Explore theology, history and the practice of ministry from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and world Indigenous perspectives.
Traditionally, Indigenous people did not talk about spirituality or faith, nor did they build complex theologies. They simply lived what they believed. It was expected that one would live in such a way as to acknowledge and honour their Creator. 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 however, 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.
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.
NAIITS units available Semester 1, 2021
(Online only)
Foundation level (suitable for new students, or those needing foundation units)
Elective level (suitable for students who have completed NAIITS foundation units or other relevant prior studies)
In these online units you will connect with instructors and students in North America, Australia, the Philippines, and possibly other parts of the world, participating in learning experiences via technology such as Zoom and Moodle.
These semester 1 units follow the standard semester timetable, commencing Monday 22 February 2021 (learning commences) to Friday 11 June 2021 (submission of final assessment tasks).
NAIITS units available Semester 2, 2021
(Online only)
Foundation level (suitable for new students, or those needing foundation units)
- AH8002W Colonisation and Christianity in Australia
(On NAIITS international learning platform, unit titled Colonization and De-Colonization)
Elective level, or requiring prior completion of other unit/s (suitable for students who have completed NAIITS foundation units or other relevant prior studies)
- DS8050W Indigenous Spirituality and Christian Discipleship
(On NAIITS international learning platform, unit titled Indigenous Spirituality and Spiritual Formation) - DP9750W Theology and Ethics of Country
(On NAIITS international learning platform, unit titled Theology and Ethic of the Land)
In these online units you will connect with instructors and students in North America, Australia, the Philippines, and possibly other parts of the world, participating in learning experiences via technology such as Zoom and Moodle.
These semester 2 units follow the standard semester timetable, commencing Monday 26 July 2021 (learning commences) to Friday 12 November 2021 (submission of final assessment tasks).
Customise your own award with an Indigenous emphasis
NAIITS units can be taken towards internationally recognised awards within the University of Divinity, such as:
- Graduate Certificate (3 units)
- Graduate Diploma (6 units)
- Master of Theological Studies (12 units)
- Master of Divinity (18 units)
Choose one or more of the NAIITS Masters level units to begin accredited studies with a focus on Indigenous theology and ministry. This can be your first step towards a Masters degree, with the potential to lead to PhD studies.
If you are currently enrolled in another course (postgraduate or undergraduate), including at another university or institution, and would like to include one or more of these units, please contact our Registrar on (03) 9340 8100 or registrar@whitley.edu.au. Special conditions apply for undergraduate courses.
Apply for NAIITS units
All new participants in the NAIITS program must complete this Application Form in addition to the relevant course application form (see links in NAIITS Application Form)
About NAIITS
NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community is dedicated to working together with Indigenous communities in the development and articulation of Indigenous perspectives in theology and practice.
