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 Graduate Diploma (program 5225, plan code COMDBS5225) requires the completion of two core units in the Development Studies program and two approved electives (32 units of credit). Students in the Master of Arts in Development Studies who complete the requirements of the Graduate Diploma In Development Studies may graduate in that program.

The Graduate Diploma students must select two of the 8 unit of credit core courses listed below.

The Graduate Diploma requires the completion of two courses from the one of the following focus areas or one course from a focus area and one from Asia Pacific Regional Studies. Not all courses will be offered each year. The Coordinator can approve courses in other graduate programs related to a 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 units of 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.