Master of Development Studies

The Master of Development Studies provides specialist training in the fields of development and environment, development and gender, development and urbanisation, and health policy and development. Refine your transferable skills in critical analysis, communication, cross-cultural understanding, research methods, project design, project management and teamwork.

At professional practice seminars, research workshops, careers events, and alumni get-togethers, you can rub shoulders with top-notch policy makers and experts in the international development sector. While in your studies you can engage with debt and poverty, microfinance, culture and human rights, migration and transnationalism, food and environmental security, civil society organisations, and gender relations.

Ranked 21st in the world for Development studies (QS World University Rankings 2021)

This is our most popular program for those who have completed undergraduate study. No experience is necessary.

• Two compulsory subjects (25 points)
• Four core subjects (50 points)

Coursework only option

• Elective subjects (125 points)

or

Minor Thesis option

• Development Research Design & Assessment (DEVT90041) (12.5 points)
• Minor thesis parts 1 and 2 (total 50 points)
• Elective subjects (62.5 points)

Career outcomes for the Master of Development Studies have a global reach. As an internationally recognised qualification, you'll have a head start pursuing roles including:

• Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation
• Business development and communications specialist
• General manager (NGO)
• Development consultant
• Design, monitoring and evaluation policy advisor

Graduates have also gone on to work in organisations across the world:

• UNESCO
• Australian Red Cross
• Oxfam Australia
• UNDP
• Save the Children
• Consular Corps