Course Overview

About This Course

The UNSW Master of Development Studies is designed to equip graduates with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to analyse and address some of the greatest contemporary challenges faced by communities and societies across the globe. The degree builds your skills and knowledge of participatory, rights and community-based responses and approaches which recognise and draw on the expertise and knowledges of local communities. Informed by critical development studies theories and methods underpinned by human rights, gender and intersectionality, social and environmental justice, you will develop frameworks to understand the causes and drivers of global and local inequalities and the complexities of the diverse contexts in which development takes place. You will learn from a team of academics with practical real-world experience and expertise locally, in Australia, and internationally. Key features Play your role as a global citizen: You will build a critical understanding of complex topics including forced migration, gender-based violence, human rights violations, global health, disaster justice, food insecurity, environmental governance, climate change, food security and community development. Drive positive change: You will develop skills and knowledge to make the changes you wish to see in the world. Catalyse critical skills in ‘doing’ development: You will gain transferable skills of critical analysis, policy formulation, advocacy, and meaningful consultation across institutional levels. You will explore these issues in-depth throughout this postgraduate degree. Engage and influence communities: You will learn to understand and negotiate the complexities of our biggest global challenges, and explore how to drive solutions in partnership with affected communities at the local, national and international/global levels, while also accessing development industry players and networks as appropriate.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Canberra

Northcott Dr, Canberra, ACT 2600

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

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\n1.7 year (72 UOC) program (Specialisation B)\n \nOne of the following:\n\nA bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in a related field with a credit average (equivalent to a UNSW WAM of 65)\nA bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in any field with a credit average (equivalent to a UNSW WAM of 65), plus one year relevant professional experience\nAn honours degree or graduate diploma* (or equivalent qualification) in any field with a credit average (equivalent to a UNSW WAM of 65)\n\nStudents in this specialisation will receive 24 UOC in advanced standing upon entry to the program, and will complete a 1.7 year (72 UOC) program of study. \n \n*It is expected that a graduate diploma will have been completed after an undergraduate degree.\n \nRelated fields: Social Sciences, Humanities, Business, Economics, Law, Public Health, Communications, Social Work, Psychology/Psychological Science, Environmental Management.\n \nRelevant professional experience can include either paid or volunteer work undertaken in Federal government agencies/departments, intergovernmental agencies, international agencies or institutions, local government, non-governmental organisations or private research bodies. The work undertaken should relate directly to global or community development issues or concerns (e.g. international aid, community development, policy advocacy or advising, human rights, program management). Work experience can still be counted if completed while studying an Undergraduate degree.\n \n2 year (96 UOC) program (Specialisation C)\n\nA bachelor's degree (or equivalent qualification) in any field with a credit average (equivalent to a UNSW WAM of 65)\n","links":[]}]}

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Our graduates work with organisations that solve global challenges such as human rights violations, forced migration and global health. You'll be qualified to work in a wide range of fields from local community development to international aid work, advocacy, and human rights. When you graduate from the Master of Development Studies you'll have the skills and expertise to promote a fairer and more equitable future for individuals and communities across the world. Potential careers include: Practice-based roles to Research and Policy within academia, government and civil society; Local and International Development Agencies; The United Nations; Policy and Advocacy think tanks; Community-based organisations and government bodies locally and internationally.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the three streams of the Master of Development Studies and how do I know which one to apply for?

The Master of Development Studies offers three streams based on your prior academic and/or professional experience: Stream A (1 year) is for applicants with an Honours degree or Graduate Diploma in a relevant discipline, or a Bachelor degree in a relevant discipline plus one year of relevant professional experience; Stream B (1.7 years) is for applicants with a Bachelor degree in a relevant or any discipline (with or without one year of professional experience), or an Honours degree/Graduate Diploma in any discipline; Stream C (2 years) is for applicants with a Bachelor degree in any discipline. The stream you apply for depends on the depth of your prior academic and/or professional experience and how closely it relates to development studies.

Can I receive credit for prior learning or work experience in this program?

Yes. If you apply for Stream A or Stream B, you may be eligible to have your study recognised via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). If your prior study is recognised, credit points can be counted towards the degree, and you would then be able to complete the coursework undertaking fewer subjects.

What topics and issues does the Master of Development Studies cover?

The program covers critical development studies theories and methods that emphasise human rights, gender and intersectionality, and social, racial, indigenous and environmental justice. Key topics include forced migration, gender-based violence, human rights abuses, global health, disaster justice, food security and insecurity, environmental governance, climate change, and community development.

What are the fees for the Master of Development Studies in 2026?

For 2026, the indicative Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) first year fee is $17,000 and the indicative CSP fee to complete the degree is $34,500. For full-fee domestic students, the indicative first year full fee is $33,000 and the indicative full fee to complete the degree is $67,500. For international students, the indicative first year fee is $47,000 and the indicative fee to complete the degree is $99,500. Note that fees are subject to annual review and may vary accordingly.

Is there an opportunity to undertake a research project as part of this degree?

Yes. Students who maintain a distinction average in their first term of study can apply to undertake a Professional Practice Research Project worth 12 units of credit. This involves completing an empirical or conceptual research project with a topic directly related to professional practice in the field of International Development or Refugees and Displacement. Entry to research project courses is at the discretion of the program convenor.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $60,000 to $75,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $75,000 to $95,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $95,000 to $120,000 per year

Career Paths

International Development OfficerPolicy Analyst / Policy OfficerProgram Manager (NGO or Government)Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) SpecialistHumanitarian Affairs Officer

Key Skills

Critical analysis of development theories, policies and practiceQualitative and quantitative research methods for development contextsProject design, monitoring and evaluation (M&E)Cross-cultural communication and cultural competencyPolicy analysis and policy development

Full Course Overview

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