Explore theology, history and the practice of ministry from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and world Indigenous perspectives.
Traditionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities did not compartmentalise their spirituality, or faith. Communities developed their own theologies but these were not necessarily the same as western ideas of theology. Indigenous life is experiential and therefore theology was practice!
In the 21st century, much has changed. We still focus our energies on helping people walk out life in a good way. Now it is a path centered in the person, work, life, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus that is also rooted in Indigenous cultures and histories. Whether in the development of new theologies or in our forums for dialogue and teaching, it is this understanding that we speak of as our path toward wholeness.
About NAIITS
A worldwide Indigenous learning community
The Indigenous Theology program the University of Divinty is offered in partnership with Whitley College and NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community. NAIITS is dedicated to working together with Indigenous communities in the development and articulation of Indigenous perspectives in theology and practice. The NAIITS community is part of a wider growing community of theologians who are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Canadian Aboriginal, Native American and other First Nations and Indigenous peoples. The community is also joined by non-Indigenous theologians who seek to work with, and within Indigenous theological education.
Culturally relevant to both Australian Indigenous peoples in both content and delivery, the programs are also accessible to Indigenous peoples from beyond Australia, and non-Indigenous peoples, as part of an international Indigenous learning community. You are welcome!
Student Story
Courses
Customise your own award with an Indigenous emphasis.
NAIITS units can be taken towards internationally recognised awards within the University of Divinity.
Graduate Certificate in Divinity (3 units)
This postgraduate theological award is overseen and increasingly taught by Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and world Indigenous scholars and practitioners. It is the outcome of an innovative partnership between Whitley College, University of Divinity and NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community.
The program is approached from a multidisciplinary understanding of Indigenous theology and praxis.
Study can be taken to complete the Graduate Certificate in Divinity, or as the first step towards the Master of Theological Studies.
Graduates are equipped to continue the development of Australian Indigenous theology in professional practice and scholarship.
How to apply
Make an appointment with the Course Advisor for Australian Indigenous Theology Postgraduate Program, to discuss your study options at Whitley College.
General course information
Graduate Certificate in Divinity
Quick facts
Duration
6 months full-time,
Up to 1.5 years part-time
Modes
Classroom, Online, Mixed
Colleges
Available at 9 colleges
Learn more
The Graduate Certificate in Divinity allows students to explore areas of interest in divinity and its associated disciplines. It serves as an introduction to the broad field of study of theology or philosophy and disciplines which are associated with them.
Graduate Diploma in Divinity (6 units)
This postgraduate theological award is overseen and increasingly taught by Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and world Indigenous scholars and practitioners. It is the outcome of an innovative partnership between Whitley College, University of Divinity, and NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community.
The program is approached from a multidisciplinary understanding of Indigenous theology and praxis.
Study can be taken to complete the Graduate Certificate in Divinity, or as the first step towards the Master of Theological Studies.
Graduates are equipped to continue the development of Australian Indigenous theology in professional practice and scholarship.
How to apply
Make an appointment with the Course Advisor for Australian Indigenous Theology Postgraduate Program, to discuss your study options at Whitley College.
General course information
Graduate Diploma in Divinity
Quick facts
Duration
1 year full-time,
Up to 3 years part-time
Modes
Classroom, Online, Mixed
Colleges
Available at 9 colleges
Learn more
The Graduate Diploma in Divinity allows students to explore multiple areas of interest in divinity and its associated disciplines or to engage with one or two areas in depth. It serves as a foundation for study of theology or philosophy and disciplines which are associated with them.
Note: This award may be used as an exit point from eligible students enrolled in a Masters degree who meet the admission requirements.
Master of Theological Studies (12 units)
This postgraduate theological degree is overseen and increasingly taught by Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and world Indigenous scholars and practitioners. It is the outcome of an innovative partnership between Whitley College University of Divinity and NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community.
The program is approached from a multidisciplinary understanding of Indigenous theology and praxis.
