Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is launching a trailblazing new Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge and Culture next year.
The faculty will expand QUT’s education and research offerings in Indigenous Knowledges and Culture and provide greater opportunity for students across Australia to attend QUT to study within the faculty alongside all other specialty programs.
The faculty, the first of its kind in Australia, will launch in 2024 and start taking students at the start of 2025.
It will be centred on a partnership model with external stakeholders such as community organisations and alumni to design and deliver academic programs and research within an environment where Indigenous Australian excellence is supported, recognised, and celebrated.
QUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Margaret Sheil, said the new faculty reflected a pivotal step in the evolution of the QUT Indigenous Australians strategy spanning education, research and engagement.
“We recognise the importance of hearing and supporting Indigenous voices in our university and to encourage more students, we need to offer further welcoming spaces of learning and support,” Professor Sheil said.
“The development of a dedicated Faculty of Indigenous Knowledges and Culture will be an Australian-first and further signal the QUT commitment to provide a focussed academic home to drive change and provide a high-profile connection point for community, scholars and students.”
QUT plans to recruit for the Executive Dean of the Faculty in early 2024.
Until the position is filled, planning and development will be led by a joint working group of QUT Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Indigenous Australians) Angela Barney-Leitch, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Professor Robina Xavier.
