This plan is only available to students commencing 2009 onwards

Development Studies is a growing multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary branch of the social sciences and the humanities that offers the opportunity to learn about the nature of social, economic and political conditions in developing countries and the search for solutions to their problems as well as those of the rest of the world that are related to them. Development Studies is a learning gateway to knowledge of the problems of inequality, poverty, environmental degradation, global warming and the causes of the wars. It also addresses issues like the impact of growing trade, cultural exchange and international institution building, but also has an important local, national and regional focus. The regional focus includes developing knowledge of of specific societies in Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and Africa in terms of their history, development, culture, technology and institutions and how these differences both can or should translate into varied 'local' responses to local, regional or global strategies for development. The contextual focus also offers the opportunity to develop an understanding the history of development; the process of cultural change, the nature of international relations; development policy, development programs and their implementation; understanding technological change; examining the role of health policy and the spread of HIV/aids amongst others, as well as the very important issues of the role human right’s, addressing gender inequality and the challenge of making development sustainable. Development Studies offers the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills and the capacity to work and do research in a growing field.

Students graduating from UNSW with a major in Development Studies should be able to demonstrate:

* The knowledge and skills required for effective tertiary study;
* a range of specialised conceptual, policy and practical knowledge and skills developed through acquiring a sophisticated understanding of development analysis, work and the language it employs;
* a capacity to understand and interpret both disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge through obtaining an understanding of the ways development issues have emerged, are understood and addressed that takes into account of the role of the social, economic, institutional and political factors and their interaction;
* a deep critical understanding by students of development issues at a level of competency sufficient for either working in the field of development or research of development issues;
* a critical knowledge of the role and methods of development institutions and their role in development practice, for example, in relation to new issues like the recognition and the role of human rights in development;
* build the skills required of those students wishing to engage in development work;
*an international outlook that recognises the role that conditions applying in the developing world effect every aspect of life in the developed world and visa versa.

A student who wishes to gain a major in Development Studies must complete 54 units of credit including 12 uoc at level 1, at least 18 uoc at level 2 and at least 18 uoc at level 3 including the capstone course.

Level 2 in Development Studies offers core courses focused on examining the competing paradigms offered as solutions to address poverty and achieve equitable, sustainable development in developing countries. The courses cover international, national, institutional, community and cultural development issues, with a strong focus on equity issues and achieving environmental sustainability. The courses are illustrated with examples and case studies drawn from the Pacific, Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The electives offered cover aspects of the role of societies, politics, economics and the environment play in development with a focus on Asia, the Pacific and Latin America. An internship course offers work experience and skill building opportunities in the development community to selected students.

Level 3 core courses cover key contemporary and historical issues and debates in Development Studies including examining the important roles played by organizations and program management in contemporary development practice. Electives cover issues such as international political economy, social programs and policies, economic growth, structural change and technology and a Development Studies research seminar is offered.