In many parts of the developing world large numbers of people live in poverty and the natural environment is under pressure, making it difficult to access clean water, energy sources and natural materials for housing and other uses. Understanding these and other related global trends and how they can be addressed is the concern of the Development Studies Plan, an inter-disciplinary program that introduces students to the field of development studies. Central issues and themes in Development Studies examined in the program include the history and political economy of development; the causes of poverty and inequality; the relationship between the environment and economic development; the problems that confront remedial efforts at local, state and international levels; social, economic, environmental and political institution-building and the debate about globalisation and development.

The Bachelor of International Studies in Development Studies requires the completion of a sequence of courses in Development Studies and a core sequence of courses in International Studies, together with an approved overseas program undertaken during the third or fourth year of study. There is scope in the degree for students to study a language in depth. Courses in the Bachelor of International Studies in Development Studies are offered at all levels; they are taught in English and require no previous knowledge of other languages.

The basic requirements for the Development Studies plan are:

All students must complete two courses (12 UOC) across Second/Third Level, including at least ONE of the following:

and the balance of courses from:

All students must complete two semesters of OSP in Semester 2 of Third Level and Semester 1 of Fourth Level.

In their final Semester of study all students must complete:

For further information, please contact the Coordinator.