The graduate coursework program in Development Studies applies a social science and humanities perspective to questions of social, economic and political development. Students acquire a solid grounding of knowledge in the core program of the nature of poverty, inequality and the other development challenges in the developing world and the theories, policies and practices developed to address it. The core courses are supported by program of electives covering the areas of Development Management; Asia-Pacific Regional Studies; Political Economy and the Environment; Humanities, Human Rights and Politics in which they can specialise. The program prepares students for work that requires analytical skills and a practical appreciation of the processes of development, development policy and implementation.

The Master of Arts in Development Studies is a coursework degree (program 8225, plan code COMDBS8225) and requires 48 units of credit. It takes two sessions full-time or four sessions part-time. There are three core units and three electives selected from the areas of specialisation offered.

The Master of Arts in Development Studies requires students to select three of the core courses listed below.

The Master of Arts in Development Studies requires the completion of three elective courses from one of the following focus areas or two courses from a focus area and one from regional studies. Not all courses will be offered each year. The Coordinator can approve courses in other graduate programs related to student's field of development interest being substituted for the courses listed here. Students should note some elective courses offered outside the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (e.g. ATAX, BENV, GEOS, MGMT, SAHT courses) account for less than 8 units of credit and an additional 2 unit credit linkage course(s) (SLSP5050, ARTS5030, ARTS5031) may be required to complete the requirements of the degree.

Additional electives may be selected with the permission of the School, Department or Program offering the selected courses and the Coordinator of the Development Studies program. Students should check for additional course entry requirements for LAWS courses.

Applicants should normally hold a three-year Bachelor degree in any discipline. In exceptional circumstances, applicants may be admitted without a first degree but with general and professional attainments acceptable to the Faculty.