Indigenous Community Management and Development Courses

The courses that make up the Community Management and Development Program are responsive to students' work and community contexts. Students examine work and community issues and challenges, plan effective and appropriate ways of making improvements and review the effects of these changes.

Available Courses

Associate Degree (Indigenous Community Management and Development)

Bachelor of Applied Science (Indigenous Community Management and Development)

These courses are designed for those interested in, or who work in community management and development positions. They aim to further Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders' self determination and self management and extend in students the knowledge and competence required to bring about effective, culturally appropriate social change in organisations and communities. Graduates from these courses have the potential to contribute to the process of indigenisation in organisations and communities, utilising ethical principles and practices to take a leadership role in investigating and in achieving optimal working conditions in community management and development.

Bachelor of Applied Science (Indigenous Community Management and Development)(Honours)

Read the Curtin Courses Handbook entry for this course

This course is a combination of advanced coursework in the theoretical and practical aspects of Aboriginal Community Management and Development. It emphasises the relationship between theory and practice which enables multidisciplinary approaches to research topics based on collaboration and appropriate community consultation in Indigenous contexts.

Competencies

All of the courses in this program develop culturally appropriate community development and management competencies in the following broad areas:

Aboriginal Terms of Reference
Community Development
Policy Processes
Community Management
Program Evaluation

Conceptual and skill development

A range of concepts and skills are taught to enhance students' personal and professional development. These can be grouped as:

Ways of thinking - creative, critical, reflective, analytical and strategic thinking.
Ways of acting - techniques, tools, strategies, tactics, frameworks and methods.
Ways of communicating - reading, listening, speaking and writing.

Study leave from work

You will need to take approximately eight weeks study leave each year to attend study blocks, workshops and professional development groups, and for on-site field visits. This is the equivalent of five hours per week over a year, which is in line with the Public Service study award for employees and is recognised by most Indigenous community organisations. It will be your responsibility to negotiate study leave with your employer or community for the time required.

Recognition of current skills and knowledge

The understandings and ways of working that students themselves bring to the courses are recognised and form the basis for further learning. Students are encouraged to share their skills and contribute their insights and ideas.

Students with extensive documented experience in Indigenous community development and management may apply for exemption from parts of the course through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) system.

Assessment

Assessment in the these courses is based on:

Attendance and active participation in class activities, assignments and reports
Learning agreements
Journals and learning logs
Workplace and/or community activities & projects
Presentations
Research work

Support

The program has developed over time to ensure that the course structures and support offered by staff will maximise students' potential to succeed. Other support strategies students have found helpful include:

Networking with other students in the same region, in similar jobs, or who have similar concerns
Extending the concept of Professional Development Groups by working in pairs or small groups on a more regular basis
Establishing mentor or trainer support in the workplace or community setting
Keeping regular phone, fax or email contact with relevant Curtin staff. All of these approaches reflect the principles of self-directed, student-centred learning and are strongly encouraged by all ICMDP staff.

Fees

Course fees are $100 per year or $50 per semester. They cover the cost of materials supplied to you such as workbooks and readers.

Enquiries

Send an email to find out more about these courses.