PhD in Indigenous Knowledge

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Indigenous Knowledge is a new program commencing in 2023, offering candidates a flexible and accessible pathway to enriching their academic experience while engaging with a cornerstone of Australia’s cultural fabric.

This program is the first of its kind in Australia, exploring the full scope of Indigenous knowledge and its role in shaping public interest. It is designed to recognise and activate Indigenous knowledge, deepen engagement and reciprocal learning with Indigenous communities around the world and, for Indigenous candidates already engaged in this subject area, facilitate entry into a PhD program.

The PhD program aims to:

  • enable students to focus on Indigenous knowledge as a distinct interdisciplinary subject area,
  • encourage original research into maintaining, revitalising, and applying Indigenous knowledge,
  • elevate Indigenous knowledge in the academy and beyond,
  • support Indigenous Knowledge Holders engaging in research, and
  • deliver research engagements and outcomes that promote benefits for Indigenous stakeholders.

Why do a PhD in Indigenous Knowledge?

The United Nations estimates that there are more than 370 million Indigenous people spread across 70 countries worldwide. UNESCO recognises that their ‘unique ways of knowing are important facets of the world’s cultural diversity, and provide a foundation for locally-appropriate sustainable development’.

Indigenous knowledge remains fundamental to human life across Australia and the world. It constitutes a rich store of traditional knowledge that is now applied across a diverse array of fields, including medicine, health, education, development, resource management, agriculture, law, and the arts.

This PhD course recognises that Indigenous knowledge is a distinct interdisciplinary subject area. It is primarily designed to cater to the research needs and interests of Indigenous students and fills a critical gap in educational opportunities for Indigenous students at the PhD level.

The course is dedicated to advancing Indigenous knowledge through innovative interdisciplinary inquiry. It offers transformational ways to advance Indigenous knowledge research that values Indigenous Knowledge Holders and recognises Indigenous knowledge as a learning pathway into higher education. Students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds with academic qualifications and/or equivalent professional experience are welcome to submit an Expression of Interest.

Entry requirements

The PhD in Indigenous Knowledge provides flexible entry to candidates with academic qualifications and/or equivalent professional experience. This could be an Honours degree, a Master's degree, an equivalent qualification or professional experience, or you may be an Indigenous Australian with cultural or research experience (see the Handbook page for more information).

Candidates will need to demonstrate that they are able to complete the PhD program. The option to undertake the PhD part-time is available (see Frequently Asked Questions).

Find out more about entry requirements at the Handbook and the Study page.

Please find the Expression of Interest form here. It is strongly advised that you work with a potential supervisor to complete your Expression of Interest form.

If you want advice on applying, please email us at admissions-phdik@unimelb.edu.au

Assessment

The PhD in Indigenous Knowledge allows students flexibility to present their PhD research in ways that allow them to combine written and creative folio outputs — for example, a performance, film presentation, ceremony direction, or cultural burning. Get in touch with us so we can have a chat about what might work for you.

The degree structure requires the completion of a research thesis of 80,000 words or an equivalent folio with a minimum written component of 20,000 words based on innovative independent research. Four standard thesis options are:

  1. 80,000-word written thesis,
  2. 60,000-word written component with minor folio,
  3. 40,000-word written component with medium folio, or
  4. 20,000-word written component with major folio.

All thesis outputs, including folio content, must align with Indigenous modes of knowledge production and communication. Folio content can span any medium of communication, creative or otherwise, but will need to be presented at the high standard expected in any PhD program.

There is no compulsory coursework, though relevant coursework subjects may be taken with approval. Regular milestones must be met to successfully progress through any PhD course.

Find out more at the Handbook and the Study page.

Career outcomes

A PhD is an essential qualification for a research career in many industry and community settings. The research and professional skills that come with completing a PhD are highly valued and Indigenous academics with PhDs and potential for research excellence are widely sought by university employers. A PhD is also a ticket to international research opportunities and being competitive for research funding that can greatly help Indigenous communities.

Steps for application

Step 1

Read the information on this webpage, the Handbook, and the Study page.

Step 2

Decide which areas or topics of research will interest you.

Step 3

Contact a potential supervisor who can supervise that research. You can have a look at Find an Expert or get in touch with us at admissions-phdik@unimelb.edu.au

Step 4

Fill out an Expression of Interest with assistance from your potential supervisor.

Step 5

If your Expression of Interest is found suitable by the selection committee, you will be invited to submit a full application for the PhD.

If your Expression of Interest is unsuccessful, we will give you feedback.

Step 6

Your full application will be assessed by a selection committee and, if approved, put forward for approval by the University.

Note: Meeting the entry requirements of the program does not guarantee admission. Admission is determined on the grounds of the quality of the applicant and the proposed thesis project.

Step 7

If your application is approved, you will be able to enrol and start your PhD after onboarding paperwork has been completed.

Frequently asked questions

Application process

  • How do I apply?

    You will need to work with a potential supervisor on your Expression of Interest before submitting a formal application.

    An Expression of Interest is a document that outlines your research interests and proposed research project. The process of working with a potential supervisor on your Expression of Interest is collaborative, and it's important to be open to feedback and suggestions

    Take a look at the steps outlined on the Study page for an overview of the process to apply.

  • Can international students apply?

    Yes, both domestic and international students are welcome to submit an Expression of Interest for the PhD in Indigenous Knowledge.

  • Do you have to be Indigenous to apply?

    You do not have to be Indigenous to apply. A demonstrated ability to engage with Indigenous knowledge at a level of experience and expertise corresponding to PhD entry is essential.

  • What information do I need to include in the application?

    See the Expression of Interest form at the Study page.

  • When can I start?

    Once you have been admitted into the course, your start date is flexible and can be agreed upon with your supervisor.

  • How long is the PhD?

    4 years full-time, or 8 years part-time.

  • Can I do the PhD part-time?

    Yes.

Supervision

  • Who will supervise me?

    Your main supervisor will be an academic experienced in supervising PhD students, who is closely aligned with your main area of research interest or approach.

    Every PhD student must have at least two supervisors. Your co-supervisor(s) will have complementary skills related to your project. PhD students will also have an advisory committee which may include external members.

  • How do I find a supervisor?

    You can directly approach any eligible supervisor who is conducting research in your area of interest. You can do this by searching Find an Expert. The Indigenous Knowledge Institute can also offer advice on who might be a good supervisor for you.

  • What facilities and resources will I be provided with?

    Your supervisor’s school will provide you with the following facilities and resources:

    • Office space and furniture, computer
    • Office consumables, printing, photocopying
    • Lab equipment, facilities, software
    • Participation in academic life
    • Enrichment and professional skills programs
    • Mentoring

    You may also be able to access:

    • Research methods program as required
    • Internships
    • Tutoring/demonstrating/teaching

Funding and scholarships

  • Will I get a scholarship or bursary?

    The Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship and the Melbourne Research Scholarship are the main graduate research scholarships offered by the Faculty of Science (the Institute's host faculty). Both scholarships provide a stipend and a full fee offset. You will be automatically considered for these scholarships when you apply for the course. Find out more about these two scholarships at the Graduate Research Scholarships page.

    IKI offers a limited number of bursaries for Indigenous PhD students and RTPs each year.

    There is a range of other scholarships available. Take a look at the scholarship site.

  • Can I work while completing the PhD?

    Yes. If you decide to work while pursuing your degree, it's important to talk to your supervisor to ensure that you can manage your workload effectively. If you are studying full time, you should aim to spend at least 40 hours per week on your studies. Part-time study requires at least 20 hours per week.

How is the PhD in Indigenous Knowledge different?

  • How is this PhD different to others?

    This PhD course recognises that Indigenous knowledge is a distinct interdisciplinary subject area. It is primarily designed to cater to the research needs and interests of Indigenous students and fills a critical gap in educational opportunities for Indigenous students at the PhD level.

    The course is dedicated to advancing Indigenous knowledge through innovative interdisciplinary inquiry. It offers transformational ways to advance Indigenous knowledge research that values Indigenous Knowledge Holders and recognises Indigenous knowledge as a learning pathway into higher education. Students from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds with academic qualifications and/or equivalent professional experience are welcome to submit an Expression of Interest.

    The course is offered by the Indigenous Knowledge Institute (IKI) at the University of Melbourne, which works across all Academic Divisions, but is hosted by the Faculty of Science. IKI manages admissions, supervisor allocation, examination, and the Indigenous Knowledge cohort experience through the IKI Community of Practice and IKI Doctoral Academy.

    Academics across the University of Melbourne hold great research experience into Indigenous knowledge via many projects and partnerships. These include prominent Indigenous academics and others in the IKI Community of Practice. As a PhD student in this course, you will join both the IKI Doctoral Academy and IKI Community of Practice. The IKI Doctoral Academy will ensure that students are prepared for success through research capabilities training, one-on-one mentoring, skill development, and access to visiting speakers.

    Student research is guided by the IKI Charter and Guidelines for Research with Indigenous Knowledge Holders, which sets out core principles of ethical, respectful, and responsible research relationships and complements existing University and national ethics guidelines.

  • What does a PhD involve? What do I need to submit for assessments?

    You will have the flexibility to present your PhD research in ways that allow you to combine written and creative folio outputs. The degree structure requires the completion of a research thesis of 80,000 words or an equivalent folio with a minimum written component of 20,000 words based on innovative independent research. Four standard thesis options are:

    1. 80,000-word written thesis,
    2. 60,000-word written component with minor folio,
    3. 40,000-word written component with medium folio, or
    4. 20,000-word written component with major folio.

    All thesis outputs, including folio content, must align with Indigenous modes of knowledge production and communication. There is no compulsory coursework, though relevant coursework subjects may be taken with approval. Regular milestones must be met to successfully progress through any PhD course.

  • What sort of content can I submit for the thesis folio?

    In addition to a written component, you can also submit a folio of work. Your supervisors will work with you to determine which content will be appropriate for your project. Examples of folio content might include but are not limited to music, dance, film, weaving, painting, curation, ceremony direction, festival direction, or cultural burning.