellbeing, and the integration of First Nations cultural perspectives into teaching. This phase provides hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world classroom environments while refining their professional practice. A key feature of this degree is the Yolngu Languages discipline area, which prepares educators to actively support and promote Yolngu language and culture in schools. Grounded in First Nations knowledge systems and teaching methodologies, this discipline area fosters a deep understanding of the connections between language, culture, and education. Students develop practical strategies for teaching First Nations languages and gain expertise in professional development and assessment planning for diverse classrooms. This program is open to both Yolngu and non-Indigenous individuals who are currently working or aspire to work in the East Arnhem region. By embedding First Nations perspectives, knowledge, and languages at its core, this degree strengthens Indigenous-led learning and supports the continued revitalization of First Nations languages and cultures in the Northern Territory. A candidate must successfully complete units totaling 160 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated. Students are required to: Complete 11 compulsory core units (including 2 compulsory work integrated learning (WIL) units), Complete 4 specialist elective units, Complete 1 general elective unit.

Entry requirements

  • Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
  • Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60.
  • Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
  • Successful completion of at least 0. 5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
  • Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
  • Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
  • Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognized tertiary preparation course.
  • Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
  • Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
  • Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman.
  • Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal.
  • Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal.
  • Current School Leaver Pathways:
  • Best of 3 Year 12 subject grades, School recommendation program.
  • After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.