Graduates are equipped to continue the development of Australian Indigenous theology in professional practice and scholarship.
How to apply
Make an appointment with the Course Advisor for Australian Indigenous Theology Postgraduate Program, to discuss your study options at Whitley College.
General course information
Master of Theological Studies
Quick facts
Duration
2 years full-time,
Up to 6 years part-time
Modes
Classroom, Online, Mixed
Colleges
Available at 9 colleges
Learn more
The Master of Theological Studies enables students to apply an advanced body of knowledge in theology and its associated disciplines. Students broaden their knowledge and skills and deepen their engagement with select areas of study to prepare them for professional practice and further learning.
Master of Divinity (18 units)
This postgraduate theological degree is overseen and increasingly taught by Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and world Indigenous scholars and practitioners. It is the outcome of an innovative partnership between Whitley College University of Divinity and NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community.
The program is approached from a multidisciplinary understanding of Indigenous theology and praxis.
Graduates are equipped to continue the development of Australian Indigenous theology in professional practice and scholarship.
How to apply
Make an appointment with the Course Advisor for Australian Indigenous Theology Postgraduate Program, to discuss your study options at Whitley College.
General course information
Master of Divinity
Quick facts
Duration
3 years full-time,
Up to 9 years part-time
Modes
Classroom, Online, Mixed
Colleges
Available at 7 colleges
Learn more
The Master of Divinity is a primary theological degree for students with a degree in another area. The Master of Divinity enables students to apply an advanced body of knowledge in divinity and its associated disciplines in ministry contexts. Students broaden their knowledge and skills to prepare them for professional practice and further learning.
Doctor of Philosophy (Research)
The Australian Indigenous Theology Research Program aims to provide research and research training led by and for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and world Indigenous theologians, including doctoral programs which provide a culturally supportive experience for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders and other First Nations and Indigenous peoples.
Non-Indigenous prospective students wishing to study Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and world Indigenous related topics are welcome to join this program.
How to apply
Make an appointment with the staff at the School of Graduate Research (SGR) to discuss your research study options.
General course information
Doctor of Philosophy
Quick facts
Duration
3 years full-time,
Up to 8 years part-time
Modes
Classroom, Online, Mixed
Colleges
Available at 10 colleges
Learn more
The Doctor of Philosophy is a higher degree by research in divinity or one or more of its associated disciplines. The purpose of the Doctor of Philosophy is to qualify individuals who apply a substantial body of knowledge to research, investigate and develop new knowledge, in one or more areas of investigation, scholarship or professional practice.
NAIITS Units
In these units, you are invited to:
- Learn about the Bible when reading it using the insights of an Indigenous Perspective
- Discover perspectives on history and church history from the experience and perspective of Indigenous peoples
- Engage in the process of doing theology led by Indigenous Scholars
- Reflect on the implications for ministry practice, not only amongst Indigenous communities but in all of our church and ministry contexts
Each year the program offers introductory units, as well as units for continuing students, which build on the foundations from the introductory units. Some units are offered in blended delivery mode, where a four day face-to-face intensive is supplemented with additional online learning. Other units are delivered online. Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are welcome to study all units.
This program is part of a wider growing community of theologians who are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Canadian Aboriginal, Native American and other First Nations and Indigenous peoples. The community is also joined by non-Indigenous theologians who seek to work with, and within Indigenous theological education.
Culturally relevant to both Australian Indigenous peoples in both content and delivery, the programs are also accessible to Indigenous peoples from beyond Australia, and non-Indigenous peoples, as part of an international Indigenous learning community. You are welcome!
Open to those who have completed an undergraduate degree.
Open to those who have significant and relevant experience as per the university’s recognition of prior learning policy.
Apply for NAIITS units
Download and submit the NAIITS units application form along with the relevant University application (or re-enrolment form) and all required supporting documentation to: Dorothy Morgan, Registrar
by email: registrar@whitley.edu.au
by post:
Whitley College
PO Box 134
Parkville VIC 3052