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Deakin University

  • 21% international / 79% domestic

Graduate Diploma of Humanitarianism and Development

  • Graduate Diploma

Studying the Graduate Diploma of Humanitarianism and Development gives you an introduction to community development, international development and the humanitarian sector.

Key details

Degree Type
Graduate Diploma
Course Code
A656, 114006B

About this course

Studying the Graduate Diploma of Humanitarianism and Development gives you an introduction to community development, international development and the humanitarian sector. Throughout this course, you will gain a broad overview of the causes, impacts, and solutions of human development to the many crises the world is facing.

Deakin has an exceptional reputation with over 40 years of teaching and research in international and community development, as well as pioneering the first graduate program in humanitarian assistance. The Graduate Diploma of Humanitarianism and Development is designed with industry consultation and taught by pioneering academics.

Do you want to find practical solutions to humanitarian crises?



This course explores immediate disaster, humanitarian relief and the longer-term issues associated with international and community development, as well as their practical connections and tensions. You'll learn about the complexity of humanitarian contexts which requires an agile approach centred around local and community-led action, with global engagement where necessary. Your focus may be on community development theory and practice, or international development programming and policy.

This one-year full-time (or part-time equivalent) course is offered at Burwood (Melbourne) and online. Core units include Food and Water Security, Disaster Risk Reduction and Community Led Recovery. You can customise your studies to your personal interests and choose from a wide variety of electives including Climate Change and Sustainability, Refugees and Forced Migration and more.

There are opportunities for work integrated learning experiences. Network with your peers and industry leaders, both academic and professional through innovative course delivery modes, including flexible, on campus and intensive mode options.

The Graduate Diploma is a guaranteed pathway to the Master of Humanitarianism and Development. Progressing to the master's level provides access to further research pathways, industry placement and international opportunities, as well as specialised study streams.

Career pathways

Potential career opportunities include entry positions, or career progression within:
  • Government
  • International and local Non-Government Organisations, and not-for-profits
  • Community development agencies
  • Emergency management agencies
  • Private sector
  • Social enterprise
  • International organisations
  • Activism
  • Program managers
  • Policy development

Course structure

To be awarded a Graduate Diploma of Humanitarianism and Development, a student must successfully complete 8 credit points as follows:

  • DAI001 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory module)
  • 2 credit points of core units
  • 6 credit points of course electives

2

Core units

6

Course Electives

8

Total units

Credit for prior study or work

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.