This program is offered by the School of Social Sciences and is a flexible and interactive program which provides specialist studies in international development at the local, national and international level. It is based on a philosophy of human rights, social justice, community development and participatory approaches.

The program provides a knowledge base and analytic framework to understand and negotiate the complexities of the geopolitical, economic, social, ethical and cultural contexts in which development takes place. Students are equipped with practical professional skills which may be applied to a diverse array of career options which relate to development. The Program will be of value to those who see themselves playing a role in understanding and promoting development, whether from a community, government, civil society, donor or other organisational role.

The program is designed to address the continuing education needs of specialists in development as well as to provide a general orientation to social and community development for professionals wanting to enter the field.

The Master of Development Studies is offered full-time and part-time, with a minimum length of 1 full-time year. The elective projects may be completed off-shore. The program requires the completion of 48 units of credit in core and elective courses. Electives and further study provide opportunities to enrich the Program with a more extensive research component

Students may take one of the following Development program streams:

The overall goal of this program is to offer a graduate degree in development practice with an international focus. By the end of the program candidates can expect to have substantial knowledge and a range of skills related to the planning, delivery and management of programs relevant to international and local social and community development, aid work (policy and practice) and human rights. Students can combine core courses with electives covering areas of Development Management; Political Economy and International Relations; Human Rights and Politics; Indigenous peoples and Refugees; Global Health; and the Environment. Internships and special projects are also offered as elective courses. Additional research training and practice opportunities are available.

The Master of Development Studies in International Development (program 8939, plan code SOCWKS8939) comprises a total of 48 units of credit of core and elective courses. Students complete five core courses and three elective courses.

Additional electives may be selected with the permission of the program coordinator.

The overall goal of this program is to offer a graduate degree in development practice with a focus on refugees and other displaced persons. By the end of the program candidates can expect to have substantial knowledge and a range of skills related to the planning and delivery of programs relevant to international and local social and community development work with refugees and other displaced persons. Students can combine core courses with electives covering areas of Development Management; Political Economy and International Relations; Human Rights and Politics; Indigenous peoples; Global Health and the Environment. Internships and special projects are also offered as elective courses. Additional research training and practice opportunities are available.

The Master of Development Studies in Refugees and Displacement (program 8939, plan code SOCWLS8939) comprises a total of 48 units of credit of core and elective courses. Students complete five core courses and three elective courses.

Additional electives may be selected with the permission of the program coordinator.

Please refer to Program Structure for the Academic Requirements relating to this program.

For information regarding fees for UNSW programs, please refer to the following website:  https://my.unsw.edu.au/student/fees/FeesMainPage.html

A recognised Bachelor degree (or equivalent qualification) with a credit average (65%). Minimum one year full-time (or equivalent) experience in a development related area. A curriculum vitae outlining relevant professional or volunteer experience must be submitted with the application.

The Master of Development forms part of an approved sequence of articulated programs comprising the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Masters degree in the same area of specialisation. A postgraduate student enrolled in an articulated program may progress from Graduate Certificate to Graduate Diploma to Masters level with full credit for courses completed in earlier programs in the sequence